We were lucky to catch up with Octavia Morgan recently and have shared our conversation below.

Octavia, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What was it like going from idea to execution? Can you share some of the backstory and some of the major steps or milestones?

I have always loved fragrances since I was a little girl. Several years ago I noticed that I was having allergic reactions to some of my favorite mass produced parfums only to discover I was becoming fragrance sensitive to the chemicals and toxins in my parfums. Because I did not want to stop wearing parfum, I went out to stores to find natural and clean fragrances only to discover scents that were flat and not complex or didn’t last long on the skin. I hold a Bachelor Degree in Science so I embarked upon my own journey of research and development which took me several years to create a fragrance that not only I could wear but receive compliments as well. In spring of 2022 I launched my original line with 4 parfums and today I have 7 parfums along with 6 body products and 3 home fragrances all clean and sustainable, free of any harmful synthetics, parabens and phthalates.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Octavia Morgan Los Angeles is a clean fine fragrance and beauty company. We source curate and create our fragrances and products with the purpose “INCORPORATING NATURE INTO EVERYDAY”. Our parfums, body products, candles and home fragrances each have a unique signature blend designed for a one of kind sensory experience. We endevor to bring clean fine fragrances to body and homes everywhere.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

I share this experience quite often as far as believing in yourself and never giving up. Several years ago when I was was starting my business I filed to have my company name trademarked with my attorney only to be challenged by another woman owned business for the name. We tried to arbitrate the matter to resolve her concerns but she refused and proceeded to plunged us into a full on trademark lawsuit that literally went on for 3 years. I was angry, upset, sad and depressed while dealing with the lawsuit not to mention the attorney fees I incurred that I didn’t have. But I was determine not to give up and fight for legally what was mine and that was the name and likeness, logo of the company and brand. We went back and forth for years and just before we were scheduled to go to trial, her lawyer contacted my attorney and said that they would concede and let me have everything that I was asking for, the company name, image, likeness, brand and logo worldwide. I will never forget, it was right before Christmas that year 2019 and I thought it was the absolute best gift I could receive. Today I advocate for women and men with small businesses who sometimes cannot afford legal assistance, because I believe nobody should have to endure what I had to in a David vs Goliath scenario. If you dreamt it, breathe life into and created it. It belongs to you and you have to fight, scratch and claw to protect it. If I would have given up and settled I would not be here today.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

I have been very fortunate with building my clientele, Since the spring of 2022 I have been doing in store events and POP UP’s all over the Los Angeles and Southern California. It allows me to give in person demonstrations on my products and offers my clients/customers the opportunity to experience our fragrances in person. I receive real time feedback, concerns and questions to which I can answer and educate them of the benefits of clean fine fragrances. With my online sales I buy ads on Facebook, Google, Instagram and I have watch my customer base grow 70%

Contact Info:

• Website: www.octaviamorgan.com
• Instagram: octaviamorgnala
• Facebook: octaviamorganla
• Linkedin: Octavia Morgan
• Twitter: octaviamorganla
• Youtube: octaviamorganla

Image Credits
CECILE BOKO JARIO MELARA