​SOCIETY OF COSMETIC CHEMISTS
TWIN CITIES CHAPTER

Nora Schaper is a visionary entrepreneur and the co-founder of HIBAR, a pioneering brand reformulating beauty and personal care products to be high-performing, beautiful and plastic free.  With a passion for sustainability, and a background in selling and formulating body care products, Nora co-created HIBAR to challenge industry norms and inspire sustainable living without compromising on quality or efficacy.  

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Nora remains actively involved in promoting sustainable practices within the beauty industry. Her leadership at HIBAR continues to shape the future of solid formulations and the movement toward a more plastic-free planet.  

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Connect with Nora Schaper and learn more about HIBAR’s mission to redefine beauty at www.HelloHiBAR.com and on social media platforms.

With over 21 years of experience in cosmetic and personal care research & development, Brandie Marotta currently serves as the Director of R&D Product Sustainability & Green Formulation at Estée Lauder Companies. Based remotely in Maple Grove, MN, she leads R&D’s sustainability initiatives, integrating them into business strategy, and driving innovation in product formulation. Known for her strong leadership and communication skills, Brandie fosters collaboration across global teams to advance R&D processes and innovation strategies. With expertise in emulsion chemistry, natural formulation, and OTC product development, she has a proven track record of delivering high-performance, eco-friendly products driving technological advancements across hair care, skin care, and fragrance.

Brandie holds a Master of Science in Biology with an emphasis in Cellular Biology and Biochemistry from University of Minnesota. Brandie is passionate about teaching and deeply committed to advancing innovation and driving sustainable, future-forward solutions that meet both customer needs and global challenges. She is married to Paul Marotta (FP Labs) and a proud mother of four children.

Meet Kseniya, a wizard in the world of cosmetic chemistry who's transforming how we think

about sustainable beauty. With 17 years of experience, she's not just mixing ingredients—she's

revolutionizing how we approach cosmetic formulation.

Her impressive journey includes developing breakthrough products for brands like Farmacy

Beauty and the Rootist. After years as lead formulator at iLABS, she founded Symbiotic Beauty

Lab, a consultancy built on her core belief that beauty innovation thrives through harmonious

relationships between science and nature, performance and sustainability, brands and their

partners.

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This philosophy led her to create the 12 Principles of Green Formulation—a groundbreaking

roadmap for sustainable cosmetic development. Her approach isn't just theoretical; it's deeply

rooted in her connection to nature. When she's not innovating in the lab, you'll find her

orienteering through forests with just a map and compass, literally navigating new paths just as

she does in sustainable formulation.

A zen-minded cat lover, Kseniya brings mindfulness to everything she does—whether she's

meditating, crocheting, or crafting formulas. Her secret? Understanding that true beauty emerges

from the delicate balance of science, nature, and purpose.

Heather McNeil is the Cosmetic Business Development Manager at Anomera, a Canadian manufacturer of advanced cellulose materials for cosmetics. She has a background in Biochemistry from Queen’s University and a graduate diploma in Cosmetic Science from Seneca College.

She has 8 years of experience in the cosmetic industry, ranging from research chemist to business development roles. Currently she is focused on promoting sustainable alternatives for the cosmetic industry, with a special interest in suncare. 

Alexis Skidmore is a Technical Support Coordinator with a strong background in suncare

product development, technical marketing, and operations. With experience in formulation,

sales support, and market strategy, she bridges the gap between science and business.

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Previously an Associate Scientist at Edgewell Personal Care and a Technical Marketing Leader

at Gattefossé, Alexis has led training programs, developed innovative skincare solutions, and

supported product launches. She holds a Chemistry degree from the University of North Texas

and an Esthetics License from Avenue Five Institute.

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Passionate about innovation and education, Alexis excels at translating technical insights into

impactful solutions.

Matt Zoeller is currently the Applications Director for the Specialty Division of 3V Sigma USA based in

Georgetown, South Carolina. Before this venture Matt spent over 30 years in technical management positions in contract manufacturing businesses in the Chicagoland area where he was integral to the development and technology transfer of thousands of personal care products for hundreds of beauty brands.

He contributes knowledge to formulators around the world and is the host and science writer for the popular YouTube channel 3V Sigma USA “Makin’ it with Matt.” He holds two topical drug patents and a B.S. Chemistry from Roosevelt University in Chicago, where he spent most of his life and contributed to the Midwest Chapter of the Society of Cosmetic Chemists, of which he is an Emeritus member.

Melissa Niebes is an accomplished professional with decades of marketing and sales experience in

beauty and personal care. She has led teams at L’Oreal, Reckitt Benckiser, Dollar General and Target

developing and launching new products. She currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer for FP Labs

and Federal Package, a beauty and personal care contract manufacturer that services the personal care

contract manufacturing needs of recognizable, emerging, independent brands.

She is also a member of the Independent Beauty Association Supply Chain and Sustainability Resource Committee.

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https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissaniebes/

Philip holds a MS in Cell and Molecular Biology from Michigan State University and has been with BASF

for 8 years working with R&D and customers to provide new skin and hair care actives. When working in

R&D, his last three products won five international awards at PCHi and In-Cosmetics for being either a

best new ingredient or most innovative.

Philip has written multiple patents and over a dozen research articles relating to new personal care ingredients. He has been a featured speaker at dozens of industry events and seminars. He was awarded the Hans Schaeffer award in 2020 and 2021 for presenting the most innovative cosmetic science paper.