Cherry-Ann Boyce: Harmony, restoration and balance with Jamizola Naturals

CHERRY-ANN Boyce, breast cancer survivor and founder of Jamizola Naturals, describes herself as a resilient yet soft-hearted woman who has learned that adversity is not the end, but often the beginning.

“It is in the struggles that I discovered strength, in the pain that I found purpose, and in the losses that I uncovered the seeds of transformation, growth, and renewal,” she tells All Woman.

Boyce says her brand is deeply committed to creating safe, effective, and natural personal care products, and what makes her story both timely and compelling during this Breast Cancer Awareness Month, is that it highlights the power of health-conscious decisions, as well as how small lifestyle changes can support overall health.

“Our 100 per cent natural deodorant is not just a product, it’s part of a movement towards safer, more mindful living,” she says.

The Jamizola Naturals brand is rooted in care, wellness, and empowerment, and it’s Boyce’s own journey with breast cancer that allows her to combine a relatable health journey with building a brand that serves the community.

“Jamizola Naturals is more than a personal care brand that manufactures handcrafted, small-batch, non-toxic products — it is a living story of resilience, culture, and healing,” she says.

The name itself reflects Boyce’s journey – Jamizola is a fusion of Jamaica, the island the Barbados native calls her second home, and the South African word “Zola”, meaning calm and tranquil. Together, they capture the essence of what the brand stands for — harmony, restoration, and balance.

Boyce fell in love with Jamaica in 1992 when she came here to study for her Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science at West Indies College, now Northern Caribbean University. She has worked as a medical technologist for over two decades, and now functions in the capacity of a pharmaceutical regulatory officer.

“I would introduce myself to the world as a survivor — of breast cancer, of an emotionally abusive marriage, and of seasons in life that tested me to my core,” she shared, explaining her personal journey, and what led her into this business niche.

She said her breast cancer journey began with denial. In May 2021 she discovered a lump, but convinced herself it couldn’t possibly be cancer.
“I had no family history and I was relatively healthy so I ignored the lump. By August 2021, the lump had become painful, and my breast was visibly swollen.”
Her mother encouraged her to do a mammogram (which was negative) and an ultrasound. Her physician reassured her it was only an abscess and prescribed antibiotics, and she began a series of prayer and fasting sessions, believing the lump would eventually disappear.

“Unfortunately the lump did not dissolve and the pain continued. My brain was saying it’s not cancer but as a medical technologist I needed the science and the lab results,” she said.
When she moved to Jamaica in January 2022, and was given a herbal mixture by a herbalist in Montego Bay, she noticed that the lump was less painful and decreased in size.

“Simultaneously, I started changing my diet and eating clean as well as researching everything I could about breast cancer — and I kept encountering studies highlighting a potential link between breast cancer and aluminium based deodorants,” she explained. “This hit close to home, as in 2020 I had made a natural deodorant for my teenage daughter who was also struggling with multiple breast lumps. Remarkably, after switching to the natural deodorant I made, her lumps dissolved. Encouraged by this, I shared the product with a few friends who were experiencing lumps and underarm swelling, and they too found relief. While this product worked beautifully, I was still consistently using conventional deodorants.”

Finally, at the prompting of her close friend Rose Marie, she booked another mammogram with the Jamaica Cancer Society, which revealed something “suspicious”. During a follow-up ultrasound, the doctor explained that because she had fibrocystic breasts, it was very difficult to detect the tumour earlier.
“At the completion of the biopsy I was formally diagnosed with stage 2 invasive lobular carcinoma,” she said.

That began the hardest season of her life. Immediately after her surgery, with no immediate family in Jamaica and her closest friends living out of town, she carried the weight of loss and healing almost entirely on her own, and quickly spiralled into deep depression and grief.
“To make matters even heavier, I was unemployed. The absence of a breast left me questioning my womanhood, my beauty, and even my worth — things I had never paused to consider before. Even though my mother and daughters, Amanda and Rebecca, offered love and encouragement from afar, the quiet hours alone were the hardest to bear. Some days were so dark and awful it seemed impossible to carry on. It was hard to attend to simple tasks like preparing meals for my daughter, helping with her homework, even going outside was hard. I felt embarrassed, ashamed of having cancer and the way I looked. But on the days when my spirit was strong, I poured my hands and heart into creating products, channelling my pain into something life-giving. I learnt the power of presence and grit. No matter how broken I felt, my daughter Zymena was there. At just seven years old she became my lifeline. I had to do it for her. I could not imagine leaving her in this world without me. Slowly but surely I prepared her meals, helped with homework, and tucked her into bed at night. In caring for her, I began to care for myself again. Slowly, the darkness began to lift. Jamizola Naturals was born out of that crucible, not just as a business but as a testament to hard work and determination.”

In August of 2023, after her mastectomy, Boyce knew she had to get serious about spreading the word on natural deodorants. That’s when Jamizola Naturals moved from being just a personal solution into a true mission — a brand built from her own survival story, created to help others make safer, healthier choices.

“What started as a necessity for my daughter and a life saver for me has now become my way of giving back, raising awareness, and empowering others to embrace mindful living through clean, natural products,” Boyce said.

Officially registered in 2023, the Jamizola Naturals brand has since carried one mission: to share the story of healing through nature. Every product is rooted in this belief — that nature holds the power to restore and heal.

“Our natural deodorant line is designed to give you confidence, freshness, and peace of mind. Unlike conventional deodorants that block pores, our formula works with your body’s natural process — neutralising odour while allowing your body to release toxins the way it was meant to,” Boyce said. “Formulated without aluminium, baking soda, or parabens, our deodorants are gentle on sensitive skin and enriched with natural botanicals for lasting freshness. They’re not only safe and effective but also a step towards a cleaner, healthier lifestyle.”

Boyce said the time has never been more important for women to embrace safer, more mindful living practices, as in today’s busy world, our well-being is shaped not only by major medical decisions, but by the small, everyday choices we make, the foods we eat, the products we use, and the way we nurture our bodies.

“Even simple changes like switching to toxin-free personal care products, staying active, or prioritising regular health checks, can create powerful long-term benefits. These steps reduce risks, restore balance, and empower women to take charge of their wellness,” she said.
Products can be accessed at www.jamizolanatural.com, and a few other locations including Things Jamaica, ValueDrug Cross Roads, Deans Pharmacy and Harbour View Family Pharmacy.

Boyce said her biggest motivation to do well is her daughter Zymena, who inspires her every day with her curiosity, kindness, and quiet strength.

“One day she looked at me and said, ‘Mommy, I want to be like you when I get older’. That moment changed me, it reminded me of the responsibility and privilege of being her role model. Zymena is the reason I keep pushing forward, building with resilience and grace. Everything I do , from my personal growth to creating safer, healthier solutions for women , is about leaving a legacy she can stand on as she grows into the woman she is meant to be,” she said.

Her greatest contribution to the world has been transforming her personal journey of struggle and healing into a source of strength for others.
“Through Jamizola Naturals, I’ve created more than products, I’ve built a movement that encourages people to reconnect with nature, embrace their authentic selves, and choose safer, more mindful care. Beyond the business, my true legacy lives in the lives I’ve touched, my children, the entrepreneurs I’ve mentored, and the people I’ve served. If my story has helped even one person feel more resilient, more empowered, or more hopeful, then I know I’ve made a lasting difference,” she said.

The mom of four says since relocating in 2022, she has been blessed to build a small but meaningful circle of friends who have truly enriched her journey and keeps her grounded. Her parents are still alive in Barbados, and they all form a strong support system that keeps her motivated, and inspired.
And she recently developed a surprising love for gardening, after a history of killing every plant she touched.

“But a few months ago I decided to try again and brought home seven houseplants. Not only have they survived, they’ve become my little green family,” she said. “Each has a name, and I find myself holding full conversations with them.”