Meet Brianna

Let it be known, growing up I thought I'd be a singer (LOL) — not a journalist-turned-perfumer. Life's wild like that, though. While the journey to getting here and launching MOODEAUX wasn't planned nor easy, I wouldn't change a thing. 

 

To make a long story short(er), back in October 2018, I grew pretty obsessed with learning about the connection between scent, emotion and memory. I had just been laid off…was living on New York State unemployment, and given those life lows, I made sure to take a moment every day — between figuring things out — for some serious self-care.

 

It might sound silly, but still, I always felt wayyy better after a long quiet shower followed by a spritz of my favorite accessory: perfume. I didn’t even have to get dressed or go anywhere special — the whiff of a familiar smell alone was often enough to remind me that I’m worthy and that eventually, I’d be alright.

 

Digging around online, I quickly noticed the lack of #1) Black-owned fragrance labels¹ and #2) actual discourse — not hidden, subliminal messages — amongst popular brands around our sense of smell being able to trigger good thoughts, and in turn, influence our moods.

 

With that, although I knew little about this industry, I decided who I really needed to become: someone who shakes sh*t up — paving my own lane with MOODEAUX for beauty lovers like hopefully yourself who crave different. I'm talking unique accords, “top-shelf” luxury. Products made with clean ingredients that help moisturize and lock scent to skin. Essentials you can travel with to Flaunt How You Feel.

 

After nearly three years to the date, I can confidently say I made the best decision ever. XxBA

 

In loving memory of Mr. Roy Lee Brown.

  

BIOGRAPHY

 

Founder/Owner/CEO Brianna "B.A." Arps is a former Refinery29 editor-turned-marketing expert whose passion for people, storytelling and all things beauty finally led to the birth of her very own "brand-children" MOODEAUX® and Black In Fragrance™. In the same way as her bold sense of style, Brianna wears her emotions like a badge of honor — navigating through life by the simple motto: Flaunt How You Feel™.

 

A St. Louis native, she's known among family and friends alike as an outspoken, charismatic big thinker working to make the world around her better — starting with perfume. Brianna holds a bachelor's degree from the world's first School of Journalism seated at the University of Missouri. Currently, she is an aspiring graduate of the renown School for Aromatic Studies.

LET'S BE FRIENDS?

We saved you a seat at our table — pull up!

MUSE-WORTHY: Weekend schmooooood! 😁 #ModelBehavior with @slickwoods by @ftagallery. 📸

When we think of the journey to get here…😳🤯🥺🥰 #BTS

Hey, family! In between me trying to figure out why I can’t seem to keep my eyes open when taking pics, lol, we landed our ✨first✨ TV interview. 🥺 “Black-Owned Fragrance Company Changing The Game” for #EntrepreneurSundays at @bncnews with host @brittanydjones_. 💪🏾 I’m recapping what went down on Stories right now, but I also wanted to share the news here — and of course through video (swipe through our IG profile). Thank you SO MUCH for alllllllllllllllll the love we’ve received. My little heart is FULL. 🧡 xXBA

New York, New York! Our good sis and friend @iamrenaebluitt’s Black woman-owned Holiday Bazaar is BACK this year in partnership with @nycgo. 💪🏾 It’s gonna be a beautiful day of fellowship and *lots* of MOODEAUX — including complimentary gifts at our section, while supplies last. Peep the next slide for deets. We hope to see you there! 😝 #FlauntHowYouFeel #SheDidThatHoliday #ItsTimeForNYC

Grab-Then-Go™ Stash Bag update! 🤩 A whole bunch of these babies will be shipped out and on their way to our HQ in like 7 days?! 🙏🏾 What would you stuff in yours? Let us know and you might just get a DM with a lil sumn-sumn special. 👀😝 #FlauntHowYouFeel

Hi. It’s us. Lost in today’s sauce and still day-dreaming about this @thuggerthugger1 photo shoot for @rollingstone. Let’s discuss! It’s been dope watching Thug’s evolution as a chart-topping rapper and unapologetic style icon, dare we say??? From donning the infamous “Jeffrey” dress on an album cover in 2016 to most recently dying his locs a soft pinkish-purple hue (a move also tied to music with the release of “Punk”), he’s showed no interest in giving a f*ck about what anyone thinks. 💁🏾‍♀️ Regardless if you listen to Mr. YSL or not, that’s something we can all get behind. #FlauntHowYouFeel

Boo! 👻 Flash free shipping on all orders ends at midnight 10/31 EST — use code: FREESHIP when checking out. 😝

100% made for skin — no alcohol, dyes or water. 🤤

Creating something custom during a global pandemic when supply chains are a MESS…not sure I’d recommend 😅 BUT feedback like this makes it all worth the hassle. 🥺🏆 Swipe to see a closeup of the Grab-Then-Go Stash Bag before tapping into our Stories for the full video! xXBA

Honesty hour. I’ve known Reegan (our first “model” lol) since the summer before my senior year of college. We met at @essence and she’s been stuck with me ever since. When I didn’t have a clue about how I’d land my first real job, this woman let me crash in her NYC condo…rent free…for two/almost three months until I made something shake. When I had the biggest health crisis of my life, this woman called out to sit with me all day at the doctor’s office and wouldn’t let me leave her sight until she knew I was safe. Sooo many memories, so many instances I can easily recall where Reegs has stayed solid…including when I decided to launch MOODEAUX. I know I’ve said it a million-zillion times, but one more “thank you” never hurt anybody. 🧡 xXBA

A Halloween costume we can get behind. Guess who? 👀😝

📸 Today’s vibes captured by @himichelleli. 👋🏾

What does “Worthy” smell like? Great question… 🤤

Asking for permission?! To take up and claim space?! Don’t think so. 😌 Another reminder: If you’re @blackinfragrance and in need of some extra support this month, send us a note BIF@moodeaux.com. 💪🏾 We’re connecting with founders and will select one recipient for our first mini grant on 10/29! 💸 Announcement to come on 10/31.

Oh! That’s how you feel, @_kandace??? #repost 😍

MUSE-WORTHY: Weekend schmooooood! 😁 #ModelBehavior with @slickwoods by @ftagallery. 📸

When we think of the journey to get here…😳🤯🥺🥰 #BTS

Hey, family! In between me trying to figure out why I can’t seem to keep my eyes open when taking pics, lol, we landed our ✨first✨ TV interview. 🥺 “Black-Owned Fragrance Company Changing The Game” for #EntrepreneurSundays at @bncnews with host @brittanydjones_. 💪🏾 I’m recapping what went down on Stories right now, but I also wanted to share the news here — and of course through video (swipe through our IG profile). Thank you SO MUCH for alllllllllllllllll the love we’ve received. My little heart is FULL. 🧡 xXBA

New York, New York! Our good sis and friend @iamrenaebluitt’s Black woman-owned Holiday Bazaar is BACK this year in partnership with @nycgo. 💪🏾 It’s gonna be a beautiful day of fellowship and *lots* of MOODEAUX — including complimentary gifts at our section, while supplies last. Peep the next slide for deets. We hope to see you there! 😝 #FlauntHowYouFeel #SheDidThatHoliday #ItsTimeForNYC

Grab-Then-Go™ Stash Bag update! 🤩 A whole bunch of these babies will be shipped out and on their way to our HQ in like 7 days?! 🙏🏾 What would you stuff in yours? Let us know and you might just get a DM with a lil sumn-sumn special. 👀😝 #FlauntHowYouFeel

Hi. It’s us. Lost in today’s sauce and still day-dreaming about this @thuggerthugger1 photo shoot for @rollingstone. Let’s discuss! It’s been dope watching Thug’s evolution as a chart-topping rapper and unapologetic style icon, dare we say??? From donning the infamous “Jeffrey” dress on an album cover in 2016 to most recently dying his locs a soft pinkish-purple hue (a move also tied to music with the release of “Punk”), he’s showed no interest in giving a f*ck about what anyone thinks. 💁🏾‍♀️ Regardless if you listen to Mr. YSL or not, that’s something we can all get behind. #FlauntHowYouFeel

Boo! 👻 Flash free shipping on all orders ends at midnight 10/31 EST — use code: FREESHIP when checking out. 😝

100% made for skin — no alcohol, dyes or water. 🤤

Creating something custom during a global pandemic when supply chains are a MESS…not sure I’d recommend 😅 BUT feedback like this makes it all worth the hassle. 🥺🏆 Swipe to see a closeup of the Grab-Then-Go Stash Bag before tapping into our Stories for the full video! xXBA

Honesty hour. I’ve known Reegan (our first “model” lol) since the summer before my senior year of college. We met at @essence and she’s been stuck with me ever since. When I didn’t have a clue about how I’d land my first real job, this woman let me crash in her NYC condo…rent free…for two/almost three months until I made something shake. When I had the biggest health crisis of my life, this woman called out to sit with me all day at the doctor’s office and wouldn’t let me leave her sight until she knew I was safe. Sooo many memories, so many instances I can easily recall where Reegs has stayed solid…including when I decided to launch MOODEAUX. I know I’ve said it a million-zillion times, but one more “thank you” never hurt anybody. 🧡 xXBA

A Halloween costume we can get behind. Guess who? 👀😝

📸 Today’s vibes captured by @himichelleli. 👋🏾

What does “Worthy” smell like? Great question… 🤤

Asking for permission?! To take up and claim space?! Don’t think so. 😌 Another reminder: If you’re @blackinfragrance and in need of some extra support this month, send us a note BIF@moodeaux.com. 💪🏾 We’re connecting with founders and will select one recipient for our first mini grant on 10/29! 💸 Announcement to come on 10/31.

Oh! That’s how you feel, @_kandace??? #repost 😍