Episodios

  • Ep. 40 - "The Power of Formula Ownership” with Cynthia Johnson, Founder and CEO of Cindy J Cosmetic Labs, LLC

    Ep. 40 - "The Power of Formula Ownership” with Cynthia Johnson, Founder and CEO of Cindy J Cosmetic Labs, LLC
    Jun 2 2025
    In the "Product & Packaging Powerhouse" Megan Young Gamble interviews powerhouse guest Cynthia Johnson, Founder and CEO of Cindy J Cosmetic Labs, LLC, who breaks down the power and importance of owning your own cosmetic formulation, both for legacy and legal reasons. Cynthia shares her journey into cosmetic science, the benefits of custom formulations over private labels, and why indie beauty brands should invest in testing, consumer evaluation, and compliance from day one. She introduces her “Cosmetic Concept” planner to help brands map out their product launch journey and discusses her lab’s new small-batch manufacturing option to help brands test the market without massive inventory. The conversation also touches on sustainability in formulations, how tariffs impact raw material sourcing, and why beauty entrepreneurs should take ownership seriously if they want long-term growth and credibility in the industry.Affiliate & Other Links: [Megan Young Gamble Links][AFFILIATE] Ready to crank out your content in as little as 5 minutes? Use Castmagic, AI powered tool to take your content creation from overwhelmed to overjoyed by saving hours of developing content. Save 20 hours by Signing up today! https://get.castmagic.io/Megan [FREEBIE] Learn about “day in the life” of a Packaging Project Manager → Get our “Starter Packaging PM Freebie” [link] https://glc.ck.page/thestarterpackagingprojectmanager Subscribe & Access our Video Vault YouTube Channel [ link] https://bit.ly/GLConYouTubeJoin our Email List [link] https://glc.ck.page/55128ae04b Follow and Connect with Megan on LinkedIn [link] https://linkedin.com/in/megangambleLearn about GLC, Packaging & Project execution firm for CPG brands http://www.getlevelconsulting.comWork with Me @ GLC, Schedule Discovery Call https://calendly.com/getlevelconsulting/15-minute-insight-session[Powerhouse Guest Cynthia’s LINKS]LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cynthiajohnson0512/Email Address: cjohnson@cindyjlabs.comCompany Website: https://cindyjlabs.com/Cosmetic concept planner : https://thecosmeticconceptllc.com/products/the-planner-for-product-developmentThe Cindy J Expo : https://cindyjlabs.com/cindy-j-expo/Black Women in Cosmetic Chemistry NGO : https://www.bwiccinc.org/Additional Links -Listen to the podcast on “the Power of Brand Value & Resilience in Procurement” - Rachel Hassall, VP of Procurement @ Harvest Hill Beverage. Listen hereCosmetic software recommended by Cynthia : IthosQuotes: If you don’t own the formula, you don’t own the brand.Please, please, please do package compatibility. It’s imperative.Consumer evaluation is not optional, it’s essential.Custom formulation without ownership is like renting your own vision.Your team comes before your accomplishments.Be okay with starting small. You don’t need 1,000 units to make an impact.
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    58 m
  • Ep. 39 - "WTF! What the TariFfs! pt1 ” with Megan Young Gamble, PMP®, Chief Project Officer @ GLC

    Ep. 39 - "WTF! What the TariFfs! pt1 ” with Megan Young Gamble, PMP®, Chief Project Officer @ GLC
    May 19 2025
    In this episode of "Product & Packaging Powerhouse," host Megan Young Gamble returns from maternity leave for her first episode with her baby daughter Amaiyah as her co-host. She dives into how the rising tariffs, particularly under President Trump’s administration, are massively impacting the cost and availability of goods, especially in the beauty and packaging industries. Megan breaks down the rising tariffs as of May 13, 2025 (with China seeing up to 245%), which in turn affects everything from packaging materials (aluminum, plastics, paperboard) to everyday goods and manufacturing costs. She shares real-world examples of how businesses are having to pivot: reevaluating suppliers, renegotiating contracts, and making tough decisions like layoffs, all to adapt to the new normal of higher costs and supply chain disruption. Megan also gives actionable advice for brands and suppliers, like diversifying suppliers, ordering packaging in advance, considering fractional support and being strategic about launches and pricing.The bottom line: Tariffs are shaking up the entire supply chain and affecting everyone from big brands to startup founders, suppliers, and even regular consumers. Megan encourages listeners to stay agile, rethink strategy, and keep an eye on evolving tariff policiesAffiliate & Other Links: [Megan Young Gamble Links][AFFILIATE] Ready to crank out your content in as little as 5 minutes? Use Castmagic, AI powered tool to take your content creation from overwhelmed to overjoyed by saving hours of developing content. Save 20 hours by Signing up today! https://get.castmagic.io/Megan [FREEBIE] Learn about “day in the life” of a Packaging Project Manager → Get our “Starter Packaging PM Freebie” [link] https://glc.ck.page/thestarterpackagingprojectmanager Subscribe & Access our Video Vault YouTube Channel [ link] https://bit.ly/GLConYouTubeJoin our Email List [link] https://glc.ck.page/55128ae04b Follow and Connect with Megan on LinkedIn [link] https://linkedin.com/in/megangambleLearn about GLC, Packaging & Project execution firm for CPG brands http://www.getlevelconsulting.comWork with Me @ GLC, Schedule Discovery Call https://calendly.com/getlevelconsulting/15-minute-insight-sessionGot a topic you'd love us to cover? Share your ideas here [link] https://bit.ly/ppptopicformAdditional podcast episodes mentioned in the episode above:Intersection of Business & Marriage with my Husband - listen hereTwo non-negotiables with Rachel Hassall on Power of Brand Procurement - listen hereQuotes and HooksAs Rapper Fat Joe would say from a rap song, yesterday's price is not today's, and that applies to packaging too.Tariffs aren’t just a business issue, they’re hitting households, retailers, and supply chains all at once.Beauty brands now need to think like strategists, not just creatives.Aluminum may feel like a sustainability win, but it comes with a 25% tariff hit.We’re not just sourcing packaging, we’re sourcing resilience.Consumers expect sustainability without sacrificing price or performance. That’s the new standard.Diversify your packaging suppliers like you would diversify your financial investments.
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    40 m
  • Ep. 38 - "Are Labels Really Sustainable?” with Christopher Doerr, President of Validators

    Ep. 38 - "Are Labels Really Sustainable?” with Christopher Doerr, President of Validators
    Mar 24 2025
    In the "Product & Packaging Powerhouse" episode featuring Megan Young Gamble and powerhouse guest Chris Doerr, conversation explores sustainable labeling and packaging technologies. With over thirty years of experience, Chris shares insights on the various types of labels and the shift to sustainable practices. He emphasizes the importance of recycling and offers practical tips on reducing landfill waste through methods like composting, recycling LDPE bags, and leveraging digital technologies such as RFID and NFC to educate consumers. As labels are vital in multiple industries, Chris's expertise provides valuable guidance on incorporating sustainability and technology in packaging.Affiliate & Other Links: [Megan Young Gamble Links][AFFILIATE] Ready to crank out your content in as little as 5 minutes? Use Castmagic, AI powered tool to take your content creation from overwhelmed to overjoyed by saving hours of developing content. Save 20 hours by Signing up today! https://get.castmagic.io/Megan [FREEBIE] Learn about “day in the life” of a Packaging Project Manager → Get our “Starter Packaging PM Freebie” [link] https://glc.ck.page/thestarterpackagingprojectmanager Subscribe & Access our Video Vault YouTube Channel [ link] https://bit.ly/GLConYouTubeJoin our Email List [link] https://glc.ck.page/55128ae04b Follow and Connect with Megan on LinkedIn [link] https://linkedin.com/in/megangambleLearn about GLC, Packaging & Project execution firm for CPG brands http://www.getlevelconsulting.comWork with Me @ GLC, Schedule Discovery Call https://calendly.com/getlevelconsulting/15-minute-insight-sessionGot a topic you'd love us to cover? Share your ideas here [link] https://bit.ly/ppptopicform[Powerhouse Guest Chris LINKS]LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisdoerrprofile/Company Validators for Full-Service Packaging Services : https://www.validatorsllc.comCompany Simplify INC for Print & Packaging Consulting : https://www.validatorsllc.com/products-and-services/simplify-ink/ View Chris Patents U.S Patent #'s: 5,658,648; 6,267,152 B1; and 6,845,581 B2: https://youtu.be/L2Rc8oTOtd8?si=lSO3sNVvdvofbZXWComposting in Atlanta : https://www.compostnow.org/growth/compostnow-compost-services-atlantaQuotes and HooksAfter a while, I realized there's no new technology on the horizon that's gonna replace labels.Less is just smart, and using less and being smart has been around since the beginning of time.Your packaging has to be more than recyclable; it has to actually get recycled.Zero landfill should be the real goal; not just recycling claims.Most people don’t know if a label should be removed before recycling, and that’s a problem.Just because you use less material doesn’t mean it’s sustainable.
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    59 m
  • Ep. 37 - "Packaging Challenges around Sustainability, Technology and Regulations” with Brandon Frank, CEO of Pacific Packaging Components

    Ep. 37 - "Packaging Challenges around Sustainability, Technology and Regulations” with Brandon Frank, CEO of Pacific Packaging Components
    Mar 10 2025
    In this episode of Product & Packaging Powerhouse, host Megan Young Gamble along with guests Brandon Frank, CEO of Pacific Packaging Components, discusses the intersections of packaging, technology, and sustainability. Brandon shares insights on the challenges and changes within the packaging industry, emphasizing the importance of collaboration across the packaging value chain. The conversation covers topics such as recycling complexities, regulatory challenges, and the role of new packaging technologies. Brandon also shares personal anecdotes from his journey in the family packaging business and highlights the importance of sustainable practices both professionally and personally. Listeners are encouraged to take actionable steps, such as separating glass for recycling, to contribute to environmental sustainability.Affiliate & Other Links: [Megan Young Gamble Links][AFFILIATE] Ready to crank out your content in as little as 5 minutes? Use Castmagic, AI powered tool to take your content creation from overwhelmed to overjoyed by saving hours of developing content. Save 20 hours by Signing up today! https://get.castmagic.io/Megan [FREEBIE] Learn about “day in the life” of a Packaging Project Manager → Get our “Starter Packaging PM Freebie” [link] https://glc.ck.page/thestarterpackagingprojectmanager Subscribe & Access our Video Vault YouTube Channel [ link] https://bit.ly/GLConYouTubeJoin our Email List [link] https://glc.ck.page/55128ae04b Follow and Connect with Megan on LinkedIn [link] https://linkedin.com/in/megangambleLearn about GLC, Packaging & Project execution firm for CPG brands http://www.getlevelconsulting.comWork with Me @ GLC, Schedule Discovery Call https://calendly.com/getlevelconsulting/15-minute-insight-sessionGot a topic you'd love us to cover? Share your ideas here [link] https://bit.ly/ppptopicform[Powerhouse Guest Brandon’s LINKS]LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandon-frank-ppc/Email Address: brandon@ppcpackaging.comCompany Website: www.ppcpackaging.comPackology Podcast: www.packology.ioBicycle Company: www.chaparralcycles.comQuotes and HooksProbably the best way to support, like, the recyclability or the recycling of items is to buy items that have are coming from recycled goods because that creates kind of this pull mechanism.The packaging world is kind of filled with potholes and speed bumps and downed trees just because the winds are horrible out here in California.Your packaging has to be more than recyclable, it has to actually get recycled.The biggest issue with recycling? Most of what we think is recyclable never actually gets recycled.A small change in packaging—like using 50% PCR—can have a massive environmental impact.Mono-material pumps could be the biggest game-changer in packaging recyclability.If we’re going to fix recycling, we need collaboration across the entire value chain.
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    1 h y 1 m
  • Ep. 36 - "Marketing & Growth Strategies in the Spirits Industry” with Lazar Favors, CEO of Black Spirits Legacy

    Ep. 36 - "Marketing & Growth Strategies in the Spirits Industry” with Lazar Favors, CEO of Black Spirits Legacy
    Feb 24 2025
    In this episode of Product & Packaging Powerhouse, host Megan Young Gamble interviews Lazar Favors, the CEO of Black Spirits Legacy. Lazar discusses the importance of building a strong consumer base in the spirits industry, emphasizing the power of word-of-mouth and relationship-building. He shares his journey of promoting black-owned spirit brands through events like Taste of Black Spirits and the upcoming Collective Behavior Tour 2025, which aims to highlight over 60 black-owned brands. Lazar also provides insights into creating an effective marketing strategy, focusing on the significance of packaging, community engagement, and the importance of starting locally. The episode highlights the challenges and strategies involved in distributing wine and spirits, emphasizing the need for patience, research, and strong marketing budgets.Affiliate & Other Links: [Megan Young Gamble Links][AFFILIATE] Ready to crank out your content in as little as 5 minutes? Use Castmagic, AI powered tool to take your content creation from overwhelmed to overjoyed by saving hours of developing content. Save 20 hours by Signing up today! https://get.castmagic.io/Megan [FREEBIE] Learn about “day in the life” of a Packaging Project Manager → Get our “Starter Packaging PM Freebie” [link] https://glc.ck.page/thestarterpackagingprojectmanager Subscribe & Access our Video Vault YouTube Channel [ link] https://bit.ly/GLConYouTubeJoin our Email List [link] https://glc.ck.page/55128ae04b Follow and Connect with Megan on LinkedIn [link] https://linkedin.com/in/megangambleLearn about GLC, Packaging & Project execution firm for CPG brands http://www.getlevelconsulting.comWork with Me @ GLC, Schedule Discovery Call https://calendly.com/getlevelconsulting/15-minute-insight-sessionGot a topic you'd love us to cover? Share your ideas here [link] https://bit.ly/ppptopicform[Powerhouse Guest Lazar LINKS]LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lazar-favors-68626713b/Email id: blackspiritslegacy@gmail.comCompany Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blackspiritslegacy/Taste of Black Spirits: “COLLECTIVE BEHAVIOR” TOUR 2025 : Learn more hereEpisode Quotes:Consumers are your most powerful asset. Build relationships, and they’ll share your brand everywhere.Own your hometown first. If you can’t win locally, how do you expect to go global?A product without a story is just another bottle on the shelf.Don’t rush it. A great brand takes time to build. Nail your identity before you hit the market.We need to move collectively; when we build together, we create opportunities for everyone.
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    1 h y 1 m
  • Ep. 35 - "Impact of DE&I Initiatives in Retail and Beauty” with Megan Young Gamble, PMP®, Chief Project Officer @ GLC

    Ep. 35 - "Impact of DE&I Initiatives in Retail and Beauty” with Megan Young Gamble, PMP®, Chief Project Officer @ GLC
    Feb 10 2025

    In this episode of "Product & Packaging Powerhouse," host Megan Young Gamble discusses the impact of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in the retail and beauty industries. She explains the shifts in DEI strategies among major retailers with the new presidential administration, highlighting companies that are pulling back on initiatives like Amazon, Target, and Walmart, and those continuing efforts like Sephora and Macy’s. Megan emphasizes the potential negative impacts of boycotting anti-DEI retailers on brands still working to maintain shelf space and fulfill contracts. She advocates for informed, strategic consumer support of brands, particularly those that are minority-owned, within these retail spaces to ensure business growth and sustainability. Megan underlines the importance of researching and understanding the broader picture to promote positive change and financial stability for businesses and service providers involved.


    Affiliate & Other Links:

    [Megan Young Gamble Links]

    • [AFFILIATE] Ready to crank out your content in as little as 5 minutes? Use Castmagic, AI powered tool to take your content creation from overwhelmed to overjoyed by saving hours of developing content. Save 20 hours by Signing up today! https://get.castmagic.io/Megan
    • [FREEBIE] Learn about “day in the life” of a Packaging Project Manager → Get our “Starter Packaging PM Freebie” [link] https://glc.ck.page/thestarterpackagingprojectmanager
    • Subscribe & Access our Video Vault YouTube Channel [ link] https://bit.ly/GLConYouTube
    • Join our Email List [link] https://glc.ck.page/55128ae04b
    • Follow and Connect with Megan on LinkedIn [link] https://linkedin.com/in/megangamble
    • Learn about GLC, Packaging & Project execution firm for CPG brands http://www.getlevelconsulting.com
    • Work with Me @ GLC, Schedule Discovery Call https://calendly.com/getlevelconsulting/15-minute-insight-session
    • Got a topic you'd love us to cover? Share your ideas here [link] https://bit.ly/ppptopicform



    Episode Quotes:

    1. Amazon is now the number one beauty destination that has surpassed Sephora and Ulta due to accessibility and Prime delivery.
    2. Boycotting stores might not be the answer—it could hurt DEI-focused brands more than we realize.
    3. Brands have worked years to gain shelf space in big-box retailers; pulling support can derail their hard-earned progress.
    4. We all are striving for the same thing—growth and awareness—whether as employees or business owners.
    5. Having a D2C strategy is essential, but it requires a diligent marketing strategy that may take years to implement.
    6. Think about the full picture—boycotting impacts the entire supply chain, from manufacturers to service providers.
    7. Let’s all take a moment to read, research, and promote positive change in the evolving retail landscape.
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    47 m
  • Ep. 34 - "Trends & Transitions Part 2: Beauty and formulation trends” with Megan Young Gamble, PMP®, Chief Project Officer @ GLC

    Ep. 34 - "Trends & Transitions Part 2: Beauty and formulation trends” with Megan Young Gamble, PMP®, Chief Project Officer @ GLC
    Jan 27 2025
    In this episode of "Product & Packaging Powerhouse," host Megan Young Gamble discusses 2025 trends and transitions in product development and packaging, especially in the beauty industry. Emphasizing hyper personalization and prejuvenation, Megan highlights how biotechnology and advanced technology are reshaping personalized beauty and skincare. She also stresses the importance of sustainability in packaging and product choices, with tips on how brands and consumers should approach it. She concludes with insights into her company GLC's new mission to become the leading in beauty operations, accelerating prestige and sustainable products and packaging by the end of 2026.Affiliate & Other Links: [Megan Young Gamble Links][AFFILIATE] Ready to crank out your content in as little as 5 minutes? Use Castmagic, AI powered tool to take your content creation from overwhelmed to overjoyed by saving hours of developing content. Save 20 hours by Signing up today! https://get.castmagic.io/Megan [FREEBIE] Learn about “day in the life” of a Packaging Project Manager → Get our “Starter Packaging PM Freebie” [link] https://glc.ck.page/thestarterpackagingprojectmanager Subscribe & Access our Video Vault YouTube Channel [ link] https://bit.ly/GLConYouTubeJoin our Email List [link] https://glc.ck.page/55128ae04b Follow and Connect with Megan on LinkedIn [link] https://linkedin.com/in/megangambleLearn about GLC, Packaging & Project execution firm for CPG brands http://www.getlevelconsulting.comWork with Me @ GLC, Schedule Discovery Call https://calendly.com/getlevelconsulting/15-minute-insight-sessionGot a topic you'd love us to cover? Share your ideas here [link] https://bit.ly/ppptopicformAdditional Resources:Podcast : Kickoff 2025 Trends & Transitions Pt 1 with Megan Young Gamble, PMP®, Chief Project Officer @ GLC. Listen it hereUS Plastic Pact 2.0. Read here Report: Sustainable Beauty and Skincare Market Size. hereEpisode Quotes:Change doesn’t come by being comfortable. Big audacious goals require stepping out of comfort zonesPackaging is the very first impression of your brand. It helps with transportation, containment, safety, and promotion.Hyper personalization is about tailoring products specifically to the consumer’s needs, made possible by advancements in AI and biotechnologyPrejuvenation focuses on preventing skin damage before it happens, shifting the mindset from repair to proactive care.Sustainability is not just a buzzword. It’s about understanding what it means to your brand and your consumers.Biotechnology is marrying science and sustainability, creating lab-grown ingredients like collagen and plant-derived activesConsumers are prioritizing products with holistic wellness benefits, focusing on longevity and gradual results rather than quick fixes.
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    29 m
  • Ep. 33 - "Kickoff 2025 Trends & Transitions Pt 1” with Megan Young Gamble, PMP®, Chief Project Officer @ GLC

    Ep. 33 - "Kickoff 2025 Trends & Transitions Pt 1” with Megan Young Gamble, PMP®, Chief Project Officer @ GLC
    Jan 20 2025
    In this episode of "Product & Packaging Powerhouse," host Megan Young Gamble kicks off 2025, highlighting key trends in beauty and packaging, and her personal and business transitions. She reflects on her journey with the podcast, mentioning how it's part of expanding her company, GLC, into a media division. Megan announces a new company objective for GLC to become the leading beauty operations firm in North America, Canada and Latin America By 2026, along with welcoming a new team member, Baby Gamble, in March 2025. Megan discusses navigating personal changes, such as motherhood, and the importance of being adaptable and agile both in her business and personal life.Affiliate & Other Links: [Megan Young Gamble Links][AFFILIATE] Ready to crank out your content in as little as 5 minutes? Use Castmagic, AI powered tool to take your content creation from overwhelmed to overjoyed by saving hours of developing content. Save 20 hours by Signing up today! https://get.castmagic.io/Megan [FREEBIE] Learn about “day in the life” of a Packaging Project Manager → Get our “Starter Packaging PM Freebie” [link] https://glc.ck.page/thestarterpackagingprojectmanager Subscribe & Access our Video Vault YouTube Channel [ link] https://bit.ly/GLConYouTubeJoin our Email List [link] https://glc.ck.page/55128ae04b Follow and Connect with Megan on LinkedIn [link] https://linkedin.com/in/megangambleLearn about GLC, Packaging & Project execution firm for CPG brands http://www.getlevelconsulting.comWork with Me @ GLC, Schedule Discovery Call https://calendly.com/getlevelconsulting/15-minute-insight-sessionGot a topic you'd love us to cover? Share your ideas here [link] https://bit.ly/ppptopicformAdditional Resources:8 Reflections of Starting the Podcast with Megan Young Gamble, PMP®, Chief Project Officer @ GLC. Listen the podcast hereHow Connected Packaging Shapes Sustainability and Traceability with John Dwyer, Smart Packaging Expert at Smurfit Westrock & Maurizio Carano, Innovation & Marketing Director IML @ MCC Label. Listen the podcast hereUS Plastic Pact 2.0. Read here Pantone Color of the year 2025, Mocha Mousse. Read more here Episode Quotes:GLC's Goal: We will become the leading beauty operations firm that is accelerating prestige and sustainable products and packaging to the markets in the USA, Canada, and Latin America by 2026.Change doesn't come by being comfortablene of the things that I have learned as I am transitioning into motherhood, because this is my first child, is to be agile and to definitely be adaptable.We have to be mindful of and think about the circular economy.Smart packaging is taking the spotlight, blending physical and digital elements.Sustainability is the standard, not just for packaging but also in the ways we work.
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    33 m
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