August 15, 2025 • 33 mins
Meet our next guest, Shania Williams!
Join us in this inspiring interview with Shania Williams, the brilliant mind behind Self Worth Cosmetics. Shania’s career journey is a powerful example of how passion, education, and determination can turn dreams into reality.
With a degree in chemistry, she mastered the science of product formulation and used her knowledge to create a cosmetics brand that celebrates beauty, confidence, and self-worth. In this video, Shania shares how her background in STEM gave her the skills to develop high-quality, safe, and effective beauty products. We dive into her entrepreneurship journey, from college to launching her own small business, and the challenges and triumphs she faced along the way.
Whether you’re a woman in STEM, an aspiring beauty entrepreneur, or simply curious about the cosmetics industry, this conversation will leave you motivated and ready to take action on your own goals. If you’re searching for career inspiration, tips on starting a beauty brand, or insight into STEM careers for women, you’ll find it here.
📌 Keywords: women in STEM, chemistry career, beauty entrepreneur, cosmetics brand founder, small business success, career inspiration, STEM to beauty industry, Self Worth Cosmetics, Shania Williams interview.
#WomenInSTEM #Entrepreneurship #SelfWorthCosmetics #stem #chemistry #allthingsstemwithashley #stemwithashley
About Shania:
Shania Williams is a cosmetic scientist with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from North Carolina A&T State University, whose formulations have shaped brands like Milk Makeup, Marc Jacobs Beauty, and Fenty Beauty. She has expertise in domestic, EU, and Korean formulations, blending innovation with global beauty standards. Beyond the lab, Shania teaches university courses and leads hands-on formulation workshops, inspiring future beauty industry leaders. Her passion for education and product development continues to leave an undeniable mark on the world of cosmetics.
Join us in this inspiring interview with Shania Williams, the brilliant mind behind Self Worth Cosmetics. Shania’s career journey is a powerful example of how passion, education, and determination can turn dreams into reality.
With a degree in chemistry, she mastered the science of product formulation and used her knowledge to create a cosmetics brand that celebrates beauty, confidence, and self-worth. In this video, Shania shares how her background in STEM gave her the skills to develop high-quality, safe, and effective beauty products. We dive into her entrepreneurship journey, from college to launching her own small business, and the challenges and triumphs she faced along the way.
Whether you’re a woman in STEM, an aspiring beauty entrepreneur, or simply curious about the cosmetics industry, this conversation will leave you motivated and ready to take action on your own goals. If you’re searching for career inspiration, tips on starting a beauty brand, or insight into STEM careers for women, you’ll find it here.
📌 Keywords: women in STEM, chemistry career, beauty entrepreneur, cosmetics brand founder, small business success, career inspiration, STEM to beauty industry, Self Worth Cosmetics, Shania Williams interview.
#WomenInSTEM #Entrepreneurship #SelfWorthCosmetics #stem #chemistry #allthingsstemwithashley #stemwithashley
About Shania:
Shania Williams is a cosmetic scientist with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from North Carolina A&T State University, whose formulations have shaped brands like Milk Makeup, Marc Jacobs Beauty, and Fenty Beauty. She has expertise in domestic, EU, and Korean formulations, blending innovation with global beauty standards. Beyond the lab, Shania teaches university courses and leads hands-on formulation workshops, inspiring future beauty industry leaders. Her passion for education and product development continues to leave an undeniable mark on the world of cosmetics.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:12):
Hello everyone, and welcome to All Things Sam with Ashley.
Speaker 2 (00:14):
I'm so excited to have our guest Shania Williams here
with us today. Shania is a visionary cosmetics scientist with
a Bachelor of Science and Chemistry from North Carolina A
and T State University, whose formulation expertise has shaped iconic
brands like Milk Makeup, Mark Jacob's Beauty, and Anti Beauty.
With extensive experience in both domestic and international formulations, including
(00:36):
EU and Korean markets, she seamlessly bridges innovation and global
beauty standards in every creation. Beyond the lab, she passionately
educates aspiring chemistry university lectures, en hands on formulation workshops,
impounding the next generation of beauty industry leaders. As the
force behind transformulative formulations and inspiring learning spaces, she continues
(00:57):
to lead an undeniable mark on the world of cosmetics.
So we wanna welcome Shanaya. Hi, Hi everyone, Thank you
so much for coming. I'm super excited to hear about
your journey into the costometics industry.
Speaker 1 (01:10):
Cause a lot of times when we hear stem.
Speaker 2 (01:12):
We always think you have to be in a lab, yes,
or you can only do certain things but you have
expanded into your own beauty brand. So can you tell
us about your journey and how your background prepared you
to be in the cosmetics industry.
Speaker 3 (01:24):
Yes, yes, yes, of course. So I have my BS
in chemistry from North Carolina A and t Aggie Pride. Yeah. So,
but how I started. Let's start from the beginning, of course,
high school. My junior year, I was in chemistry K
a class with Ms. Reynolds, and she asked me, She's like, well,
what do you wanna be when you grow up? And
I was like, uh, I wanna be a makeup artist.
(01:45):
And she was like, oh, no, go make the makeup.
You're too smart for that, so go make the makeup. Yeah,
And I was like okay. And then so I realized
that chemistry was kind of the most challenging subject for
me in high school, and I really love a challenge.
So I was just like, let me go ahead, let
me get a degree in chemistry. And then I went
to North Carolina A and T, where I got my
(02:06):
BS in chemistry, and from there I graduated on I
think a Friday, Yeah, and I walked into Cosmics, which
is the biggest makeup manufacturer in the world. On Monday.
So thank you, Azy, I appreciate it. Thank you.
Speaker 1 (02:22):
I love that.
Speaker 2 (02:23):
So mentorship basically had a part, and you learning beyond
makeup artistry, yes, pushing you, helping you go.
Speaker 1 (02:29):
Beyond your boundaries to do something bigger.
Speaker 3 (02:31):
Yes.
Speaker 1 (02:31):
Okay, So your first day at Cosmaic, how was that?
What was that like that?
Speaker 2 (02:35):
From so I to went in college straight into the
workforce for major.
Speaker 3 (02:39):
Okay, it was very exciting. It was very overwhelming, and
I'm gonna be honest, and I walked into the lab
it was maybe only three people that looked like me,
so it was very intimidating. However, I knew that I
had to be there because there wasn't a lot of
people that looked like you and I, yeah, within the lab.
So it was nerve wrecking. But I learned so much
(03:03):
at my time at Cosmics. If anybody knows manufacturers like
being there just for a year, they counted like as
five years. So you just learned so much. So yeah,
that was it was a really good, exciting, nerve wrecking experience.
Speaker 1 (03:19):
I love it.
Speaker 2 (03:20):
So you already talked about what inspired you to use
chemistry for your cosmetics line. How did your chemistrylage play
a role in product development, like formulating skincare makeup products.
Speaker 1 (03:30):
How does that all play a part?
Speaker 3 (03:31):
It was more so analytical, so, and that's what I
recommend to all students who are trying to get into
the cosmetic industry, who are currently within their bachelors, if
you can get into the to the lab, like get
to know the lab manager, knowing your analytical skills, knowing
how to set up things on how to you know,
certain hot plates, certain wattages, and just mixing things and
(03:53):
working with beakers and all that. You have to have
a certain etiquette within the lab. And on top of that,
I was already kind of mixing and dabbling within essential
oils for a company. Yes, so uh, Stefane Tidwell, a
church member of mine, actually asked me to start creating
fragrances using essential oils. Yeah, yes, for her company. So
(04:15):
I started with that as well. So it was a
little bit of both, I would say, outside doing my
own research as well as making sure, uh, within college
and within the lab, that I stayed on top of
my analytical skills. Right. I had to work FTIR or
any other type of you know, analytical equipment that you
would use in the lab and putting that on my
(04:37):
resume so that uh coming out yeah uh, the hiring
manager would know, Okay, she has analytical skills, she just
doesn't have a degree in chemistry from the lab or
like far as analytical skills from courses and classes. I
actually stayed after courses and classes and did the extra work,
so yeah, I can learn more, you know, methods.
Speaker 2 (05:00):
I want to get into some different things that are
in the beauty industry. So how do you balance safety,
efficiency and innovation of formulating products?
Speaker 3 (05:11):
So that's a really good question. So essentially I like
to stay up on far as trends, safeties. No knows
what we call the blacklist in the cosmetic industry, which is,
you know, just raw materials or ingredients that are no
longer allowed far as in cosmetic formulations. Even though the
US currently right now cosmetics isn't regulated as the EU,
(05:35):
so I typically practice the EU practice of it all
because it eventually is going to get into that. So
the US is now developing instead of cosmos like the EU,
it's now developing mocra, and so I try to essentially
make sure that I'm with those trends, which is called
the green chemistry sustainability, So definitely keeping up with those trends,
(05:59):
doing my research, making sure that you know, any raw
materials that I do decide to order, they're not on
the blacklist, they're safe and as well as the percentages used.
That's another thing too, making sure I'm up to date
on those as well. So just to make sure that
disability is safety of everything.
Speaker 2 (06:16):
Good a lot of So now I want to get
into some regulatory things and ask what are some of
the biggest regulatory hurdles you encountered while starting your line
and how did you navigate that.
Speaker 3 (06:31):
So the biggest hurdles, I would say, is going into
creating non natural, non organic products. With that you have
vendors that are you have to be connected in a
certain way. You have to literally work for alive in
order to get those raw materials. So that was a
(06:51):
hurdle and that kind of transitioned me into more so
natural and organic. When I went from cosmics to try
Care Industries in Denville, shout out to TRACA where I
was working underneath Carolina Denman who kind of gave me
the world to explore far as cosmetic formulation, and that's
(07:11):
where we got to formulate with hydrolyzed proteins that were
more so extracted from plants. And so when I discovered that, wow, like, okay,
I'm really good at making natural formulations organic formulations. And
then of course obtaining the raw materials is a lot
easier versus a patented raw material overseas, and so that
(07:35):
was kind of a challenge, like transitioning in from knowing
so much about synthetic or non organic, non natural cosmetics
into natural cosmetics, because of course Cosmics is a Korean
based skincare and a lot of Korean based skincare US
patented raw materials that nine times out of ten they
either are natural, they usually aren't natural. It's usually created
(07:56):
a lot, which it's nothing wrong with that. I'm not
necessarily there's anything wrong as long as it serves its
purpose and it does its function. But when I transitioned
to try K it was like, oh, I'm not using
all these pegs. I'm not using DMDH if anyone knows
what that is. Certain preservatives as far as even phanoxie
ethanol is just very shocker to me. It was like, oh, okay,
(08:19):
so we're not using what I'm used to. So now
I have to see how I can formulate in order
to make a formula stable. Yeah, without the non organic,
non natural raw materials. Because with those raw materials, of course,
shelf life is shorter, stability is way more sensitive, timing
is way more sensitive. Just the overall process of creating
(08:40):
that product is way more sensitive.
Speaker 2 (08:42):
So it's amazing I'm learning, Yes, amazing. So now one
to ask how do you ensure products are safe for consumers,
especially considering the chemistry involved in the product formulation To.
Speaker 3 (09:00):
Make sure that it's stables, of course, it goes on stability.
I do a three month run. All products you go
on three month run, and that's a freeze thraw. You're
at forty degrees celsius. Seventy degrees celsius and I believe
one ten degrees celsius. So I do within my own
stability at home as well as sending out to a
third party because I don't have all those ovens in
(09:22):
my apartment. But that's essentially what I do. And really
I don't release a product really about like until a
year after I actually developed it myself. Yeah, I like
to make sure that one shelf life would lasts because
like I said, I'm working with natural or panic products,
so you want to make sure shelf life is good.
There's no rancidity, there's no separation, there's no mold, any
(09:47):
little creatures falling around or growing in there. So that's
essentially what I do, keeping it with me, a trial
with me for a year, and then also sending out
to a third party lab to test so I have
those results so just in case the consumer does come back,
I'm able to say, okay, well, based off these results,
it's good. So now I need to reach out to
the suppliers and vendors and then get whatever SDS or CFA,
(10:11):
any technical document on that raw material for that lot,
specific lot that that raw material got used, and then
go over that and making sure, you know, troubleshooting shooting that,
making sure you know nothing was wrong with that lot,
and then getting back to the consumer.
Speaker 2 (10:25):
Yeah, and SCS the safety data sheet.
Speaker 3 (10:29):
Yes, Safety data CFA is a certificate of analysis.
Speaker 2 (10:34):
So thank you. I love how you were talking about
raw materials and different things, shelf life, things like that.
So how did you go about sourcing raw materials and
choosing suppliers from your product?
Speaker 3 (10:46):
Yeah? Okay, so I knew suppliers and uh raw material
vendors from being within the industry working at Cosmics Trika.
So I've always kept those connections. I've always kept kept
that you know, line of communication. So then and I
knew based off of studying their SDSS and their civa's
and basically they're really good vendors and raumaterial suppliers. So
(11:09):
I kind of carried that into my own business. I
was kind of want to keep creating how can I
say industry level cosmetics? Y uh, just within my own brands.
I love it.
Speaker 1 (11:19):
That's exciting.
Speaker 2 (11:21):
So you kind of talked about challenges I heard as
you first saw when you were finding things. How did
after that? How did you convey your branding? How did
you how did social media play a role? When you're
new it's hard starting out, right, So what helped you
with marketing getting your cosmetics out there? Cause some people
can say, hey, this is my brand, get for me.
I made good things.
Speaker 3 (11:40):
Too, right, So it actually happened by our accident. It's
a really funny story. So while I was working with
tra K, of course uh covid head was coming around, right,
and unfortunately I was furlough However, because I was in time.
So however, within the last week of being there at TRICA,
I kind of was just bringing my own products home
(12:03):
and sharing them within my family, my friends, on community,
and people were like, you made this, you made these products. Yeah,
you get really good at making products. Like you want products,
you want more products. So then I said, okay, covid
shut everything down, of course, and I said I don't
want to stop formulating. This is my dream, this is
my god given talent. I have to continue this for
(12:26):
my community, my peers, people just within my f you know,
around me. And then I started selling, you know, mixing
and out of the kitchen, out of my parents' kitchen,
mixing and selling of course, and then people were it was,
you know, getting bigger and bigger, people sharing it on Instagram.
Of course. Instagram was the first biggest thing, and people
were sharing it. And then before I knew it, people
(12:49):
that was out of the state of New Jersey, which
is where I started, were contacting like can you ship
me this? Yeah, I want some my friends and I
just started shipping and then it was like, okay, I
need a website to really get this is something. It
just kind of snowballs into you know this big which
is now self Worth Cosmetics.
Speaker 1 (13:07):
Yes, that's so, it's gonna says lads.
Speaker 2 (13:08):
Your brand, that's self Worth Cosmetics, self Worth Cosmetics.
Speaker 3 (13:12):
It's inspired of course. My name is Shanaia Williams and
it's my story behind self Worth Cosmetics is basically knowing
your worth and simply knowing that you deserve everything you
desire just by simply existing, just by being a child
with God.
Speaker 1 (13:27):
So I love yes, so sun to have you.
Speaker 2 (13:31):
So you've spoke about how you got to Brandon Market, right,
how do you convey the scientific, scientific and technical aspects
of your products to consumers that.
Speaker 3 (13:40):
May not have a chemistry background. Yes, so I've actually
just started doing this. I just started educating my consumers
instead of just putting the formula on there, because not
everybody knows what it means. So right now I'm on
TikTok actually and basically teaching little sixty second videos. In
a sense of teaching my consumer is what type of
(14:01):
raw materials are not only in my products, but when
they go out and they see it on the shelves,
what they're looking at and what they're purchasing and consuming.
So that's more so what I'm doing now, just more
so doing little short videos and clips and making sure
on the website that it's very descriptive of bar as
the raw material. And nine times out of ten it's natural.
It's not anything that you can't pronounce or it looks
(14:24):
like it's just a made of worse. Yeah, yeah, well excellent.
Speaker 2 (14:28):
So you talked about starting it from the ground up.
You just in the middle of a pandemic when resources
are scarce. So what advice would you give to someone
with the chemistry background who's interested in starting your own
cosmetic line, Like something you've learned along the way.
Speaker 3 (14:44):
Something I learned along the way is don't burn your bridges.
Network the cosmetic industry, even though it's large, it's very small,
Like just for instance, someone here in the US may
know someone over in the EU and recommend you for instance.
That's just how I got my position now. So it's
(15:05):
just kind of like, keep your networking, do the hard work,
yes if you can, especially if you're starting out, do
the legwork. Crawl before you walk, don't be don't let
the degree make you think that you could just fly.
We still I know the degree was a lot of
hard work, and that was one of the challenges that
I face my ego. It was like I want to
(15:27):
tell future chemists is that and to anyone. You can
have all the ingredients to bake a cake, but you
can still make a dry cake. You know what I'm saying.
You don't have the procedure how to put things, how
to what temperatures what, and the details on how to
actually build a formula is way more important than worrying
(15:49):
about far as the raw material vendor. I mean that's
important too. You have to know how to put things together.
You can't just go out and grab and and just
cross your fingers. You can, but if you want to
sell it to other consumers besides those fist of your community,
make sure you do the work. The leg work is
not a I tell people it is not a certificate
(16:16):
in a sense program. It takes years of training and
continue training. I still have to train leaven as a
cosmetic science. You know, even master cosmetic formulators and mixers
and maactors, they're still constantly training and learning because science
is always update. It's always a different way to do something.
It's always something better or more easier something, so you
(16:37):
have to stay on top of that.
Speaker 1 (16:39):
I love it thank you.
Speaker 2 (16:40):
Thank you for sharing that, because it's hard and people
just see the success and they don't understand the.
Speaker 1 (16:44):
Background work, the research, the understanding.
Speaker 3 (16:47):
That many sleepless nights, many sleepless nights, many staying after five,
coming in at seven am, leaving at seven pm, just
to really learn the work and make the connections. Because
it's another thing when scientists who are you know, who
are not I don't want to say above you, but
ahead of you, have more experience than you. If they
(17:09):
see that you're not willing to do the groundwork, they're
not going to teach you the skills to make you
be successful. Yeah, I like them. So you have to
show people an effort, and that's with anything I believe
show people will effort and then they'll teach you all
the gems and they'll open the treasure box of gems.
Speaker 2 (17:30):
Thank you for that. Are there any specific skills outside
of chemistry that you found particularly useful as a cosmetics entrepreneur.
Speaker 3 (17:39):
Yes, I'm a really good baker. I'm a really good baker.
As far as cooking and everything, that's a little bit different.
But when it comes down to pastries and everything.
Speaker 1 (17:49):
You have to be exactly measurement and.
Speaker 3 (17:55):
Really good baker. And then also you have to be
very detailed with everything. Being with that, it's like I'm
very detailed with everything, even speaking or telling. I got
to tell too much detail. So that's another thing of
soft skill that I bring, be very thorough communication, which
is why I teach at universities now cosmetic formulation. Yeah,
(18:17):
because there wasn't kind of a road path for me,
so I said, you know what, let me provide that
road path now that I'm grateful to have gotten through
those doors instead at those tables that you create a
roadpath for those who can get a BS and also
who can't get a BS. Yeah, everyone deserves a path
out for them. So I love that.
Speaker 2 (18:36):
That's what this channel is about, giving back, having a
platform where we can hear tips for success along the journey,
things we wish we had known, things our mentors have
poured in us, so we can pour it into other
people that might not have the same resources. So that's
why I'm super excited and grateful that you are here today.
And I love that you're giving back and paying it
forward and making it better for our next generation of
leaders because that's so needed.
Speaker 3 (18:57):
Yes, and I need you guys to keep me young.
I can't stay alive. Yeah, I need other chemists underneath
me so we could keep me young and young looking.
Speaker 1 (19:08):
Yeah, I love I love that.
Speaker 2 (19:11):
So, I know you were just talking about how science
changes all the time, technology innovations come. How do you
see the future of the cosmetics industry evolving in relation
to these scientific advancements that we see day to day.
Speaker 3 (19:23):
So what I see happening in the future, of course,
is now we're using nanotechnology, nanoparticles, very small nanoparticles, as
well as more so I also feel as if like
there's going to be more so going into nature, like
for instance, one of the trends is of fungi and
mushrooms now more so using you know, things that you
(19:46):
normally wouldn't go towards, and then seeking the benefit out
of that and putting it into cosmetics. I really feel
like this is what's the next trend is as far
as instead of polishing, it's more so nurturing. Does that
make sense, Like, yeah, yeah, it is. I feel like
that's where it's kind of going towards, especially with mokra
(20:09):
and kind of adopting cosmos and EU and I think
that's where we're slowly starting to shift in towards more
kind of just more natural, more organic, but still a
balance of still using technology, younal particles, you know, all that.
So that's what I see it going into. That's awesome.
Speaker 1 (20:28):
Thank you for sharing that.
Speaker 2 (20:30):
Are there any emergent trends or technologies in chemistry that
you're excited to explore for future products?
Speaker 1 (20:36):
Yes?
Speaker 3 (20:36):
So currently right now, I love these reusable far as componentry,
where you can basically like reuse the component itself. You're
not just constantly buying a new component. You get refillables.
I love those, yeah. And then another as far as
cosmetics trend, I'm really loving like the duos of products
(20:58):
like it can be used for more than.
Speaker 1 (21:00):
One, like lipstick and blood purpose exactly.
Speaker 3 (21:04):
I'm really loving that. And then lastly, what I'm really
loving is the more so the color it is within
the cosmics that's coming through right now. It's it's not
just your chipical clean. Now people are using more yellows, black,
the real dominant you call colors versus just the kind
(21:24):
of clean.
Speaker 1 (21:25):
Neutrals and the okay colors neutrals.
Speaker 3 (21:29):
Yeah, so then you see people with you know, different packaging,
and then just the product itself. It's very like eye catching,
and it was before, but now I feel like with
technology it's going to be even more. I'm surprised that
it's not like you know, components with like you know,
a little thing going back like the thing you can
read it. So yeah, I'm really excited to see where
it goes. You know, this is the future.
Speaker 1 (21:52):
Yeah, I'm excited.
Speaker 2 (21:53):
Think all right, so we're going to go back to
your sym journey. You've shared so many great things about
the makeup industry, formulations, your skills, your background. So I
wanted to ask do you have any role models or
mentors that have influenced your journey in stam Yes, I
will have to.
Speaker 3 (22:08):
Say Nikita Wilson, who is the VP of product Development
for Pattern Beauty, which is Tracy Ellis Ross. She is
my current mentor, and she has essentially kind of guided
me and pushed me through each phase of my life,
whether I was unemployed, whether I was working. She has
(22:29):
consistently been a light even though she does work for
someone far as work underneath someone else another company Pattern,
she has been so supportive in my you know, entrepreneurship
and entrepreneur journey as a cosmetic chemist and not being
behind the bench far as you know, just R and ding,
which a lot of chemists do. Get stuck in research
(22:50):
and development, Yes, research use me research and development. Yes,
and we're STEM, so we know R and d ye.
So yes, a lot of people tend to get comfortable.
I almost to get stuck. I also get comfortable behind
the bench and the fact that I'm kind of coming
around from the bench taking those skills and taking that
(23:11):
knowledge and spreading it, and then as well as heart
assisting me on my knowledge and guiding me and making
sure that I'm still doing the correct things, making sure
I'm still up to date on cosmetic formulations and procedures
and events B to B trade shows and all that.
So yes, Nikita Wilson has definitely been the best mentor
texting great.
Speaker 2 (23:32):
So were there any challenges that you faced growing up
that made your SIM pursuing your SIM career difficult.
Speaker 3 (23:38):
Yes, I was not going to MAP. I was. It's
weird how like a lot of people who are in
STEM are really good at math, but wasn't essentially when
they were younger. So elementary school, I was in those
extra classes and they pull you out in regular class.
But you know, yeah, so I was, and but no,
(23:58):
this is a testimony, right, So it's just kind of like,
I wasn't the best at math. I was getting c's
and d's at math, and the Moviequ's House, My Mom's House,
A sea is failing, so you can't you can't get
any cs, and that kind of that honestly pushed me
to really go after chemistry. Was just like I kind
(24:19):
of already knew that math wasn't a strong skill. I
wanted to make it a strong skill instead of it
still being something weak that I go into adulthood with
because you know, math is everything money. So that was
one of the challenging things I would say, far as
in stem I was not the best. I wasn't a mathematician.
Speaker 2 (24:41):
I wasn't. So it's good you overcame it, overcame it.
You're here now you see, Yeah, you're not linear, but
you can.
Speaker 3 (24:47):
Make it, right I got. I got through qualum physics
and physical chemistry. So if I could do it, and
you could do it too. If you're in courses right now,
far as your hard courses, you got this. Just stay
in the professor's office and face.
Speaker 1 (25:00):
Yes, study your resources.
Speaker 2 (25:02):
And Dahney YouTube cons Academy can be your best friend.
That's how I'm back through my last semesters Academy. Well,
I'm excited about this next question because we get to
learn a little more about you and your accomplishment. So
what is one project or accomplishment that you're particularly proud
of in your STEM career.
Speaker 3 (25:21):
Oh, it was making an edge control. Being able to
make an edge control like an in house at home,
not in a lab where you have other chemists or
team meant in that tainments, but you know people who
are on your team to be able to guide you
and tell you, hey, don't add too much of this,
don't add too much of that. It took me two
years to develop this edge control, and even still I
(25:42):
have to submit it for a third party making sure
that it's stable and everything. And this literally just happened
about a month ago, and I am so proud of
myself because I spent so much money, yes, so much time, trials, trials, errors, fails,
But when it happened, it was like, oh my god,
(26:03):
like you know, because it was you were I was
still doing the same procedure. And that's the thing about
figuring it out right. You think it's your procedure, you
think it's your raw material. So you're swapping out things,
You're swapping out this, you're swapping out that, and then
you have to basically find a method where everything works together.
And then discovering that you know, everything worked together literally
(26:24):
because you don't know to the next day because it
has to solidify it. So I woke up and I
was like, yeah, like my mom, So that was an
edge control. Any chemist can tell you that an edge control,
it's not hard to make. It's the stability of it
and the shelf life of it. And then once it's
applied to someone's hair, you want to make sure it's
(26:46):
universal for every architecture. And you know what I'm saying.
So that was one of the most challenging yeah, that
I've done, and I've overcame, so I'm trying. I'm paying.
Speaker 2 (26:56):
Oh now I want to talk about how you already
talked about giving it, paying it, giving back. Have you
been involved in any initiatives or programs to encourage young
women or underrepresented groups to pursue them field.
Speaker 3 (27:08):
Yes. So I currently have a program within underneath Self
Worth Cosmetics called Live and Learn, and this is where
I go to colleges, community colleges, any schools. Essentially, they
reach out to me and I teach cosmetic formulation workshops.
And then I also do partner with other businesses within
the community, not just colleges, to teach cosmetic workshops for
(27:30):
those who aren't in college or who aren't even thinking
about college or college isn't for them, because college isn't
for everyone. So making sure that I have paths both
doors open to people who are going to college with
people who aren't going to college and are just trying
to figure it out. And I also work with Clinton
Scholars as well, which is a part of a Georgia
State University. It's a cohort. I do that as well
(27:53):
and their students at Georgia State, and I teach formulation
workshops within this sooth too. Thank you.
Speaker 1 (27:58):
That's wonderful. Those are two things that people can find
on your platforms.
Speaker 3 (28:02):
Right, yes, yes, yes, okay, perfect. Everything will be on
my website far as live and learn.
Speaker 1 (28:09):
So yeah, okay, y'all come get her.
Speaker 3 (28:12):
Yes, it's like if you want a book and you
want a formulation workshop, and it just doesn't have to
be students that also bring you all adults or girls, like,
how would you want to do it?
Speaker 1 (28:20):
Yes?
Speaker 3 (28:21):
Excellent. Yes.
Speaker 2 (28:22):
So now before our last question, I want to ask,
looking back, is there anything you would have done differently
in your stam journey.
Speaker 1 (28:31):
No, that's awesome, that's good because it really makes you
who you are today.
Speaker 3 (28:35):
Yeah, no, I would. I wouldn't change a thing, not
even what happened this morning.
Speaker 2 (28:41):
Y'all had a morning, but this episode is here and
learning about greatness.
Speaker 1 (28:47):
Thank God provides just now.
Speaker 3 (28:49):
That you were an angels, thank you, Oh my gosh.
But I wouldn't change anything because, like you said, then
I wouldn't be here today being able to speak and
share all show people that you know, STEM cosmetic chemistry
is a real job and it can go into so
many different avenues as far as regulatory quality. You don't
(29:11):
have to just be behind the bench, you don't have
to be a batcher. You could do so many things,
product development, there's so many different avenues behind cosmetic chemistry.
It's just that you know, we're the biggest dollar in
this cosmetic industry, but with at least in the lab.
So that's my main goal is to get more of
us in the lab because our skin is different. You know,
that's one thing that you learn in the lab and
(29:32):
cosmetic science that you know, Caucasian skin has blue undertones
and then our skin has red and gold undertones. And
the sides of melonsytes. Everyone has melonsytes, right, but ours
are larger. So therefore, and that's on the epidermis. Just
I'm sorry, and that's on the epidermist. So when you
have larger melonsytes on the epidermist, like it absorbs better,
(29:54):
it's better ud protection. But we still need to wear
sunscreen every day, every occasion, every season, and where sunscreen
everyone spfps fit these specifically.
Speaker 1 (30:06):
People need that. We need that, we need to know,
we need to know what to wear, we need to
know what to change.
Speaker 3 (30:10):
So my first piece of advice is, do not take
advice from anyone who you don't want to feature, like
who doesn't know what it's like to be in STEM,
whether they have a degree or not, because you're the
one that's researching STEM. You're the one who wants to
be in STEM. Yeah, So that's that's my first piece
of advice. Don't just get discouraged by losers. My second
(30:31):
piece of advice is to always have this warrior mindset
I know, and I've noticed I'm saying warrior, not warrior.
You can't worry about things. So the mindset that has
kept me through even those hurdles of just being the
only black woman in lab and it being uncomfortable in
those situations, I did not give up, and I'm not
(30:53):
gonna give up. There's nothing in this world that will
stop me from doing what I need to do and
teaching cosmetic chemistry. To those who are watching. Whatever it
is that you want to do, do not give up,
no matter if death comes. Of course not to you,
but but you know what I'm saying. If things, if
uncontrollable circumstances comes your way, do not. Because I've been
(31:16):
through uncontrolled circumstances, losing a parent, losing a child, Do
not stop. Don't for whatever reason. And then the last
bit of advice is to rest. This may sound on
top of all the other good things like networking and
all that. Oh yeah, you guys already know that. But
(31:37):
the things that nobody else tells you to get rest,
Get your rest. Do not overwhelm yourself life as hard
as it is. Enough. You have to keep roof over
your head and be an adult, or take care of
yourself as it is. Make sure you're getting your rest
within this industry, making sure that you're not overwhelming yourself
(31:57):
with formulas, trying to learn to talking to too many
people as far as at one time, and then it
burns you out and then the passion leaves you. So
that's my biggest my top three I would say, because yeah,
don't take advice from anyone you don't want to be like,
have a warrior mindset. Nothing that happens will ever be
able to stop you, even if it's uncontrollable situations.
Speaker 1 (32:20):
All right, Rush, Okay, thank you.
Speaker 2 (32:24):
Janaya, thank you for joining, Thank you for coming on
all Thanks day with Ashley and being the best. Guess
I'm super excited about your episode. We made it new
every hurdle too today oh for hurdles and this all
this will be shown to the world, yes, and we
appreciate you. Please like, comment and subscribe and we will
see you next time.
Speaker 3 (32:44):
Bye.
Hello everyone, and welcome to All Things Sam with Ashley.
Speaker 2 (00:14):
I'm so excited to have our guest Shania Williams here
with us today. Shania is a visionary cosmetics scientist with
a Bachelor of Science and Chemistry from North Carolina A
and T State University, whose formulation expertise has shaped iconic
brands like Milk Makeup, Mark Jacob's Beauty, and Anti Beauty.
With extensive experience in both domestic and international formulations, including
(00:36):
EU and Korean markets, she seamlessly bridges innovation and global
beauty standards in every creation. Beyond the lab, she passionately
educates aspiring chemistry university lectures, en hands on formulation workshops,
impounding the next generation of beauty industry leaders. As the
force behind transformulative formulations and inspiring learning spaces, she continues
(00:57):
to lead an undeniable mark on the world of cosmetics.
So we wanna welcome Shanaya. Hi, Hi everyone, Thank you
so much for coming. I'm super excited to hear about
your journey into the costometics industry.
Speaker 1 (01:10):
Cause a lot of times when we hear stem.
Speaker 2 (01:12):
We always think you have to be in a lab, yes,
or you can only do certain things but you have
expanded into your own beauty brand. So can you tell
us about your journey and how your background prepared you
to be in the cosmetics industry.
Speaker 3 (01:24):
Yes, yes, yes, of course. So I have my BS
in chemistry from North Carolina A and t Aggie Pride. Yeah. So,
but how I started. Let's start from the beginning, of course,
high school. My junior year, I was in chemistry K
a class with Ms. Reynolds, and she asked me, She's like, well,
what do you wanna be when you grow up? And
I was like, uh, I wanna be a makeup artist.
(01:45):
And she was like, oh, no, go make the makeup.
You're too smart for that, so go make the makeup. Yeah,
And I was like okay. And then so I realized
that chemistry was kind of the most challenging subject for
me in high school, and I really love a challenge.
So I was just like, let me go ahead, let
me get a degree in chemistry. And then I went
to North Carolina A and T, where I got my
(02:06):
BS in chemistry, and from there I graduated on I
think a Friday, Yeah, and I walked into Cosmics, which
is the biggest makeup manufacturer in the world. On Monday.
So thank you, Azy, I appreciate it. Thank you.
Speaker 1 (02:22):
I love that.
Speaker 2 (02:23):
So mentorship basically had a part, and you learning beyond
makeup artistry, yes, pushing you, helping you go.
Speaker 1 (02:29):
Beyond your boundaries to do something bigger.
Speaker 3 (02:31):
Yes.
Speaker 1 (02:31):
Okay, So your first day at Cosmaic, how was that?
What was that like that?
Speaker 2 (02:35):
From so I to went in college straight into the
workforce for major.
Speaker 3 (02:39):
Okay, it was very exciting. It was very overwhelming, and
I'm gonna be honest, and I walked into the lab
it was maybe only three people that looked like me,
so it was very intimidating. However, I knew that I
had to be there because there wasn't a lot of
people that looked like you and I, yeah, within the lab.
So it was nerve wrecking. But I learned so much
(03:03):
at my time at Cosmics. If anybody knows manufacturers like
being there just for a year, they counted like as
five years. So you just learned so much. So yeah,
that was it was a really good, exciting, nerve wrecking experience.
Speaker 1 (03:19):
I love it.
Speaker 2 (03:20):
So you already talked about what inspired you to use
chemistry for your cosmetics line. How did your chemistrylage play
a role in product development, like formulating skincare makeup products.
Speaker 1 (03:30):
How does that all play a part?
Speaker 3 (03:31):
It was more so analytical, so, and that's what I
recommend to all students who are trying to get into
the cosmetic industry, who are currently within their bachelors, if
you can get into the to the lab, like get
to know the lab manager, knowing your analytical skills, knowing
how to set up things on how to you know,
certain hot plates, certain wattages, and just mixing things and
(03:53):
working with beakers and all that. You have to have
a certain etiquette within the lab. And on top of that,
I was already kind of mixing and dabbling within essential
oils for a company. Yes, so uh, Stefane Tidwell, a
church member of mine, actually asked me to start creating
fragrances using essential oils. Yeah, yes, for her company. So
(04:15):
I started with that as well. So it was a
little bit of both, I would say, outside doing my
own research as well as making sure, uh, within college
and within the lab, that I stayed on top of
my analytical skills. Right. I had to work FTIR or
any other type of you know, analytical equipment that you
would use in the lab and putting that on my
(04:37):
resume so that uh coming out yeah uh, the hiring
manager would know, Okay, she has analytical skills, she just
doesn't have a degree in chemistry from the lab or
like far as analytical skills from courses and classes. I
actually stayed after courses and classes and did the extra work,
so yeah, I can learn more, you know, methods.
Speaker 2 (05:00):
I want to get into some different things that are
in the beauty industry. So how do you balance safety,
efficiency and innovation of formulating products?
Speaker 3 (05:11):
So that's a really good question. So essentially I like
to stay up on far as trends, safeties. No knows
what we call the blacklist in the cosmetic industry, which is,
you know, just raw materials or ingredients that are no
longer allowed far as in cosmetic formulations. Even though the
US currently right now cosmetics isn't regulated as the EU,
(05:35):
so I typically practice the EU practice of it all
because it eventually is going to get into that. So
the US is now developing instead of cosmos like the EU,
it's now developing mocra, and so I try to essentially
make sure that I'm with those trends, which is called
the green chemistry sustainability, So definitely keeping up with those trends,
(05:59):
doing my research, making sure that you know, any raw
materials that I do decide to order, they're not on
the blacklist, they're safe and as well as the percentages used.
That's another thing too, making sure I'm up to date
on those as well. So just to make sure that
disability is safety of everything.
Speaker 2 (06:16):
Good a lot of So now I want to get
into some regulatory things and ask what are some of
the biggest regulatory hurdles you encountered while starting your line
and how did you navigate that.
Speaker 3 (06:31):
So the biggest hurdles, I would say, is going into
creating non natural, non organic products. With that you have
vendors that are you have to be connected in a
certain way. You have to literally work for alive in
order to get those raw materials. So that was a
(06:51):
hurdle and that kind of transitioned me into more so
natural and organic. When I went from cosmics to try
Care Industries in Denville, shout out to TRACA where I
was working underneath Carolina Denman who kind of gave me
the world to explore far as cosmetic formulation, and that's
(07:11):
where we got to formulate with hydrolyzed proteins that were
more so extracted from plants. And so when I discovered that, wow, like, okay,
I'm really good at making natural formulations organic formulations. And
then of course obtaining the raw materials is a lot
easier versus a patented raw material overseas, and so that
(07:35):
was kind of a challenge, like transitioning in from knowing
so much about synthetic or non organic, non natural cosmetics
into natural cosmetics, because of course Cosmics is a Korean
based skincare and a lot of Korean based skincare US
patented raw materials that nine times out of ten they
either are natural, they usually aren't natural. It's usually created
(07:56):
a lot, which it's nothing wrong with that. I'm not
necessarily there's anything wrong as long as it serves its
purpose and it does its function. But when I transitioned
to try K it was like, oh, I'm not using
all these pegs. I'm not using DMDH if anyone knows
what that is. Certain preservatives as far as even phanoxie
ethanol is just very shocker to me. It was like, oh, okay,
(08:19):
so we're not using what I'm used to. So now
I have to see how I can formulate in order
to make a formula stable. Yeah, without the non organic,
non natural raw materials. Because with those raw materials, of course,
shelf life is shorter, stability is way more sensitive, timing
is way more sensitive. Just the overall process of creating
(08:40):
that product is way more sensitive.
Speaker 2 (08:42):
So it's amazing I'm learning, Yes, amazing. So now one
to ask how do you ensure products are safe for consumers,
especially considering the chemistry involved in the product formulation To.
Speaker 3 (09:00):
Make sure that it's stables, of course, it goes on stability.
I do a three month run. All products you go
on three month run, and that's a freeze thraw. You're
at forty degrees celsius. Seventy degrees celsius and I believe
one ten degrees celsius. So I do within my own
stability at home as well as sending out to a
third party because I don't have all those ovens in
(09:22):
my apartment. But that's essentially what I do. And really
I don't release a product really about like until a
year after I actually developed it myself. Yeah, I like
to make sure that one shelf life would lasts because
like I said, I'm working with natural or panic products,
so you want to make sure shelf life is good.
There's no rancidity, there's no separation, there's no mold, any
(09:47):
little creatures falling around or growing in there. So that's
essentially what I do, keeping it with me, a trial
with me for a year, and then also sending out
to a third party lab to test so I have
those results so just in case the consumer does come back,
I'm able to say, okay, well, based off these results,
it's good. So now I need to reach out to
the suppliers and vendors and then get whatever SDS or CFA,
(10:11):
any technical document on that raw material for that lot,
specific lot that that raw material got used, and then
go over that and making sure, you know, troubleshooting shooting that,
making sure you know nothing was wrong with that lot,
and then getting back to the consumer.
Speaker 2 (10:25):
Yeah, and SCS the safety data sheet.
Speaker 3 (10:29):
Yes, Safety data CFA is a certificate of analysis.
Speaker 2 (10:34):
So thank you. I love how you were talking about
raw materials and different things, shelf life, things like that.
So how did you go about sourcing raw materials and
choosing suppliers from your product?
Speaker 3 (10:46):
Yeah? Okay, so I knew suppliers and uh raw material
vendors from being within the industry working at Cosmics Trika.
So I've always kept those connections. I've always kept kept
that you know, line of communication. So then and I
knew based off of studying their SDSS and their civa's
and basically they're really good vendors and raumaterial suppliers. So
(11:09):
I kind of carried that into my own business. I
was kind of want to keep creating how can I
say industry level cosmetics? Y uh, just within my own brands.
I love it.
Speaker 1 (11:19):
That's exciting.
Speaker 2 (11:21):
So you kind of talked about challenges I heard as
you first saw when you were finding things. How did
after that? How did you convey your branding? How did
you how did social media play a role? When you're
new it's hard starting out, right, So what helped you
with marketing getting your cosmetics out there? Cause some people
can say, hey, this is my brand, get for me.
I made good things.
Speaker 3 (11:40):
Too, right, So it actually happened by our accident. It's
a really funny story. So while I was working with
tra K, of course uh covid head was coming around, right,
and unfortunately I was furlough However, because I was in time.
So however, within the last week of being there at TRICA,
I kind of was just bringing my own products home
(12:03):
and sharing them within my family, my friends, on community,
and people were like, you made this, you made these products. Yeah,
you get really good at making products. Like you want products,
you want more products. So then I said, okay, covid
shut everything down, of course, and I said I don't
want to stop formulating. This is my dream, this is
my god given talent. I have to continue this for
(12:26):
my community, my peers, people just within my f you know,
around me. And then I started selling, you know, mixing
and out of the kitchen, out of my parents' kitchen,
mixing and selling of course, and then people were it was,
you know, getting bigger and bigger, people sharing it on Instagram.
Of course. Instagram was the first biggest thing, and people
were sharing it. And then before I knew it, people
(12:49):
that was out of the state of New Jersey, which
is where I started, were contacting like can you ship
me this? Yeah, I want some my friends and I
just started shipping and then it was like, okay, I
need a website to really get this is something. It
just kind of snowballs into you know this big which
is now self Worth Cosmetics.
Speaker 1 (13:07):
Yes, that's so, it's gonna says lads.
Speaker 2 (13:08):
Your brand, that's self Worth Cosmetics, self Worth Cosmetics.
Speaker 3 (13:12):
It's inspired of course. My name is Shanaia Williams and
it's my story behind self Worth Cosmetics is basically knowing
your worth and simply knowing that you deserve everything you
desire just by simply existing, just by being a child
with God.
Speaker 1 (13:27):
So I love yes, so sun to have you.
Speaker 2 (13:31):
So you've spoke about how you got to Brandon Market, right,
how do you convey the scientific, scientific and technical aspects
of your products to consumers that.
Speaker 3 (13:40):
May not have a chemistry background. Yes, so I've actually
just started doing this. I just started educating my consumers
instead of just putting the formula on there, because not
everybody knows what it means. So right now I'm on
TikTok actually and basically teaching little sixty second videos. In
a sense of teaching my consumer is what type of
(14:01):
raw materials are not only in my products, but when
they go out and they see it on the shelves,
what they're looking at and what they're purchasing and consuming.
So that's more so what I'm doing now, just more
so doing little short videos and clips and making sure
on the website that it's very descriptive of bar as
the raw material. And nine times out of ten it's natural.
It's not anything that you can't pronounce or it looks
(14:24):
like it's just a made of worse. Yeah, yeah, well excellent.
Speaker 2 (14:28):
So you talked about starting it from the ground up.
You just in the middle of a pandemic when resources
are scarce. So what advice would you give to someone
with the chemistry background who's interested in starting your own
cosmetic line, Like something you've learned along the way.
Speaker 3 (14:44):
Something I learned along the way is don't burn your bridges.
Network the cosmetic industry, even though it's large, it's very small,
Like just for instance, someone here in the US may
know someone over in the EU and recommend you for instance.
That's just how I got my position now. So it's
(15:05):
just kind of like, keep your networking, do the hard work,
yes if you can, especially if you're starting out, do
the legwork. Crawl before you walk, don't be don't let
the degree make you think that you could just fly.
We still I know the degree was a lot of
hard work, and that was one of the challenges that
I face my ego. It was like I want to
(15:27):
tell future chemists is that and to anyone. You can
have all the ingredients to bake a cake, but you
can still make a dry cake. You know what I'm saying.
You don't have the procedure how to put things, how
to what temperatures what, and the details on how to
actually build a formula is way more important than worrying
(15:49):
about far as the raw material vendor. I mean that's
important too. You have to know how to put things together.
You can't just go out and grab and and just
cross your fingers. You can, but if you want to
sell it to other consumers besides those fist of your community,
make sure you do the work. The leg work is
not a I tell people it is not a certificate
(16:16):
in a sense program. It takes years of training and
continue training. I still have to train leaven as a
cosmetic science. You know, even master cosmetic formulators and mixers
and maactors, they're still constantly training and learning because science
is always update. It's always a different way to do something.
It's always something better or more easier something, so you
(16:37):
have to stay on top of that.
Speaker 1 (16:39):
I love it thank you.
Speaker 2 (16:40):
Thank you for sharing that, because it's hard and people
just see the success and they don't understand the.
Speaker 1 (16:44):
Background work, the research, the understanding.
Speaker 3 (16:47):
That many sleepless nights, many sleepless nights, many staying after five,
coming in at seven am, leaving at seven pm, just
to really learn the work and make the connections. Because
it's another thing when scientists who are you know, who
are not I don't want to say above you, but
ahead of you, have more experience than you. If they
(17:09):
see that you're not willing to do the groundwork, they're
not going to teach you the skills to make you
be successful. Yeah, I like them. So you have to
show people an effort, and that's with anything I believe
show people will effort and then they'll teach you all
the gems and they'll open the treasure box of gems.
Speaker 2 (17:30):
Thank you for that. Are there any specific skills outside
of chemistry that you found particularly useful as a cosmetics entrepreneur.
Speaker 3 (17:39):
Yes, I'm a really good baker. I'm a really good baker.
As far as cooking and everything, that's a little bit different.
But when it comes down to pastries and everything.
Speaker 1 (17:49):
You have to be exactly measurement and.
Speaker 3 (17:55):
Really good baker. And then also you have to be
very detailed with everything. Being with that, it's like I'm
very detailed with everything, even speaking or telling. I got
to tell too much detail. So that's another thing of
soft skill that I bring, be very thorough communication, which
is why I teach at universities now cosmetic formulation. Yeah,
(18:17):
because there wasn't kind of a road path for me,
so I said, you know what, let me provide that
road path now that I'm grateful to have gotten through
those doors instead at those tables that you create a
roadpath for those who can get a BS and also
who can't get a BS. Yeah, everyone deserves a path
out for them. So I love that.
Speaker 2 (18:36):
That's what this channel is about, giving back, having a
platform where we can hear tips for success along the journey,
things we wish we had known, things our mentors have
poured in us, so we can pour it into other
people that might not have the same resources. So that's
why I'm super excited and grateful that you are here today.
And I love that you're giving back and paying it
forward and making it better for our next generation of
leaders because that's so needed.
Speaker 3 (18:57):
Yes, and I need you guys to keep me young.
I can't stay alive. Yeah, I need other chemists underneath
me so we could keep me young and young looking.
Speaker 1 (19:08):
Yeah, I love I love that.
Speaker 2 (19:11):
So, I know you were just talking about how science
changes all the time, technology innovations come. How do you
see the future of the cosmetics industry evolving in relation
to these scientific advancements that we see day to day.
Speaker 3 (19:23):
So what I see happening in the future, of course,
is now we're using nanotechnology, nanoparticles, very small nanoparticles, as
well as more so I also feel as if like
there's going to be more so going into nature, like
for instance, one of the trends is of fungi and
mushrooms now more so using you know, things that you
(19:46):
normally wouldn't go towards, and then seeking the benefit out
of that and putting it into cosmetics. I really feel
like this is what's the next trend is as far
as instead of polishing, it's more so nurturing. Does that
make sense, Like, yeah, yeah, it is. I feel like
that's where it's kind of going towards, especially with mokra
(20:09):
and kind of adopting cosmos and EU and I think
that's where we're slowly starting to shift in towards more
kind of just more natural, more organic, but still a
balance of still using technology, younal particles, you know, all that.
So that's what I see it going into. That's awesome.
Speaker 1 (20:28):
Thank you for sharing that.
Speaker 2 (20:30):
Are there any emergent trends or technologies in chemistry that
you're excited to explore for future products?
Speaker 1 (20:36):
Yes?
Speaker 3 (20:36):
So currently right now, I love these reusable far as componentry,
where you can basically like reuse the component itself. You're
not just constantly buying a new component. You get refillables.
I love those, yeah. And then another as far as
cosmetics trend, I'm really loving like the duos of products
(20:58):
like it can be used for more than.
Speaker 1 (21:00):
One, like lipstick and blood purpose exactly.
Speaker 3 (21:04):
I'm really loving that. And then lastly, what I'm really
loving is the more so the color it is within
the cosmics that's coming through right now. It's it's not
just your chipical clean. Now people are using more yellows, black,
the real dominant you call colors versus just the kind
(21:24):
of clean.
Speaker 1 (21:25):
Neutrals and the okay colors neutrals.
Speaker 3 (21:29):
Yeah, so then you see people with you know, different packaging,
and then just the product itself. It's very like eye catching,
and it was before, but now I feel like with
technology it's going to be even more. I'm surprised that
it's not like you know, components with like you know,
a little thing going back like the thing you can
read it. So yeah, I'm really excited to see where
it goes. You know, this is the future.
Speaker 1 (21:52):
Yeah, I'm excited.
Speaker 2 (21:53):
Think all right, so we're going to go back to
your sym journey. You've shared so many great things about
the makeup industry, formulations, your skills, your background. So I
wanted to ask do you have any role models or
mentors that have influenced your journey in stam Yes, I
will have to.
Speaker 3 (22:08):
Say Nikita Wilson, who is the VP of product Development
for Pattern Beauty, which is Tracy Ellis Ross. She is
my current mentor, and she has essentially kind of guided
me and pushed me through each phase of my life,
whether I was unemployed, whether I was working. She has
(22:29):
consistently been a light even though she does work for
someone far as work underneath someone else another company Pattern,
she has been so supportive in my you know, entrepreneurship
and entrepreneur journey as a cosmetic chemist and not being
behind the bench far as you know, just R and ding,
which a lot of chemists do. Get stuck in research
(22:50):
and development, Yes, research use me research and development. Yes,
and we're STEM, so we know R and d ye.
So yes, a lot of people tend to get comfortable.
I almost to get stuck. I also get comfortable behind
the bench and the fact that I'm kind of coming
around from the bench taking those skills and taking that
(23:11):
knowledge and spreading it, and then as well as heart
assisting me on my knowledge and guiding me and making
sure that I'm still doing the correct things, making sure
I'm still up to date on cosmetic formulations and procedures
and events B to B trade shows and all that.
So yes, Nikita Wilson has definitely been the best mentor
texting great.
Speaker 2 (23:32):
So were there any challenges that you faced growing up
that made your SIM pursuing your SIM career difficult.
Speaker 3 (23:38):
Yes, I was not going to MAP. I was. It's
weird how like a lot of people who are in
STEM are really good at math, but wasn't essentially when
they were younger. So elementary school, I was in those
extra classes and they pull you out in regular class.
But you know, yeah, so I was, and but no,
(23:58):
this is a testimony, right, So it's just kind of like,
I wasn't the best at math. I was getting c's
and d's at math, and the Moviequ's House, My Mom's House,
A sea is failing, so you can't you can't get
any cs, and that kind of that honestly pushed me
to really go after chemistry. Was just like I kind
(24:19):
of already knew that math wasn't a strong skill. I
wanted to make it a strong skill instead of it
still being something weak that I go into adulthood with
because you know, math is everything money. So that was
one of the challenging things I would say, far as
in stem I was not the best. I wasn't a mathematician.
Speaker 2 (24:41):
I wasn't. So it's good you overcame it, overcame it.
You're here now you see, Yeah, you're not linear, but
you can.
Speaker 3 (24:47):
Make it, right I got. I got through qualum physics
and physical chemistry. So if I could do it, and
you could do it too. If you're in courses right now,
far as your hard courses, you got this. Just stay
in the professor's office and face.
Speaker 1 (25:00):
Yes, study your resources.
Speaker 2 (25:02):
And Dahney YouTube cons Academy can be your best friend.
That's how I'm back through my last semesters Academy. Well,
I'm excited about this next question because we get to
learn a little more about you and your accomplishment. So
what is one project or accomplishment that you're particularly proud
of in your STEM career.
Speaker 3 (25:21):
Oh, it was making an edge control. Being able to
make an edge control like an in house at home,
not in a lab where you have other chemists or
team meant in that tainments, but you know people who
are on your team to be able to guide you
and tell you, hey, don't add too much of this,
don't add too much of that. It took me two
years to develop this edge control, and even still I
(25:42):
have to submit it for a third party making sure
that it's stable and everything. And this literally just happened
about a month ago, and I am so proud of
myself because I spent so much money, yes, so much time, trials, trials, errors, fails,
But when it happened, it was like, oh my god,
(26:03):
like you know, because it was you were I was
still doing the same procedure. And that's the thing about
figuring it out right. You think it's your procedure, you
think it's your raw material. So you're swapping out things,
You're swapping out this, you're swapping out that, and then
you have to basically find a method where everything works together.
And then discovering that you know, everything worked together literally
(26:24):
because you don't know to the next day because it
has to solidify it. So I woke up and I
was like, yeah, like my mom, So that was an
edge control. Any chemist can tell you that an edge control,
it's not hard to make. It's the stability of it
and the shelf life of it. And then once it's
applied to someone's hair, you want to make sure it's
(26:46):
universal for every architecture. And you know what I'm saying.
So that was one of the most challenging yeah, that
I've done, and I've overcame, so I'm trying. I'm paying.
Speaker 2 (26:56):
Oh now I want to talk about how you already
talked about giving it, paying it, giving back. Have you
been involved in any initiatives or programs to encourage young
women or underrepresented groups to pursue them field.
Speaker 3 (27:08):
Yes. So I currently have a program within underneath Self
Worth Cosmetics called Live and Learn, and this is where
I go to colleges, community colleges, any schools. Essentially, they
reach out to me and I teach cosmetic formulation workshops.
And then I also do partner with other businesses within
the community, not just colleges, to teach cosmetic workshops for
(27:30):
those who aren't in college or who aren't even thinking
about college or college isn't for them, because college isn't
for everyone. So making sure that I have paths both
doors open to people who are going to college with
people who aren't going to college and are just trying
to figure it out. And I also work with Clinton
Scholars as well, which is a part of a Georgia
State University. It's a cohort. I do that as well
(27:53):
and their students at Georgia State, and I teach formulation
workshops within this sooth too. Thank you.
Speaker 1 (27:58):
That's wonderful. Those are two things that people can find
on your platforms.
Speaker 3 (28:02):
Right, yes, yes, yes, okay, perfect. Everything will be on
my website far as live and learn.
Speaker 1 (28:09):
So yeah, okay, y'all come get her.
Speaker 3 (28:12):
Yes, it's like if you want a book and you
want a formulation workshop, and it just doesn't have to
be students that also bring you all adults or girls, like,
how would you want to do it?
Speaker 1 (28:20):
Yes?
Speaker 3 (28:21):
Excellent. Yes.
Speaker 2 (28:22):
So now before our last question, I want to ask,
looking back, is there anything you would have done differently
in your stam journey.
Speaker 1 (28:31):
No, that's awesome, that's good because it really makes you
who you are today.
Speaker 3 (28:35):
Yeah, no, I would. I wouldn't change a thing, not
even what happened this morning.
Speaker 2 (28:41):
Y'all had a morning, but this episode is here and
learning about greatness.
Speaker 1 (28:47):
Thank God provides just now.
Speaker 3 (28:49):
That you were an angels, thank you, Oh my gosh.
But I wouldn't change anything because, like you said, then
I wouldn't be here today being able to speak and
share all show people that you know, STEM cosmetic chemistry
is a real job and it can go into so
many different avenues as far as regulatory quality. You don't
(29:11):
have to just be behind the bench, you don't have
to be a batcher. You could do so many things,
product development, there's so many different avenues behind cosmetic chemistry.
It's just that you know, we're the biggest dollar in
this cosmetic industry, but with at least in the lab.
So that's my main goal is to get more of
us in the lab because our skin is different. You know,
that's one thing that you learn in the lab and
(29:32):
cosmetic science that you know, Caucasian skin has blue undertones
and then our skin has red and gold undertones. And
the sides of melonsytes. Everyone has melonsytes, right, but ours
are larger. So therefore, and that's on the epidermis. Just
I'm sorry, and that's on the epidermist. So when you
have larger melonsytes on the epidermist, like it absorbs better,
(29:54):
it's better ud protection. But we still need to wear
sunscreen every day, every occasion, every season, and where sunscreen
everyone spfps fit these specifically.
Speaker 1 (30:06):
People need that. We need that, we need to know,
we need to know what to wear, we need to
know what to change.
Speaker 3 (30:10):
So my first piece of advice is, do not take
advice from anyone who you don't want to feature, like
who doesn't know what it's like to be in STEM,
whether they have a degree or not, because you're the
one that's researching STEM. You're the one who wants to
be in STEM. Yeah, So that's that's my first piece
of advice. Don't just get discouraged by losers. My second
(30:31):
piece of advice is to always have this warrior mindset
I know, and I've noticed I'm saying warrior, not warrior.
You can't worry about things. So the mindset that has
kept me through even those hurdles of just being the
only black woman in lab and it being uncomfortable in
those situations, I did not give up, and I'm not
(30:53):
gonna give up. There's nothing in this world that will
stop me from doing what I need to do and
teaching cosmetic chemistry. To those who are watching. Whatever it
is that you want to do, do not give up,
no matter if death comes. Of course not to you,
but but you know what I'm saying. If things, if
uncontrollable circumstances comes your way, do not. Because I've been
(31:16):
through uncontrolled circumstances, losing a parent, losing a child, Do
not stop. Don't for whatever reason. And then the last
bit of advice is to rest. This may sound on
top of all the other good things like networking and
all that. Oh yeah, you guys already know that. But
(31:37):
the things that nobody else tells you to get rest,
Get your rest. Do not overwhelm yourself life as hard
as it is. Enough. You have to keep roof over
your head and be an adult, or take care of
yourself as it is. Make sure you're getting your rest
within this industry, making sure that you're not overwhelming yourself
(31:57):
with formulas, trying to learn to talking to too many
people as far as at one time, and then it
burns you out and then the passion leaves you. So
that's my biggest my top three I would say, because yeah,
don't take advice from anyone you don't want to be like,
have a warrior mindset. Nothing that happens will ever be
able to stop you, even if it's uncontrollable situations.
Speaker 1 (32:20):
All right, Rush, Okay, thank you.
Speaker 2 (32:24):
Janaya, thank you for joining, Thank you for coming on
all Thanks day with Ashley and being the best. Guess
I'm super excited about your episode. We made it new
every hurdle too today oh for hurdles and this all
this will be shown to the world, yes, and we
appreciate you. Please like, comment and subscribe and we will
see you next time.
Speaker 3 (32:44):
Bye.
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