A pioneer in the home fragrance category since the 1992 launch of Slatkin & Co., Laura Slatkin launched Nest home fragrances in 2008, followed five years later by a collection of eaux de parfum. When she stepped down from day-to-day running of the company to pursue new opportunities, the Nest universe encompassed scented candles, diffusers, and bath and body products, as well as perfume and scented oils, all of which raked in around $200 million in annual sales.
While Slatkin stayed mum on her new venture (though did give a rough timeline), the CEW Achiever Award honoree has expanded her sense of initiative to philanthropy. Here, she discusses the sweet smell of success across the board.
What’s one word you would use to describe your career path? How would you describe your journey?
Game changer. A few years ago, I received the Game Changer Award from The Fragrance Foundation, and that word has stuck with me — it describes what excites me most, no matter what I’m doing. Whether it’s building a fragrance business, advocating in the field of autism, or the new venture I’m launching in 2027, I’m drawn to breaking barriers and thinking differently about how to solve problems.
People call me scrappy, and I am. I will always figure out a solution. The bigger the problem, the greater the challenge — the more fun it is for me.
What female historical figure inspires you the most and why?
Barbara Walters — because she was a game changer. She was the first female co-anchor of a network evening news program. She broke into the ultimate boys’ club, TV news, and refused to be a sidekick. She could get anyone to sit down with her because they trusted her and they respected her. She asked the questions no one else would. She was elegant but direct. She reinvented herself and stayed relevant for decades. She was tough, smart, and never apologized for being ambitious. I like Barbara Walters.
How are you cultivating the next generation of leadership in your company?
It starts with culture. As a leader, it’s your responsibility to create an environment based on trust, transparency and honesty — where people feel valued and appreciated. I like inspiring people to be their personal best, and that happens when you treat people the way you want to be treated — with respect. That’s how you develop leaders.
What does achievement mean to you?
Achievement is knowing you built something that wasn’t there before — and watching it become part of people’s lives. With Nest, it’s hearing someone say, “I love Nest — I have it all over my home.” With Next for Autism, it’s walking into our charter school in Harlem and seeing kids getting a state-of-the-art education for free. It’s impacting society in ways that are meaningful and memorable. Ultimately, achievement is when you no longer need to explain who you are or what you have accomplished.
