Society places countless expectations on women, especially Black women. We’re expected to look a certain way, dress a certain way, behave a certain way, express our feelings in a certain way—essentially exist in a way that is pleasing and tolerable to others.

But what about what we want for ourselves?

The spirit of frances marie was born in loving memory of my late grandmother—the most confident woman I’ve ever known. In 1950, at just 14 years old, she became pregnant with my mom and was forced to drop out of high school. Without a diploma, she had two choices: marry my grandfather or raise my mom alone. She chose the latter.

The truth was, she wasn’t in love with my grandfather. And frankly, she didn’t want to marry him. So, she didn’t. That decision made her a young, Black, single mother with no formal education. But she refused to conform to the expectation that women must marry when they become pregnant. That just wasn’t who she was.

What she was—was a woman who refused to let others dictate how she lived her life.

Our perfume brand exists to make you feel confident in being exactly who you are, inspired by Frances’ courage to break free from society’s expectations and live life on her own terms.

Her confident, self-assured spirit fuels my mission to help others free themselves from expectations and boldly pursue who they truly are.

I hope frances marie gives you that extra dose of courage to keep being yourself—especially when it’s hard.

And remember, on this journey called life, you got this. And we always got you.

All our love,
Tip & frances marie