When he was 12 years old, Brennan Godoi wasn’t thinking about launching his own fragrance line. But an accidental spilling of his grandfather’s perfume bottle ignited a fascination that would stay with him for years. That lingering scent, a complex blend of oud, amber, musk, and vanilla, made an unforgettable impression on the young Dallas local, sparking a curiosity about the world of fragrance.
Five years later, 17-year-old Godoi has turned that childhood curiosity into a full-fledged brand, Parfums de Brennan, with a mission as distinctive as its debut unisex scent, “Pure Dreams.” As he balances high school with running his fledgling enterprise, Godoi’s commitment to creating impact in his community is just as strong as his passion for quality perfume.
Godoi’s goal for Parfums de Brennan was clear from the beginning: “I knew first and foremost that I wanted an exquisite, high-quality and different type of perfume,” he says. He wanted his debut Pure Dreams to stand out, a “true parfum” with the highest oil concentration, designed to appeal to everyone. Driven by his vision, Godoi saved for three years, taking on various jobs to fund his first order and even traveled to Grasse, France—the world capital of perfume—to learn the craft from some of the industry’s best.
In France, he trained under the guidance of one of the top “noses” in a historic perfume house. The experience was life-changing, as he learned firsthand about the artistry of fragrance-making. “I spent the better part of a year testing more than 40 different fragrances,” he explains, “and by the end of each day, I had a daily winner among Gen-Z buyers.” After rigorous testing and countless focus groups, Grasse finally landed on the unique blend of rose, vanilla, oud, amber, and musk that would become Pure Dreams—a scent he describes as “an experience for both men and women.”
Supporting Jonathan’s Place was an easy choice for Godoi, whose global experiences exposed him to the struggles faced by children in different parts of the world. Growing up, he often traveled to visit family across New Orleans, Brazil, and Europe, which gave him an awareness of social disparities. “Seeing abandoned kids in Brazil without any government assistance had a huge impact on me,” he says. This eye-opening experience motivated him to do something when he realized similar issues existed in North Texas.
Godoi’s connection to Jonathan’s Place began with volunteer work. “I completely fell in love with its mission,” he says. “I wish every child had the experience of being born into an amazing, loving multicultural family like mine. Unfortunately, this is not the reality.” For Godoi, creating a fragrance that could also fuel social impact was a way to turn his passion into purpose. “Just volunteering wasn’t good enough,” he says. “I felt like I had to do more.”
In line with this dedication, Godoi committed 100 percent of the profits from Pure Dreams to Jonathan’s Place, ensuring that his first fragrance launch would support a cause close to his heart. “Seeing firsthand the difference Jonathan’s Place makes solidified my decision to support it with my first fragrance,” he explains. “It’s an honor to give back to an organization that aligns so closely with my values, especially one that offers children the support every child deserves.”
Through Parfums de Brennan, Godoi hopes those who wear Pure Dreams will feel connected to a cause larger than themselves. “I want people to know they are not only wearing a world-class perfume, but they are part of something much bigger,” he says.
As for other young people with big aspirations, he advises, “If you have a dream, chase it. Nothing comes easy. It takes time, perseverance, and dedication.”
Godoi emphasizes the importance of mentors in his journey, noting how they fueled his vision and confidence. Yet, he reminds aspiring changemakers that “if you want something done, you have to make it happen yourself.” For Godoi, Parfums de Brennan is more than a brand—it’s a testament to dreaming boldly, working hard, and creating change.
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