Careers Report
Are you a company in the fragrance sector that wants to know how to encourage more young talent into our industry? The Fragrance Foundation UK has worked with The British Academy, a Kingston University Senior Lecturer in Organisational Behaviour, and the careers platform ERIC to build a report that identifies the engagement of 14-17-year-olds when it comes to niche industries for employment.
Working in the Industry
Alexis Vaganay, Chief Commercial Officer, Coty
How did you get in to the Fragrance Industry?
I joined Coty in the Summer of 2016 having responsibility for an amazing portfolio of globally desired and award winning brands, and I believe this was possible due to my commitment to lead with an entrepreneurial, ‘start up’ mind set and a passion to contribute to the company’s purpose of liberating & celebrating beauty. I was also proud to be part of a business which is globally number 1 in fragrance and I am excited about future possibilities where we can ‘step up’ to engage and delight on the fragrance category, taking the ‘experience’ to the next level.
What are your top tips for entering the industry at any level?
You need to demonstrate a real enthusiasm, curiosity and passion for the fragrance industry, keeping abreast of current developments and trends and being innovative in your thinking. The world of (premium) fragrance is constantly evolving and changing so agility and flexibility are key as is a good understanding of digital technology and all the opportunities it can bring. You need to get close to the different consumers - at Coty we encourage all our employees to spend time on the shop floor especially at busy selling periods. Have a passion for the industry and a love of what you do. Work hard!
Why do you believe this is a destination industry?
Whenever you tell anyone the industry you work in it sounds so glamorous and exciting; we really are very lucky to work on such amazing brands and products with such a special group of people.
Charlotte Linturn, PR and Communications Executive, Aspects Beauty Company
How did you get in to the Fragrance Industry?
I have always been interested in the beauty industry and at university I completed a module on fragrance storytelling which was something I had never thought of as an industry to work in before. I joined Aspects Beauty Company as a PR and Communications Execuitve back in 2021 and have loved it ever since!
What are your top tips for entering the industry at any level?
Immerse yourself on social media and see what brands are doing, it is good to know what is going on in the industry. Always be willing to help and say yes to opportunities that come your way, I was recently able to complete the Fragrance Foundation Training which has been very valuable within my role at Aspects, helping with my confidence writing press releases and speaking about fragrances at events.
Why do you believe this is a destination industry?
Fragrance is something that instantly makes you feel good, as soon as you spritz yourself your whole mood can change. You can have very fascinating conversations with people about their own individual scent memories and how it can transport you back to a specific time or place in your life. I love how everyone experiences scent differently!
Amy Buckley, Phoenix Beauty, Marketing Director
How did you get in to the Fragrance Industry?
I am quite lucky really; I was introduced into this amazing industry by my mum! I fell in love with the industry from a young age and wanted to follow in her footsteps. I was offered the opportunity to work for her when after a successful career, she embarked on starting her own distribution company. I started assisting with admin / marketing and then progressed to an area manager role whist still supporting marketing. Being a start-up company, I was able to be involved in many aspects which was pivotal to my growth! Subsequently, I fell in love with marketing and found my passion!
What are your top tips for entering the industry at any level?
I really think passion, enthusiasm and hard work is so important. There are some fantastic training courses and events available through the Fragrance Foundation which allow you to both further your fragrance knowledge and network with people from across the industry.
Why do you believe this is a destination industry?
Fragrance touches everyone in some way, everyone has a personal connection to it! It’s truly an honour to work in such a creative, artistic industry that really does speak to all consumer groups. There are some amazingly talented individuals across all aspects of the industry, many of which I have learnt a great deal from! People rarely leave this industry which to me, speaks volumes.
Craig Wick, Edge Retail, Managing Director
How did you get in to the Fragrance Industry?
After graduating I worked as a designer developing fragrance launch promotional sites and furniture. From there I moved over to client side and became visual merchandising manager at Coty, where I had the pleasure of managing many new fragrance launches in the UK retail domain. I then decided to start my own agency working with many different Perfume brands helping them launch and develop their in store presence.
What are your top tips for entering the industry at any level?
I have always admired the passion people have in our industry, you really need to enjoy fragrance, and all of the emotions it can bring you. It’s extremely fast moving and you will always be working on new and exciting things. From a design point of view there are so many amazing brands all competing with each other. You really need to keep up with the latest design trends as brands are always evolving.
Pay close attention to the details, go to product launches, note how people interact with the bottle, how can you make that product stand out from the crowd.
Why do you believe this is a destination industry?
There are so many great careers that are linked to the Fragrance industry. It is unrivalled for the passion and creativity it brings to the customer. Every day is different, you can start on the shop floor and work you way up, there are so many great opportunities.
Kazi Rahman, Sunnamusk, Chief Executive Officer
How did you get in to the Fragrance Industry?
My passion for fragrances began in childhood, which led me and my four brothers to venture into the industry in 2009. We aimed to introduce Arabian fragrances from Cairo to the European market in London. My enthusiasm for branding, marketing, and delivering quality products made this the ideal industry for my career.
What are your top tips for entering the industry at any level?
In a market saturated with hundreds of quality brands, distinguishing oneself is key. This could be through a unique brand narrative, innovative marketing strategies, or distinctive scent profiles. Social media dominance is essential, as is the ability to connect with new generations in a way that's both adaptable and genuine.
Why do you believe this is a destination industry?
The fragrance industry is indeed a destination for those who cherish aesthetics and creativity. It's a world that celebrates the olfactory experience, complements it with stunning packaging, and brings it to life through vibrant events and activations. The industry thrives on being impeccably stylish, enjoyable, and on the cutting edge of trends.
Lauren Carbran, Award Winning Journalist
How did you get in to the Fragrance Industry?
I started off as a beauty journalist writing for a mainstream retailer’s online magazine and when the opportunity came up to be the Editor of The Perfume Shop’s blog it was a no-brainer. I’ve always loved all things fragrance.
What are your top tips for entering the industry at any level?
Read up about fragrance and immerse yourself into it. There’s so much more than just the bottle and juice. Perfume creates a whole experience so you need the passion to drive great content or sales.
Why do you believe this is a destination industry?
Fragrance is growing worldwide – niche fragrances are on the rise and brands are bringing out even more partner fragrances, limited editions, exclusives and variations. It’s a luxury product that excites consumers and readers and I’m so excited about what the future holds for the industry.
Levanah Reyes-McNally, PR & Influencer Relations Manager, Revlon
How did you get in to the Fragrance Industry?
I got into the fragrance industry via PR.
What are your top tips for entering the industry at any level?
I think PR is a great way to get into any kind of fragrance job as you are exposed to the perfumers who create the scents, marketers and brand team who execute the vision of the scent and the branding, and also as a PR you are the voice to the fragrance and help to shape how people first experience it – whether that is at an event, in a magazine article, or via a creative mailer.
Why do you believe this is a destination industry?
Fragrance is a destination industry because scent has transformative effects – it can transport you to a place, time or scenario and you can relive it in an instant thanks to olfactory memory. There are reasons why people have a signature scent, or remember their mothers perfume, or don’t like certain smells. Fragrances essential conjure up memories that have lasting impact, fragrance is everlasting.
Mia Collins, General Merchandise Manager for Beauty, Harrods
How did you get in to the Fragrance Industry?
I was previously part of the Womenswear Buying team at Harrods, buying Contemporary Designer. I was offered the opportunity to move into Beauty and buy Perfumery + Cosmetics instead. Switching to Beauty was such an obvious choice for me (fusing commerce and creativity) and I have never looked back.
What are your top tips for entering the industry at any level?
Get as much experience and knowledge as you can: I approach every avenue as a source of insight: stores, blogs, websites, magazines, social media, newspapers etc. Layer all of this on top of your passion for the category and you've got an unstoppable combination.
Why do you believe this is a destination industry?
Beauty is an incredibly nurturing industry and one that's a pleasure to work in, not least because it allows you to flex both business acumen and creativity.
Olivia da Costa, Founder & Creative Director, Olfactive O
How did you get in to the Fragrance Industry?
I have always wanted to work in a creative industry and although I loved perfume, never considered a career with it until much later on. I thought I wanted to be a painter, fashion designer or journalist. I studied Fine Art at Chelsea College of Art before going on to an English Literature degree at Durham. After hopelessly walking round the university careers fair I found myself in front of the John Lewis stand and joined their graduate scheme as a manager on the shop floor. I knew I wanted to be on the creative buying side and after transferring to head office stayed for seven years before moving to The White Company as homewares and fragrance buyer. This was a totally magic all-encompassing role that convinced me I never ever wanted to leave the world of fragrance!
What are your top tips for entering the industry at any level?
Work experience is a fab way to find out about roles in the industry you may not have considered. There’s truly something for everyone spanning so many disciplines from the arts to the sciences and so much creativity based in the UK now that you don’t need to go far to find a role which might suit your skills. Dont be afraid to ask people for help and advice - I can confidently say that it’s only been through the support of the community that I have found my way with our business. It’s the most nurturing industry and will welcome you if you’re excited about what it has to offer. We’re very lucky to have such a fantastic fragrance foundation in the UK and they’re a great place to start asking questions so you can discover more.
Why do you believe this is a destination industry?
The community, the passion and the endless scope for new and exciting creations make it a unique industry to be part of.
Tracy Beer, Country Manager, Parfum De Marly and Initio Perfumes Prives
How did you get in to the Fragrance Industry?
I started my career with Estee Lauder working as a consultant in a small Independent store , I was hooked, I love the passion and energy with this industry.
What are your top tips for entering the industry at any level?
Learn as many facets and insights about the company and the industry as you can : show your passion and be driven to achieve you dreams, everything is possible if you have the desire.
Why do you believe this is a destination industry?
The fragrance industry is diverse, full of charming people with amazing knowledge no two days are the same in this industry, I believe that passion for the industry comes from the media, consumers and retailers of all ages and I’m so excited about what the future holds for the industry