Speaking Through the Static

Lately, I’ve been carrying a weight — watching science be denied, researchers lose funding, and public trust in evidence erode in real time. At the same time, I’m preparing to step back into corporate life and grappling with what it means to “carry on as usual” when the political climate feels anything but usual.

Where do I want to stand on the side of history?

I talk about why science is not neutral, why beauty has always been political, and why defending evidence and truth feels urgent right now. I also share how this platform will continue to highlight the voices of scientists navigating the emotional and professional realities of this moment — and why that matters.

If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, isolated, or unsure where to begin, this conversation is for you.

Resources mentioned in this episode, including ways to get involved locally, are linked below:

Get Involved with Indivisible: Actions, Groups, Campaigns — Find ways to call or email officials, join local action groups, host events, and start making change where you live.

AAAS Take Action Toolkit for Science Advocacy — Tools to tell your science story, join communities, and contribute to evidence-based policymaking.

Scientific Citizenship Initiative (SCi) – Support & Civic Science Work — Workshops and initiatives that help scientists serve communities and connect science with societal impact.

In this episode of The Glam Chemist Podcast,

We sit down with Ava Perkins, cosmetic chemist, PhD candidate, and science communicator, to unpack the winding path that led her from Hawaii to Ohio and into cosmetic science.

We discuss how early hands-on STEM experiences build confidence, how a single conversation can unlock an entire career path, and why networking early (and often) matters more than people admit. Ava also shares her leadership experience within the Society of Cosmetic Chemists, her commitment to science education, and why science communication is essential in today’s beauty industry.

If you’re curious about cosmetic science, questioning your next step, or wondering how to turn what you love into what you do, this episode is for you.

Learn more and connect with Ava Perkins and follow @ava.perki on Instagram.

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Copyright, 2025. Hija de Lolita Productions

In this episode of Glam Chemist,

Host Genesis Velazquez sits down with Melissa Padua, Head of Cosmetic Active Sales, to explore her path from studying biology and exploring pre-med, to working in R&D, and ultimately stepping into sales leadership within the cosmetic ingredient industry.

Melissa shares how a chance moment watching How It’s Made sparked her curiosity about cosmetic manufacturing, why hands-on experience shaped her understanding of both products and people, and how blending technical expertise with creativity and strong interpersonal skills opened unexpected doors in her career.

Together, they unpack the importance of soft skills in STEM, trusting yourself through career transitions, advocating for growth, and building a career that allows space for both ambition and balance.

Whether you’re a cosmetic chemist, a science student, or navigating a career pivot of your own, this episode offers an honest look at how science, communication, and self-trust intersect in the beauty industry.

Connect with Melissa Padua and follow her journey in cosmetic actives and beauty science: @melissa_cosactives

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Visit Glam Chemist Podcast for more information.

Copyright, 2025. Hija de Lolita Productions

In this episode of Glam Chemist,

We sit down with Asia Fee — the creative force behind Alchemist Asia — to explore how beauty, confidence, and chemistry. With a passion for makeup artistry and scientific precision, she designs products that let you express your unique style. From handcrafted lip glosses to imaginative color cosmetics, Alchemist Asia is all about blending chemistry and confidence to help you shine — inside and out.

In this conversation, we dive into how she blends cosmetic chemistry with creative expression, and why bold, intentional beauty can empower you. 

Visit Alchemist Asia online and follow along on social media for glam content and learning more about the science behind beauty.

Website: AlchemistAsia.us
Instagram / Socials: @AlchemistAsia

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Visit⁠ Glam Chemist Podcast⁠ for more information.

Copyright, 2025. Hija de Lolita Productions

In this week’s episode of the Glam Chemist Podcast,

We’re joined by chemist and inventor Dr. Roselin Rosario-Meléndez — the mind behind 50+ global patents and the formula for one of beauty’s most iconic long-wear lipsticks. With a Ph.D. in Polymer Chemistry from Rutgers University, Roselin has transformed her love for science into high-impact innovation across pharma, personal care, and cosmetics.

We dive into her journey from the lab bench to founding RRM Inventive Solutions Hub, and explore how curiosity, persistence, and purpose fuel her approach to invention. Roselin opens up about protecting her time and energy, navigating leadership as a scientist, and mentoring the next generation of STEM thinkers and creators.

Whether you’re a scientist, innovator, beauty enthusiast, or brand builder, this conversation will leave you inspired by what it truly takes to lead, create, and make a meaningful impact where beauty meets science.

Learn more about RRM Inventive Solutions Hub and the services provided.

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Visit⁠ Glam Chemist Podcast⁠ for more information.

Copyright, 2025. Hija de Lolita Productions

This week on The Glam Chemist Podcast,

We sit down with Jen Novakovich, science communicator, consultant, and founder of The Eco Well — a platform dedicated to making cosmetic science accessible, evidence-based, and engaging.

With over 1,000 expert interviews and a global audience of science-minded beauty lovers, Jen has become one of the industry’s most trusted voices in bridging the gap between research and reality. As a PhD candidate studying misinformation and its impact on environmental outcomes in the cosmetics sector, she brings a refreshing, fact-first perspective to conversations about sustainability, marketing, and what’s really behind the products we use.

Whether you’re a formulator, a content creator, or just someone who loves skincare with substance, this episode will leave you thinking differently about what it means to be informed in beauty.

Learn more and visit The Eco Well to learn more about the podcast and visit The Eco Well YouTube channel.

Submit your questions. Connect with the community. Get featured inside The ⁠⁠Glam Chemist App⁠⁠

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Visit⁠⁠⁠ Glam Chemist Pod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for more information

Copyright, 2025. Hija de Lolita Productions

In this episode of the Glam Chemist Podcast,

We’re joined by Princess-Ann George-Ezuma, a formulation chemist and content creator who’s bringing cosmetic science to life on TikTok. With a Master’s in Cosmetic Science and a Bachelor’s in Chemistry, Princess has worked behind the scenes at L’Oréal and now formulates for a chemical distributor. Tune in as we talk about turning curiosity into a career, the art of formulation, and how science makes beauty possible.

Connect with Princess on TikTok @princessanngeorgeezuma

Submit your questions. Connect with the community. Get featured inside The ⁠Glam Chemist App⁠

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Visit⁠⁠ Glam Chemist Pod⁠⁠⁠⁠ for more information

Copyright, 2025. Hija de Lolita Productions

Our guest today...

Dr. Daisy Rosas Vargas is a first-generation Mexican-American and Indigenous (Nahua & Otomi) chemist, science communicator, and public speaker. Her work bridges chemistry, storytelling, and community engagement, bringing science to life through data-driven insight and creative communication.

She currently works as a chemist at SoilWise, focusing on soil testing and bioremediation to promote environmental health and sustainability. In addition, she serves as the Communications and Volunteer Coordinator for Latinas in STEM, where she helps amplify the voices of Latinas across the scientific community. 

Daisy is passionate about making science accessible, empowering underrepresented communities in STEM, and highlighting the cultural roots that shape her perspective as a scientist and storyteller.

The work Dr. Daisy is doing with SoilWise and the Deena Soil Project is critical. They’re providing free or low-cost soil testing to families affected by wildfires who otherwise couldn’t afford it.

👉 DONATE HERE: www.communitycompound.org
Every dollar helps heal our planet. 🌎

Wanna volunteer your time and skills? Visit SoilWise.earth and fill out their contact form!

Submit your questions. Connect with the community. Get featured inside The Glam Chemist App

PLEASE SHARE & SUBSCRIBE

Visit⁠ Glam Chemist Pod⁠⁠⁠ for more information

Copyright, 2025. Hija de Lolita Productions