You’ve probably seen the sleek bottles or caught a whiff of something incredible while walking through a mall in North Carolina. Maybe you've even seen the name pop up in your social feed. But here is the thing: Nazar Fragrances is Terrence Taylor II. It’s not just a brand name; it’s a personal vision that started with a high bar and a very specific dream.
Honestly, the fragrance world is crowded. It’s full of giant corporations and faceless luxury houses that charge $300 for a bottle that mostly pays for their marketing budget. Terrence Taylor II decided to do things differently. He launched Nazar Fragrances in 2019, and he didn't do it by following the corporate playbook. He did it by focusing on the juice itself—the oils, the longevity, and the way a scent makes you feel when you walk into a room.
Why Terrence Taylor II Started Nazar Fragrances
Terrence didn't just wake up one day and decide to sell perfume. He saw a gap. He noticed that people wanted premium, "take your breath away" quality without the gatekeeping of traditional high-end perfumery. Based in the Raleigh area, he built the brand on a foundation of "Smell the Difference."
It wasn’t always easy. For four years, Nazar Fragrances was a staple at the Crabtree Valley Mall. If you lived in the RDU area, that kiosk was more than just a place to buy a bottle of "Black Leopard" or "Panic Attack." It was a hub. Terrence was there, educating people on notes, helping them find their "signature," and essentially running a masterclass in professionalism.
The kiosk wasn't just a business; it was a community pillar. Terrence used it to employ local people and train them in the art of the "hustle" and high-level customer service. But as many small business owners know, the corporate landscape is fickle. When the mall changed ownership, things got complicated.
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The Pivot from Mall Kiosk to Global Brand
A lot of people would have folded when the physical retail space became a headache. Not Terrence. He’s been vocal about the fact that "Crabtree doesn't stop the flow." He basically took that challenge and used it as a catalyst to go back to his roots.
Instead of being tied to a single spot, Nazar Fragrances leaned into its online presence and high-energy pop-up events. It’s a move that actually worked. By focusing on his own platform—nazarfragrances.com—he cut out the middleman. He’s a big believer in branding. He often tells other entrepreneurs: "Brand yourself. Have a website. Have a logo. Have an image people can follow."
What Makes Nazar Fragrances Different?
If you ask Terrence, he’ll tell you that Nazar was built on being different. They don't make scents for the "ordinary." They make scents that make a statement.
The brand uses premium oils sourced from around the world. We aren't talking about watered-down alcohol sprays here. We are talking about high-concentration, long-lasting oils that actually stay on your skin for 8, 10, or 12 hours.
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The Bestsellers You Should Know
- Nazar Street: This one is a massive favorite. It’s a "powerhouse" scent and a total compliment magnet. People describe it as unisex and potent—basically a "blind buy" safe option if you like bold fragrances.
- Black Leopard: Often cited as one of their staples, it’s a deep, sophisticated scent that leans into that "mysterious" vibe.
- Panic Attack: Don't let the name scare you; it's a high-energy fragrance designed to get you noticed.
- Mango Milk & Coco Cabana: These lean into the gourmand, "smell like a snack" category that has become a huge trend in the 2020s.
Terrence understands that fragrance is an icebreaker. It can be the reason you get a second date or close a business deal. It "sets you apart." That’s the core philosophy.
The Reality of Running a Black-Owned Fragrance House
It's no secret that the luxury perfume industry has historically lacked diversity. Terrence Taylor II has built one of the most successful Black-owned fragrance houses in the region. He’s done it by being transparent and highly engaged with his community.
He’s active on YouTube and Instagram, often doing livestreams to talk directly to his "Smell Good Family." He doesn't hide behind a corporate logo. When you buy from Nazar, you know exactly who is behind the brand. You’re supporting a dream that started in North Carolina and has expanded to ship all over the United States.
Actionable Tips for Scent Lovers and Entrepreneurs
Whether you're looking for a new scent or looking to build your own brand, there is a lot to learn from the way Terrence Taylor II operates.
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For the Fragrance Enthusiast:
- Try the Oils: If you’re tired of scents fading by lunch, switch to oil-based fragrances like those at Nazar. They interact with your body heat differently and last way longer.
- Layer Your Scents: Don't be afraid to mix. Many Nazar fans layer the heavier "Black" collection with lighter, fruitier notes to create something totally unique.
- Check the Reviews: Nazar has over 600 five-star reviews for a reason. If you’re unsure, start with a "versatile" collection sample to see how the oils react with your skin chemistry.
For the Aspiring Entrepreneur:
- Always Plan for the Worst: Terrence's experience with the mall taught him that you can't rely on one platform or one location. Diversify.
- Build Your List: Own your audience. Whether it’s an email list, a text list, or a dedicated social following, make sure your customers can find you regardless of where you are physically located.
- Quality is the Best Marketing: You can have the best logo in the world, but if the product doesn't "take their breath away," they won't come back. Terrence focused on the quality of the oils first.
Nazar Fragrances is Terrence Taylor II’s proof that you can take a dream, a kiosk, and some world-class oils and turn them into a brand that competes with the giants. It’s about more than just smelling good; it’s about the hustle, the community, and the courage to "readjust" when the world tries to stop your flow.