As part of the Unity Rise project, funded by Trust for London’s Racial Justice Fund, CB Plus is highlighting Black-led businesses in Barnet that are driving creativity, resilience, and community impact. Today, we’re shining a light on Arize & Dazzle, founded by skincare entrepreneur Gladys Mouyokolo.
From Necessity to Entrepreneurship
Gladys’s journey into skincare began when her infant daughter was diagnosed with severe eczema. Struggling to find effective products, she started experimenting with natural oils and butters at home. Over time, she developed formulations that worked not only for her daughter but also for herself and her wider family.
Encouraged by positive feedback from relatives and friends, Gladys refined her recipes and began sharing them more widely. What started as a necessity soon grew into a passion, and eventually, a business.
Growing Against the Odds
Launching a business was far from easy. Gladys began with no savings and limited resources, relying on a small £2,000 loan to get started. She survived on income support in the early years and avoided taking on further debt, choosing to grow slowly and organically.
Exhibitions and markets became her testing ground. While some events resulted in financial losses, she treated them as valuable lessons that shaped her business approach. Over the past decade, she has built Arize & Dazzle through reinvested profits, adaptability, and determination, establishing a presence both online and at local markets.
Skincare with Integrity
For Gladys, Arize & Dazzle is an expression of care, resilience, and authenticity. Each product reflects love and integrity, offering people natural skincare and haircare solutions they can trust.
Her ethos has also made her a source of empowerment for other Black women entrepreneurs. By sharing her story, she challenges fear and uncertainty, showing that sustainable, debt-free growth is possible with persistence and creativity.
Looking Ahead
Recent years have brought greater financial stability for Arize & Dazzle, and Gladys is now focused on raising her brand’s visibility. She is preparing to showcase her products at our Black Business Fair at Brent Cross in October 2025, a platform to connect with new audiences and opportunities.
CB Plus is proud to spotlight entrepreneurs like Gladys, whose work shows that business success can be both sustainable and values-driven.
