Few Americans—and even fewer American women—have made their mark in the European-dominated world of fine fragrance. Nicole Mancini stands out as a transformative force. As a Principal Perfumer in New York City, she brings a distinctly American perspective that bridges scientific precision with emotional storytelling.

Early influences shaped Nicole’s pioneering spirit. Raised by a single mother who defied expectations as the first female stockbroker at her firm, Nicole inherited a trailblazing mindset. Her father’s entrepreneurial drive further fueled this boldness, ultimately leading her to perfumery—an unforeseen career she embraced with characteristic fearlessness and quickly mastered.

Her journey began serendipitously while working temporarily at a fragrance house. Captivated by scent’s invisible power to evoke emotion, trigger memory, and transform space, she knew she had found her calling. After graduating cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a minor in biochemistry, she earned a coveted spot at the prestigious Givaudan Perfumery School in France, where she refined her perspective and honed her craft. She first mastered the technical skills of fragrance creation in consumer products, particularly air care and personal care brands. This experience laid the foundation for her transition into fine fragrance, focusing on designer, celebrity and specialty brands.

Nicole thrives in the Fine Fragrance Experience space, approaching scent creation as a multi-sensory art form. Her expertise spans a full range of fragrance applications—from frequently as a child, she intimately understands the power of scent to create a sense of home. This experience drives her to create fragrances that anchor people in their surroundings, evoke cherished memories, and foster a deep understanding of belonging. Whether designing a signature perfume or crafting environmental fragrances, she sees each creation as part of a larger sensory narrative that enhances daily life.

At the intersection of psychology, design, and sensory perception lies her distinctive approach to perfumery. Drawing from her lifelong appreciation of visual arts, architecture, and design, she creates olfactory compositions as thoughtfully constructed as a well designed space. Her broad creative perspective enriches her ability to translate clients’ visions into transformative sensory experiences.

Today, Nicole balances her role as a wife and mother of two boys with her thriving career. These foundational lessons continue to shape her innovative approach to fragrance creation. Through her artistry, she pushes boundaries and crafts compositions that enhance well-being, inspire connection, and elevate everyday experiences. Her impact extends beyond individual creations. She is actively shaping the future of an evolving industry and paving the way for the next generation of American female perfumers to break barriers and thrive.