Today we’d like to introduce you to Samuel Luques-Martin.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My name is Samuel Luques-Martin, but everyone calls me Sam. I’m the founder and owner of Happy Hippy Haus, a natural wellness shop in Cleveland, Texas, that was built from experience, faith, and purpose.
Before I ever opened my doors, I lived a life full of lessons that shaped how I see the world. I was born in Puerto Rico, and my father’s military career meant I grew up in several places before eventually settling in Texas, the place I now proudly call home. Those early years taught me adaptability, patience, and gratitude. They also gave me a deep respect for people from all walks of life.
Like many, my path wasn’t a straight one. I faced challenges, made mistakes, and learned from them. Those experiences taught me resilience and humility and gave me compassion for others who face hardship.
Years later, a personal health crisis changed everything. While living near heavy industry, I became extremely sick. After many doctor visits and no clear answers, I realized I had to take control of my own health. I began examining everything I ate, drank, and used on my body. I discovered that nearly everything around me was full of chemicals and synthetic ingredients that were slowly harming me.
That was the turning point. I removed toxins from my life, focused on clean, natural living, and gradually began to heal. The more I learned, the more I realized how disconnected many people have become from the natural world that was created to support us. I wanted to share what I’d learned so others could experience the same balance and peace I had found.
That realization became my purpose, and it’s what led to the creation of Happy Hippy Haus!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Building something meaningful rarely happens without obstacles. My health struggles were the first, but they also gave me my mission. The second came when I entered an industry that is often misunderstood.
When I opened Happy Hippy Haus, some people didn’t understand what I was doing. A few even thought it was illegal and threatened to call the police. At first, it was frustrating. But I quickly learned to use those moments as opportunities to educate. Every conversation helped shift perceptions and reduce the stigma surrounding natural wellness.
The toughest challenges have come from shifting legislation. This past year, the threat of restrictive laws made it uncertain whether small businesses like mine could even continue. It was one of the most stressful seasons of my life. I worried about my shop, my animals, and the community that depends on what we do.
But I kept my faith and stayed focused on what I could control: being honest, offering clean products, and showing up for my guests. Each obstacle has made me stronger, wiser, and even more committed to helping others through the work I do.
We’ve been impressed with Happy Hippy Haus, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Happy Hippy Haus is a natural holistic wellness shop located in Cleveland, Texas, with online ordering available at HappyHippyHaus.com. Our mission is to provide clean, consistent, and trustworthy products that support natural balance and overall well-being.
We specialize in plant-based wellness that has been known to promote calm, improve sleep, and ease everyday discomfort. Every product we carry is crafted or curated with intention, focusing on purity, transparency, and effectiveness. Our in-house brand, Hemp & Stone Apothecary, includes tinctures, gummies, and vegan caramels — all made with clean ingredients and no artificial colors or flavors. Each item is lab-tested and carefully formulated to ensure the highest level of quality and consistency. If I wouldn’t give it to my own family, it doesn’t go on our shelves.
Our most loved product is the Nana’s No-No Healing CBD Salve, a handcrafted balm based on my Yaya’s original recipe that I’ve refined and made my own over the years. It has become a local favorite because it works, plain and simple. I’ve had guests tell me they use it for everything from burn recovery and post-surgery healing to joint pain, arthritis, and even symptoms related to MS. The stories people share about how this balm has improved their quality of life remind me daily why I started this journey.
What makes Happy Hippy Haus unique is the experience. When someone walks through our doors, they’re treated like family. We take time to listen, ask questions, and understand their needs before recommending anything. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to wellness here. Our goal is simple: to fit products to people, not people to products.
But beyond the products, what we really offer is education and connection. Whether someone makes a purchase or not, they leave knowing what they’re using, how it works, and how to use it safely. That commitment to honesty and education is what makes Happy Hippy Haus more than just a store — it’s a trusted community space for learning and healing.
When guests visit, they can feel the difference. It’s a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere filled with good energy and genuine care. People often say they feel better just being here, and that means as much to me as any sale ever could.
Brand-wise, what I’m most proud of is the trust we’ve built. Most of our business comes from word of mouth because people share their experiences and send others our way. That kind of trust can’t be bought; it’s built through real results, consistency, and care.
At its core, Happy Hippy Haus stands for authenticity. We believe wellness should be simple, safe, and accessible. We believe in doing right by people and standing behind every product that carries our name. Our philosophy, the Triple H Approach — Happier, Healthy Hippies, sums it up best. It’s about more than wellness. It’s about creating a space where people can live better, feel better, and be part of something real.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
People matter most to me!
Happy Hippy Haus has never been about chasing trends or profit. It’s about helping people find balance and peace in their lives and giving them natural options that work. My goal is to continue breaking the stigma around holistic wellness. Too many people still see it as something strange or misunderstood, but for me, it’s simple — it’s about health, not hype.
Outside of the shop, what matters most to me is kindness. I care deeply about animals, giving back, and being someone others can depend on. I try to live every day with gratitude, and I think that shows in how I treat people.
Happy Hippy Haus started as a reflection of my personal story, but it has grown into something much bigger. It’s a space where people can come for guidance, community, and hope. Every day, I meet guests who are looking for a little relief, a little peace, or a little help. And I’ve learned that when you focus on helping others, everything else falls into place.
For those who already know me, thank you for being part of my story. And if this is your first time discovering me, I’d love to meet you in person. Come by and say hi. We’re open Wednesday through Sunday from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Pricing:
- Nana’s No-No Healing CBD Salve: $25 for 5oz jar
- Hemp & Stone Apothecary Tinctures: Starting at $50
- Hemp & Stone Apothecary Gummies: Starting at $35
- Hemp & Stone Vegan Caramels: $60 for 10 pieces
- Flower: Sold in story only.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://happyhippyhaus.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/happyhippyhaus/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/happyhippyhaus
- Twitter: https://x.com/happyhippyhaus
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/happy-hippy-haus-cleveland-2
