16 INTERVIEW Tim Probert – Editor, Personal Care Global
Ahead of the New York Society of Cosmetic Chemists (NYSCC) Suppliers’ Day trade show in New York City on 3-4 June, editor Tim Probert caught up with John Carola, co-founder of US-based personal care ingredients distributor Katonah Chemical and the current chair of the NYSCC
Tim Probert (TP): John, you have been chair of the NYSCC since 1 January. What changes have you made in that time? John Carola (JC): Much of what we’re doing actually started last year. Even before officially taking the role, I started laying the foundation under the theme ‘Collaboration + Partnership = Success.’ In January, NYSCC partnered
with all Area 1 Chapters—New England, Connecticut, and Long Island—for a standout networking event featuring guest speaker Alyssa Elvambuena of AAK. It really underscored the power of working together. That led into the NYSCC’s
Technical Showcase/Science & Technology event in February at the Liberty Science Centre in Jersey City. That covered topics from AI and clean beauty to supplements and textured hair claims. It doubled as a pilot to drive
early membership sign-ups, with SCC members receiving complimentary access. Another goal is to elevate
the role of NYSCC’s Scientific Committee and bring their expertise and experience to the forefront of our chapter. These committee members are the driving force of innovation in the labs and they have a wealth of knowledge and leadership that will benefit our members and the industry at large. Yun Shao, the committee
chair, and his team are involved in overseeing our monthly programs, spearheading technical programs at Suppliers’ Day and ensure our content is timely, relevant, and technically rigorous.
TP: Have there been any other new events or programmes? JC: In March we hosted ‘Innovating
PERSONAL CARE June 2025
With Purpose: Transforming Trends into Breakthrough Products’, which broke registration records. Speakers included industry
voices from Moroccanoil and Ogee as well as insights from academia and contract manufacturers. April’s event focused on
‘A Comprehensive Approach to Sustainability’ and aligned with our support for Evertreen’s reforestation efforts.
TP: What do you want to bring to the NYSCC as chair? JC: Increasing membership value is a top priority. This includes our MVP programme. MVP stands for Member Volunteer Pathway. It recognises member contributions on a monthly basis. We also have exclusive
members-only gift boxes at select educational meetings and VIP pass giveaways. At our 70th anniversary event, for example, 15 members won access to programmes, events, or full Suppliers’ Day passes. Part of increasing value for
members is bringing more people to our monthly events through incentivising earlier sign-up. We’re also engaging more students through free tickets and student- led committees. It’s about building our future
talent pipeline organically while tapping into the diverse skill set of our membership today.
TP: Are there any other new initiatives or programmes planned under your chairmanship this year? JC: The biggest one, at least the one closest to my heart, is launching the CataIyst Club. This is a small business committee sitting within the NYSCC. The two co-chairs have started
their own companies. One is Arielle Nausieda, the
INTERVIEW
Fit for the future
owner and formulation chemist of ESSNTLS Lab, the other is Hyunah Cho, the founder and CEO of Spill Essentials. Hyunah is also assistant professor of industrial pharmacy at St. John’s University in New York City.
TP: What is the purpose of the Catalyst Club? JC: Small businesses often face immense hurdles—fewer than 10% survive their first five years. The Catalyst Club aims to change that by getting owners of businesses together to foster relationships. So, the Catalyst Club will offer
quarterly meetings focused on emerging trends, business strategy, and networking opportunities. Much of our industry’s innovation originates from startups, and this platform will help them thrive.
TP: How are you defining small business? JC: We spent a lot of time on this!
It can’t be for somebody who has bought a company. So, applicants must be active SCC members, founders or co-founders of a business less than 10 years old. We have an application form on our website. We really wanted it to be
a founder’s club, this is where innovation comes in.
TP: Entrepreneurs. JC: Entrepreneurs, 100%. For example, we have a regulatory compliance person who quit his job and started his own regulatory firm.
He didn’t have a tonne of
customers when I met him at our February event, but I have invited him to join the small business club so the other owners could utilise his services. Also, I am excited that at
Suppliers’ Day, on the second day, 4 June, we are hosting a Catalyst Club breakfast and inviting all
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