Fragrance isn’t just about smelling good; it’s the final touch that completes a look. In this exclusive chat with ENTER10MENT’s ODIGIE OKPTAKU, ARIT EFFANGA, the visionary behind Metsuda Luxury Fragrance and affectionately known as Olorimetsuda, shares why scent is a powerful, yet often overlooked fashion statement. From her Lagos roots to her rise as a perfumer shaping global olfactory tastes, she takes us through her scented journey where passion meets purpose, and every fragrance tells a story as personal as your wardrobe.
What sparked your interest in fragrances and led you to pursue a career in perfume consulting?
That is a great question and honestly, the journey began long before I even knew what perfume consulting was. Growing up in Lagos, scent was always part of our lives. Everywhere you turned, there was always a scent waiting to greet you, the good, the bad, and everything in between. Fragrance, for me, has always been emotional. It had power. It can lift moods, revive memories, or simply make someone unforgettable.
But what truly lit the fire was a small bottle of oil perfume gifted to me by my friend Adebowale. It was unlike anything I had ever worn. The richness, the depth, the way people stopped me to ask, “What are you wearing?” It made me realise that fragrance is more than smell—it is personality, it is confidence, it is a silent introduction.
From there, I started researching and studying different fragrances, manufacturing companies, and layering methods all online and eventually began consulting others. Metsuda Luxury Fragrance was born out of this passion: to help people discover the kind of scent that speaks for them, even before they say a word. Meanwhile, it’s El Metsuda in full, which means “The Lord is my Strong Tower!”
How do you stay updated on the latest trends and developments in the fragrance industry?
The fragrance world is like fashion—it never sits still! Every season, there’s something new: a revived note, a new blend, or a twist on an old classic scent. At Metsuda, we take staying current very seriously. First, we engage quietly with global fragrance houses and platforms, we follow niche perfumers in Paris, attend digital events when we can, and keep tabs on trends from major perfume houses.
But more than that, we keep our ears to the streets, the Naija streets. We observe what people are gravitating toward in clubs, at weddings, and business meetings. We listen to our clients: what are they loving, what are they tired of, and what are they secretly wishing someone would create?
We also test endlessly new oils, blends, fixatives, and even packaging styles because innovation is key. It is not enough to follow trends; we aim to influence them. In fact, some of our Metsuda blends have gone on to become favourites because we understood both the wave and the pulse of our clients.
Can you explain the difference between niche and mainstream perfumes?
This question comes up a lot! Think of it like jollof rice at a party. Mainstream perfumes are like party jollof everybody loves it, it’s crowd-pleasing, familiar, and made in large quantities. Brands like Dior, Chanel, or YSL make perfumes you can find almost anywhere. They’re designed to appeal to as many people as possible, with familiar notes like vanilla, jasmine, or citrus. They’re nice no doubt but you’ll smell them on many people.
Now, niche perfumes? That’s chef-special jollof cooked with love, maybe a secret spice, and served to just a few. These are handcrafted, limited-production fragrances made for people who don’t want to smell like everyone else. They use rare ingredients like oud from Cambodia, ambergris from the sea, or saffron from Iran and they tell a story. Niche houses like Amouage, Montale, or Tiziana Terenzi create what we call statement scents.
At Metsuda, we focus on curating and blending niche-inspired scents that make people ask, “What in the world are you wearing?!” Because let’s be honest—no Nigerian wants to walk into a room smelling like the next person. You want to be memorable. And that is the power of niche.
How do you approach understanding a client’s preferences and recommending suitable fragrances?
Perfume is deeply personal. At Metsuda, we don’t just say, “Buy this.” No, no. We connect. We talk. We ask: “What kind of mood do you want your scent to create?” “Are you a ‘soft and sensual’ person or bold and dramatic?” “Do you want something for everyday wear or to make a statement at a red carpet event or owambe?”
Sometimes, we even go beyond words—we listen to how you describe your dream vacation, your favourite foods, the colours you wear often. From there, we begin to build a scent profile. Are you drawn to fresh and airy scents, or do you lean toward warm, spicy, seductive tones?
We also do skin testing, when possible, because your body chemistry can transform how a perfume smells. In the end, our goal is simple: to match you with a scent that feels like a second skin—natural, effortless, and unforgettable. Something that walks into the room before you do and lingers after you’ve left.
What factors do you consider when recommending a fragrance for someone’s skin type or climate?
This is where our expertise really shines. Many people don’t realise that fragrance behaves differently on different skin types. If you have oily skin, for instance, perfume tends to last longer because the oils help hold the scent. With dry skin, fragrances may evaporate faster—so we might recommend a more intense oil concentration or guide you to layer it with a matching body butter.
And climate? That one is very important in Nigeria. Our hot, humid weather can turn a sweet perfume into something overwhelming if you’re not careful. For tropical areas like Lagos or Calabar, we often suggest lighter, citrusy, or aquatic notes that feel fresh even under the sun. But if you’re in Jos or during Harmattan in Abuja? Warmer, richer scents with amber, oud, or tobacco notes sit beautifully on the skin.
We also teach our clients about application strategy, where to apply, how to layer, and how to make your scent last all day without choking anyone in the Keke Napep!
Is fragrance an important and necessary component in fashion?
Absolutely! Fragrance is the invisible accessory that completes your look. You can wear designer clothes from head to toe, but if your scent doesn’t match your style or persona, something will always feel missing. In fact, in today’s fashion world—especially in a place like Nigeria where presence matters, your fragrance is part of your personal brand.
At Metsuda, we often say: “Your scent is your softest-spoken power.” Whether you’re a boss, a creative, or a bride, your perfume should align with your aesthetic. Fashion may show people what you look like, but fragrance tells them who you are.
What makes a fragrance a component of fashion?
Fragrance becomes a fashion element the moment it enhances your image and matches your vibe. It’s like choosing the perfect heel for your dress or the right sunglasses for your face shape. A good scent can transform your aura, it gives you poise, grace, or fire, depending on the blend.
Just imagine a stylish Nigerian man in a well-cut senator outfit wearing a woody oud. It upgrades everything. Or a slay queen in a gold gown wearing a floral-vanilla scent with a hint of musk, she’s unforgettable. That’s what fragrance does: it adds depth to your fashion story.