Finding your Voice

In this episode, Genesis Velazquez sits down with Rosie Warren, cosmetic chemist and beauty educator behind @labgurrrl, for a conversation about discovering cosmetic science, finding your career path, building confidence in STEM, and turning a love of makeup into something much bigger. What started as a passion for makeup became a career that allowed her to combine formulation, creativity, research, education, and beauty.For Rosie, discovering cosmetic chemistry didn't just give her a career. It completely changed the way she saw science.If you've ever loved beauty but wondered whether you could belong in STEM, or you've ever been told that science isn't creative, this episode is for you.

In this episode of The Glam Chemist Podcast, cosmetic chemist and host Genesis Velazquez sits down with science communicator Julieta Bursztyn to discuss her journey from pre-med dreams to building a career in cosmetic science.Julieta shares how undergraduate research helped her discover her passion, why creativity is an underrated skill in STEM, and the resources every aspiring cosmetic chemist should know about. Whether you're a student exploring careers in beauty science, a chemist looking for inspiration, or simply curious about what happens behind your favorite skincare products, this episode is packed with practical advice and honest career insights.

In this episode of the Glam Chemist Podcast, I sit down with Camila Meza, a biopharmaceutical engineer at Johnson & Johnson, to discuss her journey into STEM, navigating cultural expectations as a Latina in science, and learning how to validate herself rather than constantly seeking approval from others.Camila shares how she originally dreamed of becoming a pediatrician before unexpectedly finding her passion in biopharmaceutical engineering and gene therapy. We also talk about the realities of representation in STEM, the pressure to follow more traditional career paths, and what it’s like working in a field that many people still don’t fully understand.This conversation is honest, inspiring, and full of reminders that your path does not have to look like everyone else’s to be meaningful. If you’ve ever struggled with self-doubt, changing direction, or feeling like you had to prove yourself, this episode is for you.Tune in for a conversation about science, resilience, identity, and the power of believing in yourself.

Building a beauty brand can feel like a rollercoaster, filled with highs, lows, and moments of uncertainty. In this episode, we welcome back Cynthia Johnson, founder of Cindy J Labs, to share her insights on navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship in the beauty industry.With years of experience in cosmetic chemistry and product development, Cynthia has dedicated her career to helping emerging brands bring their visions to life. Through Cindy J Labs, she provides custom formulation, strategic resources, and access to a powerful network within the industry.We dive into the realities of building a brand, from overcoming setbacks to staying motivated when things don’t go as planned. Cynthia also shares how initiatives like the Creating Beauty Together Expo and Beauty in Tech Expo are creating spaces for collaboration, innovation, and growth.This episode is a must-listen for founders, aspiring beauty entrepreneurs, and anyone looking to better understand the science and strategy behind successful brands.Visit Cindy J Labs for more information and Cindy J Expo detailsVisit Glam Chemist for more episodes

In this episode of The Glam Chemist, We speak to Melanie Byrd of Melly the Science Geek, a biochemistry and forensic science professional who has built a powerful platform translating complex science into engaging, accessible content. She pivoted toward science communication, blending humor, research literacy, and a fascination with forensic science to captivate her growing audience.In this episode, we explore how Mellie transitioned from entertainment creator to science educator. We discuss why she believes anyone can love science if it is taught the right way.Whether you are a STEM professional, student, educator, or simply science-curious, this episode will leave you thinking differently about how knowledge is shared in the digital age.

In this episode of The Glam Chemist, I’m joined by Toussaint Jordan, cosmetic scientist, marketing strategist, and founder of À La Marke, a B2B beauty marketing consultancy helping ingredient suppliers clarify their stories, elevate their collateral, and maximize their impact.Toussaint Jordan is a cosmetic chemist who successfully transitioned from the lab into marketing strategy and entrepreneurship.Toussaint’s career began in chemistry, rooted in a genuine love for science. After earning her master’s degree in chemistry, Toussaint built her career in the lab before discovering her strength in translating complex ingredient science into strategic messaging. That bridge between technical expertise and communication became the foundation of her entrepreneurial journey.If you’ve ever wondered whether your skills are transferable — or if you’re meant for something different — this conversation is your sign that the boldest experiment you’ll ever run might be on your own life.

Speaking Through the StaticLately, I’ve been carrying a weight — watching science be denied, researchers lose funding, and public trust in evidence erode in real time. At the same time, I’m preparing to step back into corporate life and grappling with what it means to “carry on as usual” when the political climate feels anything but usual.Where do I want to stand on the side of history?I talk about why science is not neutral, why beauty has always been political, and why defending evidence and truth feels urgent right now. I also share how this platform will continue to highlight the voices of scientists navigating the emotional and professional realities of this moment — and why that matters.If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, isolated, or unsure where to begin, this conversation is for you.Resources mentioned in this episode, including ways to get involved locally, are linked below:Get Involved with Indivisible: Actions, Groups, Campaigns — Find ways to call or email officials, join local action groups, host events, and start making change where you live.AAAS Take Action Toolkit for Science Advocacy — Tools to tell your science story, join communities, and contribute to evidence-based policymaking.Scientific Citizenship Initiative (SCi) – Support & Civic Science Work — Workshops and initiatives that help scientists serve communities and connect science with societal impact.

In this episode of The Glam Chemist Podcast,We sit down with Ava Perkins, cosmetic chemist, PhD candidate, and science communicator, to unpack the winding path that led her from Hawaii to Ohio and into cosmetic science.We discuss how early hands-on STEM experiences build confidence, how a single conversation can unlock an entire career path, and why networking early (and often) matters more than people admit. Ava also shares her leadership experience within the Society of Cosmetic Chemists, her commitment to science education, and why science communication is essential in today’s beauty industry.If you’re curious about cosmetic science, questioning your next step, or wondering how to turn what you love into what you do, this episode is for you.Learn more and connect with Ava Perkins and follow @ava.perki on Instagram.PLEASE SHARE & SUBSCRIBEVisit⁠ Glam Chemist Podcast⁠ for more information.Copyright, 2025. Hija de Lolita Productions

In this episode of Glam Chemist, Host Genesis Velazquez sits down with Melissa Padua, Head of Cosmetic Active Sales, to explore her path from studying biology and exploring pre-med, to working in R&D, and ultimately stepping into sales leadership within the cosmetic ingredient industry.Melissa shares how a chance moment watching How It’s Made sparked her curiosity about cosmetic manufacturing, why hands-on experience shaped her understanding of both products and people, and how blending technical expertise with creativity and strong interpersonal skills opened unexpected doors in her career.Together, they unpack the importance of soft skills in STEM, trusting yourself through career transitions, advocating for growth, and building a career that allows space for both ambition and balance.Whether you’re a cosmetic chemist, a science student, or navigating a career pivot of your own, this episode offers an honest look at how science, communication, and self-trust intersect in the beauty industry.Connect with Melissa Padua and follow her journey in cosmetic actives and beauty science: @melissa_cosactivesPLEASE SHARE & SUBSCRIBEVisit Glam Chemist Podcast for more information.Copyright, 2025. Hija de Lolita Productions

In this episode of Glam Chemist, We sit down with Asia Fee — the creative force behind Alchemist Asia — to explore how beauty, confidence, and chemistry. With a passion for makeup artistry and scientific precision, she designs products that let you express your unique style. From handcrafted lip glosses to imaginative color cosmetics, Alchemist Asia is all about blending chemistry and confidence to help you shine — inside and out.In this conversation, we dive into how she blends cosmetic chemistry with creative expression, and why bold, intentional beauty can empower you. Visit Alchemist Asia online and follow along on social media for glam content and learning more about the science behind beauty. Website: AlchemistAsia.usInstagram / Socials: @AlchemistAsiaPLEASE SHARE & SUBSCRIBEVisit⁠ Glam Chemist Podcast⁠ for more information.Copyright, 2025. Hija de Lolita Productions