Glo Cherny says that her company, Penn Grows, began as "a shared journey of wellness and healing." When her dog was diagnosed with cancer, Glo started incorporating fresh microgreens into the dog's diet as part of her care. Seeing her pet’s energy and quality of life improve showed Glo the healing potential of microgreens and inspired her to dive deeper into the power of the tiny plants, not only as superfoods but also as ingredients for skin health. Now, Microglams is Penn Grows' skincare and body care line. Here, Glo talks about her company, trends in the beauty and wellness space, and how to thrive in a career at a lifestyle brand.
What was your career path like before you founded Penn Grows?
Before launching Penn Grows, which I co-founded with my husband, Mitch, my career was rooted in arts, media, and education. I spent years developing creative programs, leading brand initiatives, and blending visual storytelling with strategic design. These experiences taught me how to build meaningful connections with audiences and create products that inspire. When the idea for Penn Grows and Microglams began to take shape, Mitch’s expertise in growing fresh, nutrient-rich microgreens and my passion for design and wellness came together, allowing us to create skincare and haircare products that are both effective and beautifully crafted.
Most people may think of microgreens as something to eat. What makes them powerful in skincare and body care?
Microgreens are like concentrated bursts of life—they hold up to 40 times the nutrients of their mature plant counterparts. These nutrients include powerful antioxidants, vitamins, and enzymes that help fight free radicals, reduce inflammation, and encourage healthy cell renewal. When used in skincare, they nourish the skin on a cellular level, supporting brightness, elasticity, and overall resilience. With Microglams, we’re harnessing this same vitality and delivering it directly to the skin, creating products that feel fresh, natural, and transformative.
How do you source and grow the microgreens used in your products?
We grow all of our microgreens ourselves, using rich, clean soil and natural growing methods—never pesticides or harsh chemicals. Each crop is carefully nurtured in a controlled indoor environment to ensure maximum nutrient density and freshness. Once harvested at their peak, the microgreens are transformed into powerful infusions and extracts that form the base of our skincare and haircare products. This hands-on, soil-to-skin process ensures that every product is as pure, fresh, and effective as possible.
How have consumer expectations shifted in terms of what they want from beauty and wellness brands?
Consumers have become incredibly savvy and intentional about what they put on their bodies. Many now use apps to scan product barcodes, quickly identifying harmful ingredients or greenwashing claims. They’re seeking transparency, clean formulations, and brands they can truly trust. This shift has made authenticity and ingredient integrity more important than ever. Microglams was built with this in mind—our products are crafted with simple, natural ingredients that people can feel confident about using every day.
What trends are you most excited about in the lifestyle space right now?
I’m inspired by the rise of “skin and hair nutrition,” where people are seeking products that genuinely nourish and strengthen both skin and hair. There’s also a growing shift toward sustainability and environmental awareness, which I deeply connect with. For me, building a brand that’s healthier for people and the planet is a daily journey—I’m always learning new ways to source better, reduce waste, and make Microglams more eco-conscious and effective.
How do you differentiate your brand in a crowded clean beauty market?
Microglams is unique because we’re pioneering something that very few brands are exploring—microgreens. This ingredient category is virtually untapped in the beauty and haircare industries, despite being incredibly rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and enzymes that deliver real results. By growing our own microgreens in pesticide-free soil and transforming them into powerful extracts, we’ve created a product line that combines innovation, nature, and wellness in a way that truly sets us apart.
What kind of skills or education do you think are essential to thrive in a lifestyle brand today?
Thriving in a lifestyle brand today requires a mix of creativity, curiosity, and adaptability. It’s important to understand branding and how to tell a story that resonates, but just as vital to stay open to constant learning—whether that’s about product development, sustainability, or consumer trends. Skills in digital marketing, social media, and e-commerce are crucial, as these channels drive much of the beauty and wellness industry. Most importantly, having a passion for innovation and a willingness to experiment will set you apart in a fast-changing market.
What advice would you give LIM students who want to tap into wellness or beauty as a career path?
Take full advantage of the real-world learning opportunities LIM offers—get involved in projects, events, and internships that let you test ideas and see how the industry works from the inside. The beauty and wellness industries thrive on authenticity; therefore, focus on developing your voice and perspective rather than blindly following trends. Most people think of microgreens as just a garnish, but I saw untapped potential and turned them into the foundation of Microglams skincare and haircare. Don’t be afraid to experiment and reimagine something simple in a new way—your unique perspective could lead to the next big innovation.
What’s next for Penn Grows and Microglams? Are there any new product launches or initiatives on the horizon?
We’re currently experimenting with expanding Microglams into haircare, using microgreen-infused formulas to nourish and strengthen hair from root to tip. Just like with skincare, I’m exploring how the concentrated nutrients in microgreens can support scalp health, shine, and overall hair vitality. Beyond product development, we continue to innovate with new blends and extracts, seeking creative ways to connect with individuals who value wellness and natural beauty. The future is about pushing the boundaries of what microgreens can do for self-care.
What keeps you motivated as a founder and innovator?
I’m motivated by seeing the positive impact our work has on people’s lives—whether it’s someone feeling more confident in their skin or discovering a new way to care for themselves through our products. I love taking something as simple and natural as a seed and turning it into something that can bring real change and joy. Curiosity drives me every day. There’s always something new to learn about microgreens, sustainability, or product innovation, and that constant evolution inspires me to keep creating. Knowing that I’m building something that’s good for both people and the planet gives me purpose.
