Exploring Life & Business with Darian Penn of Darian Eau De Parfum

Hi Darian, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.

My name is Darian Penn, and I was born and raised in Houston, Texas. After high school, I moved to Atlanta Georgia to attend Spelman College. It was never my goal specifically to own my own business, but I have always been ambitious and have tried to outdo myself at every stage in my life. Towards the end of 2019, I realized that I had become complacent in my corporate career and in life generally. It was during the pandemic that a spark ignited within me. I always loved luxury fragrances and God gave me the idea to create my own. I began to do research on the industry, met with a production team, and crafted my own fragrance samples to initiate the product development process. Now, I use my own fragrance as a source of confidence and empowerment, especially when preparing for a night out and/or special event. I want everyone who supports Signature by Darian to feel the same level of confidence and beauty when they step out, and I want them to believe that their dreams and ideas can become a reality.Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?


Launching Signature by Darian was no easy path. Like many first-time entrepreneurs, I faced various challenges along the way. Securing the necessary funds for a startup was a significant hurdle. Despite encountering setbacks, experiencing delay after delay, being denied and being told no, my unwavering faith and persistence kept me moving forward. In moments of complete defeat and disbelief, I began to confess, “I walk by faith and not my sight,” knowing that this dream of mine has no other choice than to come to past. It did just that!

‘Own the room’ became my mantra, and even with just my small tester sample bottle sitting on my bathroom counter, it boosted my confidence to navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship.I got the few “yeses” needed to secure the product production, and here we are. This experience taught me that one rejection is simply redirection, and I hope my journey can inspire other budding entrepreneurs. With resilience and resourcefulness, there’s always a way forward.

We’ve been impressed with Darian Eau De Parfum, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?


Signature by Darian is a luxury fragrance company that was founded by Darian, a Black woman who was inspired to pivot into entrepreneurship during the pandemic. Darian Eau De Parfum is committed to creating high-quality fragrances that empower and uplift women. Signature by Darian fragrances are made with natural ingredients and sustainable packaging. Darian, is the signature fragrance and the brand. Darian Eau De Parfum was started to bridge the gap between who you are and who you aspire to be.This fragrance will inspire you to embrace a new level of confidence.

Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?


First and foremost, I am forever grateful for the relationship that I have with God. Not only has he blessed me with this idea, but he has held me through every step of the way. I’m incredibly grateful for my village. I am honored to have such supportive family, friends, and customers who have and will always push me and encourage me along this journey. Their unwavering belief in my vision has been a driving force behind the success of Signature by Darian.