Sephora Accelerate: Harlem Perfume Co.
The Story
The fourth brand in the Sephora Accelerate program is the Harlem Perfume Co. a fragrance company inspired by a combination of jazz and Harlem. The company started as the Harlem Candle Co., selling an extensive range of candles with various scents. The founder is Teri Johnson, a Texas-raised woman of color who has been the CEO since she started making candles inside of her kitchen. Johnson recollects memories of exploring her aunt’s fragrance collection, piquing her interest and teaching her how to express herself.
Johnson is a travel expert, having produced content for the Huffington Post, Travel Channel, and her original show “Travelista Teri.” She’s been to 70 countries and knows the power of how scents can be tied into memories and places, bringing someone back for a ride.
After deciding to live in New York City and exploring the neighborhood of Harlem, Johnson began creating candles with scents that embodied the people and places she had learned about from Harlem’s history.
In October of 2022, Johnson revealed the Harlem Perfume Co., a new venture from the company that would expand into wearable fragrances. This creation was due to a vast amount of support and demand for the brand, allowing them to comfortably take this next step. The brand has also collaborated with companies such as Kodak, the White House, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
The Products
Harlem Candle Co.
Josephine Candle
A bestseller for the company, this candle is inspired by Josephine Baker, a famous singer, dancer, and actress. The candle features notes of jasmine, rose, sandalwood, and tonka bean to give this candle a luxurious scent that will burn for 80 hours. There is a similar variation of the scent as a wearable perfume that was highlighted by Elle as one of the year’s 25 long-lasting perfumes that won’t overwhelm you. The perfume was created by Catherin Selig.
Harlem Perfume Co.
Langston Perfume
Inspired by the multitalented Langston Hughes, this cinnamon and citrus perfume will offer a uniquely pleasant scent. With notes of vanilla, musk, caramel apple, chocolate, jasmine, and orange brandy, this perfume cocktail offers a refreshingly bold fragrance. The perfume was developed by award-winning creator Hamid Merati-Kashani.
The Conclusion
Teri Johnson has created a very lovely brand of products that will remain staples for years to come. Although the perfume options are not as vast as the candle options, while working with the Accelerate program, it is possible more will be released. Until then, the company has some big hits and impressive achievements under their belt.
