| Tell us about your company: |
| BarLou is a self-care fragrance brand that celebrates who you are as you evolve in motion. Rooted in scent, sound, and storytelling, each product invites you to play, explore, and expand the definition of yourself. Inspired by my grandparents and my mother, BarLou was built with care, intention, and trust in creative instinct. Every candle and room spray includes a curated playlist and an opportunity to write a “Note for the Journey,” creating a multi-sensory self-care experience that honors growth, movement, and becoming. |
| What inspired you to start your business? |
| BarLou was inspired by a return to something familiar during a time of transition. I rediscovered my love for candle pouring—an activity I used to do with my grandfather as a child—and paired it with long walks, reflection, and curiosity about what was next for me. I’ve always been fascinated by the olfactory system and its direct connection to the brain, memory, and emotion. Scent became a way for me to explore new possibilities, reconnect with my gifts, and move forward with intention. BarLou was born from that exploration. |
| What are your proudest achievements so far? |
| One of my proudest moments was hosting BarLou’s soft launch at the Wright Park Botanical Conservatory in Tacoma, Washington—a place my grandparents frequented often. Sharing my work there felt like a full-circle moment for my inner child. I’m also incredibly proud of BarLou’s partnership with the Tacoma Center YMCA. As a student, I received the YMCA Late Night Scholarship, which supported me from undergraduate through graduate school. Before officially launching to the public, I collaborated with the YMCA to create custom candles and “Notes for the Journey” for their annual gala at the Tacoma Museum of Glass. Seeing BarLou displayed in a gallery space—where art, storytelling, and community intersect was deeply meaningful. |
| What advice do you have for aspiring entrepreneurs: |
| Start something—anything—while you’re a student. College campuses are full of resources, knowledge, and people willing to support new ideas. Step outside your comfort zone, talk to people in different departments, attend events where you don’t know anyone, and give yourself permission to play and explore. You don’t need all the answers you just need the courage to begin. |
| Please share a memory or thought about your alma mater: |
| One of my favorite memories at USC was intentionally showing up to events where I didn’t know anyone. During my first week, Miguel performed on campus after class. I casually asked two cohort members during a bathroom break if they wanted to go, and that spontaneous decision led to friendships that still exist today. USC taught me the power of curiosity, courage, and putting yourself out there because you never know who you’ll meet or how a simple “yes” can change your path. |
Alumni Emporium 