At this moment I am sitting in a room filled with the most intoxicating buttery sweetness of fresh tuberoses.   I found them today in the annual Bio (organic) Fair that takes place every September in Grasse.

As of 2 days ago, after handing over my apartment to a sublet, I am staying with a good friend for my last few days before I take my flight to Canada where I will spend a few monthes working on my projects and continuing to lay the groundwork for a permanent life in Grasse.  Attempting to achieve what I am, to create a successful niche perfume collection, with me as a foreigner based in Grasse, has proved to be a major project, and one that has required a great deal of soul searching, patience and persistence.

I have spent now a full 2 years living in the old city of Grasse since I first arrived for perfumery school and everyday, still, when I go out, I am amazed all over again by this place- from the beauty and character, to the dilapidation and stench.  The sunshine, the olives trees, the jasmine, the language, the culture of perfume that permeates every facet of life in this cradle of modern perfumery.  It’s endlessly fascinating to me, and has absolutely captured my heart.

There’s no going back now…

Hello all… just a little update to say that these things- perfume launching, marketing, all the final touches- sometimes take a bit more time than anticipated. I’m learning so much about wearing all the hats required; the formula finalization, evaluation, quality control, confirming designs, website, sourcing suppliers etc etc etc…. and since it’s only me doing all these things- well, suffice to say that I’m working non-stop. Not to mention that I just lost my benefactor/primary investor to the economic crisis!  But I continue faithfully on this path and at this point I’m learning how to design my own website (which is a project I love), seems this is the only way to really convey the feeling I want in relationship to my perfumes. I’m running back a forth between my computer and my balance where I continue to weigh out the final trials for the perfumes which will be launched on the website that is under-way. Phew… soon I hope, all will be ready! 

Today is WINDY in Grasse!  I am sitting in my office/living room at my computer working on material for my website launch and with the windows open here and on the opposite side in the kitchen and the crosswind is incredible.  I’ve had to tie the double sided windows open so they don’t bang as the wind reverses directions periodically.  The old city is filled with the sound of banging windows and shutters today as this intense summer wind gusts around like mad.

It’s a very stimulating environment in which to work, I must admit.  The sky today is the most amazing clear deep azur blue, as only it can be here on the Cote d’Azur and it feels like full hot summer, but I can’t let it distract me!  I’m almost ready to raise the curtains on the website and reveal 1000 FLOWERS as a visual entity as well as her philosophy- which has required a great amount of contemplation to arrive at.  I’m very happy to announce also that two perfumes will be launched-… enfin!  It’s such a commitment to say, ‘ok it’s done’ to a formula.  Tweaking can go on and on to infinity and at some point, one must simply let go and let the perfume go out into the world and find its own way.

I remember JC Ellena saying that a perfumer must always have just a little doubt… if you become too sure of yourself,  then mistakes can be made.  I’m so happy for this advice now….