We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Cassandra Celestin a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Cassandra, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.
I’ve taken many risks, from moving out of state and my comfort zone to spontaneous decisions to leave a job to start my own business. One key lesson I’ve learned is that building motivation in a team is crucial for success. Even when you can’t hire your ideal team, focusing on their strengths first can help you achieve your goals. Identifying strengths and weaknesses, providing tools for improvement, and having a clear plan of action are essential.
Aligning your team around a common mission is also key. As a leader, I face challenges such as unclear missions, poor execution, and the need to anticipate and mitigate potential issues. It’s important to constantly ask yourself, “What can go wrong?” in terms of both people and experiments .
When you avoid taking risks, you often remain in your comfort zone, which can limit your personal and professional growth. I have gotten to the point where I am comfortable stepping out of my comfort zone. I feel that it allows you to explore new opportunities and challenges, and leads to a more in-depth understanding of your capabilities.
Risk-taking also helps you understand your weaknesses better. When you take a risk and it doesn’t go as planned, you have the opportunity to reflect on what went wrong and why. This introspection can be incredibly valuable, as it allows you to identify areas for improvement and work on them.
On the flip side, taking risks that pay off can be incredibly rewarding. It can boost your confidence, expand your perspective, and open up your eyes to new possibilities you may not have considered before. These wins can serve as milestones in your personal and professional journey, helping you gauge your progress, stay on track, and celebrate your achievements.

Cassandra, 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?
As a child, I had a strong passion for hairstyling and chemistry, and this early interest eventually led me to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Master’s degree in Cosmetic Science, and a Cosmetology License. This unique blend, combined with my passion for art, science, and creativity, led me to redefine beauty for the modern world as The Beauty Chemist, Cassandra Celestin.
For over 15 years, I have been the driving force behind the formulation of various hair care and skincare products that are beloved by many. As a licensed master cosmetologist and makeup artist, I provide not only products but also expertise in all things related to glam. My goal is to elevate beauty routines to new heights and help individuals look and feel their best.
What sets me apart is my holistic approach to beauty. I firmly believe that beauty is more than skin deep, and I am dedicated to promoting mental health and self-care. This dedication allows me to provide not just products and services, but a complete experience that addresses the well-being of my clients.
I take great pride in not only creating exceptional products but also in being an advocate for women’s and children’s welfare. I am committed to using my platform to make a positive impact on the world.
Ultimately, I want potential clients, followers, and fans to know that when they engage with my brand, they are not just interacting with a scientist in the beauty industry, but with a friend and a guiding light on their journey to beauty and self-discovery.

Do you think you’d choose a different profession or specialty if you were starting now?
If I could go back, I would probably choose to explore more professions and specialties. I am skilled in various beauty roles, but I believe I can excel in other areas as well. For instance, I have a talent for art, hands-on art, 3D concepts, and creating things. I would love to work in the fashion industry, crafting shoes and jewelry, or in the engineering field, designing innovative products using technologies like 3D printing.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?
The most powerful approach to expanding your clientele lies in remaining authentic, relevant, and up-to-date with new technologies while understanding evolving marketing trends for your target audience. Word of mouth has consistently been the most potent tool for client growth. It’s essential to continually adapt and stay informed about the latest marketing trends and consumer behaviors. By leveraging these methods, you can craft and execute a marketing strategy that is both effortless and seamless. This can further help you to develop stronger connections with your audience and position your brand as a trusted and valuable resource within your industry.
Contact Info:
- Website: thebeautychemist.com and beautyalchemygroup.com
- Instagram: @thebeautychemist
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cassandra-celestin-59763374/
Image Credits
Paul Cobo Photography for Personal Image only.

