Female Founder Name: Jacinta Meyers
Business Name: Formulation Advisory Cosmetic Testing Service
Website: cosmetictestingservices.com
Tell us about your business. What products or services do you offer?: F.A.C.T.S supports the cosmetic industry by conducting laboratory testing to ensure cosmetic and personal care products are safe for use as intended and that they comply with global regulations.
What inspired you to start your business?: I was frustrated that smaller businesses were missing out on personalised service and professional guidance to make informed decisions when booking their products for testing.
How long have you been running your business?: My business has been operating for 3-4 years.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced as a woman in business, and how did you overcome it?: I’ve found logistics to be extremely challenging, particularly importing and customs clearance of equipment. I overcome logistics challenges by working with brokers and speaking with other people who have more experience in this than me.
What has been your proudest moment as a business owner?: As a business owner my proudest moment was when my first client put their trust in me to develop and test a finished product for them.
What strategies have helped you grow your business?: To help grow my business I have done a lot of market research, and I have utilised free services that provide support for small business. Careful planning has been important for me.
What tools or resources have been game-changers for your business?: A major game changer for me has been networking. Attending industry days, conferences and supplier events has been very beneficial.
Can you share one key lesson you’ve learned about managing finances as a business owner?: I’ve learned to not deviate from my policies regarding payment terms and release of information.
How do you balance the demands of your business with your personal life?: At the moment, the balance isn’t there. I’m currently making a lot of sacrifices with my personal life to have a successful business. I am about to implement some time saving strategies to free up more time.
What leadership qualities do you believe are essential for running a successful business?: Visionary
Inspirational
Adaptability
Resilience
Creativity
Accountability
How do you motivate and manage your team?: By setting clear expectations and using a consultative and participative management style.
What role does mentorship or networking play in your business journey?: It has played a huge role! Mentorship has kept me on track to achieve my goals. Networking has helped increase my knowledge, it has helped me keep up with market trends & it has been great for communicating my services.
What trends do you think will shape your industry in the coming years?: I believe there will be a reemergence of previous trends but with a modern interpretation e.g., using less products but products with greater efficiency.
How do you stay ahead of the competition in your industry?: Implementing streamlined systems and processes to be more efficient and by providing personalised service for each of my clients.
Who or what inspires you in your business journey?: My clients. I genuinely want to see them succeed.
What books, podcasts, or resources have had the biggest impact on your professional growth?: Published scientific research papers and resources that have been made available through enrolment in different courses.
What’s a fun fact about you that most people wouldn’t know?: I enjoy riding my motorcycle in my spare time.
What’s one thing you wish more people knew about your business?: That I offer microbiological testing, including Preservative Efficacy Testing.
Reflecting on your time in business, what is one piece of advice you would give to another woman to help her on her business journey?: There are lots of free services and resources that can be utilised to help build and improve your business.
How can people connect with you or learn more about your business? (e.g., website, social media, etc.): Email: getthefacts@cosmetictestingservices.com
