I, with absolutely zero understanding or knowledge of chemistry (not even a standard UK GCSE qualification), ended up diving headfirst into the captivating world of cosmetic sciences. Certainly, it’s a journey filled with surprises, epiphanies, and a whole lot of laughter!

Picture this: me, an ambitious soul with a growing desire to make a difference in the beauty industry. I had no clue about the impact the products I used could have on my health. That is, until I became pregnant with my precious daughter. Suddenly, I found myself hyper-conscious about everything I put on, as well as inside, my body.

But here’s the kicker—I couldn’t even decipher the cryptic ingredient lists on product packaging. It was like trying to read an ancient, alien language. I needed a decoder ring just to understand what I was slathering onto my hair and scalp. It was a comical dance of confusion!

I was actually more knowledgeable about the application of these products onto the unique heads where curls and coils live than the expert formulators I sought support from in product development. With years of hands-on experience caring for and styling hair, I had an innate understanding of what worked and what didn’t. It was my secret superpower – That’s when the light bulb flickered to life. I wanted to be confident and certain that the products I used and, eventually, created myself were indeed the best of the best. I didn’t want to settle for the same old thing everyone else had on their shelves – No shade to ‘white label’ brands and products. But that was not my portion – no sir, I craved true innovation—a spark of uniqueness that would set my creations apart.

So, armed with determination, and a thirst for knowledge, I embarked on a journey that would make any chemist chuckle. I enrolled a few advanced haircare formulation and cosmetic sciences courses and surrounded by brilliant minds. Chemistry became my partner in crime, and together, we tackled formulas, reactions, and elements with a side dish of innovation!

Sure, there were moments of confusion. Chemical equations looked more like abstract art to my untrained eyes. But I persevered, driven by a burning desire to create products that were not only effective but also safe for me, my children, my clients and my community.

With every new concept I grasped, every successful experiment in my lab (aka my studio), I gained confidence. I became the mad scientist of beauty, mixing potions and concoctions with a flair that only someone who had no clue what they were doing could possess. And you know what? It was magnificent.

So here I stand today, a qualified cosmetic scientist, armed with the knowledge that true innovation comes from thinking outside of the box, from a place of passion and a willingness to take risks. I may not have a chemistry degree, but I have something even more valuable—curiosity and a drive to make a difference.

So, I urge you to embrace the unexpected paths that life presents. Don’t be afraid to venture into uncharted territories, armed with your own unique talents. Who knows? You might just uncover your own hidden superpower and revolutionize an entire industry.

Together, let’s create a world of beauty that is as extraordinary and diverse as each and every one of us.

Stay fabulous, stay curious, and keep rocking that unique spark of innovation!