Meet Michael R. Carby, the Perfumer Behind Some of Your Favorite Scents from Bath & Body Works

Michael R. Carby

Born in the UK with Jamaican heritage, Michael R. Carby began his career as an analytical chemist. Today, he combines his passion for science and enthusiasm for fragrances to create some of the most-loved scents for Bath & Body Works. Carby’s popular scents, including Cactus Blossom and Beach Weather, have been brought together for a special capsule collection in honor of Black History Month. We chatted with Carby to learn about his journey in the industry and favorite scent creations. 

Can you tell us about your journey in the industry and how you became a perfumer? Were you always drawn to scent?

I recall my first memorable scent experience occurred as a child while visiting the birthplace of my parents in Portland, Jamaica. Fascinated by hummingbirds hovering before flush blossoms, my curiosity obliged me to mimic what I thought was their unique smelling technique, following them from bloom to bloom. Only later did I realize the birds were actually extracting nectar from the plant, but by that point I had become mesmerized with the newfound scents of tropical orchids and other flora within the rainforest.

Professionally, I first joined the fragrance industry in 1993 working as an Analytical Chemist for the Egyptian essential oil distributor and fragrance and flavor corporation, KATO WORLDWIDE. My primary responsibilities were to analyze the molecular constitution of essential oils and fragrance and flavor market products. Through my curiosity and a newfound passion for the creative side of the industry, I began working more and more on creative fragrance development and grew to love perfumery.

Do you have an all-time favorite scent that you’ve created?

It’s hard to choose a favorite because you put so much of yourself into the work that you create. Outside of this collection, the story behind the creation of the Pink Petal Tea Cake fragrance will always be near and dear to my heart. The idea was prompted by Janel Nolasco, currently a Product Development Manager with Bath & Body Works. Janel, while my colleague at Givaudan, pronounced our next great creation would be a floral gourmand. A delicious and decadent rose. My first inclination was to scoff at the suggestion and ask "Who would ever consider eating a rose?" The fragrance was approved upon first submission and I might not have been eating roses, but I certainly ate my words. To this day the fragrance is an absolute treasure.

Can you tell us a little about your capsule collection?

Each of the fragrances within the collection is meant to capture a different mood state and provide a fragrance for everyone, every season, and even every day. Cactus Blossom is transportive, inspired by the vision of a tropical oasis. Sun-Washed Citrus is happiness bottled, created to embody the shining spirit of sunshine. Beach Weather is nostalgic, like the beach in a bottle, or having your own private island. And finally, Eucalyptus Rain inspires refreshment, a recreation of the scent of a dewy rainforest.

Is there anything about creating fragrances that people might find surprising?

The parallel between mixology and perfumery is fascinating. I have attended beverage seminars and lectured with a team of mixologists and beverage procurement specialists to demonstrate such parallels. The mouthwatering blend of grapefruit, mandarin, blood orange, and blackcurrant within the Sun Washed Citrus creation evolves from a West Indian Reggae SunSplash celebration cocktail, without the rum of course. Inspiration comes from joy and happiness, the elevation of free spiritedness.

What are your top fragrance recommendations for creating an environment of relaxation and calm?

Fragrance is such a personal journey, so my answer to this question can vary depending on the season or weather. Beach Weather is great for when you are looking to escape on a mental vacation where you find yourself looking out onto a relaxing seaside, while Eucalyptus Rain calls to mind the steady calm of a lush rainforest. Even Cactus Blossom can evoke a transportive getaway to a tropical oasis without ever even leaving home, inspiring a sense of calm and serenity.

A University of Michigan graduate, Lizzy Sherman is an award-winning digital content writer/editor. Her work has appeared in publications including Beauty Launchpad, Nailpro, DAYSPA, CNET, Entertainment Tonight, and more. She has been a featured guest speaker at Cal State University Northridge, Digital LA, and The National Association of Audience Marketing Professionals. When she's not writing, Lizzy enjoys yoga and playing guitar. Follow her on Instagram and Twitter: @zillizy, @zillizy16