Entrepreneur Matthew Sánchez Blends Art and Science in Fragrance
Matthew Sánchez, a 2017 graduate of UCLA, has carved out a distinctive niche in the fragrance industry as the founder and CEO of Matteo Parfums. He has emerged as a pioneering figure, claiming the title of the youngest Black male and youngest Latino perfumer in the United States. With a degree in applied mathematics and chemistry, along with minors in global studies and entrepreneurship, Sánchez has successfully fused his academic background with his passion for scent creation.
Drawing inspiration from the character of Tony Stark, known as Iron Man, Sánchez embodies the spirit of innovation and determination. He attributes much of his drive to his diverse heritage, with a Mexican father from Michoacán and a Ghanaian American mother from West Virginia. “I admire that he’s innovative and nothing can stop him,” Sánchez stated, reflecting on the influence of Stark’s character in his own entrepreneurial journey.
From Banking to Perfume: An Unconventional Path
To pursue his dream, Sánchez adopted an unconventional approach. He worked in banking by day while undertaking an unpaid perfume apprenticeship at night. Securing this opportunity required sending out over 100 cold emails, but it ultimately led him to a mentor who had trained as a perfumer at Chanel and studied at the esteemed French perfume institute, ISIPCA. “I learned so many foundational fragrance best practices, concepts, and lessons from her,” he recalled.
During his apprenticeship, Sánchez engaged in various tasks from managing inventory to participating in scent profiling sessions. He and his mentor categorized numerous ingredients and explored potential scent combinations. “Creating fragrance is, in many ways, like creating a song,” he explained, highlighting the artistic process involved in scent composition.
Sánchez launched Matteo Parfums in March 2020, shortly before the COVID-19 pandemic prompted a delay. Undeterred, he used the extra time to refine his first fragrance, named Celadawn. “Celadawn is my most personal creation,” he expressed. “It incorporates ingredients from Africa, California, Mexico, and the Mediterranean.”
What sets Celadawn apart is its unique “horchata amber” accord, inspired by the traditional Mexican rice drink. “If you’ve had horchata before, you know it’s a delicious, milky, cinnamon-rich rice drink,” Sánchez explained. “I had never seen anyone put it in another fragrance, so I thought, ‘Why not me?’”
Imaginative Inclusivity and Cultural Inspiration
Sánchez’s approach to fragrance development emphasizes “imaginative inclusivity.” He believes that the joy of childhood imagination should continue into adulthood without sacrificing sophistication. “For example, Lovers’ Dew, our second scent, was my best artistic interpretation of what an Aztec or Mayan aquatic fine fragrance would smell like today,” he said, noting the excitement it generates among consumers.
As Matteo Parfums expands, Sánchez’s vision continues to evolve. In 2022, the company achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first fragrance brand to receive one of L’Oréal’s $200,000 Beauty Fund grants. This recognition underscores the innovative potential of his brand and its commitment to inclusivity.
Sánchez is also venturing into health technology with a new initiative called Eroma Health, inspired by his father’s diagnosis with early-onset Parkinson’s disease. “We aim to provide scent-based early disease detection and health management,” he stated. His research revealed that certain conditions have characteristic smells, prompting his inquiry into existing efforts in the field.
Recently, Sánchez pitched his health-tech concept to Bruin Founders, UCLA Ventures’ executive mentorship program. “It hasn’t exactly been a straight line. What great adventure ever was?” he said, reflecting on his journey from a college student to a trailblazing entrepreneur.
With his unwavering passion and curiosity, Sánchez is positioned to make significant contributions to both the fragrance and health industries. “I’m ready to fully become the Tony Stark of the senses,” he concluded, embodying the spirit of innovation that inspires him.
