COSMOFACTORY

Deanna: [00:00:00] Episode is about contract manufacturing, product development, and partner services. It's about recognizing that challenges are opportunities and about turning opportunities into accomplishments. It's about the wellbeing of a business, the wellbeing of people, both internal teams and external partners.
It's also about the wellbeing of place and a company's connection with community and with culture. Today on CosmoFactory, I am joined by [00:01:00] Francesco Faraoni Junior project manager at Le Antiche Mura. Francesco, welcome to CosmoFactory.
Francesco: Hi, Deanna. Thank you so much for having me. It's a real pleasure to be here and to be able to share our story with you. Thank
Deanna: Yes. No, you're welcome. You know. I'm hoping that we can use the company you work for as a kind of case study, uh, exploring some of the foundational elements and outcomes of business culture. Certainly every beauty brand, every industry supplier has its own business model, and I, I think more importantly for our conversation, its own business culture.
The, the beliefs, the behaviors that determine what life at work is like. Uh, Lee Antique Moura, for listeners who might not know, is an entrepreneur led cosmetics manufacturer, and I'd really like to find out about the company from the inside out. So, if you don't mind, I wanna start with workplace philosophy.
I'm, I'm hoping you can tell us [00:02:00] maybe how the offices and facilities are designed, what the employee experience is like. Um. I guess my real question, uh, to start with is how does the company cultivate emotional and professional commitment from the team?
Francesco: Okay, thank you for the question. Well, to start off, our company is currently based in a facility of 3,500 square
meters, which we moved into just over a year ago. So it's quite recent. The company was originally founded in 2009 by Dr. Stefanini as a small cosmetic production lab of only 40 square meters. So the growth is quite, is quite impressive, and over the years it has experienced a significant growth, as I was mentioning, and evolving to the dynamic and continuously developing reality that we are today. In our new headquarters, the layout of operational spaces has been designed according to the lean methodology, with the goal of [00:03:00] optimizing workflows and improving efficiency. Today we identify two main macro areas, which are the office area, which includes commercial, logistics, administrative and scientific departments, as well as our research and development lab, and the production area, which is divided into smaller micro areas. Um, each dedicated to a specific function such as, uh, goods reception, quality control, storage, uh, production and packaging, and so on. And we are really a company that embraces change rather than seeing it as a difficulty. We like to say that it's more as an, we see it more as an opportunity to really improve the way we work. And this mindset really guided us. And the whole development of our new facility, allowing us to better support our clients with, uh, remain, uh, remaining flexible as well as open to evolution as well. And [00:04:00] this transition has also significantly improved our employees quality of life, which is really one of our main goals and also part of the our CEO's philosophy. And particular attention has been given to creating really a comfortable and functional working environment, uh, since all spaces benefit from natural light and climate control systems that really ensure optimal conditions throughout the year. Um, and. Also workstations have been redesigned to improve, uh, usability as well as ergonomics and, uh, dedicated indoor and outdoor vicarious provide welcoming spaces for rest as well as encouraging social interactions and contributing to and overall, uh, positive workplace atmosphere.
Deanna: Yeah. Yeah. No, I love it. Um, there was philosophy, uh, in there for sure, but we also got a bit of a tour. Um, I was imagining it, uh, as, as you described [00:05:00] some of those features. Thank you so much. Um, I think it would be helpful too, uh, for us to understand your particular role. Uh, junior project manager could mean several things.
Will you tell us, um, are you responsible for like technical sales sorts of projects? Are you hands-on with product development? What do you do?
Francesco: Well, it's a bit of a mixture
of the two of them actually. Uh, my journey at Atlantic Kimura, uh, started about four years ago, and from the very beginning, I was able to perceive the company's philosophy, which over the time I've truly embraced. And when I joined, I was supported by a company tutor who really introduced me to the core dynamics of this business, teaching me our approach to both clients and work. And this really allowed me to ge, uh, to grow, uh, in a structured way and develop the skills required for my current role as a project manager. I act as a sort of bridge, a sort of connection between the client and the [00:06:00] more technical side of our work. As contract manufacturer, I support clients throughout the entire product, uh, product development process. And so it's not just about providing quotations or giving more technical support to the clients, but it really, uh, requires specific skills. One of the main features that really is fundamental for this good job is, uh, the listening skill. Uh, in fact, our main goal is to understand the real needs of the client and identify how we can be, um. Supportive and really help them out in the best way possible. We do not simply aim to sell a service. We sort of aim to grow together with our clients, uh, sharing our expertise and helping them to, uh, become more aware and informed in their decision making.
Deanna: Yeah. No, that's fantastic. I'm in my work. I'm always trying to become a better listener, so I, I really admire that. Um, I [00:07:00] think it will be helpful. You've mentioned, um, your CEO Stefania, uh, capi, uh, and her philosophy a bit already. But can you say a little bit more maybe about her approach to business or maybe her executive leadership style now that the company has grown?
Francesco: Yeah, of course. Uh, DR. Cap's choice, uh, and approach to business is rooted in a vision that places people at the very heart of the organization valuing each individual in their uniqueness. What drives her leadership is a strong and constant attention to the social dimension of business. From engagement with local community to the inclusion of more, uh, let's say vulnerable individuals and in her view, business must have a positive approach and impact on both employees and the wider community, uh, that they are part of. And building a company really means creating opportunities for growth and continuous improvement, not just for a few [00:08:00] people at the top, but really for everyone who contributes to this shared vision. And in fact, her philosophy is deeply inspired by the legacy of who believed in a human centered and socially responsible modern of enterprise. And this commitment has also led to important recognitions over the years. Including being listed among Forbes, Italy's 100 most successful Women in 2019, the contest million award in 2025 for a socially responsible approach to business and the Exceptional Excellence Award mentioned from the BQF UK Excellence Awards in 2025 for the company's social inclusion initiatives and as a sort of particular recognition for a leadership style that really.
Brings employee care to a truly meaningful level.
Deanna: Mm-hmm. I love that. I always, I always love the expression, award-winning. So that was nice to hear. [00:09:00] And you mentioned, um, ti I certainly have more to learn there, but in case listeners aren't familiar, um, this is the, I'm gonna like over generalize here, but this is the typewriter manufacturing
company that's, uh, quite historical in Italy.
Can you say anything else that makes that, um, correlation kind of relevant? Why, why is being similar to ti um, what, what does that even mean?
Francesco: Well, what really, um, characterizes this kind of approach to business is that it's not really. Related only to the more economic side of business, but really places the individual at the heart of, uh, making an enterprise and really helping it grow together with the enterprise itself. And it really focuses on the wellbeing and welfare policies as well as the inclusion not only of the employee, uh, theirself. Also the whole community, [00:10:00] the local community in this really project. And I think it's really an inspiring view that doesn't really just benefits the, the owner, the CEO of the company, but really brings an opportunity of growth, uh, and enrichment to the whole community.
Deanna: Yeah. Yeah. No, that's, that's super helpful to know. Thank you for that. Um, and I, I think we can expand on that really the, this whole social aspect of business if we now move beyond the walls of the company and sort of move outward, if you will, with me, uh. You and I had the chance to meet over Zoom earlier this month, and, and you told me that the company has, I'm gonna do a little tiny quote, I think he's called it a strong bond with the area, right?
So the, the place where you're based and, and you're in Oli, which is in Italy. Uh uh, and I believe within the region of Tuscany. Um. And I, I might not have this right, so correct me if you don't like the way I say it, but it seems to me that your company specializes in regional manufacturing. [00:11:00] And I, I am hoping you can talk about how the location, um, of your company then affects ingredient sourcing, maybe, um, supply chain traceability, the categories that you specialize in, um, likely the brands you serve.
Talk about how location is important here.
Francesco: Sure thing. It is true that we mainly specialize in regional manufacturing. It's really part of our core business. Um, overall, let's say that Atlantic URA specializes in third party manufacturing of white cosmetics, our production capabilities allow us. To offer a wide range of processes and products from more standard ones to more niche applications, such as loose powders and press powders, stick products, and alcohol based formulations like personal fragrances, room sprays, or home fragrances. And we truly work with a huge variety of brands from emerging brands. To more [00:12:00] established companies, including distribution in herbal shops, pharmacies, as well as some experience in large scale retail. And as you mentioned, being located in the heart of Tuscany, um, really represents a strong added value to our company. Not only are we strategically positioned, but we are also seeing an increasing trend among brands that want to maintain a strong connection, let's say, to their roots and heritage. And for this reason, many companies prefer a shorter and more. Uh, traceable supply chain that really reflects their identity and the identity of their brand as well.
And in this very context, made in Tuscany, really becomes a distinctive and meaningful element that can really, uh, create a sort of trademark and, um, single out your products and really make it shine.
Deanna: Yeah. No, that's, that's wonderful. I appreciate that explanation and. I think if we keep sort of expanding our, our [00:13:00] perspective on this business culture, one of the most visible pieces of, of any company's culture, I would imagine is customer care. Can you talk about how your team approaches customer support in particular?
Francesco: Yeah, of course. Well, our approach to customer care is quite different, I'd say, from that of many other companies. Uh, since it is driven by a strong emotional, uh, component that really guides us and, uh, really help us. Throughout every single phase of our work, and we as a company aim to really build a connection, relationships based on mutual trust, uh, creating a continuous exchange of knowledge and experience that benefits both sides.
So not only the clients itself, but also us as manufacturers. Uh, being responsive and available is now standard in the industry, especially in a highly developed market like the Italian beauty one. And I think what [00:14:00] truly sets us apart is our commitment to caring for the client in a complete and thoughtful way. Um, in fact, our relationship goes beyond, uh, purely, let's say, transactional interaction. We dedicate time and attention to every project. Working closely with clients to understand their vision and identify the best possible solution for them. And we also believe that there are no real obstacles, only, let's say, challenges to embrace. And uh, I think what really. Uh, made us set apart is our ability to adapt to client requests. Uh, and this has been really a key factor in our growth. And I'll just take a few more minutes just because I'd like to bring you an example
related to
Deanna: that would be great.
Francesco: In, uh, recent, uh, years, we experienced, uh, really an increasing demand over [00:15:00] the. powder products. So the powders department really, uh, saw this increasing demand over the past few years, and in order to be able to respond to this trend, we invested in new machinery with a production capacity of up to 2000 kilograms, as well as additional equipment for press powders. And what initially started out as a limitation, let's say, in our production capabilities. Uh, became an opportunity. Not only, uh, were we able to meet a specific client's needs, but we also expanded our expertise and open opened the door to new opportunities in a niche, but growing segment as the powder one.
Deanna: Yeah. No, that's very helpful to think about. Thank you. It, it's always nice to. Imagine it, um, with a little bit of, uh, a little bit of detail there. So it's very helpful to think about not only a particular category, but the product format as well. Um, you know, and we're very [00:16:00] much talking about an entrepreneur led business today.
Um, and there is certainly a distinction, um, that I think a lot of folks can recognize between an entrepreneur led business and one that has, um, scaled or, or, um, you know, brought on, you know, funding and leadership in other ways. Over the years in my own work, I, I have gotten to write about or speak with many cosmetics industry entrepreneurs, uh, and, and, and their, and learn about their businesses.
For some of these companies, the details like regionality or small scale, um, sometimes for brands, a limited product portfolio is truly central to their business. Um, for others. It's a part of, um, really just a growth stage, right? It's not central to their mission or their vision. I'm curious to find out, um, as Lean Tke Moura grows, what, what parts of this production capability, what aspects of business culture are likely to change and, and which are actually central to the, to the [00:17:00] company?
Francesco: Well, the challenges we face are of course, increasing every day, and we truly enjoy working in such a dynamic and stimulating environment. And in recent years, we have s. Seen a growing demand for, for example, small and emerging indie brands, and these companies often require greater flexibility. Especially in their early stages, which challenges us to really find the best way to support them in their growth journey as well as ours. And at the same time, we experienced an increasing demand for unique and let's say less conventional products. And today's clients, in fact, are constantly looking for innovation.
Something that really. Is distinctive that allows them to send out in the market. And having an in-house research and development, uh, department really give us a significant advantage in addressing these needs while also representing a continuous opportunity of [00:18:00] growth. But what will remain unchanged in our core philosophy, as mentioned, our logo that says, uh, ideas, cosmetics and love, um, we truly embrace. A mission of providing and giving shape to our clients' ideas, combining their vision with our expertise to create something really meaningful together and to be able to face together really any challenge.
Deanna: Yeah. No, that's so interesting and, and sort of both parts of that answer it reminded me of, of your focus earlier on listening and responsiveness and it, it seems like that's a.
Francesco: Yeah.
Deanna: Almost a driver, right? For what will or will not change. Um, so certainly a lot to watch, uh, in the years to come. I, I wanna say, as we finish up here, I think it's widely known that the beauty, uh, and fragrance industries are, are relatively compassionate in our world today.
And what you have shared with [00:19:00] us, uh, here today has, has really illuminated that. Francesco, I thank you for being my guest today on CosmoFactory.
Francesco: Thank you, Dan. It's been really a pleasure to be here and to be able to share our story with you. Thank you.