We had the good fortune of connecting with Franchesca Guzman and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Franchesca, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I have been an entrepreneur for several years now – before opening the shop, my husband and I were the owners and Directors of Sandunga Dance Studio in Carrollton, Texas and East Harlem, New York. Our current business developed very organically and as a response to the uptick of anxiety and depression many of us felt in the midst of the pandemic. Working with plants has always been a form of healing for me, so I turned to that. Little did I know that so many others did the same – as I started caring and sharing my plants online, people begin inquiring about buying cuttings or asking if I could find specialty plants for them…it unfurled from there!

What should our readers know about your business?
At first glance, LunaSol Garden & Nursery looks like your typical plant shop – but as you make your way in, there are nuances and intricacies that you may not see at other similar shops. Yes, you will definitely see a wide selection of foliage, tropical plants, succulents and cacti but it doesn’t end there. Community and collaboration is important to us, so you will see merchandise, art and apparel from other entrepreneurs and small business owners for sale – from candles to earrings, art, t-shirts, and macrame decor – all of the products are designed and hand-crafted by creatives and craft enthusiasts! As customers continue their journey further into the shop, they will find a mini-botanica towards the back. A botanica is the Spanish term for a store that sells spiritual items including incense, crystals, herbs and more. We also sell books that cover topics from astrology to working with essential oils and more. I am proud to be the first Latina plant shop owner in the mid-cities (HEB). Our store is not only a business, but a place for people to gather, learn and share – from tips to plant care to moon manifestations and cultural practices. The most profound lesson that I’ve learned is to stay true to yourself and be who you are, genuinely, at all times. Business will ebb and flow, but it’s important not to allow the bottom line to change who you are or how you respond to situations. LunaSol, as a brand, is like a form of resistance and activism for me. Tapping into nature and natural environments and practices can provide great healing and nurturing – and that is what I hope to continue to share with the world.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
These recommendations are going to be all over the DFW metroplex! For food, one of my favorite spots right now is Angel Chicken Kitchen in Dallas. Another must go-to spot is Zaguan, also in Dallas. For shopping, Embodii Crystals in Richland Hills and Witchology Bar are two of my favorite spots. For some yoga, meditation and relaxation, The Yoga Casa is a must! For a fun picnic, outdoors adventure, you can’t go wrong with Chisholm Park in Hurst.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would not be where I am today without the support of my incredible husband & best friend, Agustin Guzman. He has been my fiercest supporter in all things – I am grateful to have him by my side on this incredible journey.

As always, I like to give reverence and recognition to all of my ancestors who sacrificed and struggled so I could achieve, to my guardian angels who help lead me when the path isn’t clear and to my spirit guides who inspire ideas, innovation and passion for me to follow.

Website: www.lunasolplants.com

Instagram: @lunasolplants

Facebook: @lunasolplants

Image Credits
Sophie K. Hunter Photography https://sophiekhunter.com/ @sophiekhunterphotography

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