For Gladys, a refugee originally from Kenya, building a business isn’t just about selling a product—it’s about creating opportunity, stability, and a sense of control in a new country. After spending nearly a decade in Dubai, she arrived in Canada in October 2023. Her entrepreneurial journey began by supporting her sister’s perfume oil business, a venture that has now become her own source of inspiration and livelihood. 

A Business Rooted in Heritage and Practicality 

Gladys’s luxury perfume oils, sourced directly from Dubai, are alcohol-free, long-lasting, and affordable alternatives to high-end designer scents. Her mission is simple: to provide customers with high-quality fragrances that mimic the allure of designer brands without the hefty price tag. “Designer perfumes can cost upwards of $500,” she explains. “Our oils, at just $40, last longer and offer the same luxurious feel.” 

These oils are carefully crafted and bottled in 20ml containers, offering customers a chance to experience luxury without compromise. Gladys adjusts her product offerings to suit the seasons, favoring lighter fragrances for summer and richer, warmer scents for winter. 

Challenges and Triumphs as a Refugee Entrepreneur 

Starting a business in Canada has not been without its hurdles. From navigating tax systems to managing stock, Gladys has faced the steep learning curve of entrepreneurship in a new country. Yet, she views these challenges as opportunities for growth. “When I first arrived, I felt helpless,” she admits. “But now, having this business gives me a sense of control and purpose.” 

One of her biggest lessons has been building trust with customers, especially when selling online or at pop-up events. “People want to know they can rely on you,” she says. “Gaining that trust takes time, but it’s worth it.” 

Vision for the Future 

Gladys dreams of opening a physical store where customers can experience her fragrances firsthand. “Perfume is so personal,” she says. “People want to smell it before they buy it.” She also hopes to expand her product line and collaborate with other businesses to reach a wider audience. 

In the meantime, she continues to participate in markets and pop-up events, even if they sometimes yield more exposure than profit. For Gladys, the journey is as much about learning and growing as it is about financial success. 

Words of Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs 

To other refugees and newcomers, Gladys offers simple yet powerful advice: “Go for it. Don’t let your background or status hold you back.” She emphasizes the importance of honesty, hard work, and embracing the opportunities provided by a new start. “The best way to give back is to work hard and follow your dreams.” 

Supporting Gladys at the Refugee Marketplace 

Gladys’s luxury perfume oils are a testament to her resilience and entrepreneurial spirit. By supporting her business, customers are not only purchasing a high-quality product but also contributing to the success of a refugee entrepreneur determined to make her mark in Canada. 

Shop the Refugee Marketplace, Canada’s first online platform showcasing products exclusively made by refugee entrepreneurs.