Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Betty Beyene. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Betty, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Along with taking care of clients, taking care of our team is one of the most important things we can do as leaders. Looking back on your journey, did you have a boss that was really great? Maybe you can tell us about that boss and what made them a wonderful person to work for?

Under the guidance of the best boss and mentor I’ve encountered, I found validation and empowerment in environments where my youth and ethnicity might otherwise have marginalized me. As a novice PD intern, her leadership urged me to assert my voice and convictions. Despite my limited experience, she valued my perspective and admired my dedication. Continuously challenging me to expand my creative horizons, she facilitated opportunities for me to present to both peers and higher-ups, a privilege not commonly afforded to someone like myself. Her commitment to crediting achievements and advocating for equitable treatment was exemplified when she selflessly sacrificed her own salary to secure a fair adjustment for me. Show me a better BOSS than that!

Betty, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Coming from a place of experience and passion, I’m a seasoned beautypreneur and innovator best known for cultivating high-performing products with the highest standards of quality, transparency, and integrity. With over 20+ years of experience helping brands attain their unique versions of success, I hold an extensive background involving product lifecycle management, intuitive & innovative design, and generating high yield within the competitive market. Applying this as the founder of ALEM, I enjoy being a liaison between vision and actionable milestones, and doing so to ensure my clients gain what they value the most: authenticity, product performance, and market success.

Having started my journey as a makeup artist at M·A·C Cosmetics, I transitioned seamlessly into product development at L’Oreal Paris, where I played a pivotal role in revitalizing iconic products like Colour Riche Lipcolour and Voluminous Mascara extensions. Notably, I served as one of the PD leads on the launch of H.I.P High Intensity Cosmetics, a line catering specifically to women of color. My career came full circle when I rejoined M.A.C’s product development team, overseeing critical categories such as Lip and Cheek ,where I managed the successful launches of several brand staple products; such as Retro Matte Liquid Lipcolour, Retro Matte Lipcolour Extensions, Patentshine Lip Polish, Huggable Lipcolour, and Versicolor Stain. During my time at MAC I also oversaw the development of all Holiday Collections, Retailer Exclusives, Celebrity Collaborations, and Seasonal Color Collections.
In my next role as the Head of Global Color Product Development at NARS Cosmetics, I orchestrated and lead my team in the successful launches of groundbreaking products, including Orgasm Afterglow Lip Balm, Powermatte Lip Pigment and Climax Mascara, driving substantial growth for the brand.
In 2018, I embarked on a new chapter with the launch of ALEM, a product development studio. At ALEM I collaborate with emerging and leading brands, offering comprehensive consulting services across diverse product categories, including skin, hair, baby, and body care.

Throughout my career, I built a large inventory of experiences bridging transparency, innovation, and people-centralism, as well as a reputation for securing viable paths forward for her brands and clients.
Today, I’m focused on continuing to redefine industry standards through my commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), recognizing them as fundamental pillars of success. By infusing my creations with a profound sense of inclusivity, I aim to empower individuals from all walks of life, fostering confidence and self-expression on a global scale.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

After over a decade in the corporate world, I made the bold move to launch my own consulting venture almost six years ago. Despite entertaining aspirations of entrepreneurship, transitioning from the rigidity of corporate environments left me feeling uncertain about where to begin. While leveraging my expertise in product development came naturally, navigating the intricacies of business operations proved daunting – from logistics to marketing to budget management. Yet, these challenges were precisely what I needed. They pushed me out of my comfort zone, fostering growth and resilience. Even today, the journey remains demanding. Running a business continually tests my discipline and adaptability. Nevertheless, every hurdle overcome brings a profound sense of accomplishment and fulfillment.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

My reputation in the market stems from my commitment to cultivating strong, positive working relationships while driving the development of top-tier products. Throughout my career, I’ve established a track record as a collaborator who not only fosters enjoyable working experiences but also possesses a deep understanding of product development and successful market launch strategies.

Contact Info:

• Website: alem-pd.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alem_pd/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/betty-beyene-903bb03/

Image Credits
Hailey Porth