Future Leaders: Keyshawn Pettieway of One Fragrance On How Ambitious Young Adults Are Redefining Success
An Interview With Eden Gold
Ambitious young adults are no longer tied to the idea of lifelong careers at a single company. Instead, they switch roles and industries frequently to increase their skills, network, and salary, all while searching for work that aligns with their passions. This approach redefines success by focusing on growth, adaptability, and fulfillment, rather than staying comfortable or loyal to one employer. Personally, changing industries from oil and gas to technology was a pivotal move that gave me both professional development and clarity about my passion for entrepreneurship.
In a world rapidly changing through technology, societal norms, and global challenges, a new generation of leaders is emerging. Ambitious young adults are not just aiming for traditional markers of success; they are redefining what it means to be successful. Beyond the corporate ladder and financial milestones, they prioritize impact, sustainability, and personal fulfillment. They are entrepreneurs, activists, scientists, and artists who are shaping the future with innovative ideas and actions. As part of this series, we had the pleasure of interviewing Keyshawn Pettiway.
Keyshawn Pettieway (Also well known as Shawn) is an intentional leader with a natural curiosity that has guided him through various industries, including technology, fragrance, music, and fashion. A creative thinker with a passion for human connection, Shawn thrives on building authentic relationships and meaningful communities. His resourcefulness and commitment to making a lasting, positive impact are at the core of who he is, both personally and professionally.
As the founder and CEO of ONE Fragrance House, a Houston-based and London-inspired fragrance brand, Shawn is redefining how people experience scent. With a focus on creating intentional, “one of one” fragrances, the brand aligns each scent with the unique moments in life, empowering wearers to embrace who they are. His mission goes beyond fragrance, each product inspires individuals to live authentically, with purpose, and to carry themselves with confidence in every situation.
Shawn’s vision for ONE Fragrance House reflects his belief that success lies in living intentionally and with integrity. He sees fragrance as a tool for self-expression, encouraging others to celebrate their individuality and live boldly as their true, one-of-one selves. His leadership is not just about building a brand but about fostering a movement where people feel empowered to embrace their journeys and make their mark, just as he strives to do every day.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series. Before we dive into our discussion about Future Leaders, our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit better. Can you share with us the backstory about what brought you to your specific career path?
My journey to my current career path is one I never would have predicted. I began studying engineering in college, thanks to the encouragement my father gave me before his passing. My family didn’t come from wealth, but my father was determined to break that narrative and create a better future for us. He wanted me to pursue a career that not only provided financial security but also contribute meaningfully to society. Chemical engineering, with its broad applications, seemed like the perfect fit.
While in school, I had the opportunity to intern in the oil and gas industry. This was my first experience working in corporate America, and though it was valuable, I quickly realized it didn’t align with my personal aspirations. I had always been a curious, creative, and visionary thinker, and I found myself longing for something more fulfilling. After graduating, I transitioned into the semiconductor industry, working in process integration developing graphic chips. While the work was technical and exciting in many ways, I still felt unchallenged and uninspired at a deeper level. I often spent my free time brainstorming business ideas, teaching myself software development, and diving into the emerging world of generative AI.
One defining moment for me was attending AfroTech, a technology conference that opened doors to new possibilities. Shortly afterward, I was offered a role in software development, working on cybersecurity solutions. This new role was exciting, and it stretched me outside of my comfort zone. Although it felt like a bit of a leap from my previous skill set, I decided to take the opportunity and move to Houston, Texas. The work has been rewarding, and I continue to thrive in that role to this day. However, even while working in cybersecurity, I realized that I still had an unshakeable desire to build something of my own — something that could combine my love for creativity, community, and engineering.
One passion that kept growing alongside my career was fragrance. My older brother introduced me to scents and I often found myself wearing everything he would bring home. When I began to explore the fragrance industry, I was surprised to discover how few Black-owned fragrance brands and fragrance houses existed, despite fragrance being such a significant part of culture and self-expression. That realization fueled my ambition to create ONE Fragrance House — a luxury fragrance brand that would offer a more inclusive and diverse perspective and empower people of all backgrounds.
ONE Fragrance House became a way to merge my passions for fragrance, fashion, chemistry, and engineering into a single, meaningful product. As a chemical engineer, I had the expertise in both chemistry and engineering design, while drawing inspiration from fashion icons like Virgil Abloh and Chris Collins, who redefined spaces where people like us were often underrepresented. But more importantly, I wanted to build something that would inspire others to live with intention, express their individuality, and take pride in who they are. I wanted to build more than just a product — I wanted to create a community that celebrates self-expression, diversity, and creativity.
Even though I continue to work full-time in cybersecurity, developing software solutions to protect people and businesses, ONE Fragrance House remains a passion that I dedicate myself to every day. Balancing both roles is not always easy, but it’s deeply fulfilling. Each role challenges me in different ways — cybersecurity hones my analytical skills, while ONE taps into my creativity and entrepreneurial spirit. I believe that having multiple passions is part of what defines this new generation of leaders. We aren’t content with just one path — we seek fulfillment across various areas of life. Through ONE Fragrance House, I hope to inspire others to embrace their full potential, live boldly, take risks, and pursue their passions, no matter how unconventional they may seem.
Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you started your career?
A defining moment on my journey was when the ONE Fragrance House team and I participated as vendors at Invest Fest this year. It was surreal standing in front of thousands of people from around the world, showcasing not just our products but the heart and vision behind our brand. Seeing people connect with our story — understanding that ONE wasn’t just another luxury fragrance, but a brand rooted in identity, representation, and intentional living — was incredibly rewarding. The conversations we had with individuals who shared our passion for fragrance, creativity, and purpose reminded me exactly why I started this journey in the first place.
What made the experience even more surreal was that many of those admiring our products didn’t realize everything they saw had started as a simple idea in my mind. They were connecting with something tangible, something real — without knowing that it began as nothing more than a thought, nurtured through late-night brainstorming sessions and countless hours perfecting formulas. Watching people find value in something that was once just a vision was life changing. Seeing our products now in the hands and homes of people all over the world — there are no words to describe that feeling.
This experience taught me that entrepreneurship is about more than financial success-it’s about creating something meaningful that reflects who you are and inspires others to dream boldly and live intentionally. Invest Fest was a powerful reminder that when you take risks, bet on yourself, and pour your heart into what you create, the impact can be far greater than you ever imagined.
You are a successful individual. Which three character traits do you think were most instrumental to your success? Can you please share a story or example for each?
The three character traits I believe have been most instrumental to my success are faith, resilience, and integrity. These traits have shaped not only my career but also how I approach life, business, and relationships.
Faith
Growing up in a Christian household with parents deeply involved in ministry, faith was instilled in me from a young age. Faith became more than just a belief — it became the foundation for how I live, work, and navigate challenges. For me, faith means trusting that every step I take, every risk I embrace, is part of a greater plan. God’s guidance has been the anchor that keeps me moving forward, even when things get tough or uncertain.
A powerful example of this was the journey of starting ONE Fragrance House. I had no prior experience in launching a luxury brand, yet I knew in my heart that if I leaned into faith, I could figure out every step along the way. From developing the product to building a business, I trusted that God would equip me with the resources, wisdom, and patience I needed. There were moments when I doubted myself — times I felt overwhelmed by the process — but through prayer and faith, I found the clarity to keep going. Today, that same faith fuels my vision for the future of the brand, and I know that the best is yet to come.
Resilience
Resilience has been key to my success, especially as someone who has had to navigate multiple career shifts early in life. Moving from the oil and gas industry to semiconductors, and then into technology and cybersecurity, has taught me how to adapt quickly to new environments and challenges. Each time I stepped into a new role, I faced steep learning curves and moments of uncertainty, but I found ways to stay grounded and grow through the experience.
This resilience has been just as essential in building ONE Fragrance House. Entrepreneurship is full of unexpected challenges — whether it’s running low on inventory, coordinating product photoshoots, or strategizing around marketing campaigns. There have been moments when things didn’t go as planned, but I’ve learned to pivot, problem-solve, and keep moving forward. Resilience is about staying adaptable and committed, even when things get hard, and that mindset has been essential to every success I’ve achieved.
Integrity
Integrity is the compass that guides how I treat people and build relationships. I believe that success is not just about what you achieve but how you achieve it. For me, integrity means showing up with honesty, respect, and authenticity in every interaction — whether it’s in business, personal relationships, or professional settings. It’s about being consistent in my values, even when no one is watching.
One example of this is how I approach networking and collaboration, both in my corporate role and as a founder. When I connect with people, my goal is to make the interaction meaningful and leave them with something positive, whether that’s encouragement, knowledge, or support. I truly believe in treating people well because those relationships become the foundation of success. In business, a reputation built on trust and integrity is priceless. It’s what allows me to build genuine partnerships and create meaningful connections with customers and collaborators alike. I’ve found that when you lead with good intentions, people feel that and reciprocate it in return.
Ok, thank you for that. Let’s now jump to the primary focus of our interview about how ambitious young adults are redefining success. How would you define success?
To me, success means peace — the kind that lets me move through life without stress weighing me down, resting easy at night, and building authentic relationships full of mutual growth and support. It’s not just about what I achieve but about having freedom — the ability to live on my own terms and give to others from a place of abundance, knowing I have more than enough to share.
Above all, success is rooted in faith. Trusting that God is by my side gives me the confidence to pursue any goal, knowing that with Him, there are no limits. True success is about leaving a legacy by pouring into others and being a provider — hearing “thank you” more often than I say it. It’s about living intentionally, making an impact, and leaving every person and place better than I found them.
How do you incorporate social responsibility and sustainability into your definition of success?
To me, success comes with a responsibility to give back in meaningful ways. It’s not just about personal achievement but about empowering others by sharing opportunities, knowledge, and resources — especially with those who come from backgrounds like mine but haven’t had the same access. I believe success is about reproducing that success in others, planting seeds that help people grow beyond what I’ve achieved. A big aspiration of mine for ONE Fragrance House is to eventually reinvest in minority-owned businesses and offer venture capital and mentorship to help other entrepreneurs thrive. Navigating business without a family background in entrepreneurship showed me how essential it is to remove barriers for others, and as ONE grows, I’m committed to making that vision a reality.
Sustainability is also essential to how I define success. Taking care of the planet is non-negotiable — future generations deserve a world they can build on. At ONE Fragrance House, we’ve started by minimizing waste through the use of recycled glass for our bottles and sustainable paper and cardboard packaging. We aim to source ingredients responsibly, ensuring we protect the ecosystems we rely on. In the future, I plan to explore sustainable agriculture by growing some of our own ingredients, further reducing our environmental impact.
Ultimately, success for me isn’t just about building a profitable brand — it’s about creating something meaningful that uplifts people and preserves the planet. It’s about freedom, impact, and legacy — being in a position to give back generously and leave a lasting impression on the world, ensuring that both people and places are better because of what I’ve built.
Can you describe a moment or decision that significantly redirected your path toward leadership?
A moment that profoundly redirected my path toward leadership was the passing of my father a few years ago. It was a pivotal time in my life, as I had just begun my engineering degree. My father was not only the leader of my household growing up, but also a pillar in the community, known for his active role in ministry and his unwavering commitment to loving, providing for, and serving others. His presence in my life shaped my understanding of leadership — not just as authority, but as service, care, and responsibility for the well-being of those around you.
After his passing, I knew I had to step into the driver’s seat and embrace the leadership qualities he had modeled for me. It became clear that leadership was not just something I could leave for others — it was something I had to embody if I wanted to carry forward the legacy he started. His life planted the seeds of leadership within me, and I realized that I needed to use my voice, talents, and actions to make an impact that would be felt in both my family and society. From that point on, everything I pursued — from my engineering career to founding ONE Fragrance House — became tied to a larger purpose: building a legacy rooted in love, service, and meaningful impact, just as my father had.
What role do mentorship and community play in shaping your approach to leadership and success?
Mentorship and community are foundational to my approach to leadership and success. Having mentors in aspirational positions — people I admire and aim to grow into — has been key to my journey. Every mentor I’ve worked with has left me with invaluable lessons that I carry with me, helping me evolve both personally and professionally. My journey with mentorship is ongoing because I believe that leadership requires constant learning and growth, and each mentor has shaped how I approach challenges, opportunities, and progress.
Community is just as important — it’s truly the backbone of my success. My community consists of the people who support, encourage, and hold me accountable, pushing me to achieve more than I thought possible. My family and close friends are my greatest sources of strength, offering wisdom and advice when I need it most. They’ve shaped the leader I am today, and knowing they believe in me fuels my determination to keep moving forward. Their unwavering support reminds me that success is never achieved alone. I carry them with me in everything I do, striving not just for personal success but to make them proud and give back in meaningful ways.
In what ways do you think your generation’s view of success differs from previous generations?
I believe that today’s generation often associates success with material wealth and external validation — whether that’s luxury cars, designer watches, lavish homes, or curated lifestyles. While these things aren’t inherently negative and can represent aspects of success, the focus on them has become disproportionately strong. Many in my generation have tied their sense of accomplishment to these tangible symbols, sometimes losing sight of what I believe success truly revolves around — peace, freedom, and living without the pressure of meeting others’ expectations. Unlike previous generations, where success was often measured by having enough to provide for your family and enjoying the simple necessities of life, today’s world has become more focused on status and appearances.
Social media plays a significant role in shaping these perceptions. Platforms now make it easy to equate success with follower counts, likes, and views, turning personal achievement into something more quantifiable than qualitative. The focus has shifted from the authenticity of a message or the impact of one’s work to how well it performs in public metrics. In contrast, older generations may have found fulfillment in the basics — providing, stability, and meaningful relationships — without the constant comparison and competition that social media encourages. I think the challenge for my generation is learning to define success on our own terms, focusing less on what looks good to others and more on building lives grounded in peace, purpose, and freedom.
Based on your experience and research, can you please share “5 Ways Ambitious Young Adults Are Redefining Success?”
1. Frequent Career Changes for Growth
Ambitious young adults are no longer tied to the idea of lifelong careers at a single company. Instead, they switch roles and industries frequently to increase their skills, network, and salary, all while searching for work that aligns with their passions. This approach redefines success by focusing on growth, adaptability, and fulfillment, rather than staying comfortable or loyal to one employer. Personally, changing industries from oil and gas to technology was a pivotal move that gave me both professional development and clarity about my passion for entrepreneurship.
2. Content Creation and Micro-Influence
The rise of micro-influencers and authentic content creators has reshaped how success is perceived. Young adults are building niche communities through content that reflects their personal values, offering more genuine connections than traditional influencers. Success in this space isn’t just about massive followings; it’s about impacting the right audience in a meaningful way. These smaller-scale creators are finding purpose and influence on their own terms, setting new standards for success in the digital age.
3. Entrepreneurship as the New Freedom
More young adults are pursuing entrepreneurship and startups as a path to success, valuing ownership and freedom over the stability of a traditional 9-to-5. To this generation, success isn’t just about salaries and benefits — it’s about creating something of their own. Whether it’s starting a business or building a brand, ownership represents the ultimate freedom to define life on their terms. For example, starting ONE Fragrance House has allowed me to combine my passions and build something meaningful beyond the confines of corporate life.
4. Using Technology for Education and Impact
Technology has empowered young adults to educate themselves and share knowledge with others like never before. Through platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and online courses, they are not only learning new skills but also giving back to their communities by sharing that knowledge. Whether it’s through free tutorials or paid courses, these platforms offer ambitious individuals a way to inspire and teach others, creating success that is measured by impact as well as income.
5. Being a Provider and Uplifting Others
For many ambitious young adults, success now means being a provider — not just financially, but emotionally and spiritually. It’s about using their resources and influence to uplift others, whether that’s supporting family, mentoring peers, or giving back to the community. Success is increasingly defined by how much you contribute to others’ lives — the gratitude received and the lives touched, not just personal gain. As I’ve grown, I’ve found that one of the most meaningful measures of success is hearing “thank you” from those I’ve helped along the way.
How do you navigate the challenges of innovation and change while staying true to your values and vision for success?
Staying authentic in a world full of AI-generated content is a real challenge. For me, it starts with having a clear, well-thought-out plan — complete with realistic goals and milestones to keep me accountable. My foundation is built on a set of non-negotiable values, and anything that conflicts with those values, no matter how innovative, requires serious reflection. It’s not that I resist change, but every decision must align with the original intentions and purpose behind my vision. Whether in life or business, success to me is about evolving without losing sight of who I am at the core.
You are a person of great influence. If you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. 🙂
I’d start a Digital Detox Day — a day where everyone steps away from social media and the internet to reconnect with life offline. We’ve become so consumed by online spaces that comparison, anxiety, and digital noise have started to feel normal. This day would be a chance for people to reset mentally, go outside, and engage in meaningful, face-to-face connections. It’s not about shutting down vital systems but encouraging us to step away from screens and rediscover the beauty of the world around us. I believe one day like this could spark real change in how we live, think, and connect.
How can our readers further follow you online?
You can follow me on Instagram at @Shawn_blessed1 and stay connected with the journey of ONE Fragrance House at @OneFragranceHouse.
Thank you for the time you spent sharing these fantastic insights. We wish you only continued success in your great work!
Thank you for the phenomenal opportunity and for all your time!
About The Interviewer: Eden Gold, is a youth speaker, keynote speaker, founder of the online program Life After High School, and host of the Real Life Adulting Podcast. Being America’s rising force for positive change, Eden is a catalyst for change in shaping the future of education. With a lifelong mission of impacting the lives of 1 billion young adults, Eden serves as a practical guide, aiding young adults in honing their self-confidence, challenging societal conventions, and crafting a strategic roadmap towards the fulfilling lives they envision.
Do you need a dynamic speaker, or want to learn more about Eden’s programs? Click here: https://bit.ly/EdenGold
Future Leaders: Keyshawn Pettieway of One Fragrance On How Ambitious Young Adults Are Redefining… was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.