We recently connected with Aiesha McKenzie and have shared our conversation below.

Aiesha, appreciate you joining us today. Almost all entrepreneurs have had to decide whether to start now or later? There are always pros and cons for waiting and so we’d love to hear what you think about your decision in retrospect. If you could go back in time, would you have started your business sooner, later or at the exact time you started?

I believe in divine timing, so I started exactly when I was supposed to do it. If I had started the business any earlier, I would not have had the experiences that equipped me with the knowledge that contributed to my successes. I had already owned three business before this one, and I needed to learn what I learned from them. Just like the other businesses, I started My Signature Scent as a creative outlet from my “day” job.
However, I do think that if I had started the business when I was single with no children, I would have been able to achieve a lot more in a smaller amount of time. Having kids means that I have to juggle infinite responsibilities in a finite amount of time. I would have had more time to commit to the business if I had started it before having kids.

Aiesha, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am Atlanta’s Fragrance Designer, the owner of My Signature Scent, LLC, which specializes in custom perfumery. We have a studio where customers create their own fragrances, and we offer other custom perfume services, such as a mobile perfume bar for events, and custom scents for individuals and company events. We help people create their signature scents!

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

Yes! I used to sell a line of perfumes I created in a store in the New Black Wall Street Market. I quickly realized I did not like selling perfume as much as I liked creating it!. People are very particular about their individual preferences, and would ask me if I had perfumes with certain notes. I eventually decided to open up a studio where I could sell the experience of creating perfume, rather than ready-to-wear perfume. It was kind of scary because I didn’t know if I would like it, since it didn’t give me the opportunity to create. However, I love it! I get to smell so many combinations that I would have never thought of myself. I love see the joy people experience after they’ve created something they absolutely love!

Can you open up about how you funded your business?

I started the way that so many business owners do- by investing my own money! My business started pretty small, as an affiliate marketer for several fragrance brands. Therefore, the initial investment was small. As I moved into selling a product, the amount of funds needed grew. Since I had a full-time job, I was able to use my money. Down the road, I secured some grants (after many attempts and failures) and they played a major part in my ability to expand.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://mysignaturescent.net/
• Instagram: https://mysignaturescent.net/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mysigscent/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/atlanta-s-fragrance-designer-547848355/