Just when we thought Sara Murad couldn’t get any more inspiring, she wowed us all by launching her new fragrance brand, By Sara Murad. This TV host turned beauty entrepreneur’s first scent is Black Oud, a woody warm oud combined with notes of leather and amber. We chatted up with this Saudi Arabian sweetheart to learn more about her career and newest venture.
Cosmo ME: Can you tell us about yourself, your background, and your journey to becoming a tv host?
Sara Murad: My career started in graphic design and I gradually I discovered that I wanted to do something that allowed me to meet new people and learn from them. Throughout my journey and as I entered and embraced the versatile media industry, I have encountered numerous experiences and met people from different walks of life and I have enjoyed every minute of it.
Cosmo ME: What sparked your desire to create a fragrance brand?
Sara Murad: My fascination with fragrances is something that has been within me for a long time. From collecting different perfumes to layering different scents, I enjoy it all. I poured over two years of my heart and soul into the launch of By Sara Murad, and it has been quite an adventure. When I see all the love that we have received so far, it makes my heart fill with joy, knowing everything that has gone behind brining the brand to life.
Cosmo ME: What makes your brand stand out amongst the others?
Sara Murad: What makes By Sara Murad different is that innate belief that fragrances are not just something you wear and forget but it’s about expressing what you feel. To me the aim is for By Sara Murad to serve as a platform for people to share their thoughts and journey with the rest of the world.
We’ve gone through rigorous rounds of research. By testing the scent across varied sample groups, we understand that Black Oud, our debut fragrance, has the ability to connect with each person on an individual level, regardless of their culture or background. It offers a sense of warmth and love that makes one feel empowered.
Cosmo ME: What is your greatest strength and how did you capitalize on it to launch a fragrance brand?
Sara Murad: I’ve always enjoyed connecting with people which I believe is also a trait that comes in handy when launching a new business. It’s not just about launching a brand but building meaningful relationships in the process and working together as a team. Building a brand is not easy and has its own set of challenges and now when I lookback, on the most challenging days, what fueled my drive and motivated me was my team. It’s the combination of connecting with people and pursuing what I’m deeply passionate about has led to By Sara Murad being what it is today.
Cosmo ME: Can you tell us about Black Oud?
Sara Murad: Black Oud, in essence, is empowering. It’s an ode to cherished memories and my cultural heritage. It represents the essence of our traditions. Creating a refined fragrance that is on par with global standards meant that I had to be very closely involved throughout the development and production phases of the perfume.
I wanted to create a perfume that was the true representation of the Middle East through oud, which is also known as ‘black gold’ of perfumery. I worked hand-in-hand with a experts in the field to ensure that the end result was exactly how I envisioned it, while promising a high-quality and long-lasting perfume with strong potential to gain intrigue within the Middle East and beyond.
Oud has always been such an integral part of our culture and I owe so much of my progress to everything this country and the people have done for me. I thought this was the perfect way to honor our culture. Oud has been used for generations in our region and I wanted to bring it back in a modern way.Â
Cosmo ME: What are the secrets to getting to where you are career-wise?
Sara Murad: The path to where I am today in my career has been guided by a few fundamental principles. Firstly, having a strong and supportive team by my side has been instrumental in navigating the challenges and opportunities that came my way. Secondly, I believe in the power of thorough research and staying well-informed in my field. Additionally, unwavering dedication and hard work have been constant companions on my journey. Lastly, it’s crucial to take the time to celebrate personal accomplishments, no matter how small they may seem. These principles have been my compass, guiding me toward my current career milestones.
Cosmo ME: If you were a 20-something year old gal living in the GCC who wanted to embark on a career path similar to yours, what would you be doing right now?
Sara Murad: If I were a young woman in my 20s living in the GCC with aspirations similar to my current career, I would offer this advice- find what your passionate about before starting anything because if you’re not intensely passionate about what you’re doing, you won’t enjoy it nearly as much. Don’t rush, take your time in building the right team, do your homework, and understand your audience. Don’t be afraid to take risks and most importantly, enjoy every part of the process.
Cosmo ME: Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Sara Murad: There is so much to explore within this space and I am so excited to kick off this adventure. A lot is still under the wraps but I can tell you that an elegant evening wear Eau De Parfum is in the works already. Stay tuned for this sweet and teasing olfactory adventure.
Purchase By Sara Murad Black Oud here.