Dr. Cicely Shillingford
The Hustle
Welcome to Byrdie’s series The Hustle.
Rather than retreating, she embraced this newfound curiosity, igniting her passion for the complex world of beauty.
“That was a turning point for me.”
Dr. Cicely Shillingford
You’ve had an impressive journey from structural biochemistry to product development and beauty.
How did attending the trade show spark your interest in cosmetic chemistry?
“That day was momentous for me.
Dr. Cicely Shillingford
After that, I continued my self-education alongside my Ph.D. research.
My life has been a series of opportunities given to me by mentors and advice I’ve taken.
So that was one of those moments.
Dr. Cecily Shillingford
I wish I’d known earlier that I could get paid to make lipstick.”
In your role at Amika, you create products that impact people’s everyday beauty routines.
What does beauty mean to you, both personally and professionally?
Dr. Cicely Shillingford
“I was quite a tomboy growing up.
As a child, I’d put on makeup for dance and then go play soccer on the weekends.
A moment that made me think critically about beauty was at a cheerleading camp in South Texas.
I asked, ‘Why bother?’
That stuck with me.
That’s when it clicked that beauty, confidence, and sense of self are interconnected.”
The intersection of science and beauty is a fascinating space.
How do you balance the technical aspects of product development with the beauty industry’s creative and consumer-driven needs?
The product team’s jobmarketing and developmentis to co-create the claims and benefits and define the consumer needs.
“As a scientist, I consider what technologies, ingredients, or molecules support that goal.
“Formulation is like baking a cake.
Because of that, there’s a lot of art and creativity in chemistry.”
Dr. Cecily Shillingford
What are some emerging trends in haircare that you’re excited about?
Hair has many interesting properties, and there are various goals to achieve.
The diversity is immense, especially for Black and Indigenous women of color, where the styles are endless.
This shift in mindset could open a significant market for well-aging hair products.”
“There are also exciting developments in sustainability.
Amika’s brand is all about inclusivity and community.
How do these values align with your personal and professional mission in product development?
“I love that Amika means friend [in the Esperanto language].
We have 11 or 12 collections now for every hair key in and goal.
“Advocating for Black women in STEM has always been a significant part of my academic life.
Inclusivity is something I’ve always felt called to advocate for.
“I’m fortunate to continue this work at Amika, where we have an active DEI committee.
“If you’re interested in beauty and academia, a Ph.D. is a great path.
There are programs for cosmetic science in the United States and globally, with more popping up.
The best-known ones are at the University of Toledo and the University of Cincinnati.
While it’s less beauty-focused, I learned how to connect with professionals and be a good leader.
You’ll make great connections, and they have great conferences with student discounts.”
“Be gritty and reach out to people willing to talk.
I get many LinkedIn messages and venture to respond to those that resonate with me.
Be curious, ask questions, and learn as much as you’re able to.
Don’t hesitate to reach outyou never know whose door might open if you knock.”
