ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – From crafting soap in a tiny apartment to opening a store of her own in 2018, an Albuquerque woman’s story has led her to empower and employ other women leaving abusive relationships by creating artisanal goods at her shop. “We’re infusing everything that we make with love and sunshine, sending that out to anyone who’s feeling they’re in the dark or feeling low, that we’re sending that to them,” shared Maaike Aziza, owner and CEO of Sunshine Alchemists & Soap Co.
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2015 was the year that Maaike Aziza took back control of her life. After leaving an abusive partner in Washington state, Aziza moved back to New Mexico to give her kids and herself a better life. “I had to leave my previous career as a financial advisor. And honestly, when I started this business, I didn’t have it in my mind that it would go as long as it had,” continued Aziza.
Aziza’s artisanal soaps and hand poured candles did more than just bring color and scent to those she came across, they sparked conversation, “I felt safer and safer to really be more of my authentic self and tell my story. And then I would meet other women who had been through the same thing,” said Aziza.
As Sunshine Alchemist grew, Aziza has made it her mission to employ other women coming out of domestic violence, allowing them to get control of their lives and gain financial independence. “This is helping other people, not just us, you know, it was helping us too, but it was helping other women to find their feet, to find their courage, to see hope that they could also make changes,” emphasized Aziza.
Over the last ten years, the business has allowed Aziza to heal and lift up over 20 other survivors through employment.