Scents of Success Master Class
From her kitchen to Oprah's Favorite Things. Learn how she did it.
Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026 | 6 p.m.
Living Learning Center II Auditorium Presented by Spelman Pathways, The Fragrance Foundation and Spelman Society of Cosmetics
MEET TERI JOHNSON
Texas-born. Globally traveled. Harlem-raised. Teri Johnson turned a childhood fascination with her aunt's perfume collection into a luxury fragrance empire—one that started in her Harlem kitchen in 2014 and now sits on shelves at Nordstrom, Bluemercury, and in the White House.
Before founding Harlem Candle Company and Harlem Perfume Company, Johnson traveled to nearly 70 countries as a travel expert, worked in management consulting, and co-ran a media company. But it was her move to Harlem —and her deep dive into the neighborhood's legendary past— that sparked her true calling: telling the stories of Harlem Renaissance icons like Langston Hughes, Billie Holiday, Josephine Baker, and Duke Ellington through scent.
HER BRANDS
Harlem Candle Co. creates luxury candles in jewel-toned, gold-accented vessels that honor the artistry and elegance of the Harlem Renaissance. Each fragrance is developed with award-winning perfumers and tells a story — whether it's the smoky bourbon and tobacco notes of the Langston Hughes candle or the sultry sophistication of the Billie Holiday collection.
Harlem Perfume Co. takes that same storytelling approach into fine fragrance, creating prestige perfumes that bottle the soul of Harlem's most fearless creatives.
Her Purple Love candle was selected as one of Oprah's Favorite Things in 2023. She's collaborated with The Metropolitan Museum of Art, The White House Historical Association, and Broadway productions. She's built something that didn't exist before: a luxury fragrance brand centered on Black culture and history.
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN
How to turn passion into product. How to build a luxury brand from scratch. How to compete in an industry that wasn't built for you. How to tell stories that sell. How to work with perfumers, manufacturers, and major retailers. How to build partnerships with institutions like The Met and The White House.
WHY THIS MATTERS
Black women own less than 1% of luxury beauty brands. Teri Johnson is changing that—and she's here to show you how she did it. This isn't just about candles or perfume. It's about building legacy brands, commanding respect in exclusive industries, and creating wealth through entrepreneurship.
WHO SHOULD COME
Aspiring entrepreneurs. Future brand builders. Students interested in beauty, fragrance, luxury goods, marketing, product development, storytelling, or anyone who wants to learn how to turn a kitchen-table idea into a nationally recognized brand.
Presented by Spelman Pathways, The Fragrance Foundation, and Spelman Society of Cosmetics featuring Harlem Brands.