RAT GIRL STRATEGIES

Senior-level beauty expertise. Founder-level hustle.

WE ARE RAT GIRL STRATEGIES

(Yes, the name is unexpected - just like our perspective.)

And like every genius idea that ever made it to shelf, it started with someone saying "that's insane."

We bring founders and leadership teams senior-level expertise in product development and brand strategy - without the agency overhead or the handoff culture. We get in, we get it done, and we treat every brand like it's our own.

No ask is too small. "No" always comes with a "but let’s try this." And we don't stop until it's on shelf.

  • From concept to formula — building products that perform and resonate.

    • Innovation Concepting

    • Assortment Planning

    • Formulation Philosophy

    • R&D Management

    • Supplier Briefing & Management

    • Formula Tech Transfers

    • Product Positioning

    • Ingredient Research & Sourcing

  • Defining who you are, what you stand for, and how you show up.

    • Brand Pillars & DNA Refinement

    • Purpose & Mission

    • Tone of Voice

    • Messaging Hierarchy

    • Whitespace Mapping

  • Keeping launches lean, compliant, and delivered on time.

    • Cost Optimization & COGS Analysis

    • Project Management & Timelines

    • Clinical Trial & Consumer Testing

    • Tech Transfers

    • Vendor Selection

  • Packaging that protects your product and tells your brand story.

    • Primary & Secondary Sourcing

    • Artwork Management

    • Copywriting

SERVICES

I'm Valeriya - Brand Builder. Product Developer. Beauty Obsessive.

I've spent over a decade learning from best in class global conglomerates and scaling founder-led startups across skincare, haircare, color cosmetics, and body care.

I offer the rigor of a global organization with the instincts of someone who's built-up from zero. I know what it takes at the founder stage, the growth stage, and everywhere in between.

I'm here to help you build something that wins on shelf - and lasts beyond it.

ABOUT

Founder

VALERIYA VOLKOV

Awards & Recognition

DR. IDRISS

Left Un-Red Reducer Serum

Oprah Daily Menopause O-wards 2026 - Best for Redness

Left Un-Red CalmBack Cream

Real Simple Smart Beauty Awards 2026 - Best Moisturizer

Major Fade Disco Block

Refinery29 SPF Awards 2026

Shape Beauty Award 2025 - Best Face Sunscreen

Real Simple Beauty Picks 2025

Patch It Rescue Pimple Patches

Cosmopolitan Acne Awards 2025 - Best Statement Pimple Patches

Barrier Baste Lip Peel & Lip Baste

Instyle Best Beauty Buys 2025

New Beauty Beauty Award 2025 - Best Lip Basting Treatment

Glossy Beauty & Wellness Awards 2025 - Best Product of the Year

BOLDIFY

Thicken + Volume Shampoo

New Beauty Beauty Award 2024 - Best Volumizing Shampoo

WANDER BEAUTY

Double Date Eye

Allure Best of Beauty 2021

ANOMALY

Clarifying Shampoo

Self Awards - Best Clarifying Shampoo

Dry Shampoo

POPSUGAR Beauty Awards - Best Drugstore Steal - Best Shampoo

Smoothing Conditioner

POPSUGAR Beauty Awards - Best Drugstore Conditioner

Hydrating Shampoo

Women’s Health Beauty Award - Best Hydrating Shampoo