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Though a new CEO, Farah Zulaikha is well-renowned within the business and beauty world. She first made a name for herself as a supermodel after appearing on Tyra Banks’s “The Tyra Show,” later leaning into her passion for civic justice, which earned her a spot as a United Nations ambassador. Now, following her start as CEO of Farah Zulaikha Beauty, her brand recently released a new perfume called FARAH fragrance. The product has been featured in shops such as New York’s “Scentfluence”, and since, Zulaikha quickly worked to launch her brand’s website and the opening of her headquarters in the NYC metropolitan area this Summer. As the company continues to grow, Zulaikha hopes that the new headquarters will attract customers who wish to sample and experience the scent in person.
“The idea began when I discovered a new way to empower, educate and give back to young women and girls who desire to awaken their sense of confidence,” says Zulaikha. “This fragrance contains notes of Tiare flower, gardenia, patchouli heart, purple plum, tonka bean, liquid amber and sandalwood to unlock a feeling of self-reliance and inner strength. My hope is that it encourages those who use it to hold their head higher and stand taller in the face of everyday trials.”
Prior to her current role as CEO, Zulaikha spent years leaning into her passion for civic duty and global awareness, joining her family on charity missions aimed at aiding with global issues such as poverty, hunger, access to medical care and human rights violations. Zulaikha became a recipient of numerous accolades such as The United Nations Distinguished International Humanitarian Leadership Award for her work in anti-abuse and anti-human trafficking.
Currently, Zulaikha works within the sphere of both social justice and her passion for style and beauty, integrating these ideas to fuel her desire to help others. Having studied biochemistry in college, she first created a range of all-natural lip balms inspired by domestic violence survivors who were unable to use conventional products due to facial trauma. Now, she has taken on her next role as a “perfumista”, with her signature scent now part of the catalog of International Flavors and Fragrances, a multi-billion grossing fragrance house.
With an emphasis on sustainability and awareness, Zulaikha worked to ensure that her exclusive scent formulas are clean, paraben-free, synthetic fragrance free, vegan, cruelty-free, phthalate-free and petroleum free. It’s meant to minimize skin irritants and includes no unnecessary additives, making it better for both the planet and customers. The fragrance was developed in coordination with industry regulatory organizations such as IFRA and RIFM, resulting in responsibly sourced ingredients.
“Farah” fragrance also aims to give back by consistently partnering with charitable causes, donating proceeds towards those affected by human trafficking, victims of natural disasters and global hunger. “I’m so grateful for the trajectory that my business is on,” she says. “I’ve had the pleasure of hitting milestones such as selling out during my launch at Manhattan’s famed department store, Lord & Taylor. Above that, I first felt true success when a customer wrote to me sharing that she overcame domestic violence and that my fragrance was the shield she wore like armor every day. She shared that it made her feel strong and empowered, and she wore it every day even when she didn’t feel beautiful. I was truly moved by her story, and to me, it served as evidence that something I created actually impacted someone in a genuine, positive way.”
Zulaikha’s passion for helping others and giving back to vulnerable communities has fueled her brand’s mission to release products that have a positive impact on those who buy them. The Farah fragrance is currently featured on a billboard in Times Square, which invites customers and fans to check out the new headquarters and products in person, including the Farah eau de parfum hand sanitizer, ambient room diffusers and candles. For those looking to shop “Farah” products, stay updated on new launches through Farah Zulaikha’s instagram and website.
