Susan Raffy – President / Cosmetic Chemist
Susan Raffy, president of Susan Raffy Consulting, has more than 25 years of experience in the personal care industry, including a number of positions in personal care R&D.
Her first position after obtaining her Bachelor of Arts degree in chemistry from the University of California, San Diego, in 1982, was developing pharmaceuticals and nutritional supplements for American McGaw. She also briefly worked as a research assistant in pulmonary medicine at the University of Texas’s Health Science Center/Veterans Administration Hospital before making her foray into cosmetic formulation as associate scientist in the Allercreme Cosmetics division of Alcon Laboratories Inc. in 1985. After a few years at Alcon, Raffy continued formulating at Physicians Formula Cosmetic Inc., where she was a scientist responsible for new product development using innovative raw materials and advanced technology for hypoallergenic skin treatment.
In 1990, she joined Aware Products Inc. as director of research and development/quality assurance. Her experience then transitioned to business, with positions as VP of business development/technical sales for GAR Laboratories Inc. and technical sales representative and industry specialist for Lipscomb Chemical Company Inc. Raffy went back to formulating as the director of product development for the beauty division of Guthy-Renker Corp. At the same time, she began teaching at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising, where she was named Outstanding Instructor of the Year. Following, she was president of CTF Concepts Inc. and senior sales manager and technical director for Randall International LP before beginning her consulting business in 2008.
Raffy is an active member in the Society of Cosmetic Chemists, where she has served as chair, summer event coordinator and newsletter editor for the California chapter. She is also an active member of the American Chemical Society and Beauty Industry West.
Member of Independent Cosmetic Manufacturers and Distributors
Kyla Pelkey – Product Development Manager
Kyla Pelkey joined Susan Raffy Consulting as a Product Development Associate in April 2013. Kyla has always had a passion for the beauty and fashion industry and graduated from FIDM (Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising) in June 2008 with a degree in Merchandise Product Development.
Her career began as a Store Manager with Aveda Corp. where she learned about plant-based ingredients and retail product sales. Her role at Susan Raffy Consulting is product innovation as well as producing lab samples and cross-training in purchasing and production. Kyla is young and career-oriented and is dedicated to bringing forward her own ideas as well as supporting the growth of our expanding lab and client base. I am happy and proud to have Kyla on the Rockstarchemist team!
Candace Carpenter – Administrative Assistant
I am pleased to announce that my niece Candace Carpenter has joined the Rockstarchemist team! Candace is an Administrative Assistant and will be involved in many aspects of the business.
She is a junior at Santiago Canyon Community College where she holds 3.8 grade point average. Candace will transfer to Cal. State Fullerton this fall as a Junior in Business Administration with a concentration in Human Resources. Candace is one busy young lady! In addition to working at the lab and attending school, she is also a Sales Consultant for Samsung Telecommunications America.
