Maria Doll Sisters Ceramic Mug with Painting Print of Maria Dolls

Our hats are off to this incredible woman who suffers from debilitating fibromyalgia and still managed to run a marathon! "While I experience extreme pain on a daily basis, I've never let it hold me back. I'm a fervent supporter of female empowerment, and I try to pay it forward by employing other women. I pays fair wages so that they can support themselves and their families.," she says.

Even when odds were against Alejandra with no cure for her fibromyalgia diagnosis, she found the strength to change her life for the better and conquer the impossible - running a marathon.

Alejandra uses and continues to hand down traditional techniques to the youth in her workshop who, now carry on her same methods.

Alejandra has built her jewelry workshop with NOVICA and is now able to give work to some incredibly dedicated women.