058. Against the Odds: Refugee, Cancer Survivor, Business Founder

Growing up in Zimbabwe Codilia Gapare dreamed of becoming a lawyer, but the odds were stacked against her. As the country descended into political turmoil Cody's ambition to go to university became even more remote.

Following the breakdown of her relationship she made the difficult decision to move to the UK, leaving her young son behind.

After working hard to carve out a better life for herself and her family Cody was in touching distance of realising her dream of becoming a lawyer at the age of 36.

But just hours before her interview for Manchester Metropolitan University Cody was diagnosed with breast cancer. Although she was offered a place her illness forced her to drop out.

The experience of chemotherapy sparked a business idea and C-Lash was created.

In this podcast Cody shares she journey from refugee to cancer survivor to entrepreneur and motivational speaker.

Key quotes:

- On the decision to leave Zimbabwe: 'I either stayed with [my son] and starved with him, or I went to find a better life for the both of us.'
- Following her cancer diagnosis: 'I can't let a chapter of my life rewrite the whole book of my life.'
- Through chemotherapy 'I found out what I was capable of.'
- 'My best advise to anyone thinking of starting a business is to just start.'
- 'Reach out to others and value the community around you.'
- 'Be authentic and remember it's okay to be vulnerable.'

Host: Patricia Keating
Guest: Cody Gapare, founder C-Lash
 Listening Time: 40 mins
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