Encore | Lighting the Way: Harlem Brands CEO Teri Johnson on Legacy & Defining Black Luxury

As Season 3 of BLKGirl Ambition comes to a close, Im revisiting one of my favorite conversationsmy interview with Teri Johnson, Founder and CEO of Harlem Candle Co. Teris journey is a masterclass in building something meaningful, staying rooted in your vision, and navigating the realities of entrepreneurship with intention, grace and grit. In this episode, we talk about what it really takes to build a brand, the discipline behind creativity, and the mindset required to keep goingeven when the path isnt clear or easy. If youre like me and in a season of building this conversation is a reminder: the climb is rarely linear, but its always worth it.

Chapters:

00:00 Welcome to BLKGirl Ambition

02:38 Teri Johnsons unconventional path to entrepreneurship

05:16 How travel shapes identity and perspective

07:56 The rise of Travelista Teri

10:17 Lessons learned from building a digital brand before its time

12:49 Founding Harlem Brands: turning passion into legacy

15:30 Building legacy through luxury fragrance

17:44 Storytelling as strategy: weaving culture into business

20:38 Facing challenges, fueling growth

22:43 Expanding into the Harlem Perfume Company