Our #WCW today is Codilia Gapare, a Zimbabwean-born entrepreneur and magistrate whose groundbreaking innovation has transformed beauty care for cancer patients worldwide. From humble beginnings in Harare and Masvingo to global recognition in the UK, Codilia’s journey is one of resilience, vision, and impact. She is the founder and CEO of C-Lash, the world’s first false eyelash range designed specifically for chemotherapy patients and those experiencing hair loss.
Born on October 16, 1977, in Harare, Codilia spent her formative years between the capital and Masvingo. She attended Mt Pleasant High and Masvingo Christian High, where she laid the foundation for a life defined by determination and purpose. Her academic path later led her to Manchester Metropolitan University, where she earned an MBA in 2020—an achievement that would bolster her entrepreneurial ambitions.
Codilia’s life took a dramatic turn in 2014 when she was diagnosed with cancer. During treatment, she noticed a glaring gap in the beauty industry: there were no suitable false eyelash products for people undergoing chemotherapy. Rather than accept this absence, she turned it into opportunity. She developed the concept for C-Lash, a product that would restore confidence and dignity to patients facing hair loss. In 2016, she partnered with beauty brand Eylure to bring her vision to life.
C-Lash launched in Boots stores in 2019 and expanded to Walgreens in 2020. The product quickly gained international traction, reaching markets in Australia, Norway, Finland, Sweden, and Poland. It was celebrated across the industry, earning accolades such as the Prima High Street Hero Award and Red Magazine’s Best of Beauty. Codilia’s innovation was not just commercial—it was deeply personal, rooted in empathy and lived experience.
Her contributions extend beyond business. In 2022, Codilia was appointed a Justice of the Peace for England and Wales, reflecting her commitment to public service and civic responsibility. She has served on advisory boards including the Centre of Professional Excellence and Mind Matters Cheshire, and has spoken at major platforms such as Venturefest, International Women’s Day, and Women Mean Business London.
Codilia Gapare’s story is a testament to the power of purpose-driven innovation. From surviving cancer to reshaping the beauty industry, she has earned recognition through numerous awards, including the Zimbabwe Achievers Innovation Award and the National Diversity Entrepreneur of Excellence Award. Today, she stands as a role model for women across continents—proof that adversity can be the seed of transformation.
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