The Glam Chemist Podcast

Brian Carpenter is a PR professional based in Manhattan, New York City. With a passion for authenticity, Brian aims to bring genuine human connection to his work to not only celebrate the brands and ideas he represents, but the people that have created and use them as well. Brian has been representing the DECIEM brands, The Ordinary and NIOD, for 4 years and was one of the first corporate hires for the brand in the United States. Working with an amazing team, Brian's day to day responsibilities include overseeing North America's implementation of global communication strategies - while wearing a few other hats as well for a holistic understanding of the brand.

Perry Romanowski and Valerie George are cosmetic scientists and formulators who have been working in the cosmetic industry for nearly 40 years combined. They have been writing and recording the Beauty Brains podcast together since December 2018. Perry Romanowski is a writer, cosmetic chemist, Inventor, scientist, instructor, futurologist, and thought leader. He’s also the founder of the Chemists Corner blog and training program. He also has the longest-running streak done while joggling. Valerie George is a cosmetic chemist, science communicator, educator, leader, and avid proponent of transparency in the beauty industry. She works on the latest research in hair color and hair care.

Mica Oba is a formulation chemist, product developer, and science writer with experience in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries with over 10 years of experience. She received her B.S. in pharmaceutical chemistry from UC Davis and her M.S. in pharmaceutical chemistry with a cosmetic science emphasis from the University of Cincinnati. While working as a formulation chemist and science writer in the pharmaceutical industry, she runs Geek Makeup Wisdom on the side--a website where she shares her thoughts on cosmetic chemistry as well as tips on becoming a cosmetic chemist. Through Geek Makeup Wisdom, she teaches an online introductory formulation course for budding cosmetic chemists. When she needs a break from cosmetic chemistry, Mica dabbles in astronomy as part of the PR & Marketing Committee for the Robert Ferguson Observatory.

Our guest, Nermina Brljak is a fourth-year chemistry PhD student at the University of Miami conducting research in nanotechnology. Her research involves the study of the interactions between peptides and nanomaterials. Nermina shares her experience as a graduate of Florida State University, teaching and pursuing a PhD degree. with a B.S. degree in chemistry and become a math teacher before pursuing my PhD degree. Nermina loves STEM outreach and science communication. We are lucky to have her share some tips to success as a PhD student. 

Today's guest is Jasmine Cubuk, a 5th year PhD Candidate in the Biochemistry, Biophysics, and Structural Biology program at WashU. Jasmine currently studies intrinsically disordered proteins. In an attempt to advance research in regards to the current pandemic, Jasmine's lab work is focused on the SARS-CoV-2 Nucleocapsid protein. In this conversation, Jasmine shares tons of information about her introduction to STEM and road completing the PhD. Jasmine believes that science is for everyone, and loves seeing more women in the field.

Just a message from our host, Genesis Velazquez thanking you for all of your support this past year. 

Kyesha Chew is an aspiring cosmetic chemist and esthetician with a passion for skincare. She provides unique consulting services providing education and resources to Beauty Kitchen Formulators. Kyesha has a diploma in skincare and haircare formulation and is working on becoming a licensed esthetician. Kyesha shares the story of how she started her own beauty brand, developed her consulting business, and is now inspired to become a cosmetic chemist. 

Rachel Robertson Johnson is the Founder and Chief Cosmetic Chemist of The Charismatic Chemist LLC. She has served the cosmetic industry for the last 7-8 years as a cosmetic chemist in the contract manufacturing sector. Throughout her career, she has formulated skincare, color cosmetics, and over-the-counter products for more than 500 growing beauty brands. Her ability to provide cutting-edge solutions for clean, organic and natural formulations has awarded several beauty innovation awards. Her work and accomplishments thus far, have afforded her the honor of receiving the 2020 Valdosta State University Distinguished Alumni Award.

Asia Fee is a Chinese-American Chemist and founder of Alchemist Asia! She graduated with her BS in Chemistry from California State University, Channel Islands, and worked as a Lab Technician for Parker Hannifin Corp. In this episode with Asia, we chat all about working remotely and how to be a successful Chemist while being remote! She now lives in Alaska as a remote Formulation Chemist, STEM Personnel/Speaker, and Content Creator.

Cynthia Johnson is the Founder & CEO of Cindy J Cosmetic Labs, LLC. She is a cosmetic chemist with years of experience in the cosmetic industry. Her goal is to first educate, then formulate. Cynthia helps business owners gain knowledge behind their product; moreover, turns their product into their own testimony.

 In this episode, Cynthia explains how she built her client list and social media base by promoting her business online. Cynthia shares with us some tips and tricks to succeeding in the cosmetic industry using social media.

Esther Olu is a R&D formulation chemist that helps bring creative cosmetic innovations from the lab to the shelves of retailers you know and love. Her expertise has been featured in many publications, such as Vogue Business, Sunday Times, the Financial Times, and more. She graduated from UC Riverside with a dual degree in Chemistry and Media & Cultural Studies, and more recently with honors from the University of Cincinnati with a Masters in Pharmaceutical Science with an emphasis on cosmetic science. She is currently taking her skills further as she is training to be a licensed esthetician to continually make a difference in the lives and skin health of many.

Nicole McCardy-Miller, AKA “The Curly Chemist”, is a Senior Scientist in personal care product development. She is a proud Bahamian woman who loves to sing, eat good food, and spend time with her family. She’s also working toward having her own line of hair products one day and loves helping others prep products at home. For now, she is growing her “curly hair chemistry” Instagram page to help educate women on the science of curls and product development, and how to love their curls well. Nicole is a newlywed and currently lives in sunny Florida with her husband.

My name is Arielle Nausieda. I am a Cosmetic Chemist and also the business owner of ESSNTLS Lab where I formulated my own skin care line to set a higher standard of clean beauty with being effective, sustainable, and luxurious. I also formulate for EliteGen Innovation which allows other Indie Beauty Brands to help make their dreams come alive! The best part about my job is that I get to use my nerdy chemistry side but also let my creative side flourish and go wild.

Advice I would give my undergrad self, take the time to find yourself and really figure out what you want to do. I spent way too much money getting sucked into the idea of becoming a Dentist, then doing a MS in Pharmacology and Toxicology, and then switching gears again to do a MS in Cosmetic Science. In the end, my Cosmetic Science Masters was a great investment and allowed me to be 10 steps ahead of everyone else but I really would have been better off with just my BS in Biochemistry and simply diving into the work field and listening to seminars.

What I want everyone to know: There's a story behind every brand, person, product. Read behind just the face that you see and invest in those brands, people, or products that are going to give you more than the surface. A good skincare product should not only look pretty and make your skin better, but it should be supporting brands with missions to enhance the beauty community, taking part in social justice initiatives, and ultimately making the world a better place, as corny as that is, but why invest in someone or something that isn't going to make you or the world better.

Meet The Host: Genesis Velazquez is a chemist with a passion for beauty product innovation.  

Genesis has several years of experience launching skincare, personal care, hair care, and other consumer goods. She is a scientist with a passion for beauty product innovation, inspired by her love of creating pretty things and the science that brings them to life. Genesis is now the founder of Elitegen Innovation, a turn-key product development company. She works with beauty brand owners to provide R&D and product management support to help independent beauty brands launch successful products. She hopes to grow this service to build successful brands for beauty entrepreneurs big and small.

Hey listeners, 

Thank you for joining us for the first episode of a new podcast dedicated to creating a space for conversations with folks in STEM. This podcast is dedicated to everyone involved in the success of the beauty industry. Our host Genesis Velazquez gives listeners an introduction to the conversations we will be having and the reason for this podcast. 

Be sure to like and subscribe to hear more great insights from scientists, marketers, influences, and brand owners about their experiences and successes in the cosmetic industry. Join to in discussing the science behind success in the beauty industry.