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Kayla Ivey

Product Development Associate Scientist, Leave-On Products

GOJO Industries, Inc.

Member Since: 2016

Lake Erie Chapter

What made you pursue a career in the cosmetics/personal care industry?

After graduating with my bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Kent State University, I was offered a temporary opportunity at GOJO Industries, Inc working in the analytical quality control lab. From day one I was so interested in learning more about the products we made so when a permanent opportunity to move to R&D formulation arose, I went for it. I love the formulation side of the personal care industry so much that I decided to pursue the Cosmetic Science Graduate Certificate from the University of Cincinnati. So now I work full time in formulation and I am working on the grad certificate part time.

What advice would you give your younger self who is just starting out in the industry? 
If I could give my younger self some advice, I would tell my younger self to explore different roles within the industry. If I had stayed in quality control when first starting out, I would have never discovered how much I enjoy formulation.

What is the favorite part of your job?

My favorite part of my job is working on a product from concept to launch. It’s fulfilling seeing all the aspects of product development and my job allows me to do that.

What has been your most recent professional accomplishment?

Being Chair of the Lake Erie Chapter for 2018 and again for 2019 has been a great accomplishment for me. I’ve also been able to incorporate Kent State’s chemistry department with LESCC and bring a different way of thinking about chemistry to some of the students there.

How has membership in the SCC been of value to you?

Attending events like NYSCC Suppliers Day and the National Meeting have helped me make great connections in the industry and has given me an opportunity to learn from a plethora of industry leaders.

What is a fun fact about yourself, outside of the SCC and your professional life?

A fun fact about me is that I’m also a professional portrait photographer. In the spare time I have between work and school, I photograph people and weddings. It’s my favorite creative outlet.