It isn’t every day that a seventeen-year-old starts his own beauty business. What is it like to go from student to CEO? Every day brings its challenges, that never changes. The key thing for Zach Dishinger is focusing on balancing school with work and being especially productive in downtime or when he’s not in class. Lunch at school is conference call time for him and when school gets out, his day is just starting up again. He says taking time for himself is really important, especially because his mind is always running. On top of everything, Dishinger also plans on attending college and is going through the usual SAT/ACT rigmarole right now.

Who was your first real supporter in terms of embarking on this journey? My parents—day-in and day-out! I feel lucky to have such an amazing support system. We may not agree on everything all the time, but that’s to be expected in a family business. Because of my parents’ acceptance, we are able to empower others through Formula Z. We encourage consumers to be unconditionally accepting and to stay true to who they are by stepping out of their comfort zones.

Do you have a role model in the business world? I look up to Emily Weiss from Glossier, Marc Jacobs, Thierry Mugler and Pat McGrath. They all have a determined work ethic with an incredible sense of creativity. They have a vision and stay true to it.

What is your favorite product in your line—and why do you love it? My liquid Forever Lips are always my everyday go-to, but right now I am loving our new Ultra-Sparkling & Mega Hi-Shine Luxe Diamond Glosses. They are so dreamy and rich and luxuriously transform lips in lightweight, non-sticky shine, super-infused with decadent sparkle.

Formula Z has made its way to The Carousel @ Bloomingdale’s through the Pride for All Installation—what does this mean to you on a personal level and your mission-driven brand? Formula Z is an all-inclusive, unisex beauty brand founded on the belief that makeup is for everyone. As a Gen Z powerhouse transforming the industry, we are committed to making purposeful products for every sector of the market regardless of race, age, sexual orientation, or gender. No perfect people allowed. #UnapologeticBeauty #TransformingBeauty #GenZBeauty

Nick Gunia of Cleanyst (our June 2019 Indie Inc profile) wants to know if you could get a do-over on one moment or decision in your start-up journey, what would that be? Such a good question! I would say to do the most possible competitive research that you can to make sure that your products are evergreen and not just a short-lived trend. This has largely to do with the industry becoming such a competitive industry, you have to know and compare all your options before making decisions on partners, product, etc. You have to be one step ahead and can’t just work on the hot product now, but the hot product 1, 2, 3 years from now…consumer taste evolves and changes which, of course, correlates directly with sales.

What makes you most proud about this brand you created?  I feel proud that my brand is part of a cultural-revolution, committed to being a catalyst in the fight for equality and equal representation. I want to make sure that everyone feels like they belong. Too many makeup brands give off the “you’re not pretty enough” vibes…it’s time to change that! You don’t have to look like anyone else, you can look like you. YOU are your own pretty! The future of beauty is that it can be a force for good. I’m gay, and through Formula Z, I have a platform to be an equality advocate speaking for those who can’t, specifically for other LGBTQ and disenfranchised youth around the world.