If you would have told this high school student athlete that she would be a cosmetic chemist with her own laboratory, she would have thought, “There’s no way.” But we’re here, and we’re just getting started.
How It Started
It all began when I was 15 years old. When I looked at my future, I saw myself playing basketball and volleyball at a professional level. However, my professor saw something else. He knew I was fascinated with my hair and skin, and observing the time I was putting in to learn more about chemistry and the laboratory setting, he saw chemistry in my future. At the time I didn’t believe him… but he was on to something!
I successfully received my Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemistry from Lincoln University and my Master of Science Degree in Cosmetic Science from the University of Cincinnati. With my credentials, I found myself with several opportunities in the cosmetic chemistry network. However, I knew I wanted more. My technical knowledge, drive, and passion led me to tell my parents, “Instead of working in someone’s laboratory, I am going to build my own.”
I believed in my dream, and so did they! My parents equipped me with skills that have molded me into the young woman I am today, and they knew I would go far in life. In fact, they were gracious enough to give me a starting point: Cindy J Labs was born in the basement of my parents’ home in 2018.
When the pandemic hit, my business grew vastly. I moved to a salon suite and then, only a year later, a more accommodating, conducive space. Now, I am proud to say we are in a 1200-square-foot facility helping so many cosmetic business owners!
At Cindy J, our goal is to first educate and then formulate to help business owners gain knowledge behind their custom formulated product. We are built on community, accessibility, and innovation. It’s these values that have garnered our success, and our laboratory space has helped us carry out our mission statement.
From developing over 300 formulations to being featured on notable platforms, including Harper’s Bazaar, Beauty Independent, and Happi Magazine, Cindy J Labs has been and is on the come up!
The Birth of the Cosmetic Concept
However, as a small company with a spike in new business that resulted in revenue growth during the pandemic, I found myself working a lot more IN the daily operations of my business than working ON growing my business. I wore a lot of different hats and began working long hours. I didn’t really allow myself to be still or to take personal time off, and I knew this couldn’t be sustained.
To recover mentally and physically, I had to develop a plan that would bring more staffing and enlarge my vision as the #1 leading contract laboratory and soon to be manufacturer. Creating new marketing strategy tactics in this ever-changing industry led me to develop my daughter company, The Cosmetic Concept. As beautypreneurs and small businesses were brought together to gain access to beauty development resources, they found themselves better connected with chemists, consultants, and manufacturers and ultimately better positioned to turn their dream into a reality!
Pouring into the Next Generation
Cindy J has continued to expand our laboratory with new hires, most recently with our new lab bench chemist! We have invested in new technology for contract manufacturing, knowing that this business expansion will open up job opportunities and connect people with Baltimore. We have held a summer internship for aspiring chemists and marketing creators. Additionally, we’ve hosted incredible networking and educational events for cosmetic chemists, beautypreneurs, and beauty lovers including the Beauty Collective Networking Brunch and the Cindy J Expo. It doesn’t matter how big or small the company is, Cindy J Labs will always be centered around helping beautypreneurs get to the next level of their success.
I am also fortunate enough to serve as the Area IV Director of the Society of Cosmetic Chemists. This role allows me to participate in educational programs and use my voice to cultivate and advance a culture of diversity.
Cindy J Labs is committed to giving back and investing in the next generation. We couldn’t do it without your support! That 15-year-old aspiring WNBA player who turned into a cosmetic chemist and laboratory owner is so thankful you believed in her and her dream.
Want the full brand story? Check out our YouTube video about how Cindy J Labs is redefining the beauty industry!
To learn more about how to get involved with what’s happening at Cindy J Labs, email us at formulations@cindyjlabs.com.