Finding Purpose Through Fragrance:

A Conversation with Kimberly Waters of MUSE

​

by Sadasia ~ May 2025

In the heart of Harlem, nestled among brownstones steeped in history, sits Modern Urban Sensory Experiences (MUSE) - a fragrance boutique that’s quickly becoming a New York City icon. I recently had the privilege of sitting down with Kimberly Waters, founder of MUSE, to discuss her journey from pharmaceutical rep to fragrance entrepreneur. What struck me immediately about Kimberly was her unwavering dedication. Despite not feeling well, she made time for our interview—a testament to her commitment to the fragrance community and her business. Kimberly Waters is not new to the world of fragrance, she’s true to this. Having been involved in the fragrance world since 2012-2013, Kimberly rises to every occasion to share her perspective, story, and insights about the space that brings her such joy. She’s invested her advice and guidance in iconic brands we know today like Chris Classic’s Savoir Faire and our very own, BlackPerfumers community over the years.

From Pharma to Fragrance: A Parallel Journey

As a first-generation college graduate and corporate America employee in her immediate family, Kimberly has spent her career in the pharmaceutical industry since graduation. “I was very anxious in my twenties,” Kimberly reflected, describing the pressure she felt to prove herself in the corporate world. However, her pharmaceutical career provided unexpected benefits, including travel opportunities that fueled her growing passion for fragrance.

It was during this period of self-questioning that fragrance became more than just a passion—it became a medium for self-discovery. “I grew up with fragrance, and fragrance grew up with me,” Kimberly explained. “As I was discovering new fragrances and developing my perspective, I was also discovering myself.”

Her passion has taken her around the world—from celebrating her thirtieth birthday in the South of France, where she discovered the Nasomatto collection that she now carries in MUSE, to exploring raw materials in the Seychelles. “Every place you go, you discover a little bit about yourself,” she noted. “When you’re traveling solo, you’re not only learning about fragrance, you learn about yourself.”

“MUSE wouldn’t exist without my career.” Kimberly emphasized. “Navigating corporate America challenged me, stretched me, and ultimately gave birth to ideas and ambitions I didn’t even know were possible. The two have run parallel to each other—each feeding me differently, each enriching my life in its own unique way.”

MUSE: A Harlem Story

When asked about establishing MUSE in Harlem, Kimberly’s deep connection to the neighborhood became evident. “When you have history in a place, it gives you more depth,” she explained. Her great-grandmother came from Alabama to Harlem in the late 1930’s, establishing the family’s roots in this culturally rich community. Kimberly’s connection to Harlem goes beyond family ties. Her first MUSE location was on Convent Avenue near City College, in a brownstone owned by her fourth-grade teacher, Ms. Rose, who became a lifelong friend and mentor—a beautiful full-circle moment that further cemented her connection to the area.

In 2017, Kimberly took the leap and opened MUSE with a clear vision: to create a place in Harlem where people didn’t have to leave their community to purchase luxury fragrances. “Fragrance has always been part of our story in Harlem,” Kimberly noted. “I wanted to honor that history while bringing something new to the neighborhood.” MUSE quickly became more than just a store. It’s a space where fragrance enthusiasts can explore, learn, and connect. Since then, she’s watched the neighborhood evolve with the addition of Bath & Body Works on 125th Street, Sephora, Chris Collins, and Harlem Candle Company.

Her pride extends beyond her customer demographics. “Whether my client base is all Black, tourists that come in, or someone coming from Detroit—if they’re searching out MUSE, it means the world to me,” Kimberly shared. “MUSE is growing and having an impact.”

The Evolution of Confidence

Kimberly’s personal evolution parallels her business growth. Her twenties were characterized by anxiety and proving herself, her thirties were about “building confidence,” and now in her early forties, she embraces her full identity.

“I used to be afraid to post about my entrepreneurship journey on LinkedIn,” Kimberly admitted. But that’s changed dramatically. Today, she proudly shares her wins—both as an entrepreneur and a business leader—because she’s gained confidence in the fullness of her identity.

“I have nothing to prove or protect anymore,” she said. “I’m dynamic. And if someone won’t hire me because I have a thriving business on the side—then that simply wasn’t the opportunity for me.”

She lives by the belief that what’s meant for you is already yours. And when you carry that mindset, everything begins to feel a lot lighter and more aligned. This confidence allows her to show up authentically. “I don’t have to hide anymore,” Kimberly added. “I don’t have to play small. I show up exactly as who I am.” Now in her early forties, she exudes a quiet confidence that can’t be shaken.

Advice for the Next Generation

For those following in her footsteps, Kimberly offers compassionate guidance. “Give yourself grace. Keep doing what you want to do. That ‘aha’ moment comes. Keep living your truth. It eventually clicks.”

She sees tremendous potential in engaging younger fragrance enthusiasts too. “These people can grow up with your brand,” Kimberly mentioned. “You have their interest and curiosity. If you communicate and connect with them in the right way, as they get older, they’ll continue to look to your brand to mature with.”

As our conversation drew to a close, I mentioned I was wearing Soul Cafe by Chris Classic’s Savoir Faire. Kimberly’s face lit up as she recalled the brand’s evolution. “Chris Classic’s brand evolved so much and I’m so happy for him! When he launched, I remembered smelling some things and giving feedback. I’m so happy for him and to see everything he’s doing.”

In that moment, Kimberly’s genuine enthusiasm for others’ success in the fragrance community perfectly embodied the spirit of MUSE—a space not just for selling fragrance, but for nurturing passion, self-discovery, and community building in the heart of Harlem.

Want to learn more about MUSE Experiences? Click here!