Salma, Nuclear Scientist & Entrepreneur (Candle Business)
What did you want to be when you grew up?
My father is a medical doctor, so naturally, I grew up with the assumption that I would become a medical doctor just like him. For a fleeting moment in high school, I explored alternatives such as becoming a beautician or an engineer, but the expectation to follow in my dad's footsteps was very strong, so I quickly abandoned those thoughts. Despite this initial conviction, during my A-levels, I quickly realized that medicine was not going to be my path, as I had a strong aversion to biology. However, I discovered a fondness for subjects like chemistry, maths, and physics, which led me to decide that studying chemical engineering would be a more suitable choice for me. I have always been a natural problem-solver with an entrepreneurial spirit, and this is ultimately why I am where I am today.
What do you want most in the future?
I aspire to make a meaningful impact on the world by addressing complex problems, adding value, and empowering women – more specifically, Black women. I want the path I forge to help open doors for Black women in the realms of business and consulting. In summary, I wish to be remembered for the positive contributions I make to our world, starting with my immediate community.
What’s been your biggest achievement to date?
I would say it's the role of being a working mom that defines me. Like many women, I find that this role is often underestimated. It is a significant, multifaceted role that demands a level of strength and resilience that, I believe, can only be mustered by women.
What’s your advice to other women/girls?
Never ever be afraid to fail. I firmly believe that you'll regret the opportunities you didn't seize more than the actions you took. Failure is inevitable; its scale may vary, but it is necessary for experiencing first-hand some of the toughest life lessons that cannot be gleaned from a book or a podcast because they are specific to your journey. So, take that leap, embrace failure, and move towards your success, because it is unquestionably on the horizon for every single girl.
What does it mean being a black woman in your industry?
In the fragrance industry, representation is notably scarce - I can't pinpoint another black female perfumer at a high level in the industry. However, this doesn't deter me, as I've always navigated male-dominated fields in both engineering and consulting. Fragrance serves as an incredibly potent tool, possessing an unparalleled ability to evoke memories far more effectively than any of our other senses. Therefore, for me, crafting narratives through scents is essential. I aspire to infuse each fragrance I create with a distinct story, utilizing these narratives to inspire, drive action, and fuel economic growth through tourism, both on the African continent and globally. Our stories hold immense value, and I am passionate about giving people the freedom to express them in their unique ways. For me, that avenue is through scent creation.
What school did you go to?
Steyning Grammar School for A-Levels and UCL for University.
What is the most important thing in the world to you?
My Family. Nothing means more to me than my family.