In the "Product & Packaging Powerhouse" Megan Young Gamble interviews powerhouse guest Cynthia Johnson, Founder and CEO of Cindy J Cosmetic Labs, LLC, who breaks down the power and importance of owning your own cosmetic formulation, both for legacy and legal reasons. Cynthia shares her journey into cosmetic science, the benefits of custom formulations over private labels, and why indie beauty brands should invest in testing, consumer evaluation, and compliance from day one. She introduces her “Cosmetic Concept” planner to help brands map out their product launch journey and discusses her lab’s new small-batch manufacturing option to help brands test the market without massive inventory. The conversation also touches on sustainability in formulations, how tariffs impact raw material sourcing, and why beauty entrepreneurs should take ownership seriously if they want long-term growth and credibility in the industry.

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[Megan Young Gamble Links]

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[Powerhouse Guest Cynthia’s LINKS]

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cynthiajohnson0512/
• Email Address: [email protected]
• Company Website: https://cindyjlabs.com/
• Cosmetic concept planner : https://thecosmeticconceptllc.com/products/the-planner-for-product-development
• The Cindy J Expo : https://cindyjlabs.com/cindy-j-expo/
• Black Women in Cosmetic Chemistry NGO : https://www.bwiccinc.org/

Additional Links -

• Listen to the podcast on “the Power of Brand Value & Resilience in Procurement” - Rachel Hassall, VP of Procurement @ Harvest Hill Beverage. Listen here
• Cosmetic software recommended by Cynthia : Ithos

Quotes:

1. If you don’t own the formula, you don’t own the brand.
2. Please, please, please do package compatibility. It’s imperative.
3. Consumer evaluation is not optional, it’s essential.
4. Custom formulation without ownership is like renting your own vision.
5. Your team comes before your accomplishments.
6. Be okay with starting small. You don’t need 1,000 units to make an impact.