Success Stories
Enchanting Soap Collections
Empowering Women, One Bar at a Time
For Roberta Easter and Chrystal Trykoski, soapmaking is more than just a craft—it’s a calling. Together, this dynamic mother-daughter team founded Enchanting Soap Collections (ESC) to carry on their family’s legacy of creating by hand, while also building a powerful platform for women in their community.
Based in Albuquerque and proudly Certified New Mexico True, ESC blends tradition, quality, and social purpose. Every bar of soap, scrub, and balm is handmade using locally sourced, organic, and sustainable ingredients—many of which are wild-foraged by Roberta herself. But the impact of ESC goes far beyond the products they create.
“At ESC, we encourage women to recognize their self-worth by providing jobs for those who have been marginalized, justice-involved, or on their journey to recovery,” said Chrystal. “We believe that by supporting women, they can find a renewed sense of purpose and meaning in their lives.”
In January 2022, Chrystal officially joined forces with her mother, helping to grow ESC into a small but mighty business focused on healing—both inside and out. Their mission recently gained even more momentum through a visit with Business Advisor Ken Jackson at the City of Albuquerque’s Small Business Office. Chrystal shared how meaningful the visit was, noting that the business advice Ken offered was not only accessible and easy to understand but deeply inspiring.
“Ken broke business concepts down in a way that I understood,” Chrystal said. “It meant so much. He inspired Roberta and me both—we’re already working on new soap labels and researching order forms. I’m feeling full of ideas and so excited for what’s next.”
That excitement is already turning into action. ESC recently connected with Marina at Explora and will be demonstrating soapmaking and offering soap dough for visitors to enjoy during a special event on May 10. The opportunity to inspire creativity and curiosity in young learners is a perfect match for their community-centered mission.
Even more, Chrystal and Roberta met with Kimberly from WIOA, and they’re thrilled to begin a new venture focused on hiring individuals who have been marginalized. “Things are looking hopeful,” Chrystal shared. “We’re pumped for this next step.”
Through continued support and connections facilitated by the Small Business Office, ESC is expanding its reach and impact in meaningful, lasting ways. More than a small business, Enchanting Soap Collections is a movement rooted in love, resilience, and the belief that everyone deserves a second chance and a place to shine.
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