melissa christenson, cosmetic chemist
A Cosmetic Chemist with a Masters Degree in Business, Melissa Christenson has been creating innovative health & beauty products that solve women’s hair and skin problems for 20 years. In her straight-talking style, she dispels myths and delivers an unbiased, credible perspective on what every woman should know about cosmetics & beauty.
Her professional experience started in the lab, stirring up new hair care and skin care products, and for the past 15 years, she has been an innovator behind eco-friendly brands including Aveda® and Intelligent Nutrients®.
As the President of Intelligent Nutrients, Melissa led the breakthrough development and launch of the world’s first complete line of USDA Certified Organic Hair Care, USDA Certified Organic Aromatics, USDA Certified Organic Skin Care and USDA Certified Organic Supplements. Intelligent Nutrients was awarded with the Breakthrough Prestige Hair Product of the year by WWD in December 2008.
As Executive Marketing Director at Aveda, Melissa was responsible for multiple business units, including skincare, spa, hair care, aromas and lifestyle products. She launched some of the most successful products in Aveda history, including Outer Peace® Acne Relief Skincare, Damage Remedy® Hair Care and Color Conserve® Hair Care.
Currently, Melissa is Co-Founder & President of Zaega.com and Marketing / Product Development Consultant to the beauty industry. She regularly educates consumers and speaks to the industry about green consumer trends and how to develop natural and organic personal care products with integrity. Melissa has been a speaker at the Organic Monitor Sustainable Cosmetics Summit in NYC, the Green Spa Network’s Virtual Green Expo and SupplySide East’s Cosmeceutical Education Symposium.
Melissa holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Chemistry and Norwegian from St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN and a Master of Business Administration degree from the Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota. She enjoys spending time with her husband and two sons on their horse ranch in Buffalo, Minnesota.
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