The Competitive Edge of Manufacturing in the USA: The CosmoGlo Story
In today’s global economy, many companies choose to manufacture overseas due to lower unit costs. However, for some entrepreneurs, the benefits of producing goods domestically far outweigh the financial savings. Mary Harcourt, founder of CosmoGlo, is one such business owner who has successfully built her brand by manufacturing exclusively in the United States. Her journey is a testament to the advantages of American-made products and the resilience of domestic manufacturing.
From Frustration to Innovation
As a lash artist and salon owner in Los Angeles, Harcourt faced a recurring problem: inadequate lighting options in the beauty industry. Traditional lighting solutions were unreliable—top-heavy ring lights that would tip over, craft lights failed to cover the entire treatment bed, and filming lights consistently overheated. After years of frustration, she decided to take matters into her own hands.
What started as a napkin sketch in 2019 quickly evolved into three working prototypes. Harcourt’s staff preferred working in rooms with her lights, and clients took notice of the innovative design. Realizing she had created something revolutionary, she began the patent process in early 2020.
A Pandemic Pivot
When the COVID-19 pandemic forced the closure of her salon, Harcourt saw an opportunity. “I always said if I were ever given the time, I would launch this as a real product,” she recalled. “I think I was just given the time!”
She quickly switched gears, updated a website, filed official paperwork, and looked into manufacturing. With travel restrictions in place and shipping costs skyrocketing, manufacturing overseas seemed like a risky proposition. Instead, Harcourt found a local manufacturer in California willing to take on the project. By June 2020, CosmoGlo was officially in production, with the first order of 150 lights ready to ship.
The Advantages of American Manufacturing
CosmoGlo’s commitment to U.S. manufacturing has been a significant factor in its success. The company has since moved production to a larger facility in Texas, where it is also headquartered. Weekly sync meetings with the factory ensure seamless communication and quality control. Harcourt and her team have even visited the factory to meet the people who bring their product to life.
Having direct oversight of manufacturing has allowed CosmoGlo to maintain strict quality standards, streamline logistics, and reduce dependency on international supply chains. Unlike companies that manufacture overseas, CosmoGlo doesn’t have to worry about tariffs, customs clearance, language barriers, or fluctuating shipping costs. Instead, the company invests in delivering a high-quality product directly to customers’ doorsteps, ensuring that the money spent stays within the U.S. economy.
The Value of Quality and Transparency
While overseas manufacturing may offer lower unit costs, hidden expenses such as tariffs, shipping fees, and long lead times can offset those savings. More importantly, many international manufacturers operate under different quality standards, resulting in inconsistencies that can damage a brand’s reputation.
CosmoGlo takes pride in its transparency and commitment to excellence. Customers know they are receiving a superior product made with care, rather than paying for inflated logistics costs. By keeping production stateside, Harcourt has turned what could have been an obstacle into a competitive advantage.
A Bright Future
CosmoGlo’s story is proof that American manufacturing can be both a strategic and ethical choice. The brand’s success demonstrates that investing in local production leads to higher-quality products, greater control over the supply chain, and a stronger economy.
For companies considering domestic manufacturing, CosmoGlo serves as an inspiring example of what’s possible when passion meets perseverance. To learn more about their journey and products, visit thecosmoglo.com or reach out to Mary Harcourt directly at Mary@thecosmoglo.com.