Selina Baca is using her talents and business to raise funds for victims of domestic violence.

The owner of the online store Desert Goddess Jewelry has been taking $5.50 from every purchase to hold until the end of the year. This year, nearly $2,000 was donated, up from $350 in 2021.

 “Women’s empowerment is something I speak a lot about, something I am really passionate about,” Baca told KRQE. “But I don’t believe we can expect women to be empowered if even their basic needs aren’t met.”

Baca’s business began in 2018 after she started taking jewelry classes at the community college in Santa Fe. By the end of 2020, she was making jewelry full-time.

“My work is inspired by my Hispanic background,” Baca said. “I use a lot of symbolism that reminds me of Santa Fe.”

Despite the financial demands of launching a start-up, Baca wanted to find a way to give back to women in the community. The money she collects for donation is given to the New Mexico Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

“Domestic violence is something that affects many women in my community silently,” Baca said, adding, “The New Mexico Coalition Against Domestic Violence is a really big coalition that focuses on survivor advocacy.”

On her website, Baca states:  "I have grown up with and been raised by extremely resilient and strong goddess women here in New Mexico. I am a proud multi-generational mixed minority woman from Santa Fe. There are some serious challenges we face as a community that is often not talked about. One of the most pervasive issues is domestic violence. I personally have witnessed many friends, family members, and peers experience domestic abuse. Some of these women are no longer with us due to this horrific violence."

"Thank you for helping me donate to this cause to help empower women of New Mexico!"