"Luxury is not about a price tag—it’s about how something makes you feel, how it affirms your identity, and how it tells your story.” - Teri Johnson

“I wanted Harlem to be more than a neighborhood on a map—I wanted it to be an experience, a fragrance, a legacy that people could hold in their hands.” - Teri Johnson

“The real art of entrepreneurship is storytelling. If you can make people feel, you can make them believe. And if they believe, they’ll follow you anywhere.” - Teri Johnson

Summary:

In this episode of BLKGirl Ambition, host Niya Baxter sits down with Teri Johnson, CEO of Harlem Brands and the visionary force behind Harlem Candle Company. Teri’s story is one of reinvention—leaving behind a career in management consulting to build a brand rooted in culture, travel, and the magic of Black luxury.

Together, they unpack the power of taking risks, the discipline of personal growth, and the entrepreneurial mindset it takes to transform passion into legacy. From blending global influences into unforgettable scents, to creating products that honor Harlem’s rich history, Teri shares how she built a brand that’s both deeply personal and unapologetically ambitious. This conversation is about more than candles—it’s about culture, connection, and courage. It’s about daring to reimagine what’s possible and lighting the way for others to follow.

Keywords:

Black Girl Ambition, entrepreneurship, Teri Johnson, Harlem Candle Company, Harlem Perfume Company, Harlem Brands, travel, luxury, personal growth, fragrance development, business advice, women empowerment, cultural influence

Chapters:

00:00 Welcome to BLKGirl Ambition

02:38 Teri Johnson’s unconventional path to entrepreneurship

05:16 How travel shapes identity and perspective

07:56 The rise of Travelista Teri

10:17 Lessons learned from building a digital brand before its time

12:49 Founding Harlem Brands: turning passion into legacy

15:30 Building legacy through luxury fragrance

17:44 Storytelling as strategy: weaving culture into business

20:38 Facing challenges, fueling growth

22:43 Expanding into the Harlem Perfume Company

25:21 The mindset every founder needs to thrive

27:38 Practical gems for aspiring entrepreneurs

30:34 Dreaming forward: future aspirations & community impact

33:04 Final reflections on ambition and legacy

Support Teri Johnson and the Harlem Brands:

Purchase Harlem Candles, Totes, Mugs and Journals: www.harlembrands.com

Purchase Harlem Perfume: www.sephora.com and www.harlemperfumeco.com

Connect with Teri Johnson: @terijohnsonnyc on IG

Thanks for all your love and support. Tag me while listening @blkgirlambition & as always love to hear your thoughts :)

Join the BLKGirl Ambition community on IG and LinkedIn: @blkgirlambition and @glamourgirlniya

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