On Wednesday, was the inaugural Cosmetic Chemistry Connection event and it was a HUGE success. Cosmetic Chemistry Connections is the brainchild of Madeka Panchoo, Managing Director of 33 Boroughs Consultancy Ltd which specialises in corporate responsibility programmes. Working with Generating Genius, a charity, that works with high achieving students from disadvantaged communities, the programme aims to encourage girls aged 16+ from the BME (black and minority ethnic) community to pursue a career in chemistry.
Approximately twenty talented Chemistry A-Level students from three local schools attended the jam packed day generously hosted at Christ the King College in Lewisham
Natalie Clue started the day talking about her journey from UCL studying Genetics, to working in a lab then moving to merchandising and buying for high profile beauty companies before setting up her own marketing consultancy.
Natalie spoke about the benefits of attending a Russell Group university and striving to be the best that you can be. A science degree does not restrict your future career options but opens them up as employers in all sectors need people who can think analytically.
This was followed by Misha Terrett aka ‘Miss’ who studied Cosmetic Science at the London College of Fashion. With her experience in product development she spoke about the range of scientific disciplines that are involved in making cosmetics.
Shampoos, what they are and how they work were discussed in some detail because… after a short break, we headed to the lab to make shampoo. Yes. Really.
The secondary surfactant Cocamidopropyl Betaine – check your shampoo to see if this ingredient is in it.
Safety first – lab coats and goggles
When I was a student, we used pH paper… now they have pH monitors…
But the beakers are the same as in my day!
Misha aka ‘Miss’ helping a student
Alicia with students
Natalie with students
Segun pretending to be a student!
Madeka with students
For me this was the most exciting part of the day. The students were given the recipe, the ingredients were laid out and the groups set to work. In less then two hours, two different types of shampoo were made. Theory became reality and the reality is, with the right equipment and a bit of know how, you can make shampoo.
Surfactants and water mixing
Add some fragrance
And some colour
Check the pH
Et voila – shampoo!
After lunch Natalie explained how to create a marketing and PR strategy. In their groups, the students came up with the name for their brand, and their product, defined their USP, considered their target market and age group (apparently if you are over thirty you are middle aged?!?!?!) where the product would be sold and the price.
Using magazines for inspiration they created moodboards for their products
They then presented their work to the team of judges X Factor style The judging panel included Antonia Burrell, super facialist with an award-winning skincare brand, Foluke Akinlose creator of online magazine Precious and Connie Jackson, General Manager of Fashion Fair UK
The work that was done on the day was really high quality. These students know their chemistry and they picked up the marketing and PR elements really quickly. Three prizes were awarded.
Third place were Aroma Natural
Second place were Rose en Noir
The only male student to attend was part of the winning team.
Tony with winners team Phoenix
It is not an overstatement to say that the day was inspirational. After the lab session the students really understood that Cosmetic Chemistry was a real career prospect which would give them a real opportunity to make a change in the cosmetics industry and cater for their needs.
Huge thanks to Madeka and Tony for letting me be a part of the day. It was brilliant. Thanks to the blogger camera, I became the unofficial photographer for the day. You will find more pictures on the Generating Genius website.
Congratulations to Natalie and Misha for creating a stimulating but fun day for the students and helping them to realise that their dreams are attainable.
Thanks to the guest judges Antonia Burrell, Connie Jackson and Foluke Akinlose
Big hug to my fellow volunteers Segun and Alicia who made the day so much fun for both me and the students – see you guys at the next one!
For more information about the initiative contact:-
Madeka: www.33boroughs.com or Tony: www.generatinggenius.org.uk