Perfume has historically been a rarified white space with few POC (much less WOC) creating and selling their own fragrances, despite Latine and Black consumers wearing perfume more than any other ethnicity in the United States—over 85% of Hispanic and Black consumers wear perfume and other fragrance products, compared to 78% of the total U.S. population.
[SEE ALSO: Top Perfume Gift Sets We’re Obsessed With Right Now]
Fortunately, the fragrance ceiling is starting to fracture thanks to these pioneering Black women perfumers—often self-taught and often inspired by familial memories, including the scents of their mothers. These creators and entrepreneurs elevate their personal histories into unique, luxurious fragrances.
Here are five Black women perfumers you need to know right now. Hint: Their fragrances make for some gorgeous gifts for the holidays!
