Ewelina Aiossa: A Visionary Leader Shaping the Future of the Beauty Industry

As part of the Morning Lazziness series about empowering women who encourage and do incredible things with their ideas in society, I had the pleasure of interviewing Ewelina Aiossa.

Ewelina Aiossa is a force to be reckoned with in the beauty industry. With a distinguished career spanning over 15 years, she boasts a unique blend of “Big Beauty” pedigree and “Indie” ingenuity.

Ewelina’s expertise lies at the intersection of general management, marketing, and product development.  A self-proclaimed “skin science and innovation nerd,” she possesses a deep understanding of scientific research and a passion for translating that knowledge into cutting-edge products.

Her resume reflects a powerhouse combination of strategic vision and operational excellence. As an in-house marketing executive and leadership team member for multinational corporations like L’Oréal (Skinceuticals) and Pierre Fabre Dermo-Cosmetics (Eau Thermale Avene, Glytone), she spearheaded successful initiatives for renowned brands.

Her entrepreneurial spirit shines through in her ventures beyond corporate walls. Ewelina co-founded Clinical Skin and established Topical Skin, a clean cosmeceutical brand leveraging oleosome technology. She is a recognized thought leader who frequently contributes to industry publications and presents at conferences.  Her visionary insights and unparalleled business acumen make her a highly sought-after consultant for startups, established companies, and organizations like Private Equity, CDMOs, and CROs.

Ewelina’s ability to predict industry trends earned her the moniker “CMO Psychic” from CMO.org.  Her expertise and vision continue to pave the way for a more innovative and impactful future for the beauty industry.

Can you share the story behind your journey as an entrepreneur and what inspired you to start your own business?

My profound passion for skincare, enriched by years of experience in the beauty industry, sparked my entrepreneurial drive. Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of collaborating with esteemed cosmetic chemists, dermatologists, scientists, skin health professionals, and industry leaders. These experiences, spanning multinational giants like L’Oreal, innovative indie brands, contract manufacturers, raw material suppliers, and R&D centers, have equipped me with invaluable insights.

Immersed in the dynamic professional beauty and aesthetic channels, I felt the urge to innovate the cosmeceutical landscape. Leveraging my brand incubation experience and well-established industry relationships, I envisioned a brand that bridges derm beauty with clean beauty. This science-backed skincare line would seamlessly integrate multitasking ingredients, botanicals from traditional Chinese medicine, potent antioxidants, and novel bioavailable compounds. The result would be derm-approved formulas designed with sensitive skin in mind, leveraging novel technologies, offered at accessible price points to empower individuals on their skincare journeys.

Fueled by an unwavering belief in the transformative potential of the beauty industry and my passion for skincare, I decided to embark on this entrepreneurial venture. Thus, Topical Skin was born, embodying a commitment to innovation, efficacy, and accessibility.

What are the unique selling points of the brand?

What sets Topical Skin apart is our unwavering commitment to creating skincare products that are not only effective but also “clean” and suitable for all skin types, particularly sensitive skin. Our custom-developed formulas are meticulously crafted using Oleosome technology, a moisturizing powerhouse that supports skin barrier function. With clinically proven peptides and antioxidants, we seamlessly blend cutting-edge synthetic actives with natural ingredients to deliver unprecedented results.

At the perfect nexus between science and nature, our innovative formulations harness the most biologically active and scientifically proven ingredients in concentrations that support product efficacy. Our team, composed of passionate and highly trained chemists,  skincare experts, and product visionaries, collaborates to bring forth cosmetically elegant and result-oriented products. At our core, we believe that skincare is fundamentally about health and wellness, and should never compromise the well-being of our bodies or the environment.

In addition, science and aesthetic medicine are the cornerstones of Topical Skin. We don’t select ingredients for our products on a whim or based on fleeting trends. Aesthetic medicine has significantly influenced our organization’s identity, and every skincare product we develop is grounded in the most current research. Our knowledgeable formulators keep a close watch on scientific advancements, staying informed about the latest breakthroughs in aesthetic medicine, dermatology, and cosmetics.

What challenges have you faced as a woman in the business world, and how have you overcome them?

Throughout my career, I’ve navigated a diverse landscape, transitioning from C-level roles at multinational companies to fractional positions for independent brands, and currently serving as a founder and general manager. Like many millennial professional women, I’ve faced the challenge of balancing a demanding career with the responsibilities of motherhood and family life. The high-pressure environment of corporate settings has only intensified this balancing act. Even in ideal circumstances, juggling the expectations of a high-demand role with family duties often feels like a delicate dance.

In the past, I contended with limited workplace flexibility, a lack of mentorship, and insufficient support systems—factors that can significantly hinder professional growth. These challenges were exacerbated by a workplace culture that didn’t support the multifaceted roles women play.

As a mom, my foremost responsibility will always be my family. However, I also have significant professional aspirations. Balancing these roles has required perseverance, adaptability, and a constant reevaluation of my priorities. Today, I’m incredibly fortunate to lead and collaborate with a talented, independent, and supportive team. Over time, I’ve learned to delegate effectively, empower team members to make decisions, support their growth, outsource to experts, and prioritize my most important tasks early in the day. Soft skills and active listening have proven invaluable. Running a business truly takes a village; it’s a collective effort.