Black Owned Fragrance Week Panel: More Than Consumers
This panel explores the role of Black fragrance makers who go beyond creation to teach and mentor the next generation, working to increase industry representation.
Moderated by Zach Kendall, the discussion will feature confirmed panelists Tatiana Fortuné (Aromatic Perfume Oils), Demi (Traces of Akoya), Lakenda Wallace (Modern Peasant) and November Nichols (Maison Chemin & Fragrancepreneur).
Moderator: Zach Kendall is a multidisciplinary artist based in Atlanta, Georgia. He has over a decade of experience as a product leader in the tech industry and is also known for his time spent as a streetwear designer. He now combines ambient scenting with sound design to tell stories both old and new.
Tatiana Fortune, Founder and Scent Creator of Aromatic Perfume Oils, crafts luxurious, hypoallergenic fragrances that celebrate confidence, beauty, and self-expression. She believes fragrance is more than just a scent—it’s a tool for self-care, empowerment, and everyday luxury, creating products and experiences that uplift and inspire.
Demi Lizzann, founder of Traces of Akoya, is a botanical scientist, cosmetic chemist, and aromatic ethnographer dedicated to preserving indigenous scent traditions. Through research-based educational content and her incense making workshops, she empowers BIPOC diasporas to reclaim their space in the fragrance industry, bridging cultural wisdom with modern innovation to inspire the next generation of aromatic connoisseurs.
Lakenda Wallace is an Oakland-based, Natural Perfumer and Teacher with the Institute of Art and Olfaction. Lakenda's brand Modern Peasant offers the complexity and harmony of scents expected in traditional perfumery with historic perfumery practices of layering plant extractions to create luxurious scents with aromatherapy benefits. This means no synthetics, which her customers say allows them to again enjoy perfume without the fear of triggering migraines and other painful sensitivities. Lakenda started her perfumery journey more than 25 years ago when she discovered her own sensitivity to synthetic perfumes. Modern Peasant offers scents for sensitive people that support body, mind, and home.
November Nichols, Founder & Creative Visionary of Maison Chémin, blends artistry with innovation in bespoke fragrance creation. Passionate about olfactory storytelling, she empowers individuals to craft their scent journeys. Through Chémin’s Fragrancepreneur program, she mentors aspiring perfumers, shaping the future of luxury fragrance with authenticity, expertise, and intentionality.
Key discussion points include:
Motivation behind teaching and mentoring in the fragrance industry
The importance of representation among perfumers
Barriers Black creators face in the fragrance industry
Making fragrance education more accessible
Success stories from mentorship
Advice for aspiring fragrance creators
Innovations needed to support the next generation of fragrance makers
The role of the community in education and mentorship
Join us for an insightful conversation about the power of mentorship and the future of Black representation in the fragrance industry.