Spelman College Launched Fragrance Career Program

Sharné Jackson created the Scents of Success initiative in 2021 to increase diversity in the perfume industry.

Updated on Oct. 10, 2026 in Scholarships

Bold vector editorial illustration of clear glass perfume bottles on a clean, flat surface, representing career paths in the fragrance industry. — Spelman College's Scents of Success program, launched by Sharné Jackson in 2021, aims to improve diversity by providing HBCU students with pathways into corporate fragrance careers. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Sharné Jackson launched the Scents of Success program at Spelman College in 2021. The initiative aims to provide HBCU students with access to career paths in marketing, product development, and finance.

Why it matters

The program addresses a persistent lack of representation among perfumers and executives despite high purchasing power among minority groups. It aims to bridge the gap between retail-facing roles and corporate career opportunities.

U.S. prestige fragrance sales reached $5.9 billion in the first nine months of 2025, while mass-market fragrance saw a 17% growth. Additionally, 60% of all consumers report wearing fragrance daily.

The players

Sharné Jackson

She is the founder of the Scents of Success program.

Spelman College

It is a private historically Black liberal arts college for women located in Atlanta.

Chris Collins

He is an entrepreneur who established his own fragrance brand in 2018.

NPD Group

This is a market research firm that tracks consumer spending habits and retail trends.

The details

The Scents of Success program exposes students to diverse aspects of the industry, including operations and management. It has expanded its reach through an introductory online course titled Fragrance Escentials.

Chris Collins launched his fragrance company in 2018.
Sharné Jackson launched the Scents of Success program in 2021.
The NPD Group conducted a consumer fragrance report in 2022.
U.S. prestige fragrance sales hit $5.9 billion between Q1 and Q3 of 2025.

Culture Shift

This program reflects a broader trend of HBCUs creating direct pipelines into specialized industries to combat historical underrepresentation. It signals a shift toward structured educational initiatives that move beyond traditional degree paths into niche luxury markets.

Students at the institution can now access specialized coursework to prepare for corporate roles in the multi-billion dollar fragrance market. The program offers a pragmatic alternative to traditional retail career tracks for local residents.

The takeaway

The fragrance industry is increasingly prioritizing diverse talent pipelines to reflect its core consumer demographics. Aspiring professionals can utilize similar specialized online courses to gain foundational skills before entering competitive fields.