Jon Johnson Photo/Gila Herald: The Marcia’s Garden family celebrates their ribbon cutting during the grand re-opening at its new location at 417 W. 7th St.
By Jon Johnson
SAFFORD – A true, farm-to-table, family-owned and operated business, Marcia’s Garden Goat’s Milk Soap Natural Skin Care Products celebrated its grand re-opening Monday.
The shop is now located in the historic Lewis Building at 417 W. 7th St. in Downtown Safford. Built in 1879 by Josh Baily, the building is said to be the oldest still in operation in Safford today.
Family affair
At the head of Marcia’s Garden is Marcia Bothman, who has been running her business since 1997. Joining her is her daughter, Sarah Rasmussen.
To produce the majority of the products, it all starts with the goats, and that is where the grandchildren get involved.
“My daughter’s children milk them twice a day and we bring the milk here and turn it into our products,” Bothman said. “It’s fresh, raw goat milk.”
Products
The first product Bothman produced was her line of goat milk soaps, which come in various assortments for a variety of specialties, including soap and shampoo for your canine friends.
“Never tested on animals, always tested on her daughter,” Rasmussen proclaimed.
The shop also features a bath line, and a variety of herbal salves used to soothe and helped wounded skin heal. With having a family of eight boys and three girls, a farm, and the business, Rassmussen said the salves are a must for their family.
“I use our salves on everything,” Rassmussen said. “I use them for scratches under bandaids, for chapped lips, sunburned ears – I love, love, love the salves. The salves are essential for us and our family.”
If that weren’t enough, the shop also specializes in herbal-infused moisturizing foot and hand creams and a line of body lotions in a variety of smells.
Hello Sunshine Junie’s Baby Products
One of Rasmussen’s children, Junie, has her own line of products. Junie has Down syndrome, which is a condition that occurs when a person has an extra chromosome. Because of this, Down syndrome is also referred to as Trisomy 21. The extra copy changes how a baby’s body and brain develop, which can cause mental and physical challenges, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The baby products are unscented and infused with Calendula herb, which is used for sensitive skin.
“She is our miracle sunshine baby,” Bothman said. “Junie has very, very sensitive skin, so she needed a special baby product to use.”
Ten percent of all Hello Sunshine Junie’s Baby Products will be donated to the local Down syndrome chapter of the Gila Valley, according to Bothman.
In addition to their goat milk products, the shop also carries a line of beeswax and soy candles that give a “wonderful” smell and are “clean-burning,” according to Rassmussen, and good for those with allergies. The store also has various accessories for its products.
Marcia’s Garden is located at 417 W. 7th St. in Downtown Safford and is open Monday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Read more about the store and the various products at its website here or look for updates on its Facebook page here.
“If you have any skin issues or skin problems, we can help you,” Bothman said.
