We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Marcha Chaudry. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Marcha below.

Marcha , appreciate you joining us today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

The Equity and Wellness Collaborative (EWC) was born out of a deeply personal and professional journey. My mission to advance equity, well-being, and public health is rooted in 15 years of experience in non profit and advocacy. During my time on Capitol Hill, I saw firsthand how the lack of regulatory oversight in industries like beauty and wellness disproportionately impacts marginalized communities, particularly women and children of color.

Growing up, I, like many young Black girls, was surrounded by products like hair relaxers and talcum powder, both marketed as essentials for beauty and hygiene. These products were deeply ingrained in our lives, and I trusted the messaging that they were safe and necessary.

Years later, I began reading studies about the harmful impacts of these products, particularly on Black women. Research showed links between the chemicals in hair relaxers and hormone disruption, infertility, and an increased risk of certain cancers. Similarly, studies on talcum powder revealed its connection to ovarian cancer, with Black women being disproportionately targeted by marketing campaigns for these products. This realization was devastating—these products, which were supposed to enhance our lives, instead became agents of harm.

This personal connection to the issue fueled my commitment to advocacy. As I worked on safer cosmetics legislation, I couldn’t help but think of the millions of women who, like me, trusted products that put their health at risk. That understanding became a driving force behind EWC’s mission to ensure safety, transparency, and equity in the beauty and wellness industry.

At EWC, our mission is meaningful because it’s not just about compliance—it’s about trust, transparency, and empowerment. I’ve dedicated my career to ensuring that businesses can meet the highest standards while prioritizing the well-being of their consumers. Our Inclusive Beauty Certification, for instance, reflects this mission by recognizing brands that actively embrace inclusivity and safety, setting new benchmarks for the industry.

This mission drives everything we do, from working with small businesses and nonprofits to hosting events and webinars that educate and empower others. It’s not just a professional goal; it’s a personal calling to create a future where everyone has access to safe and equitable products.

Marcha , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m Marcha Isabelle Chaudry, the founder and CEO of the Equity and Wellness Collaborative (EWC). My journey into this industry stems from my deep-seated commitment to equity, consumer safety, and public health, which began during my early career in public policy and nonprofit leadership.While lobbying on Capitol Hill, I championed women’s health, consumer protection, and regulatory reform. This work illuminated significant gaps in oversight within industries like beauty and wellness, highlighting the urgent need for change to protect vulnerable communities.

One pivotal moment was when I learned about the harmful chemicals disproportionately marketed to and used by marginalized communities, particularly Black women. Growing up, I personally experienced the effects of these products and later came across studies highlighting their potential long-term health impacts. This realization motivated me to combine my legal expertise with my passion for advocacy, setting me on the path to create EWC.

What makes EWC unique is our ability to bridge two often disconnected perspectives: consumer advocacy and regulatory compliance. My work has involved testifying before Congress and the FDA to champion safer cosmetic practices (including the use of safer ingredients, increased regulatory oversight, and specific measures like talc testing) with a focus on protecting marginalized communities, while also helping businesses navigate the complexities of industry regulations. This dual focus allows EWC to provide a balanced approach—protecting consumers while empowering brands to meet and exceed compliance standards.

At EWC, we offer services ranging from compliance management and certification programs to nonprofit impact campaigns. Our Inclusive Beauty Certification is a standout program that helps brands demonstrate their commitment to safety and inclusivity. But beyond services, what sets us apart is our mission to align business success with ethical responsibility, helping brands build trust and create lasting impact.

My personal expertise and practice in wellness deeply influence the way I approach my work and partnerships. As someone who integrates holistic well-being into my daily life, I bring a unique perspective to the businesses and organizations I work with. This focus on wellness allows me to guide brands toward sustainable, people-centered practices that align with their values and resonate with their customers.

I’m most proud of the tangible impact EWC has had in advancing equity and public health. From helping brands understand and achieve compliance to collaborating with nonprofits on meaningful campaigns, our work is driven by the belief that businesses can do well while doing good. For me, this isn’t just a business—it’s a mission to build a future where safety, sustainability, and equity are at the forefront of the beauty and wellness industry.

For anyone considering working with EWC, I want them to know that we’re not just about ticking boxes for compliance. We’re about creating long-term, meaningful partnerships that help businesses thrive while making a positive impact on the world.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

One of the most defining moments in my journey—and a true test of resilience—was the decision to leave my full-time job and fully commit to building the Equity and Wellness Collaborative (EWC). After years of working in public policy, nonprofit leadership, and advocacy, I felt a strong pull to step out on my own and create something that aligned fully with my values and vision. But leaving the security of a stable job to dive into consulting was terrifying. It meant believing in myself, taking a risk, and embracing the uncertainty of entrepreneurship.

There were months when business was booming and I felt unstoppable, and then there were months when everything seemed to slow down, leaving me questioning whether I had made the right choice. It was in those moments that my resilience was truly tested. What carried me through was my meditation and energy practice. These tools helped me stay grounded, process my fears, and maintain emotional balance. They became my lifeline, allowing me to face uncertainty with a sense of calm and clarity.

Resilience isn’t about never feeling afraid or doubtful; it’s about finding the strength to move forward anyway. By focusing on my inner world—balancing my emotions, quieting the noise of fear, and trusting my vision—I was able to keep going, even when the path felt unclear. Over time, I learned to embrace the ebb and flow of consulting, leaning into my skills and trusting that each challenge was an opportunity to grow.

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

What has helped me build my reputation in the beauty and wellness market is my genuine passion, deep expertise, and unwavering commitment to the industry. I’ve always been driven by a desire to make a meaningful impact, and that drive has fueled my work and inspired me to step outside of my comfort zone.

This year has been truly transformative, marked by significant growth, meaningful connections, and a dedication to advancing compliance and regulatory excellence across industries. I’ve had the privilege of assisting over 40 beauty and wellness businesses—including beauty and OTC brands, manufacturers, dietary supplement companies, and food facilities—helping them navigate complex legal and regulatory landscapes to achieve their goals. In my first year full-time, I successfully grew my business to gross over six figures, reflecting the tangible value and impact of my expertise.

To share my knowledge and amplify my voice within the industry, I’ve written five articles for major beauty and wellness publications, including CEW, HBW Insight, and Global Cosmetic Industry, offering critical insights into legal and regulatory compliance. I’ve also been a guest expert on three podcasts, where I discussed topics such as clean beauty, compliance challenges for emerging brands, and strategies for navigating new regulations. Additionally, I participated in two compliance-focused webinars and led two specialized trainings—one for a major beauty brand and the other for the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics Leadership Circle, an exclusive network of leaders in the clean cosmetics industry.

This year, I hosted an in-person training at a cosmetic manufacturing facility and traveled solo to three major cosmetic industry trade shows, which provided invaluable opportunities to connect with industry peers and explore emerging trends. Beyond these achievements, I serve as a strategic impact adviser and have mentored two professionals working in the nonprofit consumer advocacy space, further extending my influence beyond direct business clients. Joining the Board of the Independent Beauty Association has allowed me to help shape the industry’s future from a leadership perspective, contributing to conversations on sustainability, equity, and regulatory reform.

Beyond these achievements, my genuine passion for equity, safety, and inclusivity continues to resonate deeply with those I work with. I’m not just committed to meeting industry standards—I’m driven by a vision of creating a safer, more inclusive beauty and wellness industry. This authenticity, paired with my unwavering willingness to show up, contribute, and connect meaningfully, has made a tangible difference in how I’m perceived and trusted within the industry.

Through these efforts, I’ve demonstrated a deep commitment to honing my skills, embracing new challenges, and boldly sharing my expertise. It’s one thing to possess knowledge, but it’s another to use it as a tool for connection, collaboration, and meaningful contribution. I believe this willingness to step outside my comfort zone has been instrumental in establishing my reputation and fostering trust within the beauty and wellness industries.

This year has been about more than just growth—it’s been about creating meaningful impact, building lasting partnerships, and laying a strong foundation for long-term success—not only for my business but also for the clients and communities I serve.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.equitywellness.org
• Instagram: @Marchaisabelle
• Facebook: equitywellnessco
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcha-isabelle-chaudry/
• Twitter: @isabellechaudry
• Youtube: EquityWellnessCo

Image Credits

Marcha Isabelle Chaudry, Leading Beauty and Personal Care Compliance Training at Miami Growth Machine
Marcha Isabelle Chaudry at MakeUp in New York 2024
Marcha Isabelle Chaudry, pictured with Roihann Karr, Marketing Lead at Naturally Drenched
CEW Beauty Expo 2024