“Championing Entrepreneurial Spirit”
A SCENT FOR THE AGES: INSIDE THE RISE OF “OPULENCE SCENTS”
Perfume has long been a gateway to memories for Mr. Chris Santiago. Growing up, he found himself fascinated by how a simple scent could transport him to another time. That passion lingered well into adulthood, and eventually led to the creation of Opulence Scents, Cebu’s first brand of “Extrait de parfum.”
“I’ve been into perfumes ever since I was young,” Santiago shared. “I’m amazed how I remember certain memories and events because of scents.” His journey, however, was far from all fragrance and flourish in the beginning. A closet full of barely-used perfumes… too weak, too fleeting, too disappointing… prompted not just frustration, but a nudge from his wife. “She told me, ‘What if ikaw nalang maghimo ug imong kaugalingong perfume, para ganahan ka, unya himoang business.’” From that gentle teasing, a venture was born.
Naming the brand was no random choice either. The inspiration, as Santiago explained, reached far deeper. “We were reminded of the story in the Bible about the woman who poured out an ‘expensive’ perfume from the alabaster jar to Jesus’ feet. From the word ‘expensive,’ Opulence was coined.”
But even with a name stitched with purpose and a mission sealed with love, the early days tested his resolve. “We were in our sixth month in the business and our brand was not getting noticed. I was on the brink of giving up,” he admitted. The turning point came unexpectedly: a guest from their daughter’s birthday, where they had handed out perfume samples, reached out to become a distributor in Davao. It was the spark they needed.
Breaking into Cebu’s market with a premium product was no easy feat. “Since ‘Extrait de parfum’ is fairly new to Cebu’s market, no one knows about it,” Santiago said. To bridge the gap, Opulence Scents joined local bazaars, in which they offered free tests and warm conversations. It paid off: soon after, SM invited them to display their brand at a major event.
Each stride taken by Opulence Scents feels rooted in the community. By connecting with fellow Cebuano entrepreneurs and planning to support local charities, Santiago’s dream extends beyond commerce. “Their stories inspired us to continue and also support other local and small businesses.”
Through it all, he draws strength from his faith and family. “Ultimately our biggest supporter throughout this journey is God, who continually amazed us with open doors and opportunities we never imagined.” His wife’s constant encouragement, too, has kept him steady.
Today, Opulence Scents proudly presents perfumes that embody their tagline, “Making memories that last,” a promise woven into every bottle. Using top-notch ingredients and crafting scents that linger, Santiago provides “a fair alternative for expensive perfumes” without compromising quality.
With recent launches on Shopee and TikTok Shop, the road ahead looks promising. And to those dreaming of building their own legacy, Santiago leaves a word of encouragement: “Don’t be afraid to start small… Focus on the process and God will take care of the outcome.”
In every fragrant drop, Opulence Scents carries not just memories, but a vision stitched with faith, family, and hope for generations to come.
Support for dreams often begins with a single click. If you’ve ever been moved by the scent of a memory or the spirit behind a local brand, this is your cue. Keep the journey alive for Mr. Chris Santiago by checking out “Opulence Scents” on Shopee, following the behind-the-scenes magic on TikTok, or joining the growing community on Facebook. Every visit, like, or purchase helps keep Cebu’s fragrant heartbeat going strong.
For more information, visit:
Email: opulencescents.cebu@gmail.com
Facebook: Opulence Scents
Instagram: opulencescents_cebu
Shopee: shopee.ph/opulencescents
Tiktok: opulencescentscebu