Glam Chemist Podcast

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 details

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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.