People behind Color Up
Amber White-Benzel
Co-Owner & Lab Director
Meet the co-owner and lab leader supporting Color Up’s formulation, manufacturing, and product-quality work.
Amber White-Benzel is a first-generation Filipino American from Denver, Colorado with a lifelong passion for wellness, plants, and spirituality. Growing up in Colorado gave her a deep connection to nature and a front-row seat to the cannabis and CBD revolution—an environment that shaped her respect for healing and innovation.
Her curiosity began early: after her first biology class, Amber became fascinated with the systems of the human body and initially dreamed of becoming a doctor. That interest evolved into a love for holistic wellness and the restorative power of plants. Inspired by Lush’s “How It’s Made” videos, the beauty channel she ran in high school, and her interest in cosmetology, she discovered her calling in natural skincare and manufacturing.
Amber’s path through science, skincare and manufacturing also shaped her commitment to supportive mentorship and an open, thoughtful approach to wellness. She hopes to encourage women building their own paths in this field.
Amber began her professional journey in October 2018 as Color Up’s third employee and a lab assistant. While working to complete her B.S. in Biology and Philosophy at Metropolitan State University of Denver, graduating in 2020, she also heard directly from the professionals and customers using the line. These experiences deepened her commitment to creating skincare infused with care and intention. She stepped into leadership roles soon after—Assistant Lab Director in 2019, Lab Director in 2022, and, in 2025, Co-Owner of Color Up.
As a leader, Amber combines precision, creativity, and compassion. Her work has included developing manufacturing protocols, coordinating production and inventory, and reviewing product quality with care. Her ability to remain composed under pressure and guide her team with patience, open communication, and supportive feedback has been pivotal during times of transition and growth.
Today, Amber works alongside Shauna to guide Color Up’s formulations and product quality. She continues to oversee and take part in making products at a trusted partner lab, keeping Color Up directly involved in production.
Beyond her professional role, Amber embraces a holistic lifestyle. She is a Reiki practitioner, musician, photographer, and lifelong learner who enjoys traveling with family and friends, singing silly songs to her three dogs and two birds, reading, playing golf, and exploring her many passions through ongoing study of psychology, breathwork, herbalism, and holistic health.