Saheeh Peek plans to attend the Great New York State Fair 12 times this year. But unlike many other visitors, Peek won’t be there for the rides or exhibits. Instead, he comes each day hoping his exotic scents will attract new people to his tent, located in the Pan-African Village area of the fairgrounds.

For two years, Peek – owner of a Rochester-based shop called Mutayyiboon, which he says translates to ‘those who apply fragrance’ – brings his beauty supplies to the fair in Syracuse to attract new customers.

A medley of fragrances envelops his shop, each one sold in bottles and decanters that resemble gold genie lamps.

Mutayyiboon is one of many shops that use the fair for exposure. The large crowds make the yearly event a dreamland for many small business owners.

‘I gain a different clientele base here because a lot of Europeans don’t know about Shea butter,’ Peek said. ‘So when I set up here, I can educate people that are skin conscious.’

Peek’s imports his merchandise from Africa and Europe, exposing customers to a different culture. The products include various fragrances, Shea butter, incense and African-based brands like Nubian Heritage and Sweet Sunna.

‘Once they get it, they usually come back to the store because they fall in love with it,’ said Peek. ‘It’s something they don’t know about.’

kaoutram@syr.edu

Published on August 26, 2008 at 12:00 pm