Naturally inquisitive, Valerie had her first microscope at the age of seven. Her prevailing interest in biochemistry eventually led her to 鶹ѡ to expand her knowledge and develop her talents in the field.
After graduating, Valerie attended graduate school, but it wasn’t the right fit. Instead, she decided to completely shake things up and move to California where she discovered a passion for cosmetic chemistry working at a men’s skincare brand. Soon after, she found her true calling in hair color chemistry through Paul Mitchell, where she spent nearly a decade advancing through the ranks to an executive role. But after COVID-19, Valerie felt that familiar tug that something wasn’t quite right. Remembering advice from her father: “Don't work for the man, be the man,” she knew she had to make a change. Today, Valerie owns Simply Formulas, Inc., her own laboratory that specializes in creating color and hair care formulas for many global brands. Her expertise in formulation has earned her the number one spot on leading cosmetics industry publication Beauty Independent’s 30 Top Beauty Product Developers – an honor she holds proudly. In addition to her work as a cosmetic chemist, she shares her knowledge through the podcast “The Beauty Brains” and maintains ties to the university as a member of the 鶹ѡ Foundation Board, College of Arts and Sciences Advisory Board and the Southern California Alumni Chapter.
KSU: What is your idea of perfect happiness?
VPG: Perfect happiness is sitting on my back porch in the Texas heat, just being in the moment with my family. No cell phones, laptops, iPads or TV in sight. Just us having good conversation!
KSU: What is your favorite trait in others?
VPG: I appreciate when people are punctual. Time is valuable and showing up on time and truly being present shows a tremendous amount of respect for others.
KSU: What trait about yourself do you like least?
VPG: I am too fast to respond and sometimes my mouth gets ahead of my mind!
KSU: Who has had the greatest influence on your life?
VPG: My father. He taught me from a young age two very valuable principles: don't work for the man, be the man, and the separation is in the preparation. This mindset has brought me much success professionally, and I owe it to him!
KSU: What is your favorite 鶹ѡmemory?
VPG: My favorite 鶹ѡmemory is taking biochem with my friends and classmates during our senior year. We had a great professor, Dr. Datta, and we made great fun out of an evening lab. It was a collaborative environment due to our friendships and close-knit group!
KSU: What is your favorite journey?
VPG: I've had many amazing, memorable trips in my life, some of them through Kent State. One personal trip that has left a tremendous impression on me was a mission trip to Kenya in 2009. I remember the pungent smell of the earth like it was yesterday, but I think about the people whose lives we touched every single day. It helps me place into perspective that I have an incredible life, and it should not be taken for granted.
KSU: What is your guilty pleasure?
VPG: I really enjoy a great glass of bourbon, neat. Trying to understand the complex flavors is a nice way to relax.
KSU: What do you consider your greatest achievement?
VPG: Starting my own business and having it be successful! It's been a huge risk, but I'm glad to be working for myself and sharing my knowledge with others.
KSU: If you could come back as one person, who would it be and why?
VPG: I would come back as myself - I've had a pretty good time so far and wouldn't mind doing it again!
KSU: What part of your college experience most formed who you are today?
VPG: The camaraderie in the more senior levels of the biochemistry program really shaped who I am today. My classmates and I pushed each other to be smarter and make it through to graduation. There was a selflessness in our group that I really miss!