Matthew Sánchez, a graduate from UCLA, has made significant strides in the fragrance industry as the founder and CEO of Matteo Parfums. With a background in applied mathematics and chemistry, Sánchez has successfully fused his academic knowledge with his passion for scent creation. He has emerged as the youngest Black male and youngest Latino perfumer in the United States.
Sánchez’s journey began with a unique combination of hard work and determination. After graduating in 2017, he worked in banking during the day while pursuing an unpaid apprenticeship in perfumery at night. This opportunity arose after he sent out over 100 cold emails, ultimately connecting with a classically trained perfumer from Chanel who had moved to the United States to revive her brand. “I learned so many foundational fragrance best practices, concepts and lessons from her,” Sánchez said, reflecting on his experience.
Crafting Unique Fragrances
Sánchez’s apprenticeship involved rigorous training, where he engaged in various aspects of the perfume business, from inventory management to scent profiling. He described the process of creating fragrances as akin to composing music, stating, “Whenever we had free time, we would create accords.” This approach allowed him to explore diverse scent combinations, leading to the development of his first fragrance, Celadawn.
Launched in September 2020, Celadawn is notable for incorporating the industry’s first “horchata amber” accord. This innovative scent reflects Sánchez’s personal history, featuring ingredients inspired by his multicultural background, including influences from Africa, California, Mexico, and the Mediterranean. “If you’ve had horchata before, you know it’s a delicious, milky, cinnamon-rich rice drink,” he explained. “I had never seen anyone put it in another fragrance, so I immediately thought, ‘Why not me?’”
Sánchez’s vision extends beyond traditional fragrance narratives. He embraces an ethos of “imaginative inclusivity,” aiming to redefine the industry’s Eurocentric aesthetic. His second fragrance, Lovers’ Dew, exemplifies this philosophy, offering a contemporary interpretation of what an Aztec or Mayan aquatic scent could embody. “I want people to wear a fine fragrance made by an artist who is telling a story they’ll carry with them throughout their day and throughout their lives,” he noted.
Growth and Future Aspirations
As Matteo Parfums continues to expand, Sánchez has garnered recognition within the industry. Last year, his company became the first fragrance brand to receive a grant from L’Oréal’s $200,000 Beauty Fund. This achievement underscores the innovative approach he brings to his craft.
In addition to his work in perfumery, Sánchez is pursuing a new venture in health technology. Inspired by his father’s diagnosis with early-onset Parkinson’s disease, he is co-founding Eroma Health, a company focused on scent-based early disease detection and health management. “When I learned that several conditions and diseases, like Parkinson’s, have characteristic and detectable smells, I asked myself, ‘Who is working on this?’” he explained.
Sánchez has recently pitched his health-tech idea to Bruin Founders, a mentorship program by UCLA Ventures. He remains committed to maintaining a connection with his alma mater, acknowledging the pivotal role it played in shaping his journey. “It hasn’t exactly been a straight line. What great adventure ever was?” he remarked.
Driven by passion and curiosity, Matthew Sánchez continues to break new ground in both the fragrance and health technology sectors. He aspires to embody the innovative spirit of his inspiration, Tony Stark, stating, “I’m ready to fully become the Tony Stark of the senses.”
