The Brand Blueprint - Mastering Product Development | Insights from Desi, The Glam Scientist

When it comes to launching a beauty brand, one of the most critical yet overlooked stages is product development. Many founders skip over the process, rushing into production without fully understanding how to create scalable, high-quality products. On this episode of The Brand Blueprint, we spoke with Desiree Crenshaw, better known as Desi the Glam Scientist, who specializes in helping brands navigate the often-murky waters of product formulation and development.

From Scientist to Entrepreneur: The Glam Scientist's Journey

Desiree Crenshaw's path to becoming a renowned chemist and brand strategist wasn't straightforward. Growing up with an entrepreneurial spirit, she always knew that she wanted to own her business. However, the 2008 recession made the corporate world difficult to break into, and she found herself taking a more entrepreneurial route. Using LinkedIn, she secured her first client before even stepping into interviews. This early experience set her up for success, building her reputation as an expert in product development.

Why Product Development and Formulation Matter

Desi emphasizes the importance of owning your formulation from the get-go. "If you don’t own your formula, you’re at the mercy of contract manufacturers who may not have your best interests at heart," she explains. Without complete control over your formula, you risk losing your intellectual property and may end up with a product that doesn't match your original vision. Desi works closely with her clients to ensure that every aspect of the formulation process aligns with the brand's core values and goals.

Many indie brands make the mistake of jumping straight into production without fully understanding the steps involved in creating a quality product. Desi points out that product development is a multi-step process, involving everything from selecting key ingredients to ensuring scalability. "If you don’t understand what makes your formula work, it’s easy to get taken advantage of by manufacturers," Desi warns. "Formulating a product isn't just about mixing ingredients – it’s about making sure it works on a mass scale."

Key Considerations in Product Formulation

Desi’s expertise lies in creating bespoke formulations that match a brand’s needs. For her, it’s not just about blending ingredients but also about ensuring the product works across different skin types and hair textures. The importance of sourcing ingredients from reputable suppliers cannot be overstated. “The quality of the ingredients matters," says Desi. "If you use subpar ingredients, the final product won’t perform as expected."

Desi works hand-in-hand with her clients to research the competition, choose the right ingredients, and test formulations to ensure safety and efficacy. This testing phase is crucial, as skipping it can lead to costly mistakes down the road. Desi also stresses that founders should never rush the process, as developing a quality product requires time and attention to detail.

Mistakes Founders Make in Product Development

One of the most common mistakes Desi sees is when brands don't adequately plan for production. "Many founders think that once they have their formula, the product will just magically be ready for sale," Desi says. "In reality, it takes months to ensure that a product is stable, tested, and ready for scale."

Another major pitfall is assuming that all manufacturers are the same. Desi shares her experience working with various manufacturers and explains why it's crucial to carefully vet potential partners before entering a contract. Contract manufacturers often try to cut corners, swapping ingredients without the founder’s consent or failing to uphold quality standards.

The Power of Owning Your Formula

At the heart of Desi’s approach to product development is the idea of ownership. "Owning your formula is non-negotiable for long-term success," she explains. "Without ownership, you cannot scale your brand effectively or make the necessary adjustments as your company grows."

For founders thinking about the future of their brands, this ownership is essential for protecting their intellectual property and keeping their products consistent as they expand.

Conclusion: The Importance of Strategic Product Development

Desi’s insights highlight the importance of having a clear strategy when it comes to product development. Whether you're launching your first product or scaling an existing line, understanding the formulation process is key to avoiding costly mistakes and ensuring your brand’s long-term success.

To learn more about how Desi can help guide you through this journey, visit her website and connect with her on LinkedIn.

Links:

• Website: Desi the Glam Scientist

• LinkedIn: Desiree Crenshaw - LinkedIn