Linden woman’s battle with eczema inspires her to launch all-natural skincare line

A young woman’s struggles with eczema inspired her to launch a natural skincare line of body scrubs and butters. On October 8, 2020, Cherrise Duke, an Optometry major at the University of Guyana launched her very own skincare line called Glosoleil (glo-so-lay).

Glosoleil currently specialises in body butters and body scrubs.
Available are Soothing Lavender Whipped Body Butter; Citrus Burst Whipped Body Butter; Coffee Cake Whipped Body Butter; Coffee Cake Moisturising Body Scrub; Turmeric and Lemon Whipped Body Butter; Turmeric and Lemon Moisturising Body Scrub and Cinnamon and Oats Moisturising Body Scrub.
The business venture was conceptualised in 2018 after she was diagnosed with eczema. This sparked her desire to share newfound remedies with others who might be experiencing the same skin ailment or to simply cater to those who prefer natural alternatives to commercial skincare.
Duke, 20, who hails from the mining town of Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice), related that she has suffered from the symptoms of eczema for as long as she could remember.
However, after experiencing a very painful outbreak, she was forced to seek medical attention. Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a chronic skin condition that leaves the skin flaky, leathery, swollen, itchy, and dry. Eczema flares up periodically and as there is no cure, the aim should be to prevent symptoms.
Duke explained that the symptoms of such an ailment should be treated immediately to prevent permanent damage to the skin’s texture. She further explained that an eczema outbreak can be triggered by allergens (pollen, foods, dust, etc), dry skin, coarse fabric, genetics (eczema is hereditary), immune dysfunction, and by using certain skincare products (namely those that are highly scented).
“To combat my eczema, I changed my diet and adjusted my life to avoid major irritants. Alas, this did not prove very effective. In my quest to find a solution for my skin, I began to use skincare products that were described as non-scented and hypoallergenic. However, they did not remedy my situation and many of them made my symptoms worse.”
According to her, she began to do extensive research and found something amazing; body butter and body scrub. A body butter is a natural moisturiser containing shea or cocoa butter and a plant-based oil. It is more viscous than lotion and has hydrating, rejuvenating, and moisturising properties.

Experiment
She later embarked on her experimental journey sourcing ingredients such as raw shea butter and coconut oil. “I used the body butter I made and within a couple of days, my skin improved drastically,” she said, adding that, within a matter of days the flaky, dry skin around her elbows, knees, and neck was silky smooth.
Body scrubs are physical exfoliants that buff away dead skin cells and debris to reveal smooth and soft skin underneath. They also promote circulation and moisturise. Duke confessed that she was beyond shocked by the results she received and as such, continued to make and use her body butter.
“Over time, I decided to add a multitude of essential oils to my concoctions because of their healing properties. I experimented by using brown sugar and a plethora of oils to produce my own body scrub. The results were instantaneous and paired with the body butter, the symptoms of my eczema were a thing of the past. I was eager to share my discovery and research led me to formulate numerous recipes.”

Challenging
This young woman stated that most of the ingredients used to make the body butter and body scrubs are not native to Guyana. As such, they have to be imported which would see numerous delays in shipment. She added that she was a patient and now all issues in that regard are resolved.
Managing a small business while being a full-time university student is challenging, Duke added.
This has, however, led her to cultivate time management skills. She disclosed that the first step was to break the habit of procrastination. “Instead of waiting until the last minute to complete my assignments and to study for tests, I began to take on the tasks immediately after they were assigned.”
In doing so, she was left with adequate time to pour into her business while still maintaining acceptable grades at her studies. Duke said that she also began waking up early in the morning and is keeping to a rigid daily schedule to ensure that her days are productive.
When asked where she foresees her business in the next five years, she noted, “I desire to have acquired such monumental managerial expertise that Glosoleil has become a household name that [is] well known for providing customers of all class and creed with handcrafted skincare products”.

Never give up
It may sound cliché, but her advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is to never give up. The university student added, “Many people may not see your vision right now and may try to discourage you, but don’t let that deter you. Also, remember that everything doesn’t need to be perfect for you to start.”
She pointed out that starting is the most important step and everything else flows after. “Just keep promoting your brand. It doesn’t matter if your posts don’t get any likes or engagement, the right people will see them.”
Glosoleil’s slogan is “Give your skin the gift of glow” and its products will surely not break the bank.
Glosoleil’s mission is to further expand its skincare line to include a plethora of natural and cruel-free bath and body products that not only hydrate, moisturise and aid in the treatment of skin ailments but are affordable and accessible which can be used by all age groups and genders.
Its objectives are to provide completely natural skincare products; to provide skincare that is inexpensive and effective and to hydrate, moisturise and repair dry, damaged skin to enhance its natural glow. Those desirous of trying out these superb skincare products can contact the company on its Facebook page at Glosoleil.