Rafaela Gonzalez and her Beauty Empire
Rafaela Gonzalez, a woman of color, was raised with European beauty standards constantly perpetuated around her. As she grew, the constant reminder of her dark skin and textured hair instilled in her a self-consciousness that followed well into adulthood. Out of this personal journey came Gloryscent, a skincare line that caters to the underrepresented identities in the beauty industry. Through her mission to celebrate and promote healthy and safe beauty options for women of color, Gonzalez’s brand quickly developed as a brand that champions inclusivity in clean beauty.
Gloryscent stands for “pro-melanin skin-care brand.” It focuses on the distinct needs of women of color and providing them with safe, effective, and clean beauty products that are free of harmful toxins commonly found in mainstream products. Gonzalez’s personal experience with toxic ingredients in skincare formulated for women of color inspired her to establish a brand that centered on providing healthier alternatives with safe and clean ingredients.
In addition, Gonzalez has deep roots in her ancestral home, Dominican Republic, and heavily draws inspiration from its beauty and culture. Many of her products utilize traditional Caribbean remedies and ingredients, and the brand’s mission is oriented towards the promotion of the island’s and other similar communities’ natural beauty. These factors make the brand not only inclusive but a celebration of an underrepresented identity in the beauty industry.
Gloryscent offers a diverse range of skin care products made with natural elements such as organic ginseng, willow bark and arnica flower extract. These ingredients soothe sun-damaged skin, promote exfoliation, and help soften fine lines. Gonzalez has made it clear that the brand does not solely focus on one or two products. Gloryscent’s vision is to offer a skin-care routine to aid a transition towards cleaner and nutrient-packed options.
Gonzalez’s journey to owning Gloryscent was not an easy one. Formulation alludes back to her initial encounter with toxic ingredients in skincare products marketed towards women of her complexion. Without formal training in the formulation of beauty products, she found herself unable to find physical resources specialized in teaching the art of formulation. Nevertheless, Gonzalez persevered and discovered an online school where she could obtain a diploma tailored to fit her schedule at her pace.
Despite the uphill battle of the beginning, Gonzalez would soon find herself with Gloryscent officially being hosted at JCPenney stores, a significant achievement in itself. This accomplishment paved the way for broader recognition, and this year Gloryscent is conducting a speaking series titled “Let’s Talk Inclusion in Clean Beauty.” Gonzalez has invited fellow founders and organizations to speak and highlight the importance of raising awareness about the dangerous and often harmful chemical ingredients that self-care products marketed to Latinx women and other women of color commonly contain.
Gonzalez’s intention for the speaking series is not to fearmonger but to educate, provide knowledge, and prompt an informed decision process regarding skincare. Knowledge is powerful when it comes to skincare, and through her brand, Gonzalez hopes to provide education and empowerment for women of color to choose the best options for wellness. The inclusion of Latinx and other women of color in the ever-increasing and diverse beauty industry continues to be an uphill battle, and entrepreneurs like Gonzalez are vital in making that inclusion a reality.
In conclusion, Gloryscent, with its inclusivity and deep roots in Caribbean culture, has become a beacon of hope in a beauty industry that often sidelines women of color. Gonzalez’s journey through self-discovery and continuing to cater to an underrepresented identity serves as a reminder of the need for beauty alternatives that offer safe, clean, and effective solutions for women of color. Through the provision of knowledge and education, it is with people like Gonzalez that Latinx women and other women of color can find hope, voice, and representation in an industry that constantly underrepresents them.
