We had the good fortune of connecting with Octavia Morgan and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Octavia, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
My journey to creating OCTAVIA MORGAN Los Angeles was deeply personal, rooted in a lifelong love for fragrance, self-expression, and clean beauty. I’ve always believed that scent has the power to evoke emotions, transform moods, and tell a story and I wanted to create a brand that allowed people to experience that freely, without limitations.

The idea for my brand emerged when I developed sensitivities to certain ingredients commonly found in fragrances on the market. This experience opened my eyes to a gap in the industry: the need for gender-inclusive, clean, and sophisticated fragrances that didn’t compromise on luxury or performance. As someone who personally understands scent sensitivities, it was essential to create high-quality, mindful formulations that could be worn and enjoyed by everyone.

Building this brand has been a journey of resilience, passion, and purpose. From perfecting each scent to launching in ULTA Beauty, every step has been a testament to believing in my vision, overcoming challenges, and staying dedicated to the artistry of fine fragrance. Today, OCTAVIA MORGAN Los Angeles is more than just perfume, it’s about empowerment, individuality, and elevating the senses through scent.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
At OCTAVIA MORGAN Los Angeles, our journey has been defined by passion, perseverance, and a commitment to reshaping the fragrance industry. We’re proud to offer clean, gender-inclusive fine fragrances that are thoughtfully crafted with high-quality, non-toxic ingredients. What sets us apart is our holistic approach—we blend modern minimalism with sustainable practices, ensuring each scent is not only luxurious and evocative but also ethically produced.

Our path hasn’t been easy. Like many innovative brands, we faced challenges from market competition, evolving consumer expectations, and the complexities of establishing a new standard in an industry steeped in tradition. Through these obstacles, we learned the importance of resilience, adaptability, and the power of community. Programs like the 2023 Ulta Muse Accelerator provided crucial mentorship and strategic insight, helping us refine our product messaging and retail strategy, which was key to our successful launch at Ulta.

The lessons we’ve learned are profound: stay true to your vision, prioritize ethical and sustainable practices, and listen to your community. We’re excited about the future and continuously exploring ways to expand our line while maintaining the core values that define us.

Ultimately, we want the world to know that OCTAVIA MORGAN is more than just a fragrance brand, it’s a movement toward conscious beauty, inclusivity, and authenticity. Our story is one of overcoming challenges through innovation and a relentless pursuit of excellence, and we’re proud to share that journey with our community every day.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Day 1 – Downtown & Arts District:
Morning: Start with breakfast at Grand Central Market – indulge in some local flavors and coffee from one of the many artisanal vendors.
Midday: Wander through the Arts District, checking out local galleries, street art, and pop-up shops.
Afternoon: Visit The Broad or The Museum of Contemporary Art for a taste of LA’s dynamic art scene.
Evening: Enjoy dinner at a trendy hotspot, Joyce DTLA, followed by cocktails at a chic rooftop bar CARA CARA overlooking the city.

Day 2 – Hollywood & Griffith:
Morning: Hike up to the Griffith Observatory for panoramic views of the city and the iconic Hollywood sign.
Afternoon: Explore Hollywood Boulevard and pop into unique boutiques along Melrose Avenue.
Evening: Dine in West Hollywood at Craig’s followed by a live music venue for a dose of local nightlife.

Day 3 – Santa Monica & Venice Beach:
Morning: Bike or stroll along the Santa Monica Pier, enjoying ocean views and street performers.
Afternoon: Head to Venice Beach to experience its bohemian vibe, check out the eclectic shops, and watch the artists at work.
Evening: Enjoy a casual dinner at Gjelina, then grab a sundowner at The Lincoln Bar in Venice.

Day 4 – Cultural Exploration:
Morning: Spend the morning at The Getty Center, soaking in art, architecture, and the beautiful gardens.
Afternoon: Visit LACMA for a deeper dive into both classic and contemporary art.
Evening: Savor dinner at a culinary gem Sun Nong Dan in Koreatown, followed by a nightcap at Break Room 86 lounge.

Day 5 – Trendy Neighborhoods & Local Vibes:
Morning: Explore Silver Lake’s hip coffee shops and indie boutiques.
Afternoon: Stroll around Echo Park, enjoy a paddleboat ride, and take in the local murals.
Evening: Have dinner at Donna’s, then catch a live performance at a local venue.

Day 6 – Coastal Chill & Reflection:
Morning: Head to Malibu for a laid-back day at the beach, complete with a scenic coastal drive.
Afternoon: Enjoy a wine tasting session at a local vineyard or a cozy café with ocean views.
Evening: Conclude the trip with a sunset dinner at Nobu Malibu, reflecting on an unforgettable week in LA.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Our journey has been a collective effort, and I’m incredibly grateful for every bit of support along the way. I’d like to dedicate my shoutout to the Ulta Muse Accelerator Program, whose mentorship and guidance were instrumental in our launch. A heartfelt thanks to my family and the entire OCTAVIA MORGAN team for their unwavering support and creative spirit. I also want to acknowledge every inspirational book, conversation, and even the small acts of kindness that have shaped our path. Our success is a shared story, and I’m proud to recognize all those who have helped us get here.

Website: https://octaviamorgan.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/octaviamorganla

Image Credits
Octavia Morgan

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