Today we’d like to introduce you to Shauntel Bailey
Hi Shauntel , we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Scent has always been like my personal time machine— connecting me to moments I hold dear, both for their therapeutic calm and their sentimental value. I vividly recall my father returning from business trips, his arms laden with thoughtful gifts, often bottles of perfume. To my younger self, those perfumes weren’t just gifts—they were tiny treasures, vessels carrying stories of far-off places I could only imagine. Each bottle felt like an adventurer, whispering tales through the smoothness of its glass, the vibrant hue of its liquid, and, most importantly, the glorious revelation of its first spray.
As I grew older, I embarked on an adventure of my own. Leaving Jamaica—the island of my birth and my heart—I moved overseas to Europe. While the transition was exciting it was also bittersweet. I craved home and realized how much my memories were intertwined with scent. The smoky richness of jerk chicken from bustling street vendors, the salty ocean breeze that clung to the air, the zest of indigenous fruits plucked fresh from the trees—all these aromas painting vivid memories of my island life.
Homesickness led me back to an old friend: aromatherapy. I asked my parents to ship the fragrances I had left behind, scents frozen in time as the bottles that held them. With a single spray, I returned to moments close to my heart: the sugary vanilla that wafted through carefree high school days, the strong jasmine and white florals that graced my graduation ceremonies and my newfound “adultness”, the powdery warmth of my grandmother’s hugs, and the aromatic spices of Christmas dinners filled with laughter, love, and cutlural tropical fruit-laced drinks.
This connection to scent became my sanctuary as I pursued a rigorous Master’s in Aviation. Through sleepless nights juggling coursework, campus leadership, and professional organizations, fragrance became my refuge. In the stillness of night, warm notes of patchouli and creamy sandalwood soothed me calm after the busy days. In the hustle of morning, sweet florals and zesty scents geve me renewed energy. What began as a nostalgic indulgence became a daily ritual—a mantra of self-care, self-love, and self-healing.
As a woman in STEM, my role in aviation carries immense responsibility. My work contributes to the safety and operational excellence of an industry that touches lives across the globe. While the weight of that responsibility can be heavy, I’ve found that embracing the things that bring me joy—like fragrance—helps lighten the load. Our sense of smell is not just a tool for connection but also a source of strength, grounding, and even transformation.
Today, my enthusiasm for fragrance has grown beyond a personal passion. I’m honored to be part of a global community of scent lovers who gather at in-person conferences and in digital spaces to celebrate the beauty of aromatherapy and the power of simply smelling good. This fragrance family inspires me as I dream of one day offering the world my personal creation—a beautiful glass bottle filled with memories, waiting to connect people to their own stories and moments.
As I look to the future, I aim to blend my technical expertise in aviation with my creative passion for fragrance. Much like aviation unites people across borders, fragrance has the unique ability to connect us to places, memories, and emotions. My goal is to create a line of fragrances that carries this ethos—bottled moments that make life’s journey more beautiful, reminding us to enjoy it, one spray at a time.
In the meantime, I invite readers to explore the power of scent in their own lives. What memories linger in the air around you? What aromas spark joy, nostalgia, or calm? Scent is a gift, a personal journey, and, most importantly, a bridge to what matters most. Let’s take this journey together.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road has been anything but smooth, but every challenge has shaped me into who I am today. Growing up in Jamaica, I dreamed of a career in aviation, but the limited resources for specialized eucation in aviation management and operations in the Caribbean made it feel like a distant goal. Opportunities to gain industry exposure and training were scarce, and I had to seek pathways that weren’t readily available at home.
When I moved overseas, the COVID-19 pandemic tested my resilience in ways I could never have anticipated. Being unable to visit my family for over a year was one of the hardest parts of the journey. My island heart craved the grounding warmth of home, the laughter of loved ones, and the familiar scents that told me I was safe in the midst of a global crisis. So I found solace in the fragrances I carried with me; using scent as a lifeline to keep my memories and connections alive during the most isolating of times.
When I was accepted into a Masters program in Aviation in America, it was a dream come true, but one that came with its own set of hurdles. Financial aid was critical to making it possible, and the weight of juggling academic excellence all while being constantly aware of my financial limitations was heavy. But I stayed committed to my vision, knowing that my sacrifices would one day pay off.
Beyond my journey in aviation, I know entering the world of perfumery will have its own set of challenges. Historically, the path to becoming a Black perfumer is fraught with systemic barriers, limited access to industry networks, and a lack of representation. The fragrance industry is dominated by longstanding traditions, and breaking into this world requires not only immense passion but also the ability to navigate a space where people like me have often been underrepresented. This is also why events like Black Owned Fragrance Week, its sponsors and supporters mean even more to me.
Despite these struggles, I see my experiences as fuel for my vision. The challenges of my journey have given me a deeper appreciation for the opportunities I’ve been able to seize and the ones I hope to create for others. My story is one of resilience, resourcefulness, and an unwavering belief in the power of scent—not just as a form of self-expression, but as a universal connector and healer.
I am proud of how far I’ve come, and I know that every obstacle I’ve faced is part of the foundation for the dreams I’m building. Whether in aviation or perfumery, I hope to inspire others to pursue their passions despite the hurdles and prove that the smoothest roads don’t always lead to the most meaningful destinations.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I currently work in airport operations at one of the busiest and most dynamic hubs in Texas. My role specializes in crisis management and interdepartmental coordination, ensuring compliance with FAA regulations while maintaining operational excellence to deliver the highest standard of customer experience. Whether it’s managing day-to-day operations or collaborating across departments to address challenges, I take pride in knowing that my work plays a critical role in the seamless movement of millions of passengers.
What I’m most proud of is my ability to emulate those scented memories by creating meaningful connections and a sense of community, both within my team and beyond. My thirst for knowledge fuels my dedication to professional development, which extends to my involvement in organizations like Women in Aviation International (WAI) and the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals (OBAP). Through these networks, I grow personally while also creating pathways for others—mentoring, supporting, and amplifying voices that are often underrepresented in the aviation industry.
This mindset is what sets me apart; my genuine desire to make an impact. I focus on creating improvement and leaving things better than I found them. In an industry as fast-paced and complex as aviation, I believe it’s not just about compliance or logistics—it’s about building relationships, fostering innovation, and ensuring that every passenger’s journey is exceptional. This drive for continuous improvement and collaboration is something I bring to every aspect of my work. I approach challenges with curiosity, resilience, a deep understanding of the importance of teamwork, all while smelling good.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
If I could offer one piece of advice to those just starting out, it’s this: community is your greatest ally. The people you surround yourself with can be the solution to challenges you face, the inspiration behind groundbreaking ideas, or the support system that fuels your growth. Never underestimate the power of connection and collaboration—it can spark ideas that change lives and open doors you never imagined.
If I could go back and speak to my younger self, I’d say: Never doubt the things that make you unique. The qualities that bring joy and laughter to others, that challenge outdated traditions, and that push boundaries are the very things that will set you apart. Embrace them fully.
Lean into discovering who you are. Listen to the voices of your allies, the ones who believe in you, and move forward with confidence, even when the path feels uncertain. As you take each step, you’ll find that the community you need will naturally build around you. Trust in the process, trust in your strengths, and trust in the journey ahead.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sctheworldcitizen/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shauntel-clarke/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@sctheworldcitizen
Image Credits
Pure Richness Photograpy by Richard Bailey
