Meet Amber Scott
The latest ‘Moments to Motivate’ interview comes a year after first collaborating with the incredible Amber Scott, creator of 80 Muze. Amber and I first met on Instagram - I found her account through Vincent James Designs - a Charleston-based clothes designer and we quickly connected. 80 Muze was a project born out of Amber’s own frustrating situation of not being able to find a clean fragrance to use during pregnancy. She took something she was extremely passionate about and despite having no prior experience in the industry, has created a super successful clean beauty and fragrance business. I have loved following what Amber is doing and so when I helped my client, Suvarna, launch their shop last February, I knew I wanted to create a collaboration with Amber. Working alongside Bridgett of the Beyond Beauty Project, Amber and I created some really fun video content and interviews as well as simply stunning photography. The rest, as they say, is history.
Despite being a Charleston-based business, Amber attended the Suvarna launch party in Chicago December 2021 and meeting her in real life was a true pleasure. We literally couldn’t stop chatting and had soo much in common, we both shared our love of dancing and exploring. With a love of style, travel and city-life, Amber has seen her business go from strength to strength across the US and I can’t wait for the day that we can meet up in London.
So without further ado, meet Amber Scott.
Amber! You took an idea and something you were truly passionate about and have grown 80 Muze into the successful clean fragrance business we see today. In the Your AJency community, there are people who are just at the idea stage, perhaps have just launched or even have an established business. Tell us a little about your journey with 80 Muze and how you got to where you are today.
Since I can remember I've had a fondness for perfume and scent. My love for fragrance goes back to my earliest childhood memories with my mother. She was just so elegant and cool. I wanted to be just like her - always dressed to the nines and smelling glamourous. My inspiration for creating 80 Muze is influenced by my mother, forever my muse and still the hippest mom. Scent has always played a major role in my mood and reflected a memory or emotion. After spending years in New York, I was motivated more than ever to start something of my own one day. Over time I realized there was a gap in the market offering a cleaner, more embodied fragrance. After having kids I could unfortunately no longer tolerate some of my favorite perfumes and since this had been such an important part of my routine, I figured why not give it a shot, what did I have to lose? Time was going to pass anyway so I thought, why not just start and see where it goes.
I love that the idea came from your personal experience of not being able to use other fragrances. We often talk about how important in marketing it is to share your why so is that yours? What is your goal with 80 Muze?
My goal with 80 Muze is to offer a modern, clean and sophisticated fragrance collection that is timeless and with a scent palette that generations can enjoy for years to come. I love that my kids get into it. They are always commenting on how good something smells (or bad) and I love that. They are aware of the feelings evoked by fragrance. It is also important to me that they see their mother passionate about something. They get "mom" everyday but we as mothers wear so many hats and it's refreshing to switch it up and turn on the creative switch.
Absolutely! We started Your AJency for a similar reason. Being a “Mom” and a business owner can be difficult at times though - how do you balance it all?
Balance is tricky. I have tried many different methods and finally realized that there really is no perfect way. I think it's a constant adjustment based on what is happening in your life at that time. My harmony shifts frequently, so when I'm feeling overwhelmed I press pause, focus on my family and suddenly you regain awareness over time management and symmetry. It's so easy to lose sight, so it's important to just check in with yourself every now and again. Where the focus goes, energy flows - I truly, truly believe that
I absolutely LOVE this advice. We’re definitely trying to follow our own advice and work smarter this year. It's hard to launch and run a business on your own, impossible in my opinion. Who and where have you sought the necessary support? What has been most useful?
Running a business solo is indeed impossible. I have an incredible support system at home. My husband was really the one who gave me that fuel to just start and as a start-up guru himself, I've learned a lot from him and how to navigate the process. I'm also surrounded by so many incredible, badass women who inspire me everyday to keep going, keep building and believe in yourself.
Women supporting women is something we have found to be essential since launching Your AJency. Drawing on expertise has been so critical in expanding our offer. How has your background helped you in your business?
I studied at the University of MInnesota & Hunter College in New York majoring in Nutrition Science with a minor in Business. In 2002 I moved to New York and started my modeling career. It was such an amazing experience, all of it. I worked with some of the most talented and incredible people in the fashion and beauty industry. I really learned through experience and by asking a lot of questions along the way. I held onto so much of that knowledge. I believe that is what ignited this journey and gave me the confidence to just go for it.
Did you get any great advice in terms of starting out as an entrepreneur/ business owner?
Progress over perfection, especially when starting out.
Yes! We talk about this all the time, especially if its something you aren’t as confident in like social media! What have you found is the single biggest thing you have done that resulted in growth?
The biggest growth so far has been in wholesale by entering shops and boutiques. Doing this has given us a larger outreach to new customers.
That’s so good to hear. I would love to see you pop up over here in the UK! You know where I am! Wholesale can also lead to great long-term partnerships and collaborations for businesses too.
What’s been your personal highlight for 80 Muze so far?
A highlight for 80 Muze… the response to it! The response I have received and how it has resonated with consumers. It gives me goosebumps to hear a customer say how good it makes them feel to smell good. Ultimately, that's what it's all about!
100%! What’s next for the 80 Muze business? What are you working towards in 2023?
We are working on candles right now and also hoping to launch a third scent to the family by next fall!!
That’s so exciting. With such a focus on clean fragrance, how else do you bring your wellbeing into focus? Do you have wellness routines rituals that you swear by for getting the right level of moderation and balance?
Yes! I'm a firm believer in balance and moderation! I think that's really, at the end of the day, what keeps me grounded. Letting go of perfection and giving yourself a little grace when you’re not on your game. It's ok to reset, regroup, start again.
I love running, walking, acupuncture, and IV vitamin drips to keep me in check too.
I love to run too! It definitely helps keep me in check, ever tried Orange Theory Fitness?! Do you have a life motto or something you use as a mantra for running your business?
Put yourself out there. Just start somewhere. Take a leap of faith. Something will always come from putting yourself out there and stepping outside your comfort zone. It feels hard at the time but it's hardly ever not worth it in the end. There is always a take away to be learned.
Amber, thank you so much for your advice and insight into how you’ve grown 80 Muze.
Amber Scott is the creator of 80 Muze, a clean fragrance company based in the USA. The 80 Muze mission is to deliver the sexier side of naturals through a modern and organic process. They believe this natural approach creates a vastly different experience than wearing traditional unnatural perfumes.
To learn more about 80 Muze, visit their website or follow them on Instagram.