From accidental perfumer to President, Roger Howell’s forty-five-year journey is reshaping the future of American scent.

 

On June 19, 2025, I had the honor of interviewing Roger Howell, the newly appointed President of the American Society of Perfumers. Our conversation took place on Juneteenth, a symbolic date for a discussion that touched on liberation, legacy, and leadership in American perfumery.

 

From an unexpected entry into perfumery to a visionary leadership role, Howell’s journey is shaped by perseverance, passion, and purpose. Roger Howell has spent more than four and a half decades in the fragrance industry, yet he speaks about scent with the curiosity and humility of someone still discovering it. As a perfumer, mentor, and now leader of one of the most important professional societies in the field, Howell is focused on making the once-guarded world of perfumery more accessible, especially to Black creators and aspiring noses.

 

Glenn Davis: How did you first get involved in the fragrance industry?

 

Roger Howell: My story’s a little unique because I got into perfumery by accident. I used to think fragrance only lived in fine perfume, but once I realized it was in candles, soaps, shampoos---that changed everything. I became obsessed with learning everything I could, and I invested time into understanding the full scope of scent. That curiosity is what grounded me.

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Early in my career, I was invited to attend a symposium for the American Society of Perfumers. That’s where I first saw James Bell, a Black man like me, serving as President. That moment changed my outlook. It showed me what was possible. I eventually got to know James, who became a mentor. Over time, I became more involved. Years later, I served as Vice President but declined the presidency at the time to focus on company growth. Now, the timing is right.

 

Glenn Davis: Can you walk us through the different roles you’ve held and how each one influenced your understanding of perfumery?

 

Roger Howell: Over the years, I’ve done it all. I started in Long Island City, and I took every opportunity to grow. Formulation, training, teaching, each role was a stepping stone. I approached every task with the mindset that I was contributing to something bigger. Every experience helped shape my perspective and sharpen my skill set.

 

Glenn Davis: Some say top-tier perfumery must be learned in Grasse or elsewhere overseas. Your story shows excellence can be built here in the U.S. How do you respond to that idea?

 

Roger Howell: I think it’s great to visit places like Grasse, to see the rose fields and experience that heritage. But excellence doesn’t only live overseas. Most of what I’ve learned was right here in the U.S.---through passion, persistence, and practice. It’s not about the geography. It’s about the mindset and willingness to learn.

 

Glenn Davis: What does it mean to you to now serve as President of the American Society of Perfumers?

 

Roger Howell: It’s an honor. Being elected by my peers means everything. It’s a responsibility I take seriously. 

 

My goal is to open up the world of perfumery to new voices, new communities, and people who never knew this path was possible.

 

Glenn Davis: What do you hope to accomplish during your tenure, for the Society, and for the future of American perfumery?

 

Roger Howell: I want to make perfumery less secretive. It used to feel like a closed society. My hope is to lay a foundation for fragrance education, starting as early as elementary school. I also want to keep expanding our global impact. The World Perfumery Congress coming to the U.S. again in 2026 is part of that. American perfumery is incredibly diverse and rooted in lived experience, our food, our cities, our people. That deserves to be celebrated.

 

Glenn Davis: What do people most often misunderstand about American perfumery?

 

Roger Howell: That it’s somehow second-tier. American perfumery is rich because it’s multicultural. That’s our strength.

 

Glenn Davis: What is still needed to create more meaningful access and infrastructure within the Black fragrance community?

 

Roger Howell: Representation matters. Interviews like this open doors for people to say, “I didn’t even know this was a career option.” We need more of that. We also need mentorship, education, and platforms that make it easier for people to find their way in. I want to see more young people simply start by smelling, not for anyone else, but for themselves.

 

Glenn Davis: What advice would you give someone who wants to follow in your footsteps but doesn’t see a clear path forward?

 

Roger Howell: Smell everything. Train your nose to notice. That’s where it starts. Don’t get discouraged.

 

Glenn Davis: Are there any career moments that stand out as especially meaningful?

 

Roger Howell: The first time I saw a product on a store shelf that used a fragrance I created. That moment stayed with me. It made all the effort feel real.

 

Glenn Davis: You’ve spoken about wishing you could have taken your career even further. What does it mean to you to be recognized now and know you’ve opened space for others?

 

Roger Howell: It means everything. I may have passed on the role of President once before, but now I’m ready to give it my all. I want to make people proud, especially Black perfumers. I want them to see someone who looks like them holding space at the highest levels.

 

Glenn Davis: If you could be remembered for one thing in this industry, what would it be?

 

Roger Howell: That I was consistent. That I gave my best every time. As a Black man in this industry, I often had to work harder to be accepted. That fueled me. I never stopped learning, creating, or showing up. And I’m still not done.

 

Takeaways from Roger Howell:

“American perfumery is rich because it’s multicultural.” — Roger Howell

“Smell everything. Train your nose to notice. That’s where it starts. Don’t get discouraged.” — Roger Howell

 

Thank you Roger Howell, President of the American Society of Perfumers, for your time!

Want to learn more about the American Society of Perfumers and the upcoming 2026 World Congress of Perfumery in Monterey, CA? Click here!

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Guest writer Glenn Davis aka Mrcologne76 is founder of Black-Owned Fragrance Week.