Laila Majeed is the Founder of Gilguzi, a skincare brand dedicated to providing solutions for people with skin conditions and creating employment opportunities for refugee women.
My journey from Afghanistan to the United Kingdom stands as a testament to the resilience, determination, and entrepreneurial spirit that enabled me to overcome adversity and make a positive impact on communities.
As an asylum seeker for seven years, I encountered numerous challenges upon my arrival in the UK. However, through unwavering determination and hard work, I not only rebuilt my life but also pursued higher education and established my own successful business.
By amplifying the voices of refugee entrepreneurs and highlighting their potential for success, I aim to break down barriers and pave the way for greater opportunities for all.
My journey began as an asylum seeker in the UK, where I faced the daunting task of starting anew in a foreign land. Despite the overwhelming challenges, I remained steadfast in my pursuit of higher education. Despite the financial barriers and my status as an asylum seeker, I persevered. With remarkable determination, I secured full scholarships to pursue both my bachelor’s degree in computer science and my master’s degrees in finance and financial law in London. This accomplishment was not only a personal triumph but also a ground-breaking achievement, possibly making me the first asylum seeker in the UK to attain such high levels of education.
Throughout my academic journey, I encountered various obstacles, including financial constraints and the stress of being an asylum seeker. However, I never wavered in my pursuit of knowledge and self-improvement.
My entrepreneurial journey was inspired by my own struggles with skin conditions and the realization of the lack of suitable skincare solutions for individuals facing similar challenges. Drawing from my personal experiences and passion for helping others, I founded Gilguzi, a skincare brand dedicated to providing solutions for people with skin conditions. Beyond addressing a market need, I envisioned Gilguzi as a platform for creating employment opportunities for refugee women, empowering them to overcome their own challenges and contribute positively to their communities.
Through Gilguzi, I not only found a way to address my own struggles but also uplift others in similar situations. By channelling my passion and personal experiences into my business, I created a platform for empowerment and support, offering refugee women the opportunity to gain financial independence and pursue their dreams.
Despite the successes of Gilguzi within a small community, I faced challenges in securing funding to scale my business. As a refugee entrepreneur, accessing financial opportunities proved to be a daunting task, characterized by limited resources and institutional barriers. However, I remained undeterred in my determination to grow my business and make a global impact.
My advocacy for support for refugee-led businesses is a testament to my commitment to creating a more inclusive and equitable economic system. By amplifying the voices of refugee entrepreneurs and highlighting their potential for success, I aim to break down barriers and pave the way for greater opportunities for all.
In my quest to expand Gilguzi and make a lasting impact, I continue to seek grants and investments to fuel my growth. My story serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for refugee entrepreneurs everywhere, demonstrating the transformative power of resilience, determination, and entrepreneurship in overcoming adversity and building a brighter future for oneself and others.
