Zernell Gillie was born and raised on the west side of Chicago. Growing up in the 1980s, the streets were always calling, but music—specifically House music—kept him grounded. It lifted him up, made him feel alive, and sparked a desire to share that feeling with the world. That’s when he knew he wanted to become a DJ.

Though life brought its twists and turns, Zernell never strayed far from his first love. Over the years, he launched a record label and clothing line, co-founded a record fair and event series, and traveled the globe playing music.

When the COVID pandemic shut everything down—tours canceled, gigs paused, venues closed—he asked himself: what’s next? The answer came naturally. He had always loved fragrance, ever since he first wore his dad’s Pierre Cardin as a kid. That love turned into a collection of hundreds of scents and, eventually, a new creative outlet. He merged his passions and created a musically inspired fragrance line.