We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful James Koroma. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with James below.
James, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
My journey began with my grandfather, who was a perfumer by hobby back home in Liberia. He would craft his own fragrances, blending raw ingredients by hand. When the Liberian civil war broke out, he sent my father and his siblings to the United States in search of better opportunities. Even while traveling across Africa, he continued learning about local notes and accords, deepening his understanding of scent and its cultural significance.
When I was five years old, he joined us in the U.S., and I was captivated by the way he turned our basement into a makeshift perfume lab. The aromas would flow through the hallways, and I’d sit there watching him work—completely mesmerized. Those moments shaped me. I began shadowing him, picking up not just his techniques but also his philosophy—that fragrance is a form of storytelling.
In high school, I started creating my own fragrances. Later, while studying at Stony Brook University, I noticed how many of my peers were struggling to connect. That’s when I decided to use scent as a bridge—to create moments of connection through aroma.
My purpose grew from that realization. It’s rooted in my Liberian heritage and the rich culture of Harlem that continues to inspire me. To me, aroma is more than scent—it’s memory, identity, and emotion. Through Koromas Aromas, I strive to encapsulate culture and craft fragrances that commemorate the beauty of my culture and the stories that shaped me.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I’m proud to be Harlem’s first native perfumer—curating scents that commemorate cultural storytelling through aroma. My work sits at the intersection of artistry, heritage, and preservation. Each fragrance I create is an olfactory narrative, inspired by the rhythm, soul, and resilience that define both Harlem and my Liberian roots.
What excites me most about what I do is knowing that I’m part of history—pursuing my passion in an industry that rarely sees faces or stories like mine. I take pride in being a source of inspiration for people who want to trailblaze in spaces that are in dire need of fresh perspective and youthful energy.
Harlem has always been my muse. A wise man once told me, “You can’t contribute to culture when you are culture.” That sentiment has stayed with me and shaped how I approach my craft. I no longer try to add to culture—I work to preserve it, to bottle its essence. Every scent I create carries a piece of that philosophy.
As for what’s next, Koromas Aromas will be dropping a brand-new fragrance this October. We’re encouraging everyone to join our email list for early access to exclusive releases, special offers, and behind-the-scenes stories about the brand’s journey.
Koromas Aromas isn’t just about fragrance—it’s about legacy, identity, and the power of scent to connect people to culture.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Grit, curiosity, and fearlessness are the three most important qualities that have shaped my development as an entrepreneur. When you’re the first person to do something in a place where it’s never been done before, it requires an acute level of passion, drive, and purpose. That energy becomes essential, because people will naturally question your credibility—they’ve never seen someone who looks like you doing what you do. It’s part of the process of being a trailblazer.
Curiosity keeps me grounded and evolving. We live in a constantly changing world, and the only way to stay ahead of trends, technology, and community is through a commitment to continuous learning. Growth doesn’t happen in comfort—it happens through interaction, exploration, and adaptability. That’s what keeps the work, and life itself, vibrant and alive.
And finally, fearlessness is nonnegotiable. When you choose to take on something that hasn’t been done before, there’s always an inherent level of risk. Doubt will come—sometimes from within, but often from those who doubt themselves and project that uncertainty onto others. The only way through it is to deepen your commitment to your journey and trust that what’s meant for you will never miss you.
Grit fuels the mission, curiosity sustains the vision, and fearlessness ensures that no obstacle can stop the purpose. Those qualities are the foundation of everything I’ve built with Koromas Aromas.
Looking back over the past 12 months or so, what do you think has been your biggest area of improvement or growth?
Over the past year, my biggest area of growth has simply been living life and improving as a person. I think that’s the most beautiful part of the journey—recognizing that personal growth and business growth are deeply intertwined.
I started Koromas Aromas out of a desire to connect people through scent, and in the process, I’ve been blessed to meet individuals from diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and cultures. Those interactions have shaped me into a more grounded, well-rounded person, and for that, I’m eternally grateful.
Business, for me, has become the gift that keeps giving. It challenges you to evolve—not just as a creator, but as a human being. If you don’t grow personally, you risk stagnation. There’s a limitation to how far you can go and the rooms you can occupy comfortably. So I’ve learned that true success isn’t just about scaling a brand; it’s about expanding your capacity as a person to serve, connect, and create with authenticity.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Koromasaromas.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/koromasaromas/ https://www.instagram.com/omerciadieu/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-k-672828126/
Image Credits
Photographer: Alan Sanon
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
