EL CENTRO — In the sun-drenched expanse of the Imperial Valley, where the pace of life can be as intense as the desert heat, Francisca Rico Murillo is carving out a portable oasis of silence.
Through her mobile business, Serene Path Sound Healing, Rico Murillo is transforming community centers, living rooms, and local wellness hubs into restorative sanctuaries. By trading the traditional brick-and-mortar studio for a nimble, community-first model, she is making mindfulness accessible to a region often underserved by the boutique wellness industry.
A symphony of stress relief
At the core of the Serene Path experience is the “sound bath”—an immersive session where Rico Murillo uses crystal bowls, gongs, and other instruments to produce deep, resonant vibrations. Unlike a standard concert, these sounds are designed to physically vibrate through the body, paired with guided meditation to anchor the mind.
For many in the valley, the method provides a much-needed shortcut to tranquility.
“Participants often find they can reach a state of deep relaxation much faster than through traditional meditation alone,” Rico Murillo said. “It makes the practice very approachable for beginners who might struggle to sit in silence.”
From psychology to practice
The business is a natural evolution of Rico Murillo’s lifelong dedication to mental health. By day, she serves as a full-time school psychologist, navigating the emotional complexities of the education system.
Her transition into entrepreneurship was born from personal necessity. After discovering the stabilizing effects of sound healing on her own stress levels and those of her family, she felt a pull to share the modality with her neighbors.
“Starting Serene Path felt like a natural extension of my work and values,” she noted. “It’s about giving back through compassion and community service.”
Scaling with structure
While the passion was there, Rico Murillo recognized that a successful mission requires a solid business foundation. To bridge the gap between “wellness enthusiast” and “business owner,” she turned to the Small Business Development Center (SBDC).
The SBDC provided critical infrastructure for the startup, offering:
Business Planning: Turning a vision into a structured, actionable roadmap.Pricing Strategy: Developing sustainable rates that reflect the value of the service while remaining accessible.Growth Counseling: Providing the confidence to scale the mobile model effectively.The path ahead
Today, Serene Path Sound Healing is more than just a wellness service; it is a reminder to the Imperial Valley to slow down. Whether through a private home session or a collaborative community event, Rico Murillo’s goal remains centered on inclusivity and balance.
As the business grows, she continues to foster spaces where residents can hit the “reset” button, proving that healing doesn’t require a permanent address—just the right frequency.
