Agustín Reyes II worked alongside his father in the factory in Havana. He was encouraged to study chemical engineering. So he set off to study at Georgetown Prep and later MIT. Then the revolution, and the family left its country and its 33-year business in 1960, smuggling out the secret recipe for violetas. Agustín Reyes II, turned down lucrative job offers with cosmetic giants in order to stay close to his family in Miami. He used his education and experience to improve the factory with modern technology.

He jump-stared the business, repackaging the signature scent and renaming it “Royal Violets”. During the next 20 years the family went on to produce sun care products, dusting powders and other perfume lines.