We’re looking forward to introducing you to Aiesha McKenzie. Check out our conversation below.
Hi Aiesha, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What’s the most surprising thing you’ve learned about your customers?
I’m surprised at the size of the perfume collections my customers have! It should come as no surprise that someone who comes to a perfume studio to create a custom perfume is really into perfume, I know. But, some of them have pretty impressive collections! What may surprise people is that the average person who comes into the studio doesn’t necessarily love perfume. We get lots of people who are just starting their fragrance journey, or just want to try something new and different.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am Aiesha McKenzie, aka Atlanta’s Fragrance Designer, and I am the founder of My Signature Scent, LLC. We are a perfume company that specializes in custom perfumery, and helps people find their signature scents. We have a studio in Decatur, GA, and a mobile Perfume Bar that we bring to events in metro Atlanta. We also create signature scents for individuals and events.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
I remember being a freshman in high school, and being invited to watch the National Honor Society induction because I was on Honor Roll. I remember sitting there and thinking I wanted that to be me. Fast forward to senior year in high school, not only was I inducted in the National Honor Society, but I was giving a speech during it! I would later go on to give a speech at my high school graduation. I love the idea of setting my mind to achieve something, and then doing it. This is an energy that I continue to have for my business.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
I think every entrepreneur has considered giving up! Don’t let anyone fool you; being in business is hard. There are so many times when things that you plan don’t go your way. For me, the hardest thing is that I put so much attention to detail, time, and effort in everything I do, but it doesn’t always pay off.
There was one weekend when I had no bookings that triggered a pity party. I started wondering why I should keep putting in effort when I wasn’t getting enough of a benefit. I figured I could spend my time watching TV and relaxing instead of sacrificing my time for no reason. I really put some thought in my exit strategy. That’s probably not a bad thing- every entrepreneur should have an exit strategy; but it’s probably best to come up with it when you have a neutral mindset.
Long story short, I correctly figured that I was just in a funk, and I continued to come up with new ideas for the growth of my business. I realized that the times when business is slow, despite my efforts, ensures work/life balance. In the words of a book I read a while ago, I will do my best and leave the results to Heaven.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Whom do you admire for their character, not their power?
I really respect Kandi Burruss-Tucker. I watched her on the Real Housewives of Atlanta, and I loved how she was always true to herself, and real. I see so many characteristics that we share. What I like the most about her is that she loves to give back to her community. It’s not her Grammy, money, or multiple businesses that make her admirable, but that she seems like a really caring person. I would love to help her create a signature scent one day!
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. If you retired tomorrow, what would your customers miss most?
As I previously mentioned, I thought about closing my business at a time. I did, actually, consider the dearth that it would cause. Yes, there are other places where people can make perfume. But, My Signature Scent is about more than walking out with a perfume you created; it’s about the experience. My motto is, if you just want to create a perfume, you should go somewhere else. If you want an experience, come to My Signature Scent. Our experiences are curated, private, and personalized, from the music to the decorations.
I’ve been part of so many people’s special moments- milestone birthdays, anniversaries, bridal showers, graduations, etc. It’s so important to me to create the opportunities for people to make memories together. That’s why I have the Couple’s Session where two people spend quality time together creating scents. I created the Bachelorette Perfume Party because I know that scent triggers memories, and each person gets to take home a perfume that they all created together. That’s why I enjoy bringing our mobile Perfume Bar to people’s events.
So, I think that customers would miss creating lasting memories along with perfumes.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://mysignaturescent.net/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/customperfume_atl/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/atlanta-s-fragrance-designer-547848355/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mysigscent/
