Today we’d like to introduce you to Ijé Simon.
Ijé, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’ve always been someone who loves both creativity and science,even if they don’t always seem like they go together. I started out on a pretty traditional path, studying engineering, getting two master’s degrees, and building a career in tech. But at the same time, I was completely obsessed with beauty, fragrance, and storytelling, and I never let go of that side of myself.
About ten years ago, I started sharing that passion online. At first, it was just for fun, but over time, it grew into a real community of people who love beauty, fragrance, and self-care as much as I do. Somewhere along the way, I realized there was a real need for beauty solutions that were both science-backed and culturally rooted, and that’s what inspired me to create my brand, Rouzié.
Today, I’m juggling a lot; I’m a creator, entrepreneur, and still working in tech. But honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way. It’s been anything but a straight line to get here, but every twist and turn has helped me build a life that feels like the best of all my worlds.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road — but honestly, I don’t think it ever is when you’re building something that truly matters to you.
One of the biggest challenges has been figuring out how to balance everything: a full-time career in tech, growing a brand, and showing up consistently as a creator. There have been moments where it felt overwhelming — like I was being pulled in a million different directions. A few years ago, I even took a temporary sabbatical from work to focus on other aspects of my life. I’m back working full-time now, but that experience really taught me something important: you can do it all, just not all at once. Different passions have taken precedence at different times, and that’s okay.
Another challenge has been learning to trust my voice, especially in spaces where I didn’t always see people who looked like me or shared my background. It can be hard to stay confident when you’re carving out a path without a clear blueprint.
But even with the hard parts, I’m grateful. Every challenge has made me more resilient, more creative, and more certain that I’m building something that feels authentic to who I am.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
At the heart of everything I do, I’m a storyteller. Whether it’s through content creation, product development, or community building, I’m always thinking about how to make people feel seen, understood, and celebrated.
As a creator, I specialize in beauty, fragrance, and self-care; with a focus on helping people find their signature scent, embrace their personal style, and feel confident in who they are.
As an entrepreneur, I’m the founder of Rouzié; a brand focused on science-backed, culturally rooted beauty solutions. I wanted to create products that actually solve real problems, while honoring the beauty traditions I grew up with.
One of the things I’m most proud of is staying true to my vision, even when it would have been easier to follow trends. I’m also really proud of the community I’ve built: it’s full of thoughtful, brilliant people who inspire me just as much as I hope to inspire them.
I think what sets me apart is the way I blend worlds that don’t always meet: science and beauty, tradition and innovation, creativity and strategy. I’m not trying to fit into a box, I’m trying to build something that feels expansive, inclusive, and real.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
I’m always excited to connect with people who share a passion for beauty, fragrance, self-care, and storytelling.
If you’re interested in collaborating, whether that’s through partnerships, creative projects, or brand work, you can reach out to me directly through my website or social media. I love working with brands and people who value authenticity, creativity, and community as much as I do.
You can also support by following along on my journey by engaging with my content, trying Rouzié products, sharing my work with friends. All of it truly means more than I can explain. Every message, comment, and connection reminds me why I started in the first place.
At the end of the day, my work is about building a community that feels inspiring and inclusive, and I’m always grateful for anyone who wants to be part of that.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ijesimonn.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ijesimonn/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ijesimonn
Image Credits
https://www.instagram.com/trevoykellyco/?hl=en
