Laura Schwab
There is a popular saying that the person you become in the next ten years is based on everything you do today, but more so the people you listen to, and all the information you take in positive or negative. With this in mind, it is therefore paramount that we know the story of someone who achieved more than the ordinary.
How does one begin to comprehend the awesomeness of this great and wonderful woman? She is indeed an icon and a rare gem that should serve as an example to all. Laura Schwab is the president of a world-class car company Aston Martin the Americas. She has been the president of Aston Martin the Americas since October 2015, and her role centers on promoting the world’s most beautiful cars. Adding to her portfolio, she also oversees sales, service, marketing, and communications to Aston Martin’s customers and dealers within North, Central, and South America. Prior to her current success, it would be prudent to know how she became such a successful and high-class lady that is sort after by many.
A first career with a technology start-up
Laura as a child was very bright and promising and excelled in almost everything that she did, and this, of course, made her parents really proud. Laura was so dedicated to her studies, and her love for lawn tennis which she enjoyed playing most weekends with her dad was enormous. This love she had for tennis was probably for her own good as it landed her a full scholarship that enabled her to study as an undergraduate at Notre Dame University.
This marked the beginning of success for her because from here she got a degree from the University of Kentucky Law School. This is wonderful right? But you would not believe that Schwab abandoned her rather flourishing and bright future of studying law which came as a shocker to her parents and began her career with a technology start-up company in Southern California. There, she embraced the fledgling days of the internet, working on vehicle configuration technology, long before it became ubiquitous.
Laura felt she had more to learn and offer, thus she moved to Jaguar Land Rover. Here she spent 15 years in a variety of operational, sales, and marketing roles, working most recently as Global Marketing Director, where she oversaw areas including marketing communications, experiential events, sponsorships, and corporate social responsibility. She didn’t stop here, even if she was doing great. She was still determined to achieve greater things and as such, she got employed at this top notch company.
This company was fully dominated by men and of course for a woman to be fully recognized, they would have to show some unmatchable skills and expertise that would single them out. Laura had to work hard to show herself approved. But amidst all that, Laura was still exceptional as she continued to display uncanny shrewdness and practical knowledge in the field not to mention her ability to make a good judgment. And so, it didn’t take long before she was given the opportunity to prove herself for the position of the president.
President of Aston Martin the Americas
In a short period of time, this was something that no other person had done in the company. Laura was the best what at she did, she didn’t only meet the target but she also exceeded it and with no debate, she became the new president of the company.
Her tenure as the president of Aston Martin the Americas marked the beginning of improvement in the company. During her tenure as head of Aston Martin the Americas, Schwab embraced the notion of treating the brand like “a 105-year old startup.” Determined to do great things here, She helped launch the marque’s first brand ambassador, New England Patriots’ quarterback, Tom Brady, and has executed successful experiential marketing efforts, including Aston Martin’s unconventionally inclusive ‘Club 1913,’ during Monterey Car Week in August 2017.
Furthermore, with Laura as head of Aston Martin the Americas, some of Aston Martin’s new product line debuts like the DB11 V12, V8 and Volante, and the new Vantage have helped increase global sales by 58%, which is far the highest full-year sales volume in nine years, and this was thanks in large part to the Americas region. In 2018, Brand Finance, the leading independent business valuation and strategy consultancy, named Aston Martin the world’s fastest growing automotive brand. When she’s not on a plane, Schwab is based at Aston Martin’s regional headquarters in Irvine, California, where she’s supported by a team she deems fit to be called the best in the business.
So as we have seen, this no ordinary woman. To have achieved so much in a gender-biased world means she is undoubtedly a special person having to be a tool that caused great change in Aston Martin the Americas. Just imagine if she had not been employed by that company? They would have probably not reached the height they are now to be known globally. She has indeed exceeded expectations. Setting her as an example, there are a few things that one can learn from her. These things are:
- Develop a success mindset
- Strive to always stand out wherever you find yourself
- Never settle for less
- Do not let your current achievement blind you to the greater things ahead
![From Music to Perfume: How did your background as a music teacher influence your transition into perfumery, and how do you incorporate your musical sensibilities into creating fragrances? I’ve always thought in terms of metaphors, and music has many that can be related to perfumery! Beyond just thinking in terms of top, middle and base notes [soprano/alto/tenor in choir], I approach each fragrant idea as a composition. When documenting my ideas, song structures often come to mind. As the scent brief is visited, I meditate on what the fragrance should convey - do I want to create an accord or a “chord” of fragrance note combinations? Do I want an a capella soloist (a particular ingredient to stand out more than others?) Many of my thoughts regarding song composition transfers to my scent formulation process, with me treating each note as an intentional soliloquy at some point.
Brand Origin: What inspired you to start Pink MahogHany in 2005, and how has your vision for the brand evolved since its inception?
An avid lover of all things pleasantly scented (with slight modesty), looking back in retrospect, it’s no huge surprise that I’ve created an indie perfume house with just an idea to provide unique options for those who may be sensitive to unnecessary pungency. Initially, I just wanted to evaluate various blends to note their aroma profiles when “played” together…it wasn’t until I had friends and family asking if I knew of brands that catered to those who may be on the more olfactory sensitive side, that I really began to take my research more seriously. In the almost 20 years that Pink MahogHany has been in existence, our micro visions for the brand have evolved to larger territory. Where Pink MahogHany used to only be a personal brand, we are now also a bespoke formulation service provider to other indie brands seeking unique fragrance offerings for their products. These products range from (but are not limited to) perfumes, candles, body butters and lip balms. Ingredient Transparency: You emphasize transparency and the use of desirable ingredients in your products. How do you select your ingredients, and what challenges have you faced in maintaining this standard?
Being an indie brand often comes with a set of assumptions and misconceptions - one of them being more negative than positive as it relates to ingredients used. There is a lot of “fluff” in the industry with labeling falsification. Because fragrance formulas are a trade secret, not every molecular breakdown of a material has to be noted on the ingredient label (it would be incredibly long), but we at Pink MahogHany™️ adhere strongly to the IFRA [International Fragrance Regulatory Association] regulations that state for common and potential allergens to be listed on our ingredient label. We’ve taken this a step further to also include these ingredients listed on our website to promote further transparency, all while protecting our intellectual property. Unfortunately, we’ve had companies to unethically sell lesser expensive “dupes” of our artisan perfumes, so as a way to create a better authenticity stamp, we make it our duty to be honest about our claims. If our perfume says “Rose Bulgaria”, it is in fact just that and not a component of rose being passed off as the source material. Collaborations and Custom Scents: Can you share more about your work with private label clients? What excites you most about creating custom scent solutions for other indie brands? I could easily sum this up in one word and say “Funding.” True, there is money out there, but I’m always thinking outside the box. Having a program that has an “Each One Fund One” mentality doesn’t exist (that I’ve been made aware of). Bootstrapping can be quite the challenge, even when you’ve reached the 6-figure mark annually. Competition to be seen and set apart is extremely high, so having quality packaging and branding is a must. There are lots of factors to consider, though when desiring to make upgrades. If there were a unique, tier-geared funding operation available, it would help perfume brands offset packaging and bulk material costs in the beginning stages.
Industry Challenges: What are some of the biggest challenges you've faced as an independent fragrance house, and how have you overcome them to grow your brand? As the brand continues on the path of organic growth, I would like to expand our reach into schools, offering perfumery as an arts elective for middle and high school. I’d love to partner with botanists, farmers and horticulturists directly to grow and source raw materials for the students to work with in the creation of tinctures. My passion is getting back to nature as best as possible, as nature was my first “scent experience” as a child. We would also love to witness our fragrance creations being used to scent model homes, our focus diffuser blends being used in automobile dealerships as well as partner with Air Bnb and boutique hotels that specialize in highlighting minority, indie brands. Personal Journey: How has your personal experience, particularly as a divorced mother and someone who has experienced the loss of a child, shaped your approach to life and your work in perfumery?
Because I homeschool my twin sons, we are together a lot more than most, so one thing we all do is have moments of sharing where a neutral “floor” is laid to converse about anything. Though they are quite communicative by nature, I realize that sometimes I can be in work mode so much that it spills over into what should be our quality time. My sons see the authentic me and learn how to communicate through seeing authenticity. I’ve learned not to feel as if I have to be the epitome of perfection but allow them to see my imperfections vulnerably but with discernment. Having had two traumatic experiences pretty close together has taught me how to truly slow down and enjoy the simplicities of life - igniting a spiritual aspect that I’ve always carried but never fully explored…until Kenji’s sudden passing (2018.) Grief has a way of catapulting us into a quest for more meaningfulness in both life and business. After Kenji’s passing and my processing through the initial stages of grief, I was able to incorporate our spiritual bond into Pink MahogHany by way of essential oil diffuser blends for both focus and sleep and most recently aromatic perfume elixirs. It’s been quite the process channeling the void of his physical presence, but I also have peace knowing he can be honored in a great way through scent. I noticed once I began to be more open and receptive to spiritual signs, synchs and “winks”, more ideas began to flow. It’s been this way since his transition. Emotional Expression: Fragrance is often tied to memories and emotions. How does your personal life influence the fragrances you create, and do you have a particular scent that holds special meaning to you? My creative process is much more alchemic now, and I include Kenji by talking out loud to him, believe it or not. I’m a firm believer that when our loved ones transition from the physical plane, they are still present - just in another form. I choose to keep his memory alive by not pretending he never existed (even if for a brief period of time). I am working (slowly) on a book and accompanying fragrance, but I know it will require me to revisit some memories I’m not quite ready for, so until then, his big brothers will launch their debut fragrance, The Peaceful Tiger (they chose the name.) I’ve learned that even in what we consider “small things”, our transitioned loved ones want to be recognized and acknowledged. When the twins and I designed their fragrance label (with a designer out of the country that didn’t know anything about me personally), we had issues with the graphic - so much so that the designer asked if they could rework the design. When they sent the proof for approval, the Tiger was not only younger but sleeping, with an uncanny, angelic resemblance to baby Kenji! Becoming more aware and being more sensitive to my intention for launching a fragrance has definitely made room for more divine situations like these to occur. Healing Through Scent: In what ways has creating fragrances been a form of healing or expression for you, especially after the loss of your son, Kenji Mwamba? I know my sons may not necessarily want to be perfumers, but they definitely have an entrepreneurial heart. My desire is that whatever they decide to pursue (acting, script-writing, music or architecture), they know that anything is possible with the right amount of determination, grit, belief and immersion. One reason I chose to homeschool is so they could enjoy learning without restraint and have ample time to devote to their own separate passions and it still be fun. They know Pink MahogHany is theirs if they want it (many, many years from now - lol), and we are already discussing business structures for whatever they choose their role to be once I retire. Work-Life Balance: How do you find balance between your professional responsibilities and personal well-being, and what self-care practices do you prioritize? I’m not just a perfumer; I’m also a consumer, and self-care is huge for me. I often take salt baths to reset my energy and clear my mind after being around large groups of people or free a long day. I’m a habitual perfume sampler, and I have so many to choose from to wear as my “nightcap.” Even if just for 10-15 minutes, I cherish each moment I’m able to have some “me-time.” When time and co-parenting schedules permit, I’m definitely on a flight somewhere to indulge in some delicious food and mouth-watering mocktails!](https://www.womenontopp.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_3812-1200x720.jpeg)
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