Cosmoprof North America Miami 2026
Strategy, Research & Global Exposure
In January 2026, I participated in Cosmoprof North America Miami, a major international beauty trade show focused on the North American and Latin American markets. Held from January 27–29, the event brought together the latest trends in cosmetics, skincare, and packaging, connecting buyers and exhibitors from around the world. Being present in this global environment gave me firsthand exposure to how beauty brands compete and position themselves internationally.
Market Research & Interpretation Experience
As a youth-focused product development advisor for CREATEs Inc., I conducted on-site market research and joined development meetings with partner manufacturers. My role focused on observing emerging trends and contributing insights for future product direction. In addition, I supported visiting staff from Japan by providing interpretation during meetings and on the exhibition floor. This experience strengthened my ability to communicate across cultures in a fast-paced business setting.
Key Industry Insights
One of the most valuable moments was attending a business meeting with the president of Inventel, a major U.S.-based direct-to-consumer company that has formed an alliance with CREATEs Inc. this year. Observing discussions about future collaboration and market strategy provided meaningful exposure to international business negotiations. Throughout the exhibition, conversations with industry professionals also revealed how globally connected the beauty ecosystem has become, particularly through partnerships between brands and manufacturers in regions such as China.
Reflection & Future Direction
This experience was both exciting and eye-opening. I noticed that while Japanese beauty companies are highly respected for product quality, they often appear more conservative in visual branding and less integrated into the international market compared with competitors. This insight motivated my current research with NYU, where I am exploring why some Japanese brands remain relatively isolated and how they can become more globally competitive. Overall, the internship deepened my understanding of international market dynamics and strengthened my interest in global business strategy.
