Women, like men are often categorised by common personality types. When we learn about these personality types, we’re able to better understand each other to know the types of professional roles that would suit us, why we might be a certain way and the best way we can communicate with other personality types in order to optimise the exchange and better support each other and our teams.
You may have heard of the six personality types below. I think there’s something special about each of them. I’m drawn to the Sigma type, as she encompasses a bit of all of the other types and it makes most sense to me and who I am. See if any of them resonate with you.
The Alpha
- Confident (self-assured and values her Self)
- Charming (easily mesmerises her audience in a natural way)
- Decision-maker (quick, analytical approach)
- Independent (is not reliant or dependent on others)
- Leader (may need to allow someone else to take the lead sometimes)
- Popular (is respected and envied by both men and other females)
The Beta
- Anxious (stems from wanting to fit in, instead of being explicit and open about what she wants)
- Avoids conflict/ Unreactive (prefers not to say anything if it brings about conflict)
- Kind (to be accepted)
- Friendly (needs to balance this so she’s not taken advantage of)
- Submissive (social constructs because she wants to fit in)
- Helpful (needs to balance her want to be respected with her true Self)
The Gamma
- Achiever (sets goals for herself and is driven to achieve them because she’s confident in her abilities)
- Confident (secure in herself)
- Driven (self-motivated to achieve her goals)
- Independent (ensures her needs are met first before giving to others)
- Organised (consistency and logic enable her high-achieving lifestyle)
- Self-validating (doesn’t seek approval from others or people-please)
The Delta
- Communication skills (ability to express her needs and see from the perspective of others)
- Observer (tends to be reserved around new people and in social situations)
- Realistic (lives in practicality instead of fantasy, which also grounds her in patience)
- Shy (enjoys the comforts of her home and to be around people she’s familiar with)
- Self-conscious (magnifies her flaws in terms of appearance because she is confident in other aspects so these become prominent to her)
The Omega
- Deep connections (with a select few and can hold on to emotions instead of releasing or expressing them)
- Intelligent (always reading, learning and picking up new skills and has high standards)
- Loyal (willing to be of service and to help friends and loved ones)
- Romantic (deeply and privately lives in a world of romance hoping to one day connect with a like-minded partner)
- Timid (tends to be reserved in social situations with unknown people)
The Sigma
- Confident (similar external traits to an Alpha with the ability to balance being seen as approachable versus intimidating)
- Deep thinking (she’s analytical and has probably seen a situation from multiple perspectives and run it in her mind several times before making a decision)
- Emotional (forms emotional ties that can be challenging to let go of)
- Independent (is not reliant or dependent on others)
- Loyal (willing to be of service and to help friends and loved ones)
- Self-assured (in a mysterious way that appeals to others)
There’s something about the Sigma female where she encompasses many traits from the other personality types and when you bring that all into balance, she’s really something to admire but only because it’s true to her and suits her nature and essence.
- She does not seek validation from society.
- She is independent and doesn’t need other people.
- She is loyal to a few people that are close to her.
- She can be introverted with an air of power and charm.
- She’s unconventional.
- Neither a leader, nor a follower.
- She makes up her own rules.
- She is respectful to all and not exclusively within social hierarchical structures.
- She sees everyone as equal.
- She is a deep thinker and observer.
- It may be a challenge to read her.
- She’s not into societal and conventional labels.
- She’s mysterious and does whatever she wants without conforming.
- She easily adapts in social situations and is open minded.
- She’s not into the latest trends and fads.
- She makes her own choices according to her timings and her journey.
- She’s interested in the ways of the world, introspection, developing a spiritual connection and purpose because she is not tied to the demands of societal convention.
- She values science, philosophy and ethics.
- She is the SIGMA female and will probably agree and disagree with this, let it go and accept it.
![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)
Join the discussion!