MUSING in Harlem: Summer Newsletter
- Kimberly Waters
- Aug 10, 2025
- 3 min read
Updated: Aug 10, 2025
August 10, 2025
We hope you're having a wonderful summer! It’s hard to believe it’s already mid-August. Here’s a quick update on all the exciting happenings at MUSE— from new collaborations to our inaugural fragrance residency!
MUSE Fragrance Residency Program
We launched our MUSE Fragrance Residency Program this summer, giving fragrance brands a chance to showcase their collections in an immersive, community-centered setting. Each residency lasts 3 to 6 months and includes activations designed to engage our community, attract fragrance lovers, and foster connections. Brands can host events, collaborate on curated experiences, and amplify their presence through MUSE.
First Residency: Coco de Mer
We’re excited to welcome Coco de Mer as our first resident brand! Their collection, which
launched in United States in May, features five unique fragrances made with natural, plant-derived ingredients, including the signature Coco de Mer botanical from the Seychelles. The response has been incredible, and we’ve introduced the collection at events in Harlem with the NY Association of Black Journalists, and in Philadelphia at Soiree in the Cities.
Personally, this residency is especially meaningful to me as I traveled to the Seychelles years ago. From biking through La Digue to spending time with locals in Praslin, and touring a patchouli and vanilla farm in Mahe, this collection feels like a full-circle moment for me. I’m thrilled to amplify Coco de Mer’s presence and showcase their fragrances through a cultural lens at MUSE.
Community Collaborations & More
MUSE is more than just a fragrance destination— it’s a space for collaboration and community. In late June, we worked with Amy Anaiz, founder of OZAIZ, for a creative gathering, Scent, Style & Space: An Afternoon with OZAIZ. The experience was a blend of design, and engagement. Having the chance to work alongside another Harlem entrepreneur who is as beautiful as her offerings made my heart happy. And here’s a fun fact: We’re both Leos and actually share the same birthday, so it was a merger of complete fabulousness!
In July, we had the opportunity to attend Grasse Perfume Week in the South of France (stay tuned for more on that!). We also welcomed the young girls from Figure Skaters of Harlem for an inspiring discussion on entrepreneurship and fragrance. It was amazing to introduce 5th-7th graders to MUSE and share our fragrance collections with them. But what truly stood out was hearing their unique scent stories – a reminder of how powerful fragrance can be in sparking creativity and connection, even in young people!
On August 23rd, join Deida Massey, founder of Bixa Beauty, and I as we host bold lips and scents. For more information, hit the link.
Looking ahead, as we move through the rest of summer and into the fall, we’re excited for more collaborations, activations, and unforgettable experiences at MUSE. Whether it’s new fragrance launches (stay tuned for Réserve en Afrique), exciting current additions like R&B by Zernell Gillie/ perfume oils from Gallivant, or community-driven moments, we can’t wait to share it all with you.
We’ll be open for general browsing (no appointment necessary) on:
August 17, 2025 from 12-6pm
August 23, 2025 from 1-4pm
Thank you for being part of our journey, and we look forward to welcoming you to MUSE.
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