Thurga Kones Email & Phone Number

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

-Identify, plan, and research new technologies and raw materials for positioning the brand and innovation initiatives for maximum market impact-Developed a range of topicals, such as creams, serums, gels, lotions, etc with aim to add in ingredients that's listed under natural health product regulations as well to enhance the function of the products-Wide range of technical knowledge of existing and latest developments in cosmetic formulation technology, actives, and functional raw materials-Responsible for the research, development, and formulation of all the topical, ingestible, and edible Cannabis products; designing & conducting experiments, confirming formulation stability and ensuring commercial feasibility-Collaborating with raw material suppliers & manufacturers on strategic innovations and ordering and monitoring Raw Materials for production and the lab-Lead white space idea identification, working closely with market insights, marketing, sales, operations, and various business partners involved to the in-market success of innovation-Solely responsible for the entire process of product development from concept to creation, testing, validation, and commercialization with little oversight-Strong knowledge of regulatory requirements of cosmetic, OTC, and Cannabis topical products.-Engaged in Client meetings to understand their wants and needs to create a project plan and develop products-Implement stability program, determine the parameters to be monitored, identify and fix stability issues in formulations, and implement strategies to overcome them-Responsible for scale up, pilot and commercialization of all formulations, while working closely with production and QA.

-Developing new and innovative skincare and colour cosmetic formulas, while independently troubleshooting and problem-solving technical issues (managing multiple projects with conflicting deadlines)-Carried out research on new raw materials and communicated with suppliers accordingly-Performing long term stability testing (pH, viscosity, hardness testing, drop tests, UV, FL, melting point) and reviewing and interpreting the data based on product specification and written procedures (SOPs)-Worked closely with other teams on operating and calibrating basic lab instrumentsIndependently identified and developed innovative and consumer-relevant technology and formulas-Anticipated and identified scale-up and commercialization issues for new products and formulations-Reverse engineering benchmark products (powders, hot pours, emulsions) and evaluating/colour matching lab batches for suitability-Ensuring product compliance with range of global market regulatory requirements-Preparation and documentation of all experimental lab batches and testing results based on SOPs, and also including SR&ED documentation-Active participation in visits with suppliers, developing excellent practical knowledge of raw materials (functions and applications)-Active participation in conference calls and client visits discussing new projects and product development-Maintaining health and safety standards, cleanliness, and sanitary conditions as per Health Canada, GMP, and GLP-Constantly researching and maintaining up to date knowledge and awareness of trends in the cosmetic industry-Assist in training and onboarding activities of new interns/coworkers

-Performed regular laboratory tests in accordance with scientific procedures and standard operating procedures, producing reliable and precise data to ensure quality assurance-Followed and ensured strict safety procedures and safety checks, while following all company policies and procedures to ensure product integrity and quality control-Tested and calibrated lab equipment and standardization of reagents, such as sodium thiosulfate, to ensure accuracy of measurements-Analyzed, verified, documented and approved in-process and finished goods products, raw materials, packaging materials, and labels-Maintained inventory levels and appropriately organized and labeled all laboratory samples and equipment as well-Experienced in using and calibrating pH meters, scales, digital burette, auto-titrator, thermometers, water baths, viscometer, and stability chamber-Prepared and organized all data and findings, input all data in necessary files and systems and created documents to communicate results with other staff members-Proficient in using Microsoft dynamics GP to release products such as labels and packaging materials-Performed monthly stability tests-Ran qualitative and quantitative analysis on raw materials using GC-FID

Mississauga, On

• Worked at a fast pace setting to complete replenishment and filing with the ability to multi-task and accomplish all set goals.• Provided excellent customer satisfaction with outstanding communication skills.• Replacing and replenishing the store in a detail oriented and organized nature, while respecting visual merchandising standards.• Maintaining stockroom standards, while maintaining incoming and outgoing product flow.• Restock merchandise to brand standards to ensure product is placed on the sales floor and available for purchase.• Performed daily department tasks including stocking, creating merchandise displays, remerchandising, pricing markdowns, transferring merchandise, inventory control, and processing transactions.

Mississauga, On

• Worked at a fast pace to complete transactions, while maintaining consistent accuracy of cash register and making sure all payment transactions are correct.• Ensured Customer satisfaction and provided efficient customer service by answering questions about products, services, merchandises, and resolving guest concerns in a positive and helpful manner. • Assisted fellow team members in other areas of the store during slow times to re-stock, and/or perform other tasks assigned by the supervisor. • Issue credits to customers for returned items and ensure that returns are properly disposed of.

• Surpassed manager’s expectation by over achieving sales goal through excellent customer service. • Analyzed and resolved customer issues. • Build trust, value others, communicate effectively, drive execution, foster innovation, focus on the customer, collaborate with others, solve problems creatively and demonstrate high integrity. • Exceeded in identifying the customer’s requirement, following up on customers with their purchases while pushing products, which in result maximized the overall daily sales. • Ensure that each customer receives outstanding service by providing a friendly environment, which includes greeting and acknowledging every customer, maintaining solid product knowledge and all other aspects of customer service. • Maintained store display and visual appearance, while assisting in arranging stock display and transfers.• Maximizes all opportunities in the process of closing a sale resulting in the taking of market share from larger competitors.

Bachelor Of Science - Hbsc, Chemistry

• Knowledgeable in a full range of analytical, organic, inorganic, and physical chemistry. • Regularly worked in small groups.

Post Graduate Certificate, Cosmetic Science

Gas Chromatography In Pharmaceutical Analysis

• Demonstrate a basic understanding of the advanced principles and practice of Gas Chromatography and understand how individual elements.