Meet Ya Fav Perfumer, Chavalia Mwamba
If it don’t make dollars, it don’t make scents.
To get our readers familiar with you, tell us a little about yourself and the path that led you to becoming a fragrance creator.
I am a perfumer, artist, and storyteller, blending emotion and intention into every fragrance I create. As the founder of Pink MahogHany, I don’t just craft perfumes—I compose scent music at my perfumer’s organ, translating feelings into fragrances that whisper rather than shout. Each scent is designed to evoke memories, spark conversations, and create a deeply personal connection.
Beyond perfumery, I am also a homeschooling mother of 4th grade, identical twin boys, musician and entrepreneur - balancing the art of fragrance with the art of life. My creations are shaped by intuition, musical experience, and a commitment to authenticity and excellence. I believe a great fragrance isn’t just something you wear—it’s something you feel, a silent yet powerful extension of who you are.
Pink MahogHany is more than a brand; it’s a journey through scent. Each bottle tells a story, inviting you to explore and discover the one that resonates with your soul. Fragrance should be an experience—intimate, transformative, and uniquely yours.
My slogan, A Good Fragrance Calls; An Exceptional Fragrance Whispers can be translated across various aspects of life - whether it be personal or professional, it’s proven that a whisper maintains attention and increases intrigue…which is how I choose to live my life.
As a creative, what has been your inspiration for your work? How do you remain authentic in your creativity?
My greatest inspiration for my work is my 3rd born son, Kenji, who is also my angel baby and was the baby brother to my twins. Experiencing grief of a baby is unlike no other, and at one point I never saw myself getting back to my craft and love of fragrance creation.
His transition not only thrust me into a period of healing but also helping others through my scent-story telling. He is now an integral part of the brand and helps me to remember my why.
“I allow myself to remain open to living life in an effort to gain more experiences that spark creative blend ideas. Sometimes something as simple as a word or a color will spark a whole formulation idea, and I love that.”
Monetizing your creativity is no easy task. Was the journey to making this happen difficult for you? What were some of the highs and lows?
It was and still is a bit of a challenge. My brand has never received official funding, but we are putting ourselves in position to be bankable. From grant declinations to retailer “maybe next times”, it can become discouraging to keep pushing, but I believe in my brand and know the right monetization opportunities are just one more “not at this time” away.
Chavalia Mwamba sharing her wisdom while speaking at an event.
What is one piece of advice you would give to someone looking to make a full-time career off thier creativity?
Own your brilliance, but move with strategy. Talent alone won’t sustain you—structure, discipline, confidence and a clear vision will. As a Black woman perfumer and a triple minority in this industry, I’ve learned that breaking barriers isn’t just about showing up; it’s about staking your claim. Protect your artistry, know your worth, and build systems that turn passion into longevity. The world may not hand you a seat at the table, so design your own and make it undeniable. Also, don’t be afraid to ask for help in areas that you may not be as knowledgable in.
Creatives can get super busy and often neglect their health and wellness in the process. What do you do to stay balanced through it all?
I’m intentional about my “me time” and have learned the power of “no” - even if it’s to my own children. I’m teaching them healthy boundaries, and they know when my door is closed, that’s my time to unwind and be one with my thoughts. I take 15-60 minutes every day to be to myself because I realize having a near empty glass does nobody any good.