Impact Interviews with Amber Stryker: Zach Dishinger from Formula Z
This month, I interviewed Zach Dishinger, the youngest beauty brand CEO to speak of. Zach is the founder of Formula Z, a brand he created with the idea that makeup should be an empowering form of self-expression for everyone — regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation, or race.
Zach’s brainchild positions him as a leader in the beauty industry for making all-inclusive and empowering products, and we’re proud to partner with Formula Z at IPSY as the brand continues laying down the path for all Gen Zers who want to improve the world.
Amber: How did you get started as a young entrepreneur?
Zach: I have been wearing makeup for as long as I can remember! I was involved in theater and wearing makeup at a very early age. The art of transformation inspired me, and I didn’t see any guys in makeup at a young age. I also didn’t see formulas or products that were gravitating toward me at the time. I wanted to change that. I aimed for inclusive makeup for everyone — regardless of race, age, gender, or culture. Before launching the brand at age 15, I would steal my mom’s makeup, and I used to mix up all her makeup in my kitchen to create the perfect shade. I didn’t think it would go on for five years and counting, but the art of transformation continued to inspire me.
Amber: Formula Z Beauty is rooted in purpose and an all-inclusive brand. Tell us more about the inspiration behind it.
Zach: The inspiration behind Formula Z is makeup, which can be a form of self-expression for everyone. It is like a human experience that transcends the gender you identify with, the color of your skin, or the person you love. It starts from the moment you put on makeup. It’s more than just makeup that makes you feel good, and that’s just one of the inspirations behind the brand.
Formula Z is a purpose-driven brand, and the inclusivity boils down to our products. What we’re doing with our formulas is not one product or shade for one person. That’s not inclusive. Our products offer good-for-you-glam formulas that are planet-positive and sustainable. Formula Z products are vegan, cruelty-free formulas that don’t discriminate. We do this by offering a wide variety of shades. The formulas are also gentle and safe for all skin types. Formula Z is more than just makeup.
Amber: It’s clear that Formula Z is all about mission. Do you partner with any nonprofit organizations?
Zach: Formula Z is one of the first makeup brands to collaborate with The Trevor Project, the world’s largest suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization for LGBTQ young people. It was essential for me to give back and partner with The Trevor Project, given their mission. This month we are also partnering with IPSY Glam Bag for an exclusive “Free to Be” bundle made up of LGBTQ-founded and friendly brands, including Formula Z! IPSY will donate 50% of the sales price back to the life-saving work of The Trevor Project.
Amber: We love having Formula Z in the “Free to Be” bundle and in the IPSY family!
What’s next for the brand?
Formula Z has been consulting with experts and learning from them to create the best products that inspire self-expression! We have 23 new products on the horizon, including skincare, and transforming beauty products. We have accessories and tools that deliver real-world results right to your door. We also have clean, vegan, and cruelty-free products with amazing hydro-ingredients. I am most excited about our Unisexy® Skin Elixir. It is developed with Diamond Skin™ Extract and Hyaluronic Z™ Technology to glow, sculpt, lift, tighten tone, and firm the face to enhance your best features.
