Like most industries, the beauty and fragrance realm has long been dominated by a narrow set of voices, with limited representation and storytelling.
Thankfully, Black entrepreneurs are busting down doors to transform this landscape, each bringing their own innovative perspectives to the world of scent.
This includes breaking down outdated gender boundaries, prioritizing clean and conscious ingredients, and creating luxury experiences that are accessible, meaningful, and deeply personal. Did we mention they smell good as hell too?
If you’re on the market for a new signature scent, or simply want to support a new-to-you Black owned business, here are a few brands reshaping how we think about personal fragrances and making it look easy in the process.
After being laid off in 2021, Brianna Arps decided to turn a low point into something bigger by launching Moodeaux. Her goal was simple: to create fragrances that feel like self-love in a bottle. One of the brand’s most-loved scents, “Worthy,” is a warm blend of amber, cedarwood, and creamy vanilla that instantly boosts your mood. With a focus on gender-neutral scents and intentional storytelling, Moodeaux invites you to embrace every part of who you are—no apologies needed.
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Ourside is all about breaking the rules of traditional perfumery. Founded by a team that values inclusivity and creativity, the brand offers a collection of unisex scents that make you rethink everything you know about fragrance. One of their standouts, “Moon Dust,” combines cedarwood, grapefruit, and jasmine with a hint of peppermint and palo santo for a vibe that’s both fresh and mysterious. With a focus on clean ingredients and cruelty-free practices, Ourside proves that you don’t need labels to make a statement.
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Brown Girl Jane was built on the idea that fragrance should do more than just smell good—it should be part of your self-care. Founded by Malaika Jones, the brand’s popular scent “Lamu”—a tropical mix of coconut water, sandalwood, and salt, transports you to a beach at sunset. Beyond perfumes, they’re creating products that feel intentional and meaningful, offering a little bit of calm in the chaos.
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Former model Chris Collins brings a storyteller’s touch to his luxury fragrance line. His scent “Harlem Nights”—with its notes of rum, patchouli, and amber—captures the mood of jazz clubs and late-night conversations. Inspired by his travels and love of history, Collins’ fragrances are like chapters in a book, each with its own vibe and story to tell.
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Daukens Arome Co. has quickly become a favorite for those who love bold, nostalgic scents (including myself). Their fragrance “Pink Cotton” is a mix of juicy berries, cotton candy, and soft musk, and you’ll want to keep smelling yourself all day long. The brand’s approach to fragrance is simple: create scents that spark joy and remind you of your favorite memories.
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Mysa Fragrance Haus is all about creating scents that leave an impression. Their popular fragrance “Dark Rose”—a blend of black roses, plum, and vanilla—puts a fresh spin on the classic rose scent with a touch of mystery. Mysa’s scents are designed to linger, inviting you to slow down and savor the moment.
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