SOA was founded by Halima, a Northern Nigerian woman whose global upbringing has heavily influenced her perspective on identity and belonging. Growing up in countries like Zimbabwe, India, Japan, Kuwait, and now Australia, Halima often found herself in environments where she was one of the few Black Muslim women. This experience nudged her to stand firmly in her Nigerian heritage and sparked a lifelong fascination with how we present ourselves to the world.

From a young age, Halima noticed that fragrance had a powerful impact on how people perceive each other—it could evoke memories, start conversations, and serve as a subtle yet evocative expression of personal identity. Despite being far from home for much of her life, the comforting smell of traditional Nigerian scents always brought her back to her roots. Fuelled by this deeply personal connection, Halima set out to create a perfume brand that celebrates her culture and extends an invitation to others to explore, connect, and share stories through scent.