Today we’d like to introduce you to Rafaela Gonzalez.
Rafaela, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I am a young women, 22, born in the Dominican Republic and raised in Massachusetts. I arrived to the US with my older brother to live with our Father leaving our mothers behind as we grow up to have a better life in the land of opportunities as most foreigners refer to the states. Late into my adolescence I found myself in foster care, which many view as a tragedy; and in a sense it is but, today I view this as being a blessing and a new beginning. I was leaving with my Pastors’ (at the time) family; they took me in without hesitation. I went through my school years successfully. I am currently a student in the University of Massachusetts Lowell, graduating December of 2018 with a Bachelors in Sociology and minors in psychology.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It has definitely not been a smooth road as you can probably assume from the previous question. Some of the biggest challenges I’ve had to face have been with identity, forgiveness, perseverance and trust. Through my childhood years I had to persevere in the mist of neglect and abuse. I didn’t grow up Christian. I didn’t really know God at the time but there was a word he placed in my spirit when I thought that I was going to break. Every day he’d say, “This is only temporary”. And those word took me through what I believe to be a full year of heartache. I had to trust God that he is who he says he is. I had to forgive my father and those who hurt me. I had to break with my past and step into the new identity God had for me. Someone who is no longer broken, but whole. Someone fully capable of success; an entrepreneur, a leader amongst other things I never imagined for myself. No longer am I the tail but now I am the head.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Gloryscent – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
The story of Gloryscent stems from a personal journey I started about 4 years ago. 4 years ago I decided that I wanted to embrace my afro textured hair after years of having been taught that this type of hair was unacceptable in the Hispanic community. When I cute off my hair to start this journey, I was looking for more natural ways to take care of it. I was whipping things up at home. And soon this organic way of doing things spread into eating habits, and also changed the types of products I would use on my body.
I knew that I was supposed to enter the business field so I asked the Lord what I should do. And this is how Gloryscent come to about.
Gloryscent is a skin care company for women who love a little luxury but do not want the harmful chemicals. The product are made to nourish, balance and protect your skin.
At the time, Gloryscent is known for handmade soaps. This is how the company started a year ago. I would say that as a company what will set us apart is the promise of quality in every product and believe that natural is not boring but can be fun and adventurous.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
I have so many things that I want to do with Gloryscent! But first I truly want to focus on the transitioning of Gloryscent, from a soap business to a luxury organic beauty and skin care company. I am finishing up my courses in organic skin care science and will be rebranding. But let’s see what the future holds.
Pricing:
- Toner $22
- Hyaluronic Serum $20
- Argan & Rosehip Oil $27
- Soaps $7-$8
Contact Info:
- Website: www.gloryscent.com
- Phone: 9783983939
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/gloryscent_co
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/gloryscent.co
Getting in touch: VoyageMIA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
