Metamorphosis

The Founder’s Formula: Each month, Cosmoprof North America profiles founders to learn more about their journey, why they attend Cosmoprof North America, and how the show helps their brand grow.

This month, we heard from Sally Gardocki, founder and CEO of Metamorphosis Light Therapy and the face behind one of the buzziest booths at CPNA Miami.

The Inspiration Behind the Brand: Sally had been in the legal field for more than 30 years, serving over 5,000 clients as a founding sole practitioner before she ventured into the beauty industry.  “I used my skills as a problem solver to launch Metamorphosis,” she says, pinpointing her experience in patents and trademarks, which are key to building brands.

Sally started applying for her own patents and trademarks in red light therapy. “Red light therapy is a game-changer because it works, and I wanted to be part of the industry that helped consumers feel better about themselves,” she recalls. A self-described “research nerd,” Sally investigated the potential of the products.

One hurdle she uncovered was consistency. “For it [red light technology] to work, you need to use it every day,” she explains. To facilitate that, Sally created portable products that don’t need to be tethered to power sources. “You can use them anywhere, anytime, from an airplane to a desk to waiting at school pickup.”

Metamorphosis includes clever shapes such as Super Star Pimple Patches, Magic Moon Eye Evolution, and Lush Lips Transformation.

The Road to Cosmoprof North America: Strategies for Success

While working on her go-to-market strategy, Sally googled “beauty conventions and found several mentions of Cosmoprof. “I did what I do best; I did a deep dive into research and read stories that convinced me to go to the Las Vegas show in 2023. I didn’t know a soul; I’d never been to anything like this.”

She eyed the showcases heralding CosmoTrends winners with a mission to see her brand there one day. Sally immersed herself in Karen Young’s Entrepreneur Academy. “I filled a notebook with 60 pages of notes. The nerd in me wanted to absorb everything. I was like SpongeBob.” During her time walking the show floor, she found her manufacturer and sales team. “I can literally say Cosmoprof changed my life.” In less than two years she won two CosmoTrends awards and got to see her products highlighted and her LushLips also won a CosmoProf award for skin in 2024.

The Pay Off:

In addition to connecting with her manufacturer and sales team, Sally networked with retailers such as Urban Outfitters. “This might sound corny, but I’ve made a whole new group of friends who give me good advice. Cosmoprof is worth every dime, and I encourage everyone to walk the floor, get an education, and make a decision for themselves.”