Today we’d like to introduce you to Chavalia Dunlap-Mwamba.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
My name is Chavalia (like the French term “Chevalier”), and I am a self-taught, niche perfumer of color. I was raised in a rural part of town, so enjoying the essence of nature and its fragrance was my favorite pastime. There were huge pine trees in our front yard and berry bushes and a pond with ducks in our backyard with what seemed like infinite space to roam and explore. Time seemed to stand still, and I often replay those memories when I’m creating/blending.
I’ve always been fond of mixing ingredients together – I tried my hand at combining two or more lotions, skin and hair care products to get the desired effect I was seeking. I nevertheless moved beyond that, but I’ve had an affinity for fine fragrance since I was in elementary school.
My mother would allow me to wear the perfumes that were almost empty. As I learned more about the process of creation, I became more intrigued with the perfumers behind each product. My passion for fine fragrance and perfumery led me to begin creating my own ideas.
I beta-tested family and friends, and they strongly encouraged me to make my creations available for the public. With their backing and support, I’ve been able to share perfumes (for both men and women), fragrance sprays and recently aromatherapy diffuser blends.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Personal challenges have seemed to be more prevalent in my tenure of business and entrepreneurship. When my twin boys were born in 2015, I unexpectedly suffered from post-partum depression that was exacerbated by my husband’s job lay-off from a company and career he loved. My parents-in-love live in Benin, Africa, and they weren’t able to witness the birth or come shortly after due to financial constraints. My mother returned to work, and I found myself feeling very isolated in a big beautiful house on the outskirts of Frisco with two colicky babies needing the same level of attention. My husband was able to secure temporary work for a short while, but I was completely overwhelmed with how quickly things began to spiral downward after his layoff and me being a new mother still on maternity leave. I desperately needed and desired the strength of my support system. At the time, perfumery became an afterthought, and I was uncertain I’d ever go back to it. Fast forward 3 years later to May 22, 2018, and I’m now having to bury my 3rd born son who passed away shortly after birth due to a complex, congenital heart defect.
I quickly found out that not only is it costly to produce quality fragrances with premium ingredients, but perfumery often gets a negative opinion attached to it due to some people having sensitivities. Trying to maintain a balance between offering unique compositions but refraining to use some of the questionable components can be challenging sometimes.
Also, as a female businesswoman of color, my constant challenge is funding. My business is small (niche), and my revenue is not yet of the requested amount to qualify for some small businesses loans, so bootstrapping my business has been how I’ve been able to currently sustain.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Pink MahogHany Fragrances story. Tell us more about the business.
I am a niche perfumer specializing in luxury perfumes, phthalate-free fine fragrance sprays and aromatherapy essential oil diffuser blends.
I initially only intended to create perfumes under the PM brand, but in gathering information from my clients and customers/supporters and doing research, I realized there was more to offer that people wanted.
I founded Pink MahogHany in January 2005, and completing my DBA in Tarrant County was a college graduation present to myself. I studied, read and researched from 2005 to 2011 before creating a fragrance that I felt was “release ready.” Though definitely considered “niche”, French Cuffs eau de parfum (for men) is very near and dear to my heart.
The PM Collection now has perfumes, fine fragrance sprays, aromatherapy essential oil diffuser blends and most recently mini vehicle diffusers! They’re currently in beta-test mode but will soon be released to the public.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
In short, perseverance.
I’ve taken each challenge (in both business and my personal life) as an opportunity for growth and perspective evaluation. When positive things happen in my business, I repeat the process of what I did to obtain success.
Contact Info:
- Website: pinkmahoghany.etsy.com
- Phone: 4302014899
- Email: parfumista@pinkmahoghany.com
- Instagram: pm_fragrances
- Facebook: Facebook.com/PMFragrances
- Twitter: pm_fragrances
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
