Today we’d like to introduce you to Marcha Chaudry.
Hi Marcha, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My journey into cosmetic policy and regulatory compliance began when I was hired by the National Women’s Health Network to develop and lead their cosmetic policy program. Recognizing the lack of consumer protections in the beauty industry—especially for products disproportionately affecting Black women’s health—I immersed myself in research, writing several articles on the issue and joining national policy discussions.
I went on to lead a national consumer policy coalition, lobbying the entire House Energy and Commerce Committee and testifying before Congress and the FDA about the urgent need to update the outdated cosmetic regulations—laws that hadn’t changed in over 80 years. This gap in policy had profound consequences, particularly for communities using products with higher levels of toxic exposure. Knowing the stakes, I became even more committed to pushing for change.
When the Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act (MoCRA) passed, I made the decision to transition into full-time consulting. Now, I help businesses understand, comply with, and navigate the very law I helped draft and advocate for. Through my firm, the Equity and Wellness Collaborative (EWC), I work with beauty and wellness brands to ensure they meet the highest standards of compliance, transparency, and consumer trust, all while continuing my broader mission of advancing safer, more inclusive industry practices.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Has it been a smooth road? Definitely not. The road has been anything but smooth, and stepping into full-time consulting brought a whole new set of challenges. But every obstacle reinforced my commitment to this work and forced me to grow in ways I never expected.
When I first started advocating for cosmetic policy reform, the beauty industry was largely unregulated, and there was significant pushback against stronger consumer protections. Lobbying Congress and the FDA was no small feat—getting policymakers to recognize the health risks, particularly for Black women, required relentless effort. It meant conducting research, writing reports, building coalitions, and directly challenging major industry players who benefited from weak regulations.
The Fear and Uncertainty of Full-Time Consulting
Once MoCRA passed, I knew it was time to transition into full-time consulting—but that decision came with fear and uncertainty. I was stepping away from the structure of policy and nonprofit work and moving into an entirely new space where I was responsible for building my own business, securing clients, and proving the value of my expertise.
I struggled with perfectionism in the beginning—feeling like I had to have every detail figured out before launching, rather than embracing the fact that I would learn and evolve along the way. There were moments of doubt—wondering whether brands would see the value in legal compliance, whether I had made the right choice, and whether I could build a business that was both profitable and impactful.
Breaking Through and Making an Impact
Despite the challenges, my first year exceeded even my own expectations. In just one year:
I helped over 50 companies successfully navigate legal compliance, from MoCRA compliance to claims review and advertising regulations.
I wrote and co-authored seven published legal articles, breaking down complex regulations and educating industry professionals.
I participated in podcasts, webinars, and major trade shows, establishing myself as a trusted thought leader in beauty and wellness compliance.
I was invited to be a guest judge for the Lift Beauty Accelerator by Rare Beauty Brands, where I helped select the final winning brands—a role that reinforced my expertise in identifying high-potential, scalable beauty brands based on their market viability, compliance readiness, and brand strategy.
I joined the Board of the Independent Beauty Association (IBA), contributing my expertise to support independent beauty businesses.
I took on strategic advisory roles with two consumer advocacy nonprofit organizations, helping them strengthen their programs, obtain grant funding, and expand their impact.
I hosted my first-ever Beauty Founders Mixer in December 2024, alongside Cosmoprof Miami. The event sold out in one week with over 180 registrants and more than 100 attendees—including beauty brand founders from both emerging and well-established companies. The success of this event reinforced my ability to connect, support, and create opportunities for a diverse range of beauty businesses.
All of this while continuing to educate and guide businesses through MoCRA, FDA registration, advertising regulations, and compliance best practices.
No Regrets—Only Growth
One of the biggest struggles has been ensuring that inclusivity remains central to legal compliance. Too often, beauty and wellness regulations are created without considering the needs of diverse consumers, leaving gaps in protection and accessibility. I’ve had to consistently push for equitable solutions, making sure brands don’t just meet legal requirements, but also prioritize consumer safety, sustainability, and transparency.
Over time, I learned to trust myself, have faith, embrace uncertainty, and focus on progress over perfection. I built a business that now helps brands not only comply with the laws I helped shape but also thrive and remain profitable in a complex regulatory landscape.
Taking the leap into full-time consulting was one of the hardest decisions I’ve made—but also the most rewarding. Now, I get to work in an industry I love, helping companies navigate legal compliance with confidence, while ensuring that inclusivity, sustainability, and consumer safety remain at the forefront.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
I am the Founder & CEO of the Equity and Wellness Collaborative (EWC), a firm dedicated to helping beauty, wellness, and consumer health companies navigate legal compliance, strategic risk management, and brand integrity. My work ensures that businesses not only meet FDA, FTC, and global compliance standards but also remain profitable, transparent, and consumer-trusted in an evolving regulatory landscape.
What We Do & What Sets Us Apart
EWC specializes in legal compliance, product claims review, advertising & labeling compliance, FDA registration, and strategic legal advising. We also provide fractional legal services and policy guidance to companies that need ongoing support without hiring a full-time compliance team. Additionally, EWC offers the Inclusive Beauty Certification, which helps brands establish credibility and trust by demonstrating their commitment to inclusivity and transparency in beauty.
Beyond corporate consulting, EWC also works with nonprofit organizations, providing program development, policy strategy, and advocacy support. We help mission-driven organizations design and expand impactful initiatives that align with consumer health, safety, and regulatory best practices.
To date, EWC has helped over 50 businesses and organizations successfully navigate compliance and program development, ensuring they meet legal requirements while remaining profitable and impactful.
What sets EWC apart is our unique blend of legal expertise, industry knowledge, and advocacy background. Before launching EWC, I worked extensively in consumer advocacy and policy development, lobbying Congress and the FDA to improve cosmetic regulations. I played a role in shaping the Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act (MoCRA), and now I help companies implement and comply with the very law I helped write. This experience gives me a holistic and strategic perspective that many legal consultants simply don’t have.
What I’m Most Proud Of
I am most proud that EWC bridges the gap between legal compliance and business profitability. Many companies see compliance as a burden, but I show them how it can be a competitive advantage—helping them avoid legal risks, build consumer trust, and establish themselves as leaders in inclusive, sustainable, and ethically responsible beauty and wellness.
I’m also proud that my work allows me to directly contribute to the product development process. Previously, I was focused on policy and advocacy, pushing for change at a legislative level. Now, I work hands-on with brands and companies to ensure that products hitting the market are legally compliant, profitable, and aligned with today’s consumer expectations.
What I Want Readers to Know
EWC is more than just a legal consulting firm. We are a partner in your company’s success—helping you not just comply with laws but thrive in a competitive and highly regulated industry. Whether you’re a startup looking for guidance, an established brand needing strategic legal compliance support, or a nonprofit organization looking for program development expertise, EWC provides expert-driven, business-focused solutions tailored to your needs.
If you’re a beauty, wellness, or consumer health company looking to navigate legal compliance with confidence, remain profitable, or obtain certification to demonstrate your commitment to inclusivity—or a nonprofit seeking expert guidance on program development—I’d love to help.
What makes you happy?
What makes me happy is working in an industry I genuinely love—beauty, health, and wellness. I’m passionate about beauty, self-care, fitness, meditation, and relaxation, and I feel fortunate to have built a career that aligns with my values. It’s incredibly fulfilling to help companies and brands that prioritize well-being, inclusivity, sustainability, and consumer safety, knowing that my work directly contributes to making the industry safer, more transparent, and more ethical.
I also love meeting new clients, many of whom are CEOs, founders, and industry leaders. These are high-energy, creative, and intelligent individuals who are shaping the future of beauty and wellness. Their passion and innovation inspire me, and I love the collaborative nature of my work. Many of my clients have even become friends and trusted collaborators, which makes my work even more rewarding.
Another aspect of my work that makes me happy is that I now directly contribute to the product development process. Before, I was on the policy development and consumer advocacy side—pushing for regulatory changes and better protections. Now, I work directly with companies to ensure their final products are legally compliant, inclusive, and sustainable, bridging the gap between policy and real-world implementation. This transition has given me a holistic, unique approach, allowing me to see the full spectrum of industry impact—from shaping laws to helping businesses successfully navigate them while remaining profitable.
I’m incredibly happy that I’ve been able to create this space for myself, where I can bring my expertise, passion, and advocacy together to make a real difference in the beauty, health, and wellness industry.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.equitywellness.org
- Instagram: @equitywellnessco
- Facebook: @equitywellnessco
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcha-isabelle-chaudry/
- Youtube: @EquityWellnessCo
Image Credits
1. Marcha Chaudry Pictured at IBA Networking Reception, Los Angeles February 2025 2. Pictures of Marcha’s banner at her January 22, 2025, Mondrian South Beach-December 2025. 3. Marcha Chaudry, pictured with Brenten Szekely (client, CEO of Zesty Bitez), Paul Cuffaro, and Jaquan Smith 4. Marcha Chaudry pictured with Clients (Shaira Frias (CEO, Luna Magic), Raluca Manea, Founder & CEO Sheika 5. Marcha Chaudry picture with Marcha Chaudry with Cornell McBride (Client, CEO of Design Essentials), CEO Design Essentials 6. Marcha Chaudry pictured with Linh Nguyen, Financial Advisor, Morgan Stanley 7. Marcha Chaudry at Cosmoprof Miami 2025 8. Marcha Chaudry Picture with client, Leah Garcia (Founder & CEO, Nulastin)
