Organic Skincare Line Blossoms with Florida SBDC at USF Support
Morganna’s Alchemy, LLC of Pasco County
Nearly two decades ago, what began as a homemade solution for a family member has grown into a thriving organic skincare line with over 40 SKUs. The founder and cosmetic chemist of the Morganna’s Alchemy, Maya Hyppolite-Williams, recalls, “I started this business quite by accident. I initially formulated a lotion for my aunt who wanted to extend the time between her Botox treatments. I used Paracress flower, which has natural anesthetic properties that help soften facial expressions over time.” What began with three simple products has now blossomed into a full skincare line for all skin types, rooted in clean, botanical-based formulations.
Hyppolite-Williams’ expertise is backed by deep industry experience. “I have a master’s degree in cosmetic science, and started in the industry by accident as well,” she shared. The business owner began as a lab technician at Carter-Wallace, where she helped reformulate products like Nair Depilatory. “I’m one of the people who helped take Nair from a 10-minute formula down to four,” Hyppolite-Williams said. She also lived and worked in Belgium for five years, supporting major cosmetic brands like L’Oréal and Beiersdorf with product development.
The entrepreneur credits the Florida SBDC at USF as a key player in her company’s continued growth. With the help of certified business consultant and international trade specialist Selma Canas, she received international trade guidance, secured a STEP grant, and traveled to the Dominican Republic to meet with buyers and explore new markets.
“Thanks to Selma at the SBDC, what I was able to get was this whole marketing project that contained all of the information on what markets to look for where would be more favorable to go and present our products, our line of organic skincare. And so this was very valuable information to help us be able to better target where we want to grow and how,” Hyppolite-Williams expressed.
On the marketing front, she has worked with Florida SBDC at USF consultant Scott Carpenter to refine her strategy and increase brand visibility. “I also worked with Scott from the SBDC, and he is absolutely amazing. We needed to find out what our customer profile looked like and thanks to him, we were able to put together a questionnaire that we emailed to our own clients, asking specific questions. And with that, we were able to really pin down and narrow down what our customer looks like and what they want,” Hyppolite-Williams said.
As for the business owner’s biggest success, she goes on to express how grateful she is to have a loyal customer base. “Something that I am very proud of that is my biggest success is that we manufacture our products right here in New Port Richey, Florida. And I am very well aware of the fact that people can order from whoever. They can get product, they can get skincare, but they choose us,” Hyppolite-Williams said.
To other small business owners, Hyppolite-Williams offers this advice: “What I would say to other small businesses about the SBDC is to not be too busy to use the resources that are available to you.”
Today, the business continues to grow, with plans to keep using the Florida SBDC at USF services for guidance and support.
