Biographies
Linda Walker [Founder / CEO]:
My business partner and I started CoValence nearly 20 years ago with the creation of just one scientific skin care product [unheard of in the 1980's] --- we had identified the need for innovative, fresh ideas in the professional skin care market, and we wanted to fill that gap. Today, CoValence has crafted hundreds of distinctive formulas, many of which are distributed by some of the most prominent and trusted brands in the industry. I am extremely proud of CoValence's accomplishments over the years, and it is my pleasure to contribute to the success and integrity of skin care businesses in America and around the world.
Success stems from passion, not compromise. CoValence's passion is truly scientific and therapeutic treatment products, not cheap watered-down "pseudo" skin care. Our passion has been the inspiration behind becoming a renowned company for quality, technology, efficacy, creativity, support, friendliness, and education; all of which can, unfortunately, be rare and difficult-to-find qualities among other formulation and manufacturing businesses. Also, unlike others, CoValence is strictly confidential [we refuse to "name drop"], and we specialize in small batches and low minimums [everyone starts out small, after all]. We have the utmost respect and appreciation for all of our clients, regardless of size or experience.
Everything that CoValence is and does stems from what I and the entire staff would want from a company if we were in our clients' shoes. As a result, you will find CoValence to be not only exceptionally personable, helpful and hands-on, but also the best source for advanced, elegant and effective professional products!
When I am not working... well, let's face it... I am usually working!
Melinda Wochner [VP / GM]:
When my eldest was seven weeks old, in November 1994, I started my amazing journey with CoValence. If you told me in 1994 where we would be today, I would have thought you were sleep deprived! [as I was with a new born]. I remember hand mixing, hand filling and hand labeling... concepts that are foreign to us now. I have seen clients grow from one gallon of product to 100 gallons of product; from one SKU to 60+ SKUs. I have lived through moving our lab twice and as we grow, I am hoping for a graveyard shift rather than enduring another move [I am sure our clients are hoping for the same]. With all of the changes, one thing has stayed constant... our "integrity". Integrity is not a word that is practiced a lot in our industry. It may be used in marketing collateral, but not put into action. Everything we do and will accomplish in the future is built upon the foundation of integrity. If you have been with us since the beginning you know this to be true; if you are new to CoValence, let us prove it to you. We want you to benefit from our excellence!
If I am not in meetings, or on the computer reading/writing Emails, you can find me trying to create a new 'easy' craft at home or just hanging out with my wonderful husband and three amazing children.
Cheria Orozco [Sr. Development Strategist]:
I became a CoValence convert back in March 2002. I quickly moved from the bookkeeping department over to working with our client projects and accounts, where I have been ever since in varying degrees. One of the attributes I love most about CoValence is that I have a job that requires me to flex my creative muscle by researching ingredients and designing truly unique products as well as product concepts. I am a client advocate to my core and I will do everything in my power to make sure our clients' projects run as smooth as possible. Therefore, you will not always catch me working on my computer, instead you could find me checking on samples with R&D, looking at product specification sheets with QC, discussing products with Manufacturing, analyzing packaging with Filling and/or checking on statuses with Shipping. There is no other company like CoValence...not only in the skin care industry, but in general. For instance, I had planned to stay with CoValence for just three months, now five years later... I am here to stay.
In my down time, I enjoy reading, decorating, dancing with my husband and hanging out with my three incredible children.
Susan Brule [Sr. Development Strategist]:
I first joined CoValence in April 2002. Being part of the CoValence team is more than just a job; it is a truly fun experience. Working each day with a dedicated group of people makes the process of developing new product lines an exciting and challenging experience. It is a great opportunity to show off our individual creative flairs as we work with customers to meet and exceed their conceptual product line requirements. Nothing is more fulfilling than creating new products and new product lines which are readily accepted in the marketplace and watching our customers grow, knowing that we had a part in their success. The diversity of challenges we encounter keeps us fresh, motivated and on top of new, innovative ingredients and industry trends so that our development skills keep our customers on the leading edge of skin care technology. Their success is therefore our success.
When I am not at CoValence, you may find me enjoying a round of golf, decorating or hanging out with my husband and three adorable dogs.