Black Owned Fragrance Week: Beyond Niche Panel
Join us for our first panel discussion for Black Owned Fragrance Week: Beyond Niche.
Moderated by Haweya Mohamed (The Colors), this panel brings together leaders in the fragrance industry—Matthew Sanchez (Matteo Parfums), Yusuf Meizongo Jr. (Maison Yusif), and Brianna Arps (MOODEAUX)—to explore how Black-owned fragrance brands are defying industry norms.
Key topics include:
Redefining "niche" from Black-owned brands' perspective
Overcoming market entry challenges
The impact of Black identity on scent creation
Balancing cultural authenticity with global appeal
Building trust with diverse audiences
Collaborating with industry stakeholders to amplify messages
Matthew J. Sánchez is the Perfumer & Founder/CEO of MATTEO PARFUMS. Backed by L’Oréal, MATTEO PARFUMS is the award-winning, green science, fine fragrance company, rooted in imaginative inclusivity. MATTEO PARFUMS stands out in delivering whimsical yet sophisticated, clean formulations supported by science, that are awe-inspiring and memorable—such as his Art and Olfaction Award honored creation "Lovers’ Dew," inspired by Aztec & Mayan waters with a contemporary luxury lens, or "Celadawn," his IAO awards debut scent that introduced “horchata amber” to the fragrance world.
Yusif Meizongo Jr., a Ghanaian perfumer & entrepreneur, is the founder of Maison Yusif Fragrance, the first artisan niche perfume brand from Ghana that emphasizes creativity and innovation and draws inspiration from the rich African culture. He is recognized as Ghana's first perfumer, and his journey is characterized by determination, vision, and a commitment to crafting unique fragrances.
In addition to his work in perfumery, Meizongo has established the Home of Humanity Foundation, a non-profit organization that supports the education of children from the Zongo community. The foundation also donates a portion of each perfume sale to Ghanaian orphanages, providing assistance to those in need. They have build 5 water projects to 5 less privileged communities in Ghana.
Brianna Arps is the founder and CEO of MOODEAUX, a multi-award-winning fragrance label empowering bold self-expression with every spritz. After a decade in journalism, Brianna began studying the art of perfumery and its transformative effects, recognizing an opportunity to turn her passion into a purpose-driven, trailblazing business. MOODEAUX is now available online and nationwide at Credo Beauty, Urban Outfitters, Thirteen Lune and Arielle Shoshana.
Join us for a thought-provoking conversation on innovation, representation, and the future of Black-owned niche fragrance brands.
See you there!