Could you introduce yourself and tell us a bit about your creative journey?

I'm Hawsoon Jobe, a self-made perfumer from Skarpnäck and the founder of Port Au Mansa, a perfume brand where I craft unique fragrances. My journey into perfumery began with a fascination for scents and how they evoke emotions and memories. What started as a personal exploration quickly turned into a creative passion, and eventually, a business. As a self-made perfumer, I enjoy showcasing different expressions of creativity, from creating new fragrances to exploring innovative ways to connect with people through scent.

Where did your creative journey begin, and how has your background influenced your work?

My creative journey began at home, where I first learned to make perfumes. A friend introduced me to oils, and ever since, they have been a part of my daily life. My cultural heritage and personal experiences have also profoundly shaped my creative process. Growing up, I was surrounded by diverse scents and stories that ignited my curiosity about how different notes come together to create something unique. This background helped me understand the emotional and cultural significance of fragrance, which I now try to bring into my work at Port Au Mansa.

Could you describe your current creative projects or initiatives? What are you most passionate about in your creative work?

Currently, I’m focused on expanding Port Au Mansa beyond just fragrances — I'm envisioning the brand as a platform for broader creative expression. Much like how Virgil Abloh brought his creative vision into diverse spaces, from fashion to furniture design, I aim to explore collaborations that extend beyond the traditional boundaries of perfumery.

I’m excited about experimenting with different mediums, collaborating with artists and designers, and bringing unique experiences to life that merge scent with other forms of art and culture. This approach allows me to build a brand that’s not just about selling products but about creating a community and a dialogue around creativity, expression, and the stories that connect us all.

What do you consider your creative expertise, and how did you develop it over time?

I consider my expertise to be in fragrance composition and the art of blending. I've developed this over time by experimenting endlessly at home, understanding the chemistry behind each note, and learning from every success and failure. I've also immersed myself in the world of perfumery, studying scents, trends, and consumer preferences, which has sharpened my intuition for what works and what doesn't.

Creative work often involves revealing hidden layers of oneself. Could you share a personal or professional experience where you had to "take off the mask" to create something authentic?

There was a point when I had to confront my fear of how I would be perceived in the industry. I realized that my unique perspective and approach were my strengths, and by embracing them, I could create something truly authentic. I chose a very untraditional and raw marketing route, showcasing where I come from and my personal story as a Black perfumer in a space where we are very few. This decision was a leap of faith, but it allowed me to connect more deeply with people who were looking for something real, different, and personal. It resonated with those who value authenticity and a fresh perspective in the world of fragrance.

What are some of the challenges you've encountered in your creative career, and how did you overcome them?

One of the biggest challenges has been balancing creativity with business realities. There were moments when I doubted whether people would appreciate what I was trying to do. But I overcame this by staying true to my vision and constantly refining my approach. I also had to learn to be patient — creative processes take time, and sometimes, success isn’t immediate.

Who or what inspires your creative process, and how do you incorporate those inspirations into your work?

When it comes to inspiration, I often look to history and places with deep emotional significance. One of my scents, Goree Island, was inspired by the rich, complex history of the island itself. Goree Island, off the coast of Senegal, holds a deep resonance due to its role in the transatlantic slave trade, but it also represents resilience, culture, and the unbreakable human spirit.

 In creating this scent, I aimed to capture the layered emotions associated with Goree Island — the sorrow and pain, but also the strength, hope, and enduring cultural legacy. This fragrance is a tribute to remembering and honoring the past while finding beauty in resilience.

Do you have any unique rituals or habits that help you tap into your creative flow or overcome creative blocks?

Yes, I find that stepping away from the work to engage in activities like traveling, listening to music, or diving into a good book often sparks new ideas. These experiences allow me to reset and see things from a fresh perspective. Traveling, in particular, exposes me to new cultures, scents, and stories that fuel my creativity. I also keep a scent journal where I document new ideas, notes, and inspirations as they come to me, so I always have a well to draw from whenever I need it.