Octavia Morgan is making history as the founder of Ulta Beauty’s first Black woman-owned prestige fragrance brand. With a background in nursing and a passion for clean beauty, Morgan is challenging the fragrance industry’s norms and creating scents that celebrate individuality and inclusivity.
A Journey Rooted in Passion and Purpose
Morgan’s love for fragrance began in childhood. She watched her grandmother apply perfume with care, teaching her that scent is more than a product—it’s a feeling. “Fragrance was a presence, a signature,” Morgan recalls. This early inspiration shaped her vision for a brand that goes beyond traditional perfumes.
As a registered nurse, Morgan noticed how traditional fragrances caused sensitivities for many people. This sparked her mission to create clean, gender-inclusive scents. “I wanted to challenge the industry’s norms and make fragrances that are safe and empowering,” she says.
Breaking Barriers in the Fragrance Industry
The fragrance industry has long been dominated by European legacy brands, making it difficult for Black women entrepreneurs to break in. Morgan faced countless rejections, with critics calling her vision “too niche.” But she refused to give up.
Her breakthrough came in 2023 through Ulta’s MUSE Accelerator program, which supports BIPOC founders. This opportunity allowed her to launch OCTAVIA MORGAN Los Angeles, the first Black woman-owned prestige fragrance brand at Ulta Beauty. “It wasn’t just a personal win,” Morgan says. “It was a win for representation and the next generation of Black perfumers.”
Crafting Scents That Tell Stories
Morgan’s brand offers four signature eau de parfums: Midnight Orchard, Legendary, Dark Rose, and L’affaire. Each scent is designed to be genderless, breaking free from traditional perfume marketing. “Genderless means freedom from labels and expectations,” she explains.
Her fragrances are more than just scents—they’re statements. “I want people to feel seen and empowered when they wear my fragrances,” Morgan says. Her commitment to clean beauty ensures each product is free from common irritants, making them safe for all skin types.
A Vision for the Future
Morgan’s goals extend beyond creating beautiful scents. She aims to redefine the fragrance industry by prioritizing inclusivity, clean beauty, and self-expression. “Decades from now, I want people to say OCTAVIA MORGAN broke boundaries,” she shares.
Her brand is more than a business; it’s a movement. By celebrating individuality and challenging industry norms, Morgan is paving the way for a more diverse and inclusive future in beauty.
