Kristen Wells-Collins is transforming STEM education for young Black girls across America. The Prairie View A&M University graduate has taught over 3,000 students through her innovative program. Her approach combines beauty products with chemistry lessons to make science accessible and exciting.
Wells-Collins founded Black to the Lab in 2020 with a clear mission. She wanted to break down barriers preventing Black girls from entering STEM fields. Her organization delivers hands-on learning experiences through specially designed activity kits. Students create real products like lip glosses, body scrubs, and lotions while learning chemistry principles.
Breaking Down STEM Barriers Through Cosmetic Chemistry Education
Black to the Lab goes beyond traditional classroom teaching methods. The program focuses on practical applications that resonate with young learners. Students don’t just memorize formulas—they actively create products they use every day.
“We know that they know makeup, so they know science,” Wells-Collins shared on “The Jennifer Hudson Show.” She believes young girls’ voices matter in the scientific community. Her passion for cosmetic chemistry and youth education drives her mission forward.
The program also teaches essential business skills alongside science. According to Dallas Weekly, students learn about branding and marketing their creations. This comprehensive approach prepares them for real-world opportunities in STEM careers.
From Beaumont to Building a STEM Legacy
Wells-Collins grew up in Beaumont, Texas, facing significant educational challenges. Her hometown had limited resources for quality STEM education. She started her chemistry journey with minimal knowledge and hands-on experience.
Despite these obstacles, her natural curiosity pushed her forward. She earned her chemistry degree through dedication and hard work. Only after graduation did she discover the exciting field of cosmetic chemistry. This discovery became a turning point in her professional life.
Her personal experience shapes her teaching philosophy today. Wells-Collins understands the struggles students face in underserved communities. Therefore, she’s committed to providing opportunities she wished she had growing up.
Tulsa Beauty Collective Expands STEM Access and Opportunities
The launch of Tulsa Beauty Collective marks a significant expansion. This new storefront in Tulsa, Oklahoma features a dedicated STEM classroom. The facility operates as a STEM Beauty Bar & Studio for all ages.
Wells-Collins chose Tulsa for deeply personal reasons. Her husband is a Tulsa native, connecting the venture to family roots. “Getting to build here, following the footsteps of our ancestors and our family’s legacy, felt like alignment with something bigger than myself,” she told AfroTech.
The location carries historical significance and modern purpose. Tulsa’s history of innovation and resilience inspired her decision. Support from Downtown Tulsa Partnership and Build in Tulsa made the vision possible. She views the project as a responsibility to invest in Tulsa’s youth.
Creating a Home for Every STEM Learner
Wells-Collins operates from a powerful core belief. She insists that “science should feel like home for every learner.” Her organization specifically targets underrepresented communities in STEM fields.
The Tulsa Beauty Collective serves multiple purposes simultaneously. Children and adults learn about science, scent, and skincare together. Participants create custom beauty products while exploring chemistry concepts. The space celebrates Black identity while building pathways for future scientists.
Wells-Collins sees herself as a change agent in STEM education. Her work addresses the critical underrepresentation of Black girls in science. The program creates creators, innovators, and the next generation of scientists. Her mission extends beyond teaching chemistry—it’s about opening doors for young women.
Building the Future of STEM Through Beauty and Science
The success of Black to the Lab demonstrates the power of relevant education. Making STEM relatable increases student engagement and interest. Young girls see themselves in the field when chemistry meets their everyday lives.
Wells-Collins continues expanding her reach with each new initiative. Her LinkedIn profile documents the impressive growth of her program. The combination of education and entrepreneurship creates lasting impact. Students gain both scientific knowledge and business acumen through her curriculum.
Her journey from a resource-limited childhood to STEM educator inspires others. Wells-Collins proves that obstacles can become opportunities for growth. She’s building something bigger than a business—she’s creating a movement. The next generation of Black female scientists will benefit from her groundwork.