Celebrating Five Years of Innovation: Artisan Labs' Journey in Hansen, Idaho
A Milestone Worth Celebrating
This past weekend, we had the incredible honor of opening our doors to the Hansen community for a special celebration – our 5-year anniversary open house. As we reflect on this remarkable journey, we're filled with gratitude for our team, our community, and the nearly 100 brand partners who have trusted us to bring their vision to life.
"Join us in celebrating five unforgettable years — and everything that is still to come," read the welcome sign that greeted visitors to our facility on U.S. Highway 30.
From Vision to Reality: Our Story
When CEO Matt Bryant founded Artisan Labs in 2020, it was more than just starting a business – it was about bringing world-class cosmetic and personal care manufacturing to the heart of Idaho. After opening the doors of our $3 million production facility in fall 2021, we've grown from a bold vision into a thriving contract manufacturer serving brands you'll find in prestigious retailers like Ulta and Sephora.
Our Growth by the Numbers
- Nearly 100 brand partners across various market segments
- Over 30 dedicated employees bringing expertise from diverse backgrounds
- European-standard quality that exceeds industry expectations
- 40,000-square-foot expansion currently in the planning phase
What Makes Artisan Labs Different?
Uncompromising Quality Standards
Our commitment to excellence starts with our decision to produce to European standards – widely recognized as more stringent than traditional U.S. standards. This forward-thinking approach has positioned us perfectly as the industry evolves with the Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act of 2022.
Quality Manager Danielle Howard, who brings valuable experience from the food processing industry, explains how regulatory overlap between food and cosmetics has strengthened our approach. "Stringent quality standards have allowed Artisan Labs to make a name for itself," she notes.
Specialized Manufacturing Expertise
About three years ago, we began specializing in "hot pour" products – including deodorants, balms, and even ski wax. This process involves heating ingredients into liquid form before allowing them to cool and solidify. It's a specialized technique that requires precision, and as Communications Specialist Mary Searle puts it, "We are really good at it."
Regulatory Compliance Excellence
Our operations are overseen by both the USDA (for organic claims) and the Food and Drug Administration as a cosmetic manufacturer, ensuring every product meets the highest safety and quality standards.
Meet Our Award-Winning Team
Mara Reed - Leading Innovation
We're incredibly proud of our Vice President of Product Development, Mara Reed, recently honored as one of Idaho Business Review's "Accomplished Under 40" recipients. Mara has masterfully blended scientific expertise with leadership skills while promoting STEM education through initiatives like the She Can STEM event for sixth-grade girls.
Bailey Stonebreaker - Growing with Excellence
Senior Chemist Bailey Stonebreaker exemplifies our commitment to professional development. Starting as an intern, she recently earned her master's degree in cosmetic science. "I didn't know about this industry at all when I started," Bailey reflects. "I thought it was all makeup." Today, she's a key part of our diverse product development team.
Emilee Hughes - Crafting with Purpose
Research and Development Manager Emilee Hughes, a certified aromatherapist, created
something special for our anniversary celebration. She developed a limited-edition body oil with zesty lime and sweet orange scents, naming it "Es Viernes!" in honor of Maria Gil, who truly is the heart of our production team.
Community Integration: More Than Manufacturing
At Artisan Labs, we believe in giving back to the Hansen community that has welcomed us so warmly. Our community involvement includes:
- Hosting youth groups and students for educational facility tours
- Participating in career fairs to inspire the next generation
- Community information sharing through our electronic sign featuring local high school sports schedules
- Educational partnerships promoting STEM careers
As Matt Bryant shares, "As much as we give back to the community, the community keeps giving back."
Looking Forward: Expansion and Growth
Our commitment to growth continues with plans for a 40,000-square-foot expansion. While still in the design phase, this expansion represents our confidence in the future and our dedication to serving our growing family of brand partners.
Why Choose Artisan Labs?
Contract Manufacturing Excellence: We partner with large brands, emerging companies, and multi-level marketing businesses, providing the same world-class quality standards for every client.
Confidential Partnerships: While we can't disclose our specific brand partners, we're proud that their award-winning products reflect the quality of our manufacturing processes.
Industry Expertise: Our team combines backgrounds from food processing, cosmetic science, and aromatherapy to deliver comprehensive product development and manufacturing solutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Artisan Labs sell directly to consumers?
No, we are a contract manufacturer specializing in producing cosmetics and personal care products for brand partners. Our products reach consumers through our clients' retail channels.
What types of products does Artisan Labs manufacture?
We specialize in a wide range of cosmetic and personal care products, with particular expertise in "hot pour" items like deodorants, balms, and specialty products. Our capabilities extend far beyond makeup to include skincare, body care, and specialized formulations.
What quality standards does Artisan Labs follow?
We manufacture to European standards, which are recognized as more stringent than traditional U.S. standards. We're also fully compliant with FDA regulations for cosmetic manufacturing and USDA requirements for organic claims.
Thank You, Hansen Community
As we celebrate this milestone, we're deeply grateful to everyone who made this journey possible. From our dedicated team members to our supportive community and trusted brand partners – this success belongs to all of us.
The Es Viernes! body oil we shared during our open house represents more than just a product – it embodies our commitment to quality, creativity, and community. Each bottle was a small token of our appreciation for five incredible years and our excitement for everything still to come.
Ready to partner with a manufacturer that prioritizes quality, innovation, and results? Contact our team to learn how Artisan Labs can bring your vision to life.
Source Attribution: This blog post is based on coverage by Eric Goodell of the Magic Valley Times-News. We're grateful for their continued support in sharing our story with the community. Read the original article: "Artisan Labs celebrates 5-year anniversary in Hansen, looks forward to expansion" published by the Times-News.
Keywords: cosmetic manufacturing Idaho, contract manufacturing, European quality standards, Hansen Idaho manufacturing, cosmetic production facility, hot pour products, FDA compliant manufacturing, USDA organic cosmetics
