Maru provides comfort to weary travellers and locals too!
Chris and I first met the ever smiling and very helpful Maru back when we were vacationers. It was a rainy day and we went into her video store where she helped us pick something we’d enjoy. Since then we’ve consider her a La Cruz ambassador of sorts, coming to know Maru as the lady who helps everybody as the need arises. Multi-talented; she graciously swaps roles as business lady running her Cruiser’s Comfort and video rentals businesses to helping in many establishments around town, volunteering at fundraisers and just making time for people as and when they need.
Originally from Monterrey, Maru moved to La Cruz in 2003 after spending 9 years in Guadalajara. Like many, she came for a holiday and liked it so much decided to stay! Maru says “It seemed like the perfect place to set up a new business”.
Life before La Cruz in Maru’s own words. “I was brought up in Monterrey where I cherished my happy childhood with my family who still live there. When I grew up I needed to make a life of my own so I went to Guadalajara, which I had heard was a great city with lots of life and culture. Arriving there in 1994 with nothing but a suitcase and knowing nobody, I soon found a circle of friends and I really loved it there. After 9 years of the hussle and bussle of city life I was looking forward to a more tranquil environment and I moved to the coast, where I am now… and loving it!”
Maru has two businesses: the Video Club that she started when she arrived in the area in 2003, and her newer business which she started five years ago called Cruisers Comfort. The latter is a sort of “Home away from Home” for cruising sailors who arrive by boat to La Cruz.
What she enjoys most is helping others. “I like to see the face of a satisfied customer, or someone I have just helped along in any way at all. I’m lucky in that the videos I rent help families enjoy their precious time together. Meanwhile at Cruisers Comfort I get to help people understand the place where they have landed, and they are always very grateful for the orientation I can give them.”
When most video stores have gone the way of the dodo bird Maru says “All I can say about the video rental business is that I have survived… and a lot longer than anyone expected, especially now that internet streaming is so accessible! I think people enjoy the personal recommendations I give them. Nevertheless it is time to move this business forward so I’m creating a “Video Cafe” where you can watch movies and clips as you enjoy a cup of coffee. Cruisers Comfort is doing great; it is a seasonal business which means, here in La Cruz, I’m occupied with that for about 5 months a year.”
The view from Cruisers Comfort
Maru says her businesses have their share of rewards as well as challenges. “Making movie recommendations is fun but can be tricky, because I have to really try and understand what sort of thing each of my customers likes to watch! I have thousands of movies that run from Oscar-winning successes to some little-known artsy films, so I try to avoid making a mistake like recommending a horror film to the padre!”
She says her video rental business draws absolutely everybody; Mexicans, expats, and tourists! For Cruiser’s Comfort it attracts the transient sailing community.
What inspires Maru is good customer service; “That’s my number one priority and it’s what gets me up every morning”.
When I asked her if she enjoyed water sports like sailing, surfing, fishing, etc… well I just have to say I adored her response “I do like sailing, but it’s not really my main thing. I always think that it’s people that make the world go round, so I make my world go around people.” How can you not want to support her businesses?
Maru enjoys cooking some classic Mexican recipes “… that my dear grandmother used to make, and my Mom of course. I like making mole, Chile Rellenos, and at Easter time I’m known for my capirotada, which is a traditional Mexican Easter pudding.”
Maru is an amazing contribution to the community. I asked her how she got involved in helping and if she has a favorite cause/event. “I have always tried to help people whenever I can; it didn’t start any particular time! My business is right opposite the village church so I am always being asked for information of one sort or another, which I’m pleased to give. I also clean the street outside the church, which gets very dusty otherwise!”
Like others she says there’s been a huge growth in population especially when the marina was built and opened, after she arrived in La Cruz. Does she like those changes and given those changes, I asked her if she sees them for the better? “Absolutely! All of this has been a positive change so far. There are now many more places to eat out, to relax, and to enjoy oneself. I don’t want it to get huge, because for me it’s just the right size right now, but I think we’ve got at least 20 years before that happens.”
If you could preserve something from earlier times in La Cruz what would it be? “Can’t think of anything. It’s all good so far!”
What one thing do you think people ‘about town’ don’t know about you? “My name! Everyone calls me “Maru”, which is easy and I like it, but this is actually short for “Maria Eugenia”
Do you have a favorite quote? “Do unto others what you would have them do unto you (from the bible)”
If you had a magic wand, what would your wish for La Cruz de Huanacaxtle be 5 years from now and beyond? “I’d love it if everyone would paint all their houses in different bright colors! Other than that, I’d like us to keep the streets a bit cleaner and maintain the vegetation. People are starting to do this… they have just planted another row of young palms trees around the church, which will make it look especially beautiful in a year or so!”
“Then, before putting my wand down I would paint an advert in the sky saying come to the most beautiful place in Mexico! “
What is the one thing you’re most proud of in your life, greatest achievement kinda thing. “To have been born into a family where I was taught the most important values which I need to live anywhere in the world. I don’t need great achievement or money or physical things; I just need to feel good about myself and the people around me, and that’s what my family taught me how to do.”
Why would you recommend La Cruz to someone; “It’s a peaceful, small community, where everyone’s friendly and you get to know nearly the whole village quite quickly; yet it’s just big enough to have nearly all the services you need! We’re only short of a bank really (although there’s one only 10 minutes away) – everything else is here, from doctors and dentists and all sorts of shops and amenities.”
Anything I’ve missed that you’d like to add? “Just to say that I’ve visited nearly all regions of Mexico and I think this is the nicest place in the whole country… which is why I’m here and not anyway else!!!”
Chris and I always say “If you think the weather is warm in La Cruz, wait until you meet the people!” Maru is a ray of sunshine sharing her warmth and love with all! As the title says… La Cruz ambassador Maru; forever and always serving from her heart.
Visit her website here.
And/or walk out of the Marina Riviera Nayarit, turn left and you’ll find her ‘just before the church’. FYI: this is the best map in town!!
