In an industry often dominated by international brands, Catherine Omai has boldly carved her own niche as Nigeria’s first female perfume maker. With a reputation for crafting exquisite, bespoke fragrances that evoke deep emotions and tell unique stories, she stands out in a competitive market.
Catherine’s passion for perfumery began in childhood, driven by her love for scent. Despite facing numerous challenges and skepticism, she pursued her dream and established Mystique Bespoke Perfumery. Her brand offers personalized perfume-making experiences that have captured the hearts of customers around the globe.
Her three signature variants—Contagious Gold, Contagious Rose, and Contagious Green—are extraordinary labors of love, now available in some of the world’s most iconic shopping malls, including Saks Fifth Avenue in the USA, Royal Oud in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and Sayhar Perfumes in Paris, France. In Nigeria, her products are exclusively stocked at Seinde Signature Salon de Parfum. Recently, Catherine expanded her offerings with a line of diffusers and candles, which have received rave reviews from discerning clients.
In this exclusive interview, Catherine shares her inspiring journey, reflecting on her early experiments with perfumes as a student in the UK and her experiences exhibiting at Pitti Fragranze in Italy. She reveals the secrets behind her unique fragrances, her meticulous approach to sourcing quality raw materials, and her ambitious vision for taking her brand to a global audience.
Catherine’s story is not just about fragrance; it’s about resilience, creativity, and the power of pursuing one’s passion against all odds.
What initially sparked your interest in perfume?
I’ve always had a passion for smelling good, even back in primary and secondary school. I wanted to break away from the stereotype that only certain people could wear certain scents, so I would secretly use my parents’ perfumes. Unfortunately, this led to trouble at school and being forbidden to wear perfume at home. When I moved to the UK for my studies, I continued to prioritize my scent, but as a student, I had limited resources. That’s when I started experimenting with different perfumes and layering them, eventually leading me to create my own unique fragrances.
What inspired you to start your own perfume business?
My curiosity for unique fragrances blossomed in the UK as I layered different scents. When I realized that buying multiple perfumes was becoming too expensive, I decided to make my own. Unable to find an affordable studio in the UK, I traveled to Paris, where I fell in love with the world of perfumery. I wanted to share that experience and help others create their own unique scents, which led to the birth of Mystique Bespoke Perfumery. Offering personalized perfume-making experiences helped build my brand’s reputation.
What were some of the challenges you faced when you started your business?
One major challenge was gaining trust. Many questioned why they should buy from a Nigerian, especially with established brands already in the market. I wasn’t a celebrity or social media influencer, so I had to work extra hard to earn credibility. To overcome this, I focused on giving customers the experience of creating their own fragrances instead of just selling mine. This strategy helped my business grow, and after four years of door-to-door sales, I eventually secured a store location.
How did you fund your business in the beginning?
Initially, I funded my business through savings and by selling my products door-to-door. Eventually, I secured a bank loan to help expand. I also received support from family and friends, which was crucial during tough times.
Can you tell us more about how your personal experiences and memories influence your perfume creations?
Definitely. Each fragrance I create draws from my personal experiences and memories. They represent a part of me that I share with the world. For instance, a beloved fragrance boosts my confidence and makes me feel outgoing. I aim for my perfumes to evoke similar emotions in others, creating a connection through scent.
In terms of raw materials, how do you source quality?
Sourcing quality raw materials can be challenging, especially in Nigeria, where importing materials involves navigating NAFDAC and customs regulations. Despite these hurdles, they pushed me to deepen my knowledge of perfume creation and develop something unique that stands out in the international market.
What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs?
My advice is to be passionate about what you do and never give up. Challenges will arise, but believing in yourself and your product can help you overcome them. Also, don’t hesitate to seek help or advice; building a business truly takes a village.
What was growing up like for you, and how did it influence your career choice?
I grew up in a loving home in Lagos with a disciplined but supportive father. Initially, I didn’t plan to be an entrepreneur, but after completing my master’s in oil and gas, I found myself drawn to perfume making. It began as a way to mask certain scents but quickly evolved into a passion. Creating bespoke perfumes for clients allowed me to connect with them on a deeper level, shaping my career path.
What motivated you to take your brand to the international market?
After spending 10 years in the Nigerian market, I felt a strong need to prove myself on a global scale. I wanted to be recognized as a master perfumer and show the world that high-quality fragrances could indeed be crafted in West Africa.
How was your experience exhibiting at Pitti Fragranze in Italy, and what opportunities has it brought to your brand?
Exhibiting at Pitti Fragranze was an incredible experience. I received overwhelmingly positive feedback for my fragrances, which helped me gain recognition in the international perfume industry. This exposure opened doors to new markets in countries like Australia, France, Saudi Arabia, Dubai, the United States, and Germany.
What makes your fragrances unique, and how do customers typically respond to them?
What sets my fragrances apart is the use of high-quality oils and materials, combined with the stories behind each scent. Customers often share that my fragrances evoke nostalgic memories, reminding them of rich experiences or loved ones, which enhances their overall experience of wearing them.
What is your eventual dream for your brand?
My ultimate goal is to establish my brand as a global leader in the perfume industry. While we’re already making strides internationally, I aim to enter new markets and expand the Omais fragrance line further. I want to continue creating high-quality fragrances that tell compelling stories and evoke deep emotions. Additionally, I’m committed to offering personalized perfume-making experiences, as I believe this unique approach is a significant selling point for my brand.