How Finding out I had a sister, helped deliver a message of empowerment!
December 2022, the whisper of “you could have a sister out there” came from my parents. At the age of 48 years and with my parents nearing their 50th wedding anniversary, to me this just sounded like a farfetched scenario.
Simultaneously, my girlfriend, informed me that her marriage was coming to an end and of the abuse and mind games she was experiencing. In our conversation she shared how she didn’t feel safe and how she was using all her mental capacity just to get through her day to day life, let alone knowing how to tackle the issues that came with a separation. Through shared tears I said “this is the message that we need to get out”. The message being how we can support women experiencing domestic abuse. By educating the support system of women, we are usually privy to more details, we can access the services and information for our SISTA’S, who do not have the mental capacity to do so for themselves. Going through the process had me reflect on my own personal experience with domestic abuse. Knowing that in Australia, at least one woman a week is killed by her current or ex-partner, is not ok!
As the owner and creator of Sacred Space Candles, I knew that I had a platform to educate women from all different backgrounds by empowering them with access to support services. I then enlisted the help of another friend who worked in Community Services as a Case Worker to find me the best support service out there. And she delivered with 1800 Respect. Armed with the message, the support services, and all the elements for the candle I was ready to assemble.
Back to the sister…in a matter of a few days it went from the possibility of having a sister to, yes, you do actually have a sister and she has a name and a family! Talk about being blindsided. With the processing of all the emotions that come with such a big revelation, I decided that this part of my personal journey need to be added to the candle. That’s how the Secret Sista Business candle was born.
My new-found sister, who has always known she was adopted, has purchased some of the candles to gift to her family and friends to help tell her story of finding her birth father.
By me finding out I have a sister has helped me empower other women and the sisterhood to look out for each other by knowing what services are available. My intention is that we take women from being victims to being empowered.
Rachael Huntly is the creator of handmade candles who helps deliver meaningful messages through her unique crustal infused candles. Check out her website www.rachaelhuntly.com.au