Trust us, you’re sure to find a new favorite scent, or maybe even two!
When it comes to fragrances, we usually think of big names like Dior, Marc Jacobs and Chanel. That’s because hardly any are created by Black founders and perfumers.
Historically, the fragrance space has slowly become more inclusive and doesn’t truly represent the diversity that exists in the industry today. The good news is that Black-owned fragrance companies are emerging, and while they make up only a small portion of this $5 billion industry right now, they are using the power of scent to engage with underrepresented groups in big ways.
Get to know five incredible fragrance brands owned by Black entrepreneurs who are making waves in the perfumery industry. These brands draw inspiration from their backgrounds and create scents that hold deep cultural and personal significance and capture a wide audience.
Brown Girl Jane
Tai Beauchamp, Nia Jones, and Malaika Jones are the brains behind Brown Girl Jane’s incredible line of CBD products. Their main goal is to encourage Black women to prioritize self-care and wellness, and they’ve been sticking to this mission ever since they expanded into clean, fine fragrance.
The scents in their collection are individually designed to summon specific moods or transport you to a different place. Take Lamu, for example. This fresh citrus perfume will have you feeling like you’re chilling on the Kenyan shore. If you’re in the mood for a tropical celebration, then Carnival is the way to go. It’s a gourmand fragrance that will carry you straight to the rich, sweet savors of Trinidad.
Brown Girl Jane has something for everyone. Go ahead and treat yourself to a little self-care and sensory adventure!
La Boticá
Inspired by architecture, contemporary art, and Afro-Dominican culture, La Boticá’s perfume bottles and luxury candles are not only stylish room decor but also provide unique sensorial experiences. Founder Dawn Marie West crafts these products in small batches in her Long Island City studio, using indigenous ingredients from South America.
By supporting La Boticá, you’re not only indulging in sustainable options but also contributing to a good cause. A portion of the proceeds from their sales goes towards helping underserved children and youth through their partnership with The Dream Project.
World of Chris Collins
Inspired by his global travels, Chris Collins creates fragrances that blend notes from the different regions he’s visited. His collections, influenced by the neighborhoods of New York City and Paris, for example, aim to evoke feelings of adventure, romance, and freedom. He describes his approach to perfume creation as songwriting, ensuring that none of the scents in his luxury line are one-dimensional.
Fenty Beauty
Just like all the other releases from Rihanna’’s beauty brand, this unisex perfume sold out quickly and became a fan-favorite. Its packaging is made up of a beautifully rich mahogany color that Rihanna herself wanted because she feels it represents all genders from all walks of life.
Brown is Rihanna’s favorite color. It represents who she is and where she comes from. In her own words from a press release in 2021, she said, “If I’m going to make a fragrance that represents me, even the body language of the bottles needs to marry that…”
Maya Njie Perfumes
Maya Njie, a self-taught perfumer, found solace in scent to embrace her Gambian and Scandinavian heritage. Her line of fragrances combines essential oils and soft, comforting scents such as musk, with names that pay homage to her cultural influences. The sleek and stylish bottles that hold each scent are an added bonus.
