– By Jules Lavallee
Mike Snow is the founder of Cologne Butter—a groundbreaking fusion of skincare and cologne that he calls “performance cologne.” With this bold innovation, “performance cologne.” Mike is redefining how we think about fragrance, self-care, and modern luxury.
Mike is a proud Howard University graduate with a degree in Finance, and a trailblazer at the intersection of finance, entertainment, and product innovation. Born and raised in Newark, Delaware, Mike is the only child of Ronald and Roberta Crump, who instilled in him from an early age the belief that he could achieve anything. With his parent’s encouragement, he launched his first small business as a child—an early lesson in the fundamentals of entrepreneurship and the spark that ignited his lifelong passion for building and creating.
His professional journey began on Wall Street as an investment banker at JPMorgan, where he mastered the art of high-stakes financial deals. Eager for new challenges, Mike moved to Los Angeles and joined powerhouse talent agency CAA, navigating the financial intricacies behind major deals for global icons such as Beyoncé, Cardi B, Will Smith, and George Clooney. He later brought his expertise to Paramount Global, shaping the financial strategies of BET and VH1 Networks and contributing to hit programming including The Ms. Pat Show and Tyler Perry’s acclaimed productions.
How did Cologne Butter begin?
It all began with a love for travel. Exploring vibrant cultures, savoring exotic cuisines, and most of all, discovering the world’s most enchanting colognes have been my greatest passions. On these journeys, I was captivated by the unique scents of different regions—the warm woods of the Middle East, the tropical sweetness of the Caribbean, and the earthy freshness of Africa.
Combining these inspirations with a desire to create skincare that truly cares for your skin, Cologne Butter was born. Each product is a blend of global influences and my personal touch – a reflection of the world’s beauty, distilled into every jar.
At Cologne Butter, we believe that skincare is more than a routine – it’s an experience. It’s about nourishing your body, uplifting your spirit, and letting your cologne tell a story. Handcrafted with care in small batches right here in the USA, our body butters and products are a celebration of nature, culture, and the art of self-care.
Our product names are more than just labels – they’re affirmations. “Balance,” “Intention,” and “Legacy” are reminders of the emotions we want you to feel every time you use our products: confident, grounded, and unstoppable.
At Cologne Butter, we believe that everyone deserves to feel confident, radiant, and cared for. “Rich nourishment and rich in scent” isn’t just our tagline—it’s the promise we deliver in every product.
What makes Cologne Butter unique?
What makes Cologne Butter truly unique is the combination of two innovations: a premium skincare base and a sophisticated, alcohol-free fragrance experience—all in one product.
First, every jar starts with a rich, nutrient-dense base. We use avocado butter, mango butter, shea butter, jojoba oil, and vitamin E—a blend that deeply hydrates, nourishes, and protects the skin far better than traditional lotions. It’s clean, intentional, and made to actually improve your skin over time.
The second innovation is the fragrance itself. Unlike most colognes on the market—which are cut with alcohol—our scents are made from pure fragrance oils. That means they last longer, sit closer to the skin, and feel more like a natural extension of your body rather than something sprayed on top of it.
And the scents aren’t generic. They’re complex, balanced, and globally inspired—notes I’ve discovered from different parts of the world and blended to create fragrances you won’t find anywhere else.
Together, the luxurious body butter and the refined fragrance create a single product that stands in its own category. Cologne Butter isn’t just skincare and it isn’t just scent—it’s a full sensory experience designed to make you feel confident, elevated, and unforgettable.
Cologne Butter is grabbing international attention. Tell us about your upcoming feature in GQ UK.
From the very beginning, my intention was for Cologne Butter to be a global brand. Fragrance is universal. Confidence is universal. The experience of wanting to feel attractive and elevated isn’t limited to one city or one country—it’s human.
In our early stages, the majority of our orders came from the United States. That was our foundation. But over time, we began to see something powerful happen organically. Orders started coming in from the UK, then beyond—to Africa, India, Australia, and other parts of the world. That told me the concept wasn’t just resonating locally; it was translating culturally.
Being featured in British GQ is a meaningful milestone because it represents validation on an international stage. British GQ is a global authority in style, grooming, and culture. To have Cologne Butter recognized in that space signals that we’re not just building a product—we’re contributing to the global conversation around modern luxury, self-care, and personal presence.
Global expansion, for me, isn’t just about shipping to more countries. It’s about understanding different markets, respecting cultural nuances, refining logistics, and ensuring the brand experience feels premium no matter where the customer lives. It means strengthening fulfillment systems, improving international shipping timelines, and potentially building partnerships abroad that allow us to serve customers more efficiently.
As we grow internationally, the focus remains the same: maintain quality, protect the integrity of the product, and deliver a consistent experience worldwide. The goal isn’t just to be available globally—it’s to be relevant globally.
