Learn more about our founder, Lucila Sanchez!
After a successful career in the banking industry, including 10 years at Freedom Credit Union and most recently becoming Vice President and Branch Manager at United Bank, in 2020, Lucy launched the small business Azaleah's Handmade (named after her granddaughter), creating high-quality masks among other hand-sewn products fulfilling.
In 2021, she launched Azaleah’s Handmade Sewing Academy LLC and Handmade Products Shop at 1728 Boston Road, Springfield, MA. At Azaleah's, she is teaching practical and essential life skills with the ultimate goal of enhancing the lives of our local community. Azaleah’s Sewing Academy offers classes in English and Spanish, for adults and children. To date, nearly 100 students have graduated from the Sewing Academy. Additionally, the small business offers handmade products for sale and hosts sewing events.
Originally from Naguabo, Puerto Rico, in 2004, Lucy and her husband Eli, joined the more than 400,000 residents of Puerto Rico forced to leave to the United States just that year amid the economic and governmental crisis facing the island. Lucy and her family moved to Western Massachusetts in search of better opportunities after closing their restaurant "Saboréalo" in Humacao, Puerto Rico.
As a lifelong entrepreneurial woman, Lucy has vast experience in small business development. Born and raised in Naguabo, Puerto Rico, she is one of 14 siblings and grew up with a remarkable journey of rising above extreme poverty through hard work, diligence, and dedication.
Here’s what our customers have to say about us!
“I first dropped in to Azaleah’s Sewing Academy to inquire if they could make cotton gloves for my daughter. I spoke with Lucy and explained how I had a sewing machine but my sewing skills were extremely limited and I didn’t feel like I could make the gloves myself. I was self taught and had only ever made bags and masks. During that short visit, Lucy took the time to encourage me to make them myself, make a sewing pattern out of my daughters hand, and give me very detailed sewing instructions on how to make the gloves. I ended up making those little gloves that night. That week, I signed up for my first sewing course. Fast forward a little over 3 months later, I’ve now completed sewing courses 101, 102, and 103. I’m so much more knowledgeable and confident in my sewing skills. I would highly recommend these courses to anyone interested in sewing, whether it be someone who’s a complete beginner or someone who needs many foundational gaps filled. Thank you Lucy!”
-Janette Gonzalez, Sewing 103 Graduate