‘From Corporate Success to Entrepreneurial Passion: The Inspiring Journey Behind Road of Fragrance’ In conversation with the Founder Shailja Singh
What inspired you to make the transition from a successful corporate career to starting your own perfume brand, Road of Fragrance?
Throughout my corporate career, I always had a strong desire to create something of my own. I wanted to channel my passion for creativity and self-expression into building a brand. The urge to venture into entrepreneurship kept coming back, and I knew it was time to take the leap. Fragrance has always been very close to my heart, and it is a form of self-expression and self-care for me, so I started Road of Fragrance to bring world-class, luxury perfumes and home fragrances that are both high-quality and affordable.
Can you tell us more about the vision behind Road of Fragrance and how it reflects your passion for self-care and self-love?
The vision behind Road of Fragrance is deeply rooted in my belief that fragrance is an essential part of self-care and self-love. I wanted to create a brand that not only offers world-class, luxury scents but also promotes the idea that taking care of oneself—whether through personal fragrance or home fragrances like diffusers and candles—is a form of self-expression in a very personal and nurturing way. To us, the highest form of love is self-love, and at Road of Fragrance, we aim to enhance that experience by providing products that make people feel confident, uplifted, and cared for. Additionally, our brand is committed to giving back, reflecting the idea that self-care should extend beyond ourselves and into the world around us. That’s why we pledge 10% of every purchase towards causes such as tree planting and supporting underprivileged communities, aligning our vision of well-being with making a positive social impact.
Launching a business is never easy. What challenges did you face while building Road of Fragrance, and how did you overcome them?
Launching Road of Fragrance came with challenges, particularly transitioning from a well remunerated and structured corporate environment to the unpredictability of entrepreneurship. I had to wear multiple hats, from product planning, development to marketing, while navigating the nuances of the fragrance industry. Establishing a brand identity in a competitive market required extensive research and strategy. I leaned on my corporate experience, sought learning from multiple resources and stayed motivated by my passion for fragrances, and the brand’s vision of self-care and giving back.
How do you manage to maintain a balance between your professional life and personal responsibilities, especially after such a major career shift?
Balancing my professional and personal life, especially after starting Road of Fragrance, has been challenging but essential to my personal and business growth. I’ve learned the importance of following my passion and to giving my requisite time to myself and my family by setting clear boundaries and prioritizing both work and self-care. Time management has been a key to ensuring I dedicate time to family, relaxation, and personal well-being all at the same time to ensure I am living a whole life holistically. Every day staying passionate and aligning my work with my values helps me stay focused and grounded.
Your brand is built on the idea of making luxury scents accessible. What does luxury mean to you, and how do you achieve that balance of quality and affordability in your products?
To me, luxury is about the experience, creating memories in time, and attention to detail that makes people feel their best, not just high price tags. At Road of Fragrance, we offer elegant, refined scents that are accessible to everyone by focusing on high-quality ingredients and thoughtful formulation. We achieve this balance by keeping operational costs lean and eliminating unnecessary markups. Our goal is to bring world-class fragrances to the market without the premium price, making luxury available to all.
What role does your family play in supporting your business journey, and how has their influence shaped your brand?
My family has been a strong pillar of support throughout my journey with Road of Fragrance, offering encouragement and honest feedback. Our collective values of empathy, self-care, enjoying life every moment and giving back have deeply shaped the brand’s mission, including our commitment to social causes. They’ve helped me stay grounded, centered and motivated, balancing both personal and professional aspects of my life. Their unconditional support and loving influence continues to inspire me and the heart of my brand.
Road of Fragrance emphasizes giving back to the community. How do you ensure that this commitment to social responsibility stays at the core of your business model?
At Road of Fragrance, our commitment to social responsibility is engrained in our business model through our pledge to donate 10% of every purchase to noble causes, such as planting trees and supporting underprivileged communities. We actively seek partnerships with organizations aligned with our mission, ensuring our contributions have a meaningful impact. Regularly communicating our initiatives to customers helps foster a sense of community and shared purpose. By prioritizing social responsibility, we stay true to our values while making a positive difference in the world.
How do you hope your brand will positively impact the lives of your customers and the broader community?
I hope Road of Fragrance will enhance the lives of our customers by providing luxurious yet affordable scents that promote self-care and self-love. By creating products that evoke joy and confidence, we aim to elevate everyday experiences. Additionally, our commitment to social responsibility ensures that a portion of every purchase contributes to meaningful causes, helping those in need. Ultimately, we aspire to foster a community centered around well-being, supporting each other and creating positive impact as a whole.
What has been the most rewarding moment so far in your entrepreneurial journey with Road of Fragrance?
The most rewarding moment in my entrepreneurial journey with Road of Fragrance has been receiving heartfelt feedback from customers from time to time who resonate with our brand’s mission. Hearing how our fragrances enhance their self-care rituals and contribute to their feel-good feeling is incredibly fulfilling. These experiences reaffirm my passion and dedication to building a brand that truly makes a difference in people’s everyday life.
Looking ahead, what are your future plans for the growth of Road of Fragrance, both in terms of product development and market expansion?
Looking ahead, I plan to expand Road of Fragrance by introducing new product lines for ages and unique tastes, including building on eco-friendly packaging options to enhance our sustainability efforts. We aim to broaden our market reach by exploring partnerships with retailers and expanding our online presence to connect with a wider audience. I intend to invest in marketing strategies that highlight our commitment to quality and social responsibility. Ultimately, my goal is to establish Road of Fragrance as a go-to brand for luxury yet affordable fragrances worldwide.
What legacy do you hope to leave behind with your brand, and how do you envision Road of Fragrance making a lasting mark in the fragrance industry?
I hope to leave a legacy of self-love, compassion and social responsibility with Road of Fragrance, demonstrating that a successful brand is one that is equally dedicated to make the positive impact on society as a whole. I envision our brand making a lasting mark in the fragrance industry by consistently delivering high-quality, affordable scents while prioritizing sustainability and giving back to the community. Through our initiatives, I aspire to inspire other businesses to embrace serve-all and eco-friendly practices. Ultimately, I want Road of Fragrance to be remembered in times to come as a brand that empowers individuals to indulge in self-care while contributing to a better world.
As someone who’s made a bold career shift, what advice would you give to other women who aspire to build their own businesses?
My advice to women aspiring to build their own businesses is to trust in their vision and embrace the journey, even when it feels daunting just go for it. Surround yourself with a supportive network and seek mentorship from those who inspire you. Lastly, don’t be afraid to take risks and learn from failures; each step is a valuable part of your personal growth in a way that you don’t learn until and unless you follow your passion.
What does success look like to you, both in terms of business achievements and personal fulfillment?
Success, to me, means building a thriving Road of Fragrance that delivers high-quality products while positively impacting the community. Personally, it involves finding fulfillment through self-care, nurturing relationships, and staying true to my passion and values. Ultimately, success is about creating a legacy that inspires others and fosters a sense of joy and purpose in my life and the lives of those around me.
How do you stay motivated during challenging times, and what keeps you grounded in your vision for Road of Fragrance?
During challenging times, I stay motivated by reminding myself of the impact Road of Fragrance can have on our customers and the community. I keep my vision grounded by reconnecting with my passion for fragrances and the values that inspired me to start this journey. By continuously learning, upgrading my knowledge, seeking support from my family and network helps me maintain my rhythm, perspective and resilience.
Finally, what message would you like to share with young women who are still figuring out their path and dream of achieving something significant in their lives?
To young women navigating their paths, I encourage you to embrace your unique journey and trust in your abilities. Pursue your passions wholeheartedly and don’t be afraid to take risks, as each step is a valuable learning experience. I strongly believe that each one of us is uniquely gifted and what it takes is to be open to the unlimited possibilities that can knock the doors once we learn to unleash our inner passions and let them be! Remember, success is defined by you, so stay true to your passions, values and dreams, and the possibilities are endless.
