For cosmetic and personal care founders
Build the right product. Start at the right scale.
Choose one of two founder programs, or move directly into manufacturing if your product is already production ready.
Choose your starting point
Two programs. Built for two different kinds of founders.
The Accelerator helps define, position, plan, and launch the product. The Pilot assumes those major brand decisions are already clear.
Beauty Brand Accelerator
Best for: founders who have a product idea but still need help turning it into a production ready product and a real launch plan.
Program fee only. Inventory and production costs are quoted separately.
- 1-on-1 coaching and implementation support with Tim
- Product concept, positioning, pricing, and offer guidance
- Initial formulation setup for one approved hero product
- Packaging, component, and supplier direction
- Manufacturing, launch funnel, and operating plan
- Path to a qualifying 500 unit first production run
Production inventory, packaging, labels, components, shipping, and testing are separate.
Pilot Program
Best for: founders with a clear product direction who need custom formulation and a practical path to a smaller first production run.
Program fee only. Inventory and production costs are quoted separately.
- Custom formulation for one approved cosmetic product
- Formula ownership with percentages and INCI list
- Product development guidance and defined handoff
- Access to a qualifying 500 unit production path
- Clear separation of formula and production costs
- A lower risk way to test before a larger run
Product, packaging, filling, labels, testing, shipping, and other production expenses are separate.
Which path fits you?
You do not have to figure this out alone.
The right answer depends on what is already clear, what is still missing, and how much guidance you want before production begins.
Get Help ChoosingI have an idea, but I need the full roadmap.
You need help with the product, offer, packaging, numbers, and launch plan.
I know what I want to make.
Your direction is clear. You need formulation and a smaller first production path.
My formula and packaging are production ready.
You have documentation, components, and demand for 5,000 units or more.
Built by a brand owner
We know what it feels like to put your own money, name, and reputation behind a product.
Shay Labs was built from the brand owner side of the table. That changes the questions we ask. We think about the formula, but also the packaging, margin, customer experience, production risk, and whether the product is worth reordering.
What happens next
A practical path from idea to production.
No vague handoff. No guessing about the next step. We start by understanding what you already have and what still needs to be built.
Tell us where you are
Share the product, formula stage, starting quantity, packaging direction, and what you need help solving.
Choose the right program
We will help determine whether the Accelerator, Pilot, or direct manufacturing path fits your stage.
Build toward production
Develop the product and plan with a clear view of costs, components, testing, timing, and manufacturing readiness.
Clear expectations
Know what the program fee covers before you begin.
The program fee pays for the guidance, development work, and access described above. Your physical production expenses are quoted separately because every formula, package, component, and batch is different.
- Product and raw material costs
- Bottles, jars, pumps, labels, and cartons
- Filling, assembly, testing, and shipping
Clear numbers. Clear scope. Fewer surprises.
Common questions
Before you choose a program.
What is the biggest difference between the Accelerator and Pilot?
The Accelerator combines product development with founder coaching, positioning, pricing, supplier guidance, and a complete launch operating plan. The Pilot is more focused. It is for founders who already have a clear direction and mainly need formulation plus access to a smaller production path.
Does the program price include the finished inventory?
No. Inventory, ingredients, packaging, labels, components, filling, testing, and shipping are priced separately. This keeps the program scope clear and lets the production quote reflect the actual product.
Can I start with 500 units?
Qualifying Accelerator and Pilot projects can access a 500 unit first run. Eligibility depends on product type, packaging, formula, components, and manufacturer requirements.
What types of products does Shay Labs accept?
Shay Labs works with cosmetic and personal care products across skin, hair, body, pet, hospitality, and related categories. Shay Labs does not formulate or manufacture supplements.
What if I am already ready for a larger production run?
If you have a finished formula, production documentation, packaging, and demand for 5,000 units or more, direct contract manufacturing may be the better fit.
Not sure which path is right? Let’s figure out the next practical step.
Bring the idea, your target quantity, and whatever progress you have already made.