Hannah Follis // cosmetics entrepreneur // class of 2006

Never underestimate the power of a really great lipstick. That’s the view of Hannah Follis (B.S. Biology), who has started her own line of cosmetics and fragrances, Aromi. “All of my products are handcrafted in my laboratory in small batches with only the finest ingredients,” she says. “They’re available in stores across the country and online.”

Follis' career path from the research lab to the cosmetics counter was a relatively straight one. “I believe the experience that shaped me the most since graduating was pursuing a career that truly interested me. When I graduated from college, I interviewed for many different laboratory jobs. When I interviewed for a formulation position at a local fragrance and candle company, I knew immediately that I had to pursue it.

“In my spare time, I started creating my own perfumes and cosmetics for friends and family,” she says. “It soon became my obsession and passion, and it was the perfect combination of my love of science and my love of beauty products. Eventually, I decided to create my own business.”

Right now she’s focused on launching a new product. “I’ve created a liquid lipstick formulation that goes on like a lip gloss and dries to a matte finish in about one minute. Once the liquid lipstick has turned from glossy to matte, the formula will last for many hours.”