Uniquely Tailored for Your Brand - Divinity Cosmetic Labs

Team Subkit -

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal care but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Alexis Forbes-Moorehead, Lead Formulation Chemist of Divinity Cosmetic Labs, located in Port Saint Lucie, FL, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

I am the proud Chief Executive Officer of Forbes and Moorehead Holdings. I serve as the Lead Formulation Chemist for our subsidiaries, Divinity Cosmetic Labs, Divinity Cosmetic Supply, and Divinity Hair & Skin Co. Divinity Cosmetic Labs is a cosmetic research and development laboratory that develops custom cosmetic formulas, performs batch and stability testing, and provides consulting services to beautypreneur worldwide. Divinity Cometic Supply is our wholesale company that supplies raw materials and ingredients for DIYers, handcrafters, and beautypreneur to create their divine beauty innovations. Last but not least, Divinity Hair & Skin Company is our line that features hair and skin care products crafted exclusively for combination skin and dry, damaged hair.

Tell us about yourself

It all started from an assignment that I completed during my undergraduate studies at Florida International University. We had an assignment where we'd watch a Ted Talk entitled "Toxic Baby," led by Penelope Jagessar and Dr. Tyrone Hayes. That video truly piqued my interest and left me seeking knowledge on chemicals and their effects on the body, both internally and externally. That is where my love for science and cosmetics began. Upon completing my undergraduate studies, I attended the Institute of Personal Care Science to obtain my diploma in Personal Care Formulation. After years of formulating "under the table," I established my own laboratory in May 2022 and supply company in October 2022. I am finishing my Master's in Business Administration with a concentration in entrepreneurship and family enterprise from Louisiana State University in Shreveport in December 2023. I intend to provide business consulting services to other beautypreneurs out there to assist them on their journey to success in this growing industry. I am a proud wife, mother of three lovely children, and cat mom to four lovely furbabies.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment as a business owner is definitely developing products that have made it onto the shelves of major retailers. Nothing feels more rewarding than hearing my clients' squeals of excitement when they notify me about the such great news. It makes me feel good to know that I played a part in helping my client's dreams come true and exceeding their expectations.

What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?

One of the hardest things about being a business owner for me is not being able to serve everyone. Product development is an investment that not too many emerging brands can afford. I, too, can relate to starting a business with limited funding. I am a solutions-based person, so instead of constantly feeling guilty, I have begun to work on a solution. I've collaborated with a web developer to develop a tool that will generate formulations that are user-customizable based on the parameters I set for each product type. It is an affordable remedy for those who can't afford full custom formulation services. My overall goal is to help emerging brands develop safe, effective beauty innovations backed by science and save them time as well as money on supplies.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

My top 3 tips for anyone looking to start, run, and grow a business today are:

  1. INVEST, INVEST, INVEST! Invest in working with or consulting with a professional in your field, or invest in your education. There is loads of misinformation online, specifically in the cosmetic and personal care industries, that could land you in hot water or irreversibly damage your brand before it meets its true potential.
  2. Transform your mindset from worker to entrepreneur. Consider each purchase as an investment rather than a cost. It takes money to make money. Your company will only go as far as you allow it to. Hustlers make money to survive entrepreneurs make money to build wealth.
  3. Believe in yourself. No matter how hard things may seem, even if no one supports you, keep going. There are millions of people out there who need your product or service. Speak your success into existence. Don't allow anyone to minimize your accomplishments. Celebrate every completed milestone, no matter how insignificant it may seem. You got this!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.divinitycosmeticlabs.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/divinitycosmeticlabs
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bizwithlexi/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/bizwithlexi
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexisforbes-moorehead/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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