Meet Shania Williams | R&D Cosmetic Chemist , HPC Auditor , Owner of Self Worth Cosmetics

We had the good fortune of connecting with Shania Williams and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Shania, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I had already chosen the name for my business, Self Worth Cosmetics, just a week after graduating with my B.S. in chemistry. It’s inspired by my own name, Shania Williams. As I began my career as a junior chemist, I quickly realized that I needed to be my own boss.

I found it challenging to maintain happiness in a traditional 9-to-5 role unless I was learning something new to enhance my skills or had the flexibility to create my own schedule, which I’m grateful to have now. My experience as an R&D chemist wasn’t easy, and I’ve never been a fan of mundane routines.

When I created my business, I didn’t just want to produce and sell products; I aimed to support other brands as well. This vision expanded into offering consultations for both new and existing personal care brands. I felt a strong desire to share my knowledge and expertise with others in the industry.

What should our readers know about your business?
My journey began in high school when I expressed my dream of becoming a makeup artist to my chemistry teacher, Ms. Reynolds. Her response, a dismissive scoff, was surprisingly motivating: “Don’t just play with makeup, go and create it.” That moment ignited my passion for combining science and beauty.

Moving from New Jersey to North Carolina to attend North Carolina A&T State University was my first significant leap, especially since I had no family nearby. After graduating, I applied to one of the world’s largest makeup manufacturers and was thrilled to land a job as an R&D chemist just a week later.

In my new role, I quickly realized I was one of only four people of color in a lab of over 100 employees. I often found other chemists coming to me to test their products, hoping to ensure they appealed to my demographic. This experience highlighted the value of the Black dollar in the cosmetic industry and the need for greater representation. It became clear that I needed to either secure a seat at the table for those who look like me or create my own opportunities. This realization fueled my commitment to return to my community and teach cosmetic formulation.

I also discovered my talent for creating multimillion-dollar formulas that are now on the shelves of major retailers. In just a few months, I excelled at developing products based on specific claims, successfully creating anti-wrinkle, anti-aging, sunscreen, and cold cream formulas.

When my contract ended and the pandemic began, I refused to let that setback define me. I continued honing my formulation skills and started selling skincare products from my parents’ home, quickly finding success.

My vision for my business extended beyond just selling products; I wanted to support other brands as well. This evolved into offering consultations for new and existing personal care brands, allowing me to share my expertise with others in the industry. extensively across the country, visiting major manufacturers, brand owners, and product handlers. My mission is to ensure they consistently maintain high standards throughout every stage of their process—from creation to the sale of finished products. This role allows me to play a critical part in safeguarding quality and compliance within the cosmetic world.
In addition to my auditing work, I’m grateful to now share my expertise in formulation at the collegiate level, empowering the next generation of creators. Teaching allows me to pass on essential skills and inspire students as they prepare to make their own impact in the field.

I want my brand to be remembered for providing a clear path and deep knowledge of formulations. My aspiration is to be recognized as one of the greatest master cosmetic scientists in history—someone who not only helped big and small brands succeed but also made a significant impact within my community through education and mentorship.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If I were to craft an ideal day in Atlanta, I would start with breakfast at either Breakfast Boys in College Park or Metro Café Diner in Stone Mountain. Both spots offer a warm, inviting atmosphere with delicious options to fuel the day ahead.

After breakfast, I would head to Hemlock Falls, one of Georgia’s stunning waterfalls, for a refreshing hike surrounded by nature. The beauty of the falls provides a perfect backdrop for inspiration and reflection.

For lunch, I recommend Life Bistro for its healthy, flavorful plant based dishes, or Tassili’s Raw Reality for a unique raw food experience. Both places embody the vibrant culinary scene in Atlanta.

In the afternoon, I would explore the Beltline, enjoying a stroll and discovering local art and pop-up shops. I’d also check for any local festivals or events happening that day, immersing myself in the community culture.

Next, I would visit some of Atlanta’s historical sites, such as the Martin Luther King Jr. House and the Ebenezer Baptist Church, to pay homage to the city’s rich civil rights history. Following this, I’d stop by Euclid Avenue for some thrift shopping, allowing me to find unique treasures.

Then, I’d visit the High Museum of Art (especially since it’s free on Fridays) to appreciate the diverse art collections. On Saturday evenings, Savannah Nights at the Atlanta Zoo offers a unique after-hours adventure. This 21+ experience lets guests explore the zoo after dark, enjoy adorable themed cocktails, and stroll among the animal exhibits for a memorable night out.

As evening approaches, I would take a leisurely stroll through the Atlanta Botanical Garden, enjoying the beautiful landscapes before concluding the day at Underground Atlanta. This vibrant hub offers a lively atmosphere with shops and entertainment, perfect for wrapping up a full day of exploration.

Finally, if it’s Sunday, I’d attend the Bonfires ATL, where I could connect with others in a relaxed setting, reflecting on the day’s experiences and making new connections.

This itinerary showcases my love for blending culinary experiences, nature, history, and community engagement, all of which align with my passion for connecting with others and fostering meaningful relationships.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My team, which includes my manager, Vashti Johnson, media director, Madison Smith, and everyone else who helps protect and grow my brand, plays an essential role in our continued success. .As I advanced in my journey , I came to the realization that I couldn’t do everything on my own without risking burnout. It became clear that I needed to delegate and trust that I would find people who not only aligned with my vision but also believed in me and my brand. The dedicated group has been a constant source of encouragement, especially during my darkest moments. They ground me while also challenging me to grow. Their ability to turn my ideas into reality is nothing short of amazing, and I am truly grateful for their support. As well as Khayla McClinton and the McClinton Scholars, who were instrumental in encouraging me to step into teaching cosmetic formulation. Thanks to their support, I launched my first workshops, which quickly gained momentum and evolved into ongoing cohorts. These formulation workshops have been successful in fostering a community of passionate creators, eager to develop and refine their skills.

Website: https://selfworthcosmetics.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecutestkhemist/profilecard/?igsh=NHRxODhoMzd6MTdj

Other:

Image Credits
Personal Photo : memoriesmatter.co
Additional Photos : I own all rights to additional photos.