THE 2025 JUDGES
AKEMI OOKA
Independent Beauty Association, VP of Supply Chain and Sustainability Resources
Akemi Ooka has over 20 years of experience in consumer packaged goods, spanning Fortune500 companies to start-ups. She has led chemical procurement at Clorox, formulation and fragrance development at Method, and served as VP of Product at J.R. Watkins, overseeing product development, quality, regulatory compliance, and third-party manufacturing. Currently, Akemi leads the Independent Beauty Association’s (IBA) global supply chain and sustainability program, supporting small- to medium-sized beauty and personal care businesses. She holds a bachelor's degree in chemistry from Rutgers University and a PhD in chemistry from UCLA.
Alexx Mayo
Freelance Celebrity Makeup Artist
Celebrity makeup artist Alexx Mayo, a Mexican-American creative powerhouse has made his mark in the beauty industry as an innovator and trendsetter. Winner of the 2022 Norma Patton-Lowin Makeup Award at the Hollywood Beauty Awards, Alexx continues to push the boundaries of color and dimension with every single look he creates. Working with Lizzo, Adut Akech, Mariah Carey, Ming Lee Simmons, JoJo, and Tinashe have been some of his career highlights. His work has graced the covers of Vogue, Essence, Variety, L’Officiel, Elle, Rolling Stone, TIME, Marie Claire, Sports Illustrated, and many more.
Allison Slater Ray
Breakthru Beauty, Co-Founder
Allison Slater Ray is a seasoned executive with over 25 years of experience in beauty, wellness, and e-commerce. As co-founder of Breakthru Beauty, she provides C-level guidance on brand development, marketing, and team building. Her clients include Supergoop!, Afterpay, Charlotte Tilbury, and Live Tinted. Allison previously served as President at MBX and SVP of Marketing at IT Cosmetics, driving its $1.2 billion acquisition by L'Oréal. She also spent over a decade at Sephora. Allison advises on growth strategy and serves on the boards of Wander Beauty, All Golden, and Cove Brands.
Alyssa Auberger
Baker McKenzie, Chief Sustainability Officer
Alyssa Auberger is Baker McKenzie’s Chief Sustainability Officer, leading the firm’s sustainability initiatives both internally and externally. She oversees sustainability goals, reporting, and client offerings, while managing relationships with the World Business Council for Sustainable Development, the United Nations Global Compact, and the World Economic Forum. With nearly 30 years of experience, Alyssa previously served as an M&A partner and was ranked a “Leading Individual” by Legal 500 in luxury goods. She also led the firm’s Global Consumer Goods and Retail industry group.
Ammin Youssef
The Colors, Co-Founder
Ammin Youssouf is a serial entrepreneur and conference speaker with a master’s degree in international trade from Sorbonne University. He co-founded Big Youth, an award-winning digital agency, and Afrobytes, a leading African tech event that evolved into the African Tech Industry Club. He is now the co-founder of The Colors, an agency specializing in the multicultural beauty market. Ammin has been recognized by Fast Company and Entrepreneur magazine for his contributions to business and innovation.
Amy Nicole Cohen
Chic Studios / The Chic Experience, Founder, CEO
Amy Nicole Cohen is an entrepreneur, beauty expert, and founder of Chic Studios School of Makeup, which she launched in 2009. With locations in NYC, LA, and Denver, the school has graduated over 4,500 artists. In 2020, she expanded to an online platform. In 2022, Amy founded “The Chic Experience”, offering events like The Chic Retreat, The Chic Summer Series, and The Chic Summit, focused on self-development, business, and leadership for women and entrepreneurs.
ANNA VALE
Fractional CMO & Brand Marketing and Communications Leadership Consultant and Advisor
Anna Vale is a marketing and communications expert, speaker, and mentor with over two decades of experience in the beauty industry. She has held executive roles at top prestige beauty brands in the US, UK, and Middle East. Anna partners with indie beauty brands and beauty founders to scale marketing efforts, build brand awareness, and drive consumer engagement, combining a big brand mindset with the agility of smaller companies. Her expertise spans skincare, fragrance, hair, and makeup, having worked with brands like Youth To The People, Tom Ford Beauty, La Mer, Hourglass Cosmetics, and Clinique, among others.
April Uchitel
The Board, Co-Founder, CEO
April Uchitel is the CEO and co-founder of THE BOARD, a vetted community of over 230 consultants providing C-level expertise to companies like FARFETCH and MODA OPERANDI. As former CEO of Violet Grey, she drove the company's growth strategy, preparing it for acquisition. She also served as Interim CEO at ONDA Beauty, leading a successful turnaround. Previously, as Chief Brand Officer at Spring, she brought over 1,600 brands to the platform. April’s 25-year career in fashion includes nine years as EVP at DVF. A sought-after thought leader, she mentors, invests, and advocates for civic engagement through IAMAVOTER. Her leadership has been featured in Women@Forbes and Oprah Daily.
Birnur Aral
Advisory by Birnur Aral / Stevens Institute of Technology
Founder / Research Scientist
Birnur Aral has over 20 years of experience in the consumer products industry, with roles at Unilever, Takasago, and as the Beauty, Health, and Sustainability Lab Director at Good Housekeeping magazine. She led product studies and reviews that reached 50 million readers monthly and endorsed products for the Good Housekeeping Seal. Birnur also launched the magazine's Sustainable Innovation Awards and Raise the Green Bar Sustainability Summits. Holding degrees in chemical engineering, sustainability analytics, and advanced studies, she now consults for consumer brands, mentors students, and contributes to industry journals, with a focus on growth and building consumer trust.
Brandon L. Ford, Esq
The Langston Blake Agency, Consultant
Brandon L. Ford is the Sales Director at Formulated Solutions, a leader in contract manufacturing for beauty, personal care, and healthcare products. With over 20 years of experience in business development, legal strategy, and product innovation, he has driven growth for both emerging and established beauty and wellness brands. Previously, as Chief Accelerator Director at Lubrizol Life Science, Brandon launched the first supplier-driven accelerator program, bringing over 100 products to market globally. His expertise in strategic growth and legal compliance helps guide brands from concept to commercialization.
Carmine Montalto
Carmine Montalto INK / The Skincarma Blog, Founder
Creative Director
Carmine Montalto is the founder of Carmine Montalto INK and the creative force behind The Skincarma Blog. Based in Brooklyn, Carmine is a seasoned copywriter, brand strategist, and skincare enthusiast with over 25 years in beauty. He has developed brand identities and crafted product copy for notable brands like Kiehl's, Pavise, Sofia Vergara’s toty, Living Proof, Dr. Jart, and more. Through his Skincarma Blog and Substack podcast, Carmine shares expert skincare advice, product reviews, and insights on skin health. He has also contributed articles on skincare routines, sunscreen, and photoaging to blogs like Skinfix, RoC, and ZO Skin Health.
Deanna Kangas
Strategic Growth Consulting, Beauty Advisor and Investor
Deanna Kangas is a seasoned C-level executive with over 25 years of experience in building visionary brands and leading business turnarounds. She partners with top private equity firms to assess beauty company acquisitions and was instrumental in launching Florence by Mills and GXVE Beauty by Gwen Stefani. Deanna also helped establish Ouai, the globally successful, social media-driven haircare brand. As CEO of Stila Cosmetics, she successfully revitalized the company. Her career includes turning around Mattel’s Barbie Collectors division, founding Gloss.com, and launching Michael Jordan Cologne at XEL. Deanna serves on the boards of Communities In Schools of Los Angeles, CEW, and YPO.
DON FREY
Independent Beauty Association, President and CEO
With over 35 years of experience in the personal care and cosmetics industry, Don Frey is the President and CEO of the Independent Beauty Association (IBA). He has extensive expertise in R&D, including formulation, package engineering, safety and toxicology, consumer insights, and regulatory development. Don has worked with major brands like Procter & Gamble, CoverGirl, Gillette, Avon, Method, and The Honest Company, and has global experience, including two years in Japan to help build P&G’s Asian personal care business. He is an active industry leader, serving on multiple boards and committees, including Cradle2Cradle’s Standards Steering Committee.
Dr. Shirley Madhère
Holistic Plastic Surgery, Founder
Dr. Shirley Madhère is a cosmetic surgery fellowship-trained plastic surgeon with extensive training in general and plastic surgery, as well as cosmetic surgery. A graduate of Boston University and a combined program at Dartmouth Medical School and Brown University, she furthered her expertise with residencies at Montefiore Medical Center and subspecialty training at the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary. Dr. Madhère is the founder of Holistic Plastic Surgery, a unique practice philosophy combining aesthetic surgery with wellness, skincare, and complementary medicine. She is also the founder of Jet Set Beauty Rx and Click-Lift.com, an award-winning e-consult platform. Dr. Madhère is the creator of the Forever F.A.B. Podcast, which has won an Apple award for its coverage of fashion, wellness, and beauty.
Ginger King
Grace Kingdom Beauty, Founder, Cosmetic Chemist
Ginger King is an award-winning cosmetic chemist and founder of Grace Kingdom Beauty, a product development firm specializing in bringing beauty brands from concept to launch. With multiple patents and awards in the beauty industry, Ginger has served as an Allure magazine beauty judge since 2017, Yahoo’s Diversity in Beauty Award recipient in 2018, and has been a judge for the Beauty Packaging Awards and New Beauty Magazine’s Brain Trust. She is also the founder of FanLoveBeauty, a clean, vegan brand inspired by Daymond John of Shark Tank. Ginger is frequently quoted in top beauty magazines and is a regular contributor to TV beauty segments.
Gregg Lennon Jr.
Freelance, Celebrity Hair Stylist
Gregg Lennon Jr. is a hairstylist based in Los Angeles. His expertise in edgy, effortless styles has secured his incredible list of clients including Charli XCX, Dorian Electra, Rebecca Black, Rina Sawayama, and Lisa Rinna.
Haweya Mohamed
The Colors, Co-Founder
Haweya Mohamed co-founded The Colors in 2019, an agency based in Paris specializing in the fast-growing multicultural beauty market. She has been recognized for her work as an entrepreneur and advocate for women in tech by Forbes, Entrepreneur, and Fast Company, among others.
Ian Michael Crumm
Celebrity Esthetician
Ian Michael Crumm is a celebrity esthetician, skincare expert, and co-host of the educational beauty podcast BeautyCurious. He is best known for his signature three-step facial program that has attracted star-studded clientele including movie producers and singers. With special interests in sun safety and skin cancer awareness, Michael uses his platform to advance skin cancer education. He is a committee member for The Skin Cancer Foundation’s Champions for Change Gala and the Melanoma Research Foundation Gala.
Iryna Kremin
INNOCOS, Founder, CEO
Iryna Kremin, the founder of INNOCOS (INNOvation in COSmetics)―an international thought leadership platform to keep up with latest trends and innovations in beauty and its impact on our lives, commerce, and all things future! Successful businesses are built on good relationships, and it's amazing how a bit of a personal touch can go a long way. To form such relationships, we create unforgettable experiences that are educational, inspirational, and fun!
Jamé Jackson Gadsden
MisfitCreativeMedia.co, Founder and Lifestyle Media Personality
Jamé Jackson Gadsden is an award-winning fashion and beauty expert, media personality, and journalist. She founded TheBlondeMisfit.com, one of the top 100 fashion and beauty sites globally, and runs Misfit Creative Media. Previously, Jamé served as Senior Beauty Editor at Yahoo and style and beauty writer at BuzzFeed. A passionate advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion, she amplifies multicultural representation in beauty. In 2016, she was named one of Google’s “Women to Watch.” Her influential work has been recognized by Business of Fashion, Refinery29, Forbes, HuffPost, Teen Vogue, and Allure, marking her as a pivotal voice in the industry.
Jeannie Joshi
Director & Global Brand Strategist, Design Educator
Jeannie Joshi is a marketing creative with nearly 20 years of experience shaping brand and digital strategy for major corporations like L'Oréal, Merck, Johnson & Johnson, and start-ups like Casabella. She has led integrated branding efforts for consumer goods and internal communications, with roles at Bristol Myers Squibb, Bath & Body Works, and Viant. Jeannie has worked with agencies like R/GA and Interbrand, focusing on strategic partnerships, luxury retail, and consumer goods. She’s also served as an Adjunct Lecturer at Pratt Institute and CUNY, specializing in communication and interdisciplinary design, and believes in the vital role of brand in the digital age.
JEFF LEE
Creative Consultant
Jeff Lee has been working in the global retail industry for over 30 years. He’s held creative and executive roles with major brands like Tommy Hilfiger, Victoria’s Secret, Aeropostale, and Nine West, and has a consulting client list that includes H&M, Vans, Toms, Good Chemistry, Jellysmack, Donna Karan Home, and more. He’s worked extensively in every major global market, with much time spent in Europe, Latin America, Asia, and the Middle East.
Jen Novakovich
The Eco Well, Founder
Jen Novakovich is a cosmetic scientist, science communicator, and founder of The Eco Well and co-founder of BeautySciComm. Starting her career as a cosmetic chemist, Jen transitioned into science communication and technical consulting, specializing in sustainability substantiation, management, and regulations. She hosts The Eco Well Podcast, interviewing over 1,000 experts, and has launched science conferences and moderated industry panels. Jen serves on the Supply Chain and Sustainability Resource and Government Relations Advisory Committees at the Independent Beauty Association (IBA). With multiple degrees and a PhD in progress at the University of Ottawa, she studies misinformation’s impact on sustainable development in cosmetics.
KAREN YOUNG
The Young Group, CEO
Before founding The Young Group in 1999, Karen Young was VP of Marketing, Advertising, and Product Development at Lancôme, a division of L'Oréal. Prior to that, she spent 17 years at Estée Lauder, including as Executive Director of Color Cosmetics. A certified personal trainer and nutritionist, Karen has developed concepts and products for brands like Dove, Bath & Body Works, Neutrogena, and Vichy, and worked with top beauty brands like Christian Dior Beauté, Shiseido, and CHANEL. She is an Adjunct Professor at The Fashion Institute of Technology and serves on the board of Fashion Group International.
LAUREN GOLIK
BraveNew Design Consultancy, Founder
Lauren Golik is a designer and consultant with a focus in sustainability. She has developed beauty and personal care packaging for the past 15 years, with both agency and in-house design leadership experience. Lauren recently launched a consultancy to support brands in the sustainable packaging journey.
Lorne Lucree
Quiet Coyote, Founder
Lorne Lucree, founder of Quiet Coyote, combines a passion for beauty with expertise honed at Procter & Gamble, Unilever Prestige, L’Oréal, and Estee Lauder. His entrepreneurial spirit, cultivated at Luxury Brand Partners (R+Co, IGK, One/Size), and operational expertise from Voyant Beauty fuel his ability to craft breakthrough products. Lorne’s innovations, recognized with prestigious awards like Allure Best of Beauty and Allure Best of Beauty Breakthrough, showcase global impact. A trusted partner to Ulta Beauty, he serves as a mentor for their MUSE Accelerator Program and sits on the Conscious Beauty Advisory Board, championing innovation and sustainability. He holds a master of business administration degree from NYU Stern and a bachelor of science degree from Boston University.
Manessa Lormejuste
Product Developer and Beauty Scientist
Manessa Lormejuste is a beauty scientist and product developer with expertise in creating impactful products. She has held roles at L’Oréal USA, Beautycounter, and Farmacy Beauty, starting her career as a formulation chemist on award-winning haircare and skincare products. In 2024, she founded her consulting firm, LORM·CO, to deliver science-backed innovations for select brands. Manessa holds a bachelor of arts degree in chemical biology and a master of science degree in personal care from Rutgers University. She is also the scientific advisor for MMARA, a #beautytech company, and was named a 2024 Top 30 Beauty Product Developer by Beauty Independent.
Matin Maulawizada
Matin Maulawizada LLC, Makeup Artist
Matin, an Afghan-born makeup artist, initially studied molecular biology before transitioning to beauty. His clientele includes A-listers like Claire Danes, Lupita Nyong’o, and Angelina Jolie, with his work featured in top magazines such as Elle, Marie Claire, and Harper's Bazaar. Matin is passionate about clean beauty and serves as a brand ambassador for Chapstick. He co-founded the Afghan Hands Foundation, empowering women in Kabul with skills to achieve financial independence. Recognized by major media outlets, Matin's career spans two decades, blending creativity with a commitment to social change and global inspiration.
Meloney Moore
Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD),
Associate Dean of The De Sole School of Business Innovation
Meloney Moore is a dynamic educator and marketing professional currently serving as the Associate Dean of The De Sole School of Business Innovation at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD). With over 17 years of experience, she has built global brands and created engaging retail experiences for industry giants like Estée Lauder, Toys "R" Us, Diageo, and Liz Claiborne. Known for her unique approach to teaching, Meloney has cultivated a “funnel of creative talent” within the classroom, contributing significantly to the creative business landscape. Her work has been recognized in Glamour, Elle, and Dazed. Meloney holds a bachelor of arts degree in marketing and government from the University of Notre Dame and a master of business administration degree from Cornell University.
Millie Kendall O.B.E.
British Beauty Council, CEO
Millie Kendall O.B.E. is the CEO of the British Beauty Council, a retail expert, and brand creator. With 30 years in beauty, she has played a key role in the success of brands like Shu Uemura, Aveda, Tweezerman, L’Occitane, and Ruby & Millie. In 1998, she co-launched Ruby & Millie, a pioneering mid-priced makeup brand. Millie co-founded BeautyMART in 2012, a disruptive beauty retail concept. In 2015, she launched Brandstand Communications with Anna-Marie Solowij. Millie was awarded an MBE in 2007 and an O.B.E. in 2022 for her contributions to the industry.
Nick Lennon
Freelance Celebrity Hair Stylist
Nick Lennon is an LA-based hairstylist renowned for his work with top musicians and celebrities, including Tove Lo, Charli XCX, Rebecca Black, Dorian Electra, and Slayyter. His artistry has been showcased in prestigious publications like Vogue, PAPER, Galore, and many more.
Nicole Collins
213Deli, Co-Founder
Since 2012, Nicole Collins has disrupted the beauty industry by propelling dynamic start-up companies. A forward-thinking marketing expert with deep expertise in brand building, strategy, influencer marketing, and social commerce, she advises innovative beauty companies. Nicole was on the founding team that put IPSY on the map before co-founding YUME, a company taking American brands to China. Since 2018, she has consulted for companies like Creatable, Talk Shop Live, Supergreat, and FLIP, as well as luxury brands Augustinus Bader, Orveda, and Furtuna Skin. In 2023, she co-launched 213Deli, a text-to-buy service for beauty products.
Ocean McDaeth
Dreamboat Salon, Hairstylist, Director of Education
Ocean McDaeth is a hairstylist and independent educator located in Portland, Oregon. She works at Dreamboat Salon behind the chair and is their Director of Education. Ocean has been featured in InStyle magazine, Modern Salon magazine, and was a finalist in the Behind The Chair One Shot Awards 2023
Richard Kestenbaum
Triangle Capital, Partner
Richard Kestenbaum is a Partner at Triangle Capital, advising clients in retail and consumer merchandising. He is a frequently quoted expert in the industry and contributes to Forbes.com. Previously, Richard was a Managing Director at Financo, Inc., and a Partner at Drexel Burnham Lambert, where he led a team handling middle-market M&A. He co-authored three books on finance and programming and served as an Adjunct Assistant Professor of International Business at NYU. Richard holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from NYU and a master of business administration degree in finance from Harvard University.
Roseanna Roberts
The Estée Lauder Companies Inc.
Global Innovation Insights & Trends Intelligence
Roseanna Roberts has spent over 15 years as a trend authority, helping leading brands identify and capitalize on emerging shifts in culture and consumer behavior. Called "a bonafide trend expert" by TIME magazine, she currently leads Global Trend Foresight at Estée Lauder Companies, guiding product innovation and marketing strategies across its portfolio. Previously, she ran her own consulting practice, partnering with global beauty brands like Coty, Ilia, Shiseido, and Walgreens. Roseanna has spoken internationally and been featured in major publications, including WWD and Refinery29, for her expertise in trends and strategic business insights
Saskia Wilson Brown
The Institute for Art and Olfaction, Director / Founder
Saskia Wilson-Brown is a Cuban-British-American artist based in Los Angeles and the founder of The Institute for Art and Olfaction (IAO), established in 2012. IAO fosters creativity and experimentation with scent, partnering with institutions like the Getty Institute, Hammer Museum, and NASA's Jet Propulsion Lab. In 2013, she launched the Art and Olfaction Awards for independent perfumers and initiated Open Source Smell Culture in 2018. Saskia has lectured at the Royal College of Art and New Mexico Highlands University. She also hosts Perfume on the Radio, is writing a book set for 2026, and is pursuing a PhD at University College Dublin.
Sharonda Newsome
Happy Farm Botanicals, Director of Scientific Affairs
Sharonda Newsome is the Director of Scientific Affairs at Happy Farm Botanicals Laboratories, specializing in clean beauty research and development. With over six years at the ISO-certified Maryland-based facility, she has led a team of chemists and developed award-winning skincare, haircare, and personal care formulas for major retailers. Her background as an educator and strong communication skills have made her a trusted partner for brands and consultants. Sharonda excels in creating innovative prototypes and sustainable ingredient combinations that deliver effective, unique user experiences. She holds a bachelor of science degree in chemistry from Howard University and is a member of the Society of Cosmetic Chemists.
Sir Candle Man
Sir Candle Man LLC, Brand Consultant
Sir Candle Man is the world’s #1 home fragrance creator, personality, author, and brand consultant, with over 400,000 followers. Known for his mission to illuminate the world with scent, style, and inspiration, he curates exquisite perfumes and candles while bringing elegance to travel and home decor. He’s collaborated with iconic brands like CHANEL, Target, and Walmart, authored the book Let It Burn, and created a candle with LAFCO, recognized by Forbes as one of 2023's best scents. Sir Candle Man has been featured in The Hollywood Reporter, New York Magazine, House Beautiful, The Drew Barrymore Show, and GMA.com.
Tamar Kamen
Independent Consultant
Tamar Kamen is a beauty industry expert with over 20 years of experience in product development, innovation, and marketing. She has launched numerous award-winning skincare products and held senior roles at Topicals, Peter Thomas Roth, Estée Lauder, and Dr. Brandt. Tamar has also consulted for brands like Tom Ford Beauty, Hero Cosmetics, and Summer Fridays. Passionate about brand development, she specializes in strategy, marketing, and product innovation for brands of all sizes.
TINA HEDGES
LOLI Beauty, Innovation Growth Advisor; Founder
Tina Hedges is a growth-driven marketing professional with expertise in building successful portfolios and entrepreneurial ventures across the US, Europe, and Asia. She has held key roles at L'Oréal, Estée Lauder, and LVMH, contributing to the global expansion of brands in hair, skin, fragrance, and beauty. As a BIPOC founder, advisor, and board member, Tina has incubated start-ups in wellness, personal care, beauty, and tech, focusing on innovation and sustainability. Her company, LOLI Beauty, was the world’s first zero-waste beauty brand, earning numerous accolades, including the CEW Sustainability Excellence Award and recognition from the Tory Burch Fellowship Program.
