For the Love of Lavender

Today I am announcing the launch of a new and beautiful product from 1000 Flowers….. Pure, certified organic lavender (lavandula angustilfolia) essential oil distilled in Provence, in the south of France.  This is of the 2011 harvest, and is sweet and fragrant and one of the most beautiful lavender oils I have ever experienced.

This project has been on hold for a few months as I attempted to source a bottle alternative to the regular essential oil bottles with the insert plastic dripulator.  I have always felt that adding all that plastic to a beautiful organic essential oil somewhat defeats the purpose of it being organic in the first place!  After much searching and reflecting, I have decided to package the oil in the same flacons as the perfume collection from 1000 Flowers.  This is a 15ml Italian glass flacon with a very narrow opening in the neck of the bottle, allowing for drops without a plastic insert.  The only plastic to touch the oil, is the very small non-reactive seal on the inside of the lid.

The glass is clear, as opposed to amber or blue, so I suggest keeping the bottle out of direct light to protect the delicate oil from UV damage.

I have chosen lavender as the first pure essential oil from 1000 Flowers for the simple reason that this oil is truly the most versatile, gentle, healing of all.  As well, I feel it is extremely important to make available an oil of the highest quality, tested for purity (GC available upon request), as well as dated so as to know the exact vintage.

I offer this oil with pride and confidence that it is of the
highest quality available in the world today.
Truly a treasure and a perfect perfume in its own right.

Once again, it has been far too long since I’ve written.   I’ve been here in Grasse since August, and life has been so full and exciting and stressful and all-consuming that blogging has fallen rather by the wayside.  However, yesterday was my birthday, and one of the resolutions I made for this new year, is to once again share with you what life is like here in the Country of Grasse (Le Pays de Grasse).

Let me begin, by speaking about a trip to Milan last weekend that I had the good fortune of sharing with 2 perfumers who also live here in Grasse (one French and the other Russian).

This year was the second year of the Esxence- The Art of Perfumery event that takes place in the centre of Milano, Italie.   This magical city is only 4 hours by car from Grasse, so on the morning of the 31st, we set out early so we could have the afternoon to begin exploring perfumes.

We arrived around lunchtime, and after we had installed ourselves in our lovely apartment in the region of the city where there are canals (empty this time of year) designed by Leonardo de Vinci (we rented a place through www.airbnb.com), we made our way to the Esxence event via the Metro.

Love locks on a bridge over the canal

Nothing could have prepared us for the immensity of this event. Two expansive floors of booths showcasing hundreds of niche perfume brands.   We hadn’t even made a dent in the exhibition when it was closing time for the day.  We were however, invited to a private launch party of the new collection of fragrances from the renowned French perfume house, Piguet.  This was held in an amazing wisteria covered outdoor patio at the Sheraton hotel not far away.

After champagne and some wonderful conversations with old and new friends of the perfumed world, we were famished.  At a certain point, food must become more important than perfume.  It was already 11pm when we found an adorable and packed full (the Italians eat late) little restaurant, where we stood in line until a table came up.  It was worth the wait, and dinner was delectable.

The resident chihuahua eyeing down another dog that had come in with a customer...

The next morning, I was determined to make a thorough tour of the event and get my nose around as many perfumes as absolutely possible.  This would also include an extended visit to the Osmotheque booth to smell vintage perfumes composed in their original formulae.

I also attended a very interesting conference on the subject of the synthetic raw material, Hedione, presented by the man from Osmotheque- Bernard Bourgeois, which was very interesting indeed.

The most unusual booth I saw at the event was of the brand Nasomatto.

To make a long story short- I was far too ambitious in my attempts to take in almost every single booth.  Later that evening, as I reflected on the day when we were finally enroute home to Grasse- I realized that it was almost a complete blur. I had taken in far too much information, both visually and olfactively.

I did however, leave with a sense of being inspired by the finesse and beauty of the presentation of fragrance brands.  This is a luxury product- in an artistic, refined, expensive, and beauty-based kind of way.  Many flacons are works of art and design in themselves.  The careful choices of colour, of shape, of texture to present an alurring identity of a brand, that then must somehow be balanced with the beauty and appeal of the juice inside the bottles themselves.  To be honest, often I found that the fragrance of the juice didn’t captivate me as strongly as the visual impact.  I would be wowed by the bottle, the artwork, the logo, the display, and then the perfume would somehow fall flat and be disappointing in comparison.

There was one brand however, who stood out to me, that presented a luxury, haute gamme beauty, with beautiful hardwood cases housing golden flacons of scent.  These fragrances I also found quite gorgeous.  This was Maison Dorin from Paris.

So for the future, I would recommend preparing beforehand for an event such as this, in order to maximize the benefits.  This for me, would include studying the list of exhibitors, and choosing the ones that I would specifically like to see.  If any time was left over after that, I could make a more general tour.  I would not repeat, however, my attempt to take in everything as I did in Milan.  Lessons learned by a first-timer!

As a closing note, I must say, that I LOVED Milano!  It was not what at all what I expected.  It was artistic and active, with little funky boutiques lining cobbled streets, vintage clothing shops, graffiti (both banal and amazing) everywhere… and lots of young people dressed in wild and creative ensembles.  At one in the morning, the streets were full of people of all ages out socializing.  I was reminded in a way of the arts scene in Vancouver, Canada… and in that, was touched by my experience.  My impression of the Italians in general, is that they are much more expressive and fearless in the creative process than (dare I say it?)…. the French.  Also, they are extremely friendly and warm.  All in all, a super weekend!

The IndieGoGo Campaign!

Hello everyone!

In light of my ongoing aspiration to enter the InnovaGrasse incubator here in Grasse, France;  I have created a fundraising campaign to further launch this project.

In September, as many of you know, I did a promotion/sale of 1000 Flowers perfumes to raise money.  Many of you stepped forward and generously purchased Reglisse Noire and Fleur No 1… and for this, I am eternally grateful, since it gave a little push-start. But once the promotion ended, and the price went back to normal, and sales dropped off.  So to keep the ball rolling, to continue to purchase the raw materials I need, to pay the fees of entering the business incubator, to continue marketing, and to establish my little company here in Grasse… – it’s necessary that the sales continue to flow.

Therefore, I created this campaign on IndieGoGo (a site where independent artists, along with all sorts of other projects can launch themselves and spread the word of what they need to make their ideas a reality).

I invite you all to go take a look…. and tell me what you think, any feedback, ideas etc you may have, and if you have any questions.

1000 Flowers on IndieGoGo

Thanks again everyone!  Happy November to you all! xoxo

The Virgin and a Pilgrimage Grassoise

Today I thought I’d share a story that began via my meeting of a very interesting woman the other day here in the old city of Grasse. Her name is Ann Marie and she is about 72 years old.  I met her while having lunch with friends at my favourite little restaurant in the centre of the city.  (It’s the Cafe Oratorio, and may I recommend their Tirimisu salé- a cold glass of savoury marscapone and whipped egg whites layered with parmesan cheese and sautéed veges in olive oil….one of the most delicious things I’ve ever eaten… bit I digress.)

Ann Marie is blind- and a rather eccentric character with a strong sense of humour that rather takes you back with its boldness.  Before her retirement,  she worked for 40 years, at Robertet, one of the oldest Grassoise fragrance/raw material houses.  Her position was as a translator for the clients coming from Germany, Spain, and English-speaking countries.  She would translate the briefs into French for the perfumers, evaluators, etc.

She told me a very interesting story about a recent date- September 8th.  This is the birthday of the Virgin Mary, and ever since the 17th century, up until more recent times- there was an annual pilgrimage à pied (on foot), from the city of Grasse to a nearby village called Valcluz- where there is a Catholic sanctuary dedicated to the Virgin Mary,  called the Sanctuaire Notre-Dame de Valcluse.  Back in the day, September 8th was a major holiday in Grasse, and all the perfume factories would close, and all the workers would hoist their respective flags representing their companies, and walk to Valcluse.   Part of the reason for the tradition of this pilgrimage, was to thank the Virgin Mary for her protection, since the Plague never touched Grasse.    I decided to go there this morning to see the place for myself…

The sanctuary is about 10 min by bus from Grasse, and when I arrived to the shady green gorge where it is nestled, I found the most perfect feeling of peace surrounding the enclave.   The chapel was lit only by many candles, with natural morning light filtering in through the stained glass.   The place was silent and I thought it was empty, until I saw several white-robed nuns, perfectly still, deep in prayer.  With representations of Mary everywhere,  I was struck with how this place felt like a woman’s chapel.  Slowly more women came in quietly, and settled in for their own personal communing with the spirit of the place.  I sat for about an hour, lost in my own thoughts, prayers, dreams, and reflections.

Then, the bell tolled in the tower, and some priests came in, the lights came on, and I realized there was a general preparation underway for mass.  I watched all this with interest, since I am not Catholic, and decided to stay for the service.  About 30 people arrived for mass, and about 10 more nuns appeared, as well as 4 priests.  As it was to turn out, there was a guest father…. a man from Gabon… a man as black as coal.  He gave a moving sermon, interspersed with the most beautiful singing by the nuns.  The vibrations of sound were simply amazing- and I had the feeling that one really doesn’t have to be religious, (or fluent in the language of delivery), to be deeply effected on many levels by the power of sound and devotion intertwined.

Later, when I spoke with one of the sisters, she explained to me about the guest priest from Africa, whose grandfather had been a sorcerer.  This man had also been in training to become a sorcerer, but one day, he had an epiphany, and changed to Catholicism.  He then went on to study in Rome, and as turned out, was here in Valcluse for 2 days to teach.  Somehow, this felt auspicious for my visit today…to have such a rare event, and dare I say, one touched indirectly by just a hint of magic from another culture.

To add a little more history of the place-  the first records show that there was a sanctuary dedicated to Notre Dame on the left bank of a water source in this area, likely the same as now, in the 12th century- although the current chapel was constructed in 1650.   There is an Hermitage next to the chapel, which also used to house an olive oil press (a moulin- a wheel operated by the water from the river). At one time, and there was a hermit who lived there from about 1614 onward.

All in all, the place is peaceful, immersed in a green gorge of nature, with waterfalls,  and benches everywhere to sit and take it all in.  Plus, it’s 10 min from Grasse by the bus that runs every 30 minutes….

I have a feeling I’ll be going back.

One of the many plaques that decorate the walls of the main chapel, a mini-chapel inside the hermitage dedicated to Saint Rita, and also on the walls of a grotto beside the river. I thought this one rather sums it all up.

Ps- Here is the direct link to the Sanctuaire’s site.  Sanctuaire Notre-Dame de Valcluse

In appreciation…

I am posting a little note to once again say thank you for so enthusiastically taking part in the Liquorice Dreams sale.  With all your support, it appears that I will be able to keep going in realizing the dream of establishing my little company in Grasse!  :)

I honestly didn’t expect such a flood of response to the SOS post- and new systems have had to be created to manage it all.  There have been a few hiccups while frantically sorting out supplier issues, as well as finding a printing company who could do the work I need for the outer packaging, plus other details to sort out.  But all in all, everything is going smoothly, and it feels so good to begin sending out these little packages of perfume all over the world.

Today I had a lovely meeting with a very well-known perfumer and his colleague near Grasse.   The perfume concentrate for Reglisse Noire will soon be prepared in their lab- and with their expertise and with access to their storehouse of the best quality raw materials.  I am very excited about this- since it will free a lot of time for me to begin creating the new fragrance I have been dreaming of for a long time (with honey and Mediterranean sunshine).

However, in the meantime- in appreciation for all your support- although the sale officially ends tomorrow (the 13th)- I have decided to extend the event for anther 2 weeks.   This means that the 15ml Reglisse Noire will continue to be priced at $23 CAD (plus shipping/handling), until September 27th.   Also, as I have mentioned- 1% of sales will be paid forward to the Bees For Development Trust.

Much love!

Thank you!

I would like to simply say thank-you to everyone who has been responding to the Liquorice Dreams sale by 1000 Flowers!  The outpouring of encouragement and support has been absolutely wonderful and very touching.   You are all making a huge contribution in bringing this project to fruition.

As well, I have been hearing from other entrepreneurs who are struggling to make ends meet.  Being self-employed is often deeply challenging- and although it’s crucial to work non-stop to source as much guidance and resources as possible to make a go of it…. really, it’s the Passion and Optimism that will get us through.  But even more importantly, it takes a culture that is aware of the power they hold with their money, and who choose to buy from and support small business in general.  The big corps have enough money already!  So instead of ‘buy nothing days’ etc, how about always exchanging our earnings for items created/grown by small enterprises?  This is one way to change the world and create economic health for the people by the people.  Thanks again for choosing to support 1000 Flowers!

Lots of love,
Jessica September Buchanan

A natural perfume- rich with jasmine, orange flower, osmanthus, oleander, opoponax resin and labdanum. (in the 1000 Flowers boutique soon)

Liquorice Dreams (s.o.s!)

Dear all,

As many of you know, I am an artisan perfumer, and the founder of 1000 Flowers.  I’m known for having big dreams and a lot of courage.

Today I have a very humble and honest post to share with you.

I created this small business many years ago in the mountains of western Canada.  After much success, many hardships and a whole lot of determination, planning and dreaming,  I sold my house so as to attend a year of perfumery school in the south of France,  followed by some internships in a French company or two.

Since then, I’ve clung, ironclad, to my dream of creating a niche perfume house with a collection of perfumes based on naturals and with a green and ethical approach to both creation and business.

This Spring, I worked long hours to write a business plan and proposal to present to a business incubator here in Grasse- and I was accepted!

I then returned to Canada to apply for my 3 year visa, worked to attain new clients, and to launch a new perfume.  I spent 4 months working like mad, and returned to Grasse one month ago.

Since then, I have been biting my nails is regard to how to pay for this venture.  I have looked at angel investors, applied for the Dragon’s Den, and other ideas too… but so far, no one is interested in such a ‘small fish’… they all want big and they want to charge a hefty fee to even orchestrate matching of investors with entrepreneurs.  At this point,  I am more idea and potential, then actual.  Not everyone dares to dream as I do.

To get to the point-  I have realized that I may have to pack up and give up….. I have exhausted myself, my resources (I have put about 60,000 Canadian dollars of my own money into this venture), and my nerves.  There have been months where I had money for only one meal a day,  since all possible funds have to go into developing the business.  (raw materials, bottles, boxes etc.)

I have done everything myself by hand so far, created and launched two perfumes, designed and created the packaging, built the website, done all my own photography, packed my things back and forth between Grasse and Canada etc etc etc.

So…. for all of you who know me, and all of you who might not- I am making an appeal with all my heart.   My first perfume, many of you know well- REGLISSE NOIRE- has been a great hit… much loved and appreciated by all ages, and men and women alike.

 To keep going, to grow my company here in Grasse by entering into this business development program- I can’t do it alone.  I need your help!!
In exchange for your support,  for the next 2 weeks, I offer you Reglisse Noire at a greatly reduced price.
$23 each for the 15ml flacon.  (normally priced at $45)
The shipping is $8.50 to anywhere in the world.

$23 (about 18euro) (until Sept 13th)

The boutique is at www.1000flowers.ca

I thank you in advance for this and please know that you’re contributing to a dream that is pure and true. (plus receiving a fabulous perfume in exchange.)

With lots of love,
Jessica September Buchanan
nectar@1000flowers.ca

(ps I will also reduce Fleur N01 by 25% in honour of this occasion. )