Meet Lisamarie Sanchez

We recently connected with Lisamarie Sanchez and have shared our conversation below.

Lisamarie, thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?

I was the only one in the room that looked like me when I started college, and someone pointed out I was the only girl majoring in chemistry as a freshman. I loved the subject and thought the biggest challenge would be choosing between biochemistry and chemistry, not competing against a room full of guys.
How did I find success? I took the initiative to foster collaboration instead of competition. I shared concepts, color-coded our materials, and focused on creating a supportive environment for everyone. I sought out classrooms with ample writing space for study sessions and became the go-to person for classmates who missed notes. I even coordinated lab times for “do-overs” when experiments didn’t go as planned.
I thrive on curiosity and exploration; I often ran extra trials just to see what might happen and invited others to join in. There was even a memorable moment when I released the lab’s impregnated rats, encouraging everyone to join in their “run for freedom.” This spirit of camaraderie continued through my graduate studies. Science lends itself to this type of thinking and growing space because the reality is, we all stand on the shoulders of giants to reach or accomplish small or large successes or just to prove a concept.
I’ve never been the type to wait for others to act before I jump in. Some might call it courage, but I think of myself as a bit of a chicken. While I may not see myself as fearless or brave, I do have a strong “take charge” personality that keeps me moving forward. I did read Lessons in Chemistry and can relate in some ways to the woman in the book who was overlooked in a field that was male dominant and created her own niche to stand out. People that know me and have worked with me say I am the catalyst in the equation which simply is making a process more efficient. Balancing is what it is all about and that is at the core of my brand.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I created a skincare brand designed for your skin’s unique demands, especially under stress. Drawing from my background as a biochemist, I formulated each product with natural plant ingredients to enhance skin endurance and resilience.
Starting this brand has been a significant learning journey for me, as my experience lies outside sales, marketing, and business economics. I never imagined that my research—focused on the harmful effects of toxins, microparticles from pollutants, PAHs, sun damage, and everyday personal products—would lead to the creation of a skincare line. These elements contribute to stressed skin, accelerated aging, and an overall decline in skin health.
As an educator, researcher, environmental specialist, and organic chemist, I recognized that those spending extensive time outdoors—like outdoor athletes—are particularly vulnerable. The industry is flooded with products, but none cater specifically to those who push their skin to its limits and need exceptional support. While people often think about optimizing physical performance, they often overlook the skin, the body’s largest organ, which also needs protection and care.
Our brand addresses this gap. We invite you to consider whether your skincare routine truly meets the demands of your outdoor lifestyle. Are you prioritizing your body while neglecting your skin? Think beyond just sunscreen; incorporate our Xtreme Element products into your skincare arsenal.
We view our products as sportswear for your skin. Committed to environmental balance, our brand strives to minimize its carbon footprint while delivering revolutionary skincare solutions. Our formulas are designed to restore and maintain your skin’s microbiome, ensuring it looks and feels its best.
To simplify your experience, our products are color-coded to highlight their key performance benefits. For example, the Blue Team features powerful blends of cooling, plant-based ingredients designed to refresh, soothe, and revitalize your skin. Products like SWIPES and the Cool Blue Muscle Gel exemplify this approach.
What’s a SWIPE? Just when you thought you’d tried everything, we transformed the skincare experience with our groundbreaking SWIPE—100% plant-based cloths infused with a botanical solution that cools, rehydrates, and revitalizes your skin, all while allowing you to swipe away sweat effortlessly. We have a universal packaging system, we call “the puck” and it is perfect for on the go.
Looking ahead to 2025, we’re excited to introduce hair care, starting with a gentle shampoo infused with probiotics for effective cleansing without harsh detergents.
Our upcoming lineup promises a fresh perspective in the skincare arena, and we can’t wait to share it with you.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Change is good – I look back every now and then at the many stages of the journey professionally. I transitioned so many times I have lost count, but change doesn’t mean the old version is gone, it is refreshed, restructured and renewed to be a better version of the original. I see the evolution and realize the changes were most valuable to the survival of the brand, the line, and who I have become.
Make mistakes – learn from every failure and don’t wallow in the error but use the information to try again. Countless trials with ingredients and proportions to finally develop the right combination is what makes the recipe for success. Honestly, some of the best outcomes sometimes come from these mistakes.
Keep moving forward – This is the most important one to me. The journey is all about moving forward and that internal motivation is what makes it happen. The passion and love you have for what you’re doing is what drives you to do this. I LOVE seeing a positive result when people feel and see the benefits in their skin and that makes me want to stay in the game. The bonus is that this brand helps and builds awareness and is able to give back as it grows.

Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?

I am deeply grateful to everyone who has encouraged me, volunteered to be my human guinea pigs (all of whom survived!), and supported me, especially my family, who understands my passion for this brand. Above all, I owe a special thank you to Melinda Coss, whom I met at a conference in London in 2018. She has been my mentor and guide, helping me rearrange my perspective and inspiring me both personally and professionally. Together, we identified a niche for a farm-to-body product collection that was not being addressed. Melinda’s wisdom, humor, and experience have been invaluable throughout this journey. As a successful business owner, author, and fantastic coach, she truly embodies the spirit of pioneering in the industry.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.xtremeelement.com
• Instagram: XTREME ELEMENT (@xtremeelement)

Image Credits

Sam Regan – Photographer