“Always remember where you come from and be proud of your roots as that is part of your identity.”
By embracing my belief in the power of nature and environmentally friendly practices, I set out to create fragrances that captured the essence of my African heritage. Alalela became a symbol of my resilience, creativity, and profound connection to the land that nurtured me.
Alalela
ceo / Founder
OUR STORY
How It All Began
The Alalela Story: A Legacy of Ancestry, Craftsmanship, and Empowerment
The story of Alalela and its founder, Julie, is one of resilience, inspiration, and deep cultural heritage. Amid the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic and the confinement of 2020, Julie embarked on a reflective journey that illuminated the profound significance of finding comfort, security, and well-being within one’s own home.
Separated from her loved ones and unable to travel, Julie found solace in her memories of home. It was during this time that Alalela was reborn—an expression of her passion for slow perfumery, inspired by her upbringing and heritage.
Rooted in the fragrant memory of her family garden in Congo, where orange blossom trees delicately scented the air, Julie envisioned Alalela as a way to bottle the essence of home—a space where nature, wellness, and timeless luxury coexist.
But Alalela’s story goes deeper. Julie’s vision for the brand is a tribute not only to her own roots but also to the ancient art of Grasse perfumery, the world-renowned fragrance capital in the South of France. Honoring the ancestral craftsmanship passed down through generations, Alalela’s perfumes are meticulously crafted using the time-honored traditions of Grasse—blending the finest raw materials and essential oils to create eco-luxury fragrances that elevate the senses and soothe the soul.
The Grasse influence is woven into every scent Alalela offers, where centuries-old techniques meet modern, eco-conscious sensibilities. This marriage of African heritage and the artisanal mastery of Grasse perfumery results in fragrances that are not only luxurious but also deeply meaningful.
Driven by her unwavering commitment to sustainability and inspired by her African roots, Julie crafted Alalela as a homage to both her father and the rich cultural heritage of Zaire. This sustainable slow-perfumery project embodies the delicate balance between tradition and innovation, reflecting Julie’s personal values of honoring the past while creating for the future.
As Alalela flourished, it became more than just a personal endeavor—it grew into a beacon of empowerment for African women, reminding them of their strength and the potential they carry within. Julie’s journey with Alalela is a powerful testament to the ability to turn dreams into reality, even in the most challenging of times.
Today, Alalela stands as a symbol of timeless elegance, offering fragrances that transcend generations and boundaries, honoring the rich craftsmanship of Grasse while capturing the essence of Africa. Every scent is a multi-sensory experience, blending ancestral perfumery practices with modern, eco-luxury values to create lasting olfactory memories.
Where Timeless Luxury Scents Embrace & Honor Family Legacy.
With every success, Julie sought to empower other African women, providing them with a platform to showcase their talents, celebrate their culture, and redefine their own paths to success. Alalela became a testament to the resilience and creativity of African women, inspiring a new generation to pursue their passions fearlessly and embrace their unique journeys.
Through Alalela, Julie not only transformed her own life but also touched the lives of countless others. Her story serves as a powerful reminder that from the most challenging circumstances can emerge a beacon of hope and inspiration, capable of igniting change and empowering individuals to embrace their dreams with unwavering determination.
The legacy of Alalela stands as a testament to Julie’s unwavering belief in the power of her African heritage and her commitment to sustainable living. It is a reminder to all that even during the most difficult times, it is within our power to create something beautiful, impactful, and truly inspiring.
WHO IS ALALELA?
Behind the Brand
Business Consultant & Marketing Strategist Expert
In addition to her fashion and marketing expertise, Alalela, also known as Julie, has won several awards. As a result of her commitment to fashion sustainability, she has given several workshops and has been invited as a guest speaker at several conferences and events related to fashion sustainability.
Among Julie’s accomplishments are being named best Creative Fashion Consultant in Spain, being Swiss Fashion Sustainable Business winner, and participating in several sustainable fashion events.
CNBC Africa, Marie-Claire, Vogue have recognized Julie’s work.