Meet Carolina Lopez | Founder of BEJOU, Chemical and Material Science Engineer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Carolina Lopez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Carolina, what’s the most difficult decision you’ve ever had to make?
Entrepreneurship is definitely tough, and one of the biggest obstacles I’ve faced has been proving my capabilities as a founder in a highly competitive industry, while building trust with manufacturers, investors, and customers. Overcoming skepticism and educating others about BEJOU’s unique approach has been both challenging and incredibly rewarding.

One of the hardest lessons I learned was when I lost $12,000 due to a manufacturing issue. The manufacturer demanded I release all my formulations—a significant risk as a new startup—and then, just two weeks before signing the final contract, they increased each SKU’s unit price by 50%, without any prior notice. This forced me to raise our prices, making us less competitive. I had to make the tough decision to walk away and find a new manufacturing partner. While it was a painful financial loss, it was the right move. I now have a manufacturer I can trust, and we’ve built a strong partnership where we grow and support one another.

Another major challenge came during our first launch, which was delayed by Typhoon Yagi and Hurricane Debby. I had flown to Colombia with my family and friends to prepare for a photoshoot and pre-launch event, but the products never arrived due to the environmental conditions. With just three days’ notice, I had to cancel the event and explain the situation to everyone involved. Though it was disappointing, we made the best of it—we did a small photoshoot with the few products I brought and even took the opportunity to educate people on the streets about skincare. This experience taught me the importance of transparency, honesty, and flexibility. Sometimes things are beyond our control, but keeping clear communication with everyone—manufacturers, logistics teams, and retailers—allows us to come together, regroup, and find solutions.

One more example is that, even with a Chemical and Material Science engineering background, I’ve still had to prove myself, just like when I worked in the tech industry at Intel Corporation. I encountered a situation where a previous manufacturer made an error in the INCI listing, as some raw material names had changed two years prior per FDA regulations. I had to step in, provide factual evidence, and educate them on the correct names. This experience reinforced the importance of staying up to date with industry changes and gave me an opportunity to demonstrate BEJOU’s commitment to excellence. It also showed that at BEJOU, we aren’t just creating products; we’re building a company that supports and educates our partners.

One of the biggest obstacles has been proving my capabilities as a founder in a competitive industry and building trust with manufacturers, investors, and customers. Overcoming skepticism and educating others about our unique approach has been challenging but rewarding.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
When I was 10, my sisters and I fled Colombia in the trunk of a taxi with my mom on the trunk due to guerrilla warfare and the threat of kidnapping. My mother stayed behind for five years, risking her life to provide for us while my sisters and I moved to the U.S. to pursue the American Dream and a better future.

Despite the distance, we stayed connected, bonding through skincare routines and meaningful phone conversations. Skincare became my sanctuary. Unfortunately, these chemical-filled products caused severe rashes and irritation, marking the start of my lifelong battle with sensitive skin. With three chronic conditions—allergies, asthma, and sensitive skin—I wanted the results from traditional skincare without irritation. I knew I wasn’t alone in this struggle, so I went on a mission to find a solution.

Ironically, my journey led me back to Colombia on a life-changing trip to the Amazon with my cousin. I discovered a fruit I’d never heard of before: Chontaduro, used by local tribes in their rituals. Despite my sensitivity, I tried it and was surprised when it soothed my skin, even alleviating mosquito bites. Intrigued, I brought this discovery back to my lab. Yes, I have a lab! As the founder and formulator of BEJOU and a Chemical and Material Science engineer, I began experimenting with Chontaduro and blending it with other Latin American botanicals. I was my own guinea pig, and when the products worked for me, I realized I had something special. Friends began seeking my advice, and that’s when I decided to share BEJOU with the world.

My leadership style is rooted in transparency, tenacity, collaboration, and authenticity. I believe in fostering an environment where everyone feels valued and heard. This approach has helped me build strong relationships within my team and with our customers. One of my toughest moments came when I faced a setback due to a manufacturing issue that cost me $12,000—a painful hit for a self-funded entrepreneur. It stung and triggered anxiety about BEJOU’s future delaying our launch date, communicating this to our customers and now having to seek a new manufacturing. I made the tough decision to walk away from a partnership that didn’t align with my values of quality and efficacy. Losing that money hurt, but it ultimately led me to a trustworthy partner who shares my commitment to quality.

BEJOU is building a strong connection and cultural impact with our customers and meet their need for effective, trustworthy skincare solutions that align with their lifestyle and values. At BEJOU, We provide free psychologists, dermatologists, and nutritionists after five purchases—something I wish I had. This initiative is personal for me, as I have suffered from anxiety and depression. BEJOU is partnering with the American Anxiety and Depression Association to educate and inspire.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
To my best friends and readers if you were visiting me in Phoenix during Christmas, here’s exactly what we’d do for the week!

*Day 1: We’d start with Zoolights at the Phoenix Zoo. It’s this incredible Christmas lights display where we’d wander through the zoo without seeing the animals—it’s all about the lights! There are animations, music, and of course, we’d grab hot chocolate and just soak up the festive vibes.

Day 2: I’d take you hiking at South Mountain. Trust me, the sunsets and sunrises in the desert hit differently. The colors are unreal—like the whole sky is on fire. It’s peaceful, grounding, and the perfect place to just catch up on life.

Day 3: We’d do a little day trip to Mount Lemmon. It’s so beautiful up there, and when we get to the top, we’d treat ourselves to their signature huge cookie with ice cream. It’s iconic! At night, we’d stargaze and check out the telescopes—you haven’t lived until you’ve seen the stars from up there.

Day 4: Brunch is a must, so I’d take you to Brunch Snob. The portions are huge, the food is *chef’s kiss*, and the vibe is so chill. We’d probably stay there forever, talking and laughing over some ridiculously good pancakes and maybe a mimosa or two.

Day 5: Next up, Christmas at the Princess. It’s like a Christmas market with music, lights, food, and little trinkets. The energy there is magical. Plus, we’d go ice skating surrounded by Christmas trees, living our best holiday lives.

Day 6: I’d introduce you to one of my favorite Colombian traditions—novenas. It’s something we do nine days before Christmas, where family and friends come together to eat traditional food like buñuelos, natilla, pan de bonos, and empanadas. We’d sing carols, share stories, and just bond. It’s such a warm and special tradition, and I’d love for you to be part of it.

Day 7: To wrap up the week, we’d go see The Nutcracker. There’s something so magical about watching it during Christmas time. Then maybe a final hike or just hanging out, reminiscing about the week and all the memories we made.

This week would be all about great food, amazing views, and sharing the season’s magic together. It would honestly be the and most jolliest time with me 🙂

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’m incredibly grateful for the unwavering support from my family, friends, and colleagues who have believed in BEJOU and its mission from the start. First, I want to recognize Donna Lopez, an amazing mentor whose program helped me master marketing essentials for BEJOU and improved my business pitch. Her guidance has been invaluable.

A huge thank you to Tyshawn from Green Regimen for his candid feedback and advice. A founder who is a few steps ahead in his journey, his perspective has been instrumental in shaping BEJOU’s next steps and honest advice.

I also want to express my gratitude to Margarita Arriaga for her insightful feedback on our packaging and her support at Cosmoprof. In addition to Latinas in Beauty for the support to Latinas founders!

Annie Evans and Kelly Arena from the Dream Venture Accelerator have been pivotal in teaching me critical skills like financial projections, SPBs, and legal essentials—tools that have propelled BEJOU forward.

A special mention goes to Estrella, founder of Last Farewells. Her honesty and camaraderie have been a source of strength on this rollercoaster of entrepreneurship.

And to Matt Codi -my partner, fiancé and behind-the-scenes superstar—thank you for everything. From creating content to managing operations and even taxes who has an accounting major, you’ve been my rock every step of the way. He has been the rock continuing to support me from showcasing BEJOU at tradeshows to logistic management. To my mother my number one believer from the ideation step to inception who without her and her support I would not be here- our first family and friends investor and support with the 20+ years of accounting firm experience.

I also owe so much to the Naturally program’s Olivia and Katrina, whose fellowship has provided game-changing insights into retail, margins, and brand strategy.

Finally, the Female Founder World community, led by Jasmine, has been an incredible platform for support and collaboration among founders and resources from the retail bootcamp to weekly calls with founders. And shout-out to StartupCPG with Daniel and Patricia and Settle for their opportunities and resources, from finances to pop-up events and trade shows, to uplifting growing business which have helped BEJOU grow .

Each of these individuals and organizations has left an indelible mark on my journey, and I am so thankful for their encouragement and belief in BEJOU’s vision.

Website: https://bejou.co/

Instagram: https://instagram.com/bejou.co?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bejou/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BEJOUSKINCARE

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@bejouco?si=cYwzw1G_eI3lWFQ5

Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@bejou.co?_t=8es1SFIuHC2&_r=1

Image Credits
BEJOU.CO