Pollet Lelaka with a signature scent she created
By Simon Makgoga
Perfume isn’t the last step in getting ready.
For Pollet Lelaka, it’s the signature. From her workshop, she hand-blends concentrated fragrance oils and perfumer’s ethanol into lasting, luxury inspired scents that don’t break the bank.
Pollet Lelaka with her assistant at one of her outlets, Block XX Soshanguve.
Her customers leave with more than a bottle.
They leave with presence.
Beyond perfumes, Scented Shades produces diffuser oils specially formulated for reed diffusers, room diffusers, and car scents.
All oils are selected for quality,strength, and lasting fragrance.
In an exclusive interview, the down-to-earth perfumer from Boikhutsong said: “I have seen the opportunity to create high-quality, affordable perfumes that let people enjoy luxury-inspired fragrances at a lower price.
An ingrained passion drove me to build something of my own that combines creativity, business, and satisfaction.”
The proactive entrepreneur who eats, breathes and lives perfume-making explained: “Creating a brand that gives people confidence and memorable scent experiences drove me.
I am planning to grow this enterprise into a recognised national brand with more branches and a strong online presence, helping aspirant perfumers unlock their potential.
I want Scented Shades to become a trusted household name in the fragrance industry.”
Her business began in February 2023 with a passion for bringing quality, affordable luxury fragrances directly to customers.
What started as a small door-to-door perfume business soon grew into a recognised brand through dedication, customer trust, and continuous expansion.
Today, her unyielding passion and hard work have paid dividends: two shops under her belt.
One at BB Mall manufactures and sells, while the Thorntree View outlet in Block XX sells finished products only.
These fragrance outlets have created jobs for four dedicated and diligent young people.
Scented Shades products are made through a careful blending process.
For perfumes, concentrated fragrance oils are mixed with perfumer’s ethanol in precise measurements to achieve long-lasting, balanced scents.
Each product is developed for consistency, quality, and uniqueness while meeting customer preferences.
As the business expanded, a mini factory was established in December 2025 to support production and supply of raw materials.
The facility sources and prepares fragrance oils, compounds, bottles, and accessories for Scented Shades products and for aspiring perfumers entering the industry.
This combination of entrepreneurial vision, fragrance craftsmanship, and innovation brought Scented Shades into being and continues to drive its growth today.
Scented Shades is not just selling perfume. It is bottling confidence for the next generation.
To connect with Pollet Lelaka, visit her perfume business at Block BB Mall or call 076 518 3207.
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