ÇaFleureBon Profiles in American Perfumery: Mesha Munyan of Meshaz Natural Perfumes + Lavender Fields Forever Draw

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Mesha Munyan, natural perfumer in her lavender field

 Profile: I was born into a pioneering family in Santa Barbara, California.  My grandparents arrived by train in 1915 from Boston. Recruited to teach wood shop in the new Santa Barbara High School, grandfather also built his home, furniture and gardens. Both a photographer and oil painter, he was truly a renaissance man in my eyes. My mother was born in Santa Barbara, as were all four of us girls.

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The Munyan sisters, Mesha on right

A mysterious gift of cute little bottles of colored liquid called “Toilette Water” arrived to four enchanted little girls. Concluding that it must be perfume for the toilet, we dispensed it with ceremony!  An education followed when mother explained the French word an allowed us to try her perfume, Blue Carnation by Roger & Gallet. I remember being charmed that the fleeting scent of a short-lived flower could be captured and continue live in a bottle. Magic!

As a child, I would get lost in the backyard garden of delights, both smelling flowers and sampling the edibles. I relish the memory of being overwhelmed by its size, odors and colors. Grandfather skillfully shaped exotic woods for furniture and frames for his paintings. Each type of wood smelled different. He crafted wood pallettes to hold colorful oils to blend. Intrigued by the artwork of both, grandfather and mother, my color and mixing interests engaged. I kept the tradition by a collecting art degrees and teaching high school art classes in Southern California.

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Color Web

It was only at the graduate level that I realized I was a “colorist” at heart, leading me to explore the fascinating works of color theorists. When I realized that no color wheel was available to illustrate the new colorfast pigments of cyan and magenta, I published the “Color Web”. Color mixing with true primaries to create new secondary colors and a full range of desaturated hues is akin to utilizing scented raw materials to create accords.  When I design perfume, I believe these materials have specific personalities, colors and sounds. I compose perfumes to let them sing new songs.

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Collection of tinctures

My scent journey unfolded with a move to Sequim, Washington. Here I have acreage to grow a variety of lavender cultivars in shades of blue, purple, pink and white. I grow specifically for perfuming excellence. There are hundreds of lavenders with unique aromatic characteristics that most have never sampled. It has become a personal mission to break stereotypical profiles about this mass-marketed, often adulterated oil. Authenticity and integrity are key to my natural perfuming pursuits. Perfuming from the ground up includes both distillation and tincturing of plant materials. From edible tinctures, I also enjoy crafting fragrant and tasty cocktails.

Copper Alembic still

Copper Alembic still with essential oil floating on hydrosol

 

In 2007, I was asked to present a glimpse of the American lavender industry at the New Zealand Lavender Conference. It was during their lavender oil judging session that I realized the value of my oils in perfumery. Traveling to many countries to research and learn about scented materials used in perfumery has been foundational to my perfume business. Highlights include visits to Grasse, France to explore high altitude lavender harvests and oil distillations. Blossoms from the Bitter Orange tree and Centifolia Roses were harvested and distilled on copper alembic stills. Meeting perfumer, Jessica September Buchanan, in Grasse, further inspired me to follow my nose.

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Mesha harvesting lavandula angustifolia

After nearly 20 years of growing, distilling and collecting hundreds of lavender oils from around the globe, I have developed a “Lavender Sommelier“, nose-training program. The purpose is to educate and establish lavender oil judging in America. Much like the study and sampling of grape varietals in the wine industry, quality oils, true to cultivar, can also be identified.  These programs will be valuable to the farmer/distiller as well as the perfume industry.

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Lavender Sommelier nose training components

 On American Perfumery: I am fortunate to be an American Perfumer in this new and exciting frontier of natural perfumery. Many raw materials are available, experimental uses are encouraged. Credit is given to many who have paved the way by books and teachings. Mandy Aftel offered a course at Esalen that inspired my official launch of Meshaz Natural Perfumes in Seattle, 2013. Fertile ground for creativity has been established by the swelling Indie perfume movement happening here on the west coast. My art background prepped me for the adventurous playground of scent by stimulating the interactive component found in any good artisanal work. The perfume art unfolds on the wearer and beauty is housed by the skin. Personal variables trigger memory and tickle other sensory dimensions. The “juice” sits quietly awaiting participation. Artisanal perfumery seems to be blooming in America. Liberty to create with few restrictions seems to foster our pioneering sensibilities.

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Mary Cassatt, Woman with Pearl Necklace

Favorite American Artist: Mary Cassatt was an American-born impressionist. She spent much of her life in France, involved with other important Impressionists. They were considered rebels by breaking with salon tradition and handling pigment as light. Techniques of application were bold, colorful and somewhat abstract, causing the mix to occur in the eye of the beholder. This painterly application of pigment reminds me to savor the little pleasures of daily living through my senses. Scent is an invitation to enjoy life in the moment.

Mesha Munyan, Perfumer, Distiller and Founder of Meshaz Natural Perfumes

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Roger Fisher Rock and Roll Hall of Famer and Former Lead Guitarist for Heart produces Moonfest

Editor’s Note: Mesha is renowned in the artisan community for her lavender distillations.  She is a member of the US Lavender Growers Association,  and is one of the 18 participants in the third edition of FRAGments 2015 Underground and Artisan Exhibition May 30, hosted by Maggie Mahboubian of  Parfums LaLun (Maggie is both a  2015 Fragrance Foundation USA and a Jasmine Award Finalist).   Mesha's perfume Moonfest,  was created  for “MoonFest” the outdoor music event in Quilcene, WA produced by  Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and former lead guitarist for Heart, Roger Fisher in August. Former Managing Editor Tama Blough first brought Mesha to my attention, (Tama was always an advocate and at the forefront of the West Coast  Artisan Community, which makes this profile especially meaningful to me) Meshaz perfumes have been featured in the Huffington Post and have won several Taste TV Artisan  awards.- Michelyn Camen, Editor in Chief

moonfest35ml meshaz perfume

Thanks to Mesha we have  a draw for a registered (you must do this or you are not eligible here) reader in the USA or Canada for your choice of  Meshaz Perfumes 2 oz bottle of Lavender angustifolia essential oil from a pink cultivar.  35 ml Moonfest: Notes: Tarragon, Coriander, Black Pepper, Lavender, Clary Sage, Jasmine, Fir, Tobacco, Vetiver & Cannabis ) or Meshaz natural perfume sample collection  (8x 1ml of Meshaz  Natural Perfumes (Moonfest, Ozmanthus, Yuzzu, Blackbird, Zauvage, Abzinthe, Mimoza and Lavender Essential oil). If you are an International reader Mesha is offering  5 ml of Lavender Essential Oil

Please leave a comment with what you found fascinating about  Mesha Munyan’s path to perfumery, your choice of fragrance (or a sample set of all 8). A remarkable story,  Like Mesha Natural Perfumes on FaceBook. Draw closes 5/20/2015

Please like CaFleureBon Profiles in American Perfumery and your entry will count twice.

 We announce the winners on our site and on our Facebook page, so Like Cafleurebon and use our RSS option…or your dream prize will be just spilled perfume

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26 comments

  • I’m really happy to see a profile of my friend, Pacific Northwest neighbor, and lavender mentor Mesha on here! Thank you, Michelyn, for featuring her work. You don’t need to enter me in the drawing.

  • leathermountain says:

    That is a fascinating story! I’m especially intrigued by Mesha’s work with the color wheel and the Lavender Sommelier nose-training program. They seem related to each other, both systematic approaches to understanding complex materials. I’m registered, in the US, and would be thrilled to win a 2 oz bottle of Lavender angustifolia essential oil from a pink cultivar. Thanks so much for this article and drawing.

  • I loved the story about the gift of “toilet water” as a child 🙂 The analogy of color to make perfume is also interesting. I am in the US, registered, and I would love to win the Lavender essential oil. Thank you!

  • Thank you so much for your kind mention of my workshop at Esalen and I am so happy to have played some tiny role in your beautiful work!
    (No need to enter me in the drawing )

  • Joseph Browne says:

    As a Distiller of Wild botanicals & Lavender oils, along with becoming acquaintance with Ms. Munyan efforts, are very supportive in her efforts in educating our side of the world in the scent of “Sommelier” training. I wish you the best.

    ( No need to enter me in the drawing)

  • Wonderful story, and lovely writing about an amazing artist. Thank you Michelyn for your continued exposure of the many people working in our field.
    Yes, I love the language, of the sommelier ideology for scent, and the background for colour, which I also feel kinship with, having 6 art degrees.

    I am feeling so grateful for such an amazing community, of diverse, brilliant artists.

    XO

    Libby

  • fazalcheema says:

    Mesha, I didn’t know lavender plants can be in different colors because I only see purple color on the web. your life must have been fun, with grandfather who was a wood specialist, painter, and photographer and a mom who introduced you to perfumes. thanks so much for the wonderful draw. My choice will be Moonfest. I am in the US

  • I am so pleased to see an article on Meshaz Natural Perfume. I first became aware of Mesha through an article here at Cafleurebon on West Coast Perfumers. I am a huge lavender fan so I was fascinated. I went to the website to order but was unable to find any descriptions; maybe my lack of expertise, so I never placed the order. But I am happy to revisit this line. I find the idea of a lavender sommalier course wonderful. And to top it off, Mary Cassatt is also my favorite artist! I would love to win the bottle of lavender essential oil. I am in the USA.

  • I did the same thing with toilet water. The Blue Carnation (that must have been vintage) is a great fragrance to be introduduced to. 🙂 I would love the lavender essential oil please. USA

  • I quite enjoyed Mesha’s story, especially of her grandfather, the woods and paints. It brings back my own family memories and they are also filled with color and smell. Thank you! If I won, I’d love 2 ounces of lavender essential oil! I use lavender EO every day, and I’m sure hers is of better quality!! In the US. Cheers! Of course, I already liked (and love) The Profiles. .

  • I’ve met Mesha a few times, and she simply could not be more lovely and gracious. We’ve talked about about her lavender operation (I still want to get out there for a visit one of these days — she’s not far away from me), but I didn’t know about the “Lavender Sommelier” development! What a great idea! I haven’t yet smelled Moonfest, so that would be my choice. Thanks for another wonderful piece and for the draw — I live in the U.S.

  • I found fascinating everything about Mesha Munyan’s path to perfumery, interesting story.
    I already liked CaFleureBon Profiles in American Perfumery.
    I live in Europe.

  • I loved meeting Mesha and hearing her presentation and sniffing her lavender. She is amazing. I sampled many of her lovely perfumes and would love to sample more if I win! I am in the US ID love to check out Moonfest!

  • A nose training seminar of lavender is a wonderful idea. I had no idea there were hundreds of lavenders. Mesha since you know lavender I’d love to win that bottle of Moonfest to experience your creation. TY. u.s.a.

  • Iphigenia says:

    I found especially fascinating the lavender sommelier idea. and I would love to win the bottle of lavender essential oil. I am in the EU.

  • Elizabeth Lind says:

    I met Mesha at a fragrance event and was impressed by her knowledge and passion for natural perfume. She kindly gifted me a bottle of her “Hidcote Pink” lavender essential oil that I cherish. I have a collection of over 300 essential oils that span 30 years. When I create a fragrance I paint a picture with scent, like smellovision. I found it interesting that Mesha composes her perfume through musical notes to create a song. I would love to win the sample set of 8, music for my nose! Great article.

  • Valentine Girl says:

    I am in accord with Meesha’s comments on the similarities that exist between the wine & fragrance/perfume industries. As the soil & climate based upon geographical locale + the artistry of the vintner affects the finished product of Vitis vinifera, there is also a “terroir” of essential oil distillations & the creative vision of natural perfumers to create some amazing fragrances! I am a huge fan of Lavandula angustifolia & I make a little pillow spritz from the essential oil to spray on my pillow before I go to sleep to help me relax and de-stress. I am intrigued by the Lavender Sommelier program, and would love to attend it one day. My particular obsession happens to be Ocimum basilicum…so many different hybrids & cultivators; each with a unique fragrance & flavor. Right now I am growing some in my garden from seeds collected in Italy, USA, India, Thailand & Eritrea! Meesha’s story of the “toilet water” made me laugh, as I thought the same thing when I was young and first saw it written on a bottle in my mom’s room. I would love to try her sample set and be exposed to her artistic creations. I live in the USA.

  • I love Mesha’s passion for lavender. It is a flower/note that is dear to my heart as it evokes countless memories. I am impressed by all the time Mesha has devoted in producing, acquiring, and curating all things lavender.

    I have liked Mesha Natural PErfumes on facebook (fyi, the link in the blog entry is incorrect) and am part of the CaFleurBon Profiles in American Perfumery group.

    If lucky enough to win, I would love to partake in Moonfest.

    Thanks for the draw. I am in the USA.

  • I found it fascinating that Mesha Munyan created the Color Web and that her path to perfumery led her to determine that when she designs perfume, she believes the materials have specific personalities, colors and sounds. My choice would be the sample set of all 8. I Like Meshaz Natural Perfumes on Facebook.
    I also Like CaFleureBon Profiles in American Perfumery on Facebook.

  • I enjoy Mesha Munyan’s appreciation of perfume qualities outside of the scent created from the combination of notes. That is, her ability to interpret character, color, emotion, etc in her creations. I also liked reading about her dedication to truly understanding lavender scents and oils. I have not yet learned to enjoy lavender much, but can truly understand the quality presented in her oils. I am in the US and I would love to try Moonfest. I like both pages on facebook (Lean Sa)

  • Mesh Munyan’s work as an artist and color theorist is probably the most interesting and artistically relevant step on her journey, but I loved reading about her beginnings with ‘toilet water’– brought back memories of my own childhood, I thought it was the most hilarious thing ever!
    Mixing things never worked out too well as a kid, with the possible exception of bubble baths.
    I also loved reading about her Lavender Sommelier program!

    fb liked, USA
    I would choose the sample set

  • I loved this article, especially the part about the toilette water haha. Mesha is extremely talented and I will be buying some of her fragrances very very soon! I’ve always liked lavender, it reminds me of my mom and my childhood

    So I’ll choose the 2 oz lavender essential oil

    Canada

  • I think it’s amazing, how many different kinds of lavender there are, and enjoyed reading about Mesha’s childhood. I would like to try Moonfest. Thanks so much! I’m in the US.

  • I did not know all the types of lavender! I just knew about the common purple ones. I love how passionate Mesha is about her work, She’s an amazing woman and I wish her all the the best in the future.
    I would love to win the 2 oz bottle of Lavender angustifolia essential oil from a pink cultivar
    I’m a Canadian reader and thank you for the draw!

  • Greg Mayne says:

    Mesha has a passion for lavender, which I adore as well. Lavender has always calmed me down and her fragrances all sound superb. I would love to win the 2 oz of lavender essential oil. I’m in Canada.