TechTown and the Rocket Community Fund have partnered to shine the spotlight on business owners and ecosystem service providers who responded quickly to the COVID-19 pandemic.  As we count down to the end of 2020, we will share the stories of these “Innovators” in an effort to elevate the ingenuity of Detroiters and lift spirits. 

For our second Innovator Series spotlight, we spoke with Alyssa Space of ForHerCosmetics. 

Q: Why do you do what you, and how long have you been doing it?

A: I am a cosmetic beauty chemist and advocate. I’ve formulated all natural, vegan and cruelty-free cosmetics for women of color and all shades. I graduated from Michigan State University in 2016 and have been using my degree in my field and business since then. I have also created a nonprofit that seeks to increase the retention of students, especially girls in the STEM field through our alternative learning experiences “Chemistry in Cosmetics”!

Q: How did you adapt or pivot what you do since March?

A: I have moved my classes and products online to provide a pop-up experience for my customers. I have been working tirelessly to improve marketing and implementing a team that helps promote our brand. I’ve added hand sanitizer and contactless in store/lab pick up.

Q: What surprised you the most about how people reacted to the changes you made?

A: People reacted very well to our new website. We even got back into pop-up mode this summer in August while using social distancing practices. We have also had the opportunity to continue to serve our community through online learning and outreach.

Q: What has been the impact of your response to the COVID-19 pandemic?

A: The impact has been widespread support during these trying times. Our response increased our interactions with customers online while also keeping them in the loop with what is going on with my small business.