CaFleureBon Profiles in American Perfumery: Persephenie Lea + Independent Spirit Draw

 Photo credit: Christian Andre Schnyde Persephine wearing a vintage Native American necklace

 ProfilPPPROFILE: I was born  and raised in Los Angeles by my young single mom who loved collecting knick knacks, including a wide range of vintage perfume bottles. My sense of smell, the ability to differentiate scent, and especially the odor of people has always been a sense that I was aware of. As a teenager, I overly wore the perfumes Opium and Anais Anais. Perfume was a bottle and a brand, not the art, complexity, and sophistication it is to me today.
 

  Persephenie and her mom

    
I like to immerse myself in the arts. Whether it be painting, design, or fashion, my creative spirit has guided me, moving often between Northern and Southern California and traveling to Europe and beyond. In 1999 I took my first venture to India where the ritual offering of flowers and incense was constant. The idea of offering smoke to the gods, the raw materials used, and the aromatics themselves inspired an obsession into incense and it's role in history. 

  
   Blue Agate and Rose Petal Bead necklace made by Persephenie. Vintage Geisha time keeper (incense burner), and a photo  from 1999, my first visit to India.
 

In 2001, my son was born. It was important for me to bring him into this world naturally. My studies and experiments with raw materials in incense making, combined with being a new mom, steered me to towards Aromatherapy, the therapeutic and medicinal use of oils. 
  
  
  
Persephenie at her desk

Originally I opened my studio as a place to create art. As I began practicing Aromatherapy, I couldn't resist layering odors and creating complexities. I started collecting books on the structure and history of perfume. I met as many scents as I could, researched online, took perfume workshops, and created exploratory perfumes for friends. Eventually my space evolved into a laboratory of aromatic raw materials for perfumery and personal care products. I found that I love the intimacy and challenge of custom scents. My experimental projects for friends led me to custom scents as a trade, along with my own brand of body care and perfume. 
 
 

 

 Top: Elizabeth Turk, Ty Best from Caste Design Bottom: Lee Bontecou  and Cy Tombly.
 

   
AMERICAN ARTISTS: I'm inspired by many artists, crafters, and designers. Lately its been the mind blowing sculptures of American artist Elizabeth Turk, as well as the furniture designs of Ty Best from Caste Design. I also love the intricate work of Lee Bontecou's hanging structures and the child like large paintings by Cy Tombly.


  
 
  
Persephenie's Boutique in L.A.

THOUGHTS ON AMERICAN PERFUMERY:  For the short amount of time I've been in perfumery, I've witnessed many emerging indie niche American brands. Natural botanical perfumery continues to grow. Customers are better educated. There is an openness to explore different approaches to perfumery as well as a discovery of exotic scents such as Oud. In the botanical world, there are always exciting artisanal oils being extracted. And, because there is so much freedom in indie US perfumery, with many different backgrounds and educational experiences, there is incredible diversity and style. 

–Persephenie Lea, Perfumer, Designer and Artist
   
  http://www.persephenie.com/ 
    

For our draw we are offering a reader's choice of any of Persephenie's four perfumes : Bedouin (botanical), Datura, Kildren, or Leatherwood

To be eligible please leave a comment about what you found interesting about Persephenie and the fragrance you would like to win. Draw closes July 26, 2012

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

 

Editor's Note: Persephenie is a perfumer whose work I had heard about but was not familiar with until Sr. Editor Tama Blough's' report on the recent San Francisco Artisan  Fragrance Salon. I picked up the phone and we chatted for an hour about art, travel, the spirit of indie, and of course fragrance. I learned  that before she opened her new studio, she hosted monthly fragrance events that featured Indie perfumers who have been featured on CaFleureBon Profiles in American Perfumery, such as  JoAnne Bassett, Dawn Spencer Hurwitz, and Yosh Han as well as hosted seminars with Jeanne Rose  (Ayala Moriel from Canada had a big influence on Persephenie). I began Profiles in American Perfumery over a year ago in the hope that our readers  (and retailers) were not only curious about American perfumers but would support them and  embrace the emerging community of talented artists in this country… the  next "must have" scent is just next door. –Michelyn Camen, Editor in Chief

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45 comments

  • stevie wilson says:

    I love how Persephenie is involved in many art forms.. and surrounds herself with them and seems to be using them as a sort of inspiration yet it’s also something that’s expressive of who she is.

    I find that Leatherwood is interesting.. or Kildren.. they all sound interesting.. but between the two, Leatherwood comes out on top.. (for the moment anyway!)

  • Alica says:

    Leatherwood is the most interesting one of the series for me. I like the expression: “The idea of offering smoke to the gods, the raw materials used, and the aromatics themselves inspired an obsession into incense and it’s role in history”.

  • Nekosan says:

    I like her taste in art – that Elizabeth Turk sculpture is breathtaking. Bedouin in the fragrance that I would most like to try.

  • Linnea Wiedeman says:

    i love her connection to perfume as an art, and learning of her journey into natural perfumery. I am interested in Kildren with the citrus and coconut absolute. 8

  • Lisa R says:

    I think its so cool she started her adventure into perfumery because of her research into natural birth.
    Also her appreciation of the arts is exciting. I love all the art included with the article.

    Kildren sounds really beautiful and interesting and unlike anything I own ^^
    Though the choice was hard as there are so many great options.

  • Devon H says:

    Another to add to my list of must-sniff! I love that Persephenie’s natural birth lead her to aromatherapy. I’m a big supporter of natural birth, and my midwife and doula friends are all very much into aromatherapy and essential oils, as they complement midwifery and natural birth so well. I would love to try Bedouin if I win. Thank you!

  • Claudia says:

    Even though we are from completely different countries and up bringing, I can relate and loved to read that Persephenie as a teenager over wore Opium and Anais Anais, I did the same, I used to sneak the YSL Opium form my moms dresser to wear it as I completely adore it to this day. The Anais was my first own bottle of fragrance given to me by a boyfriend. My choice would be Bedouin.

  • Amberosmanthus says:

    I enjoyed learning that Persephenie’s natural birth led her to aromatherapy. Having experienced two natural births myself, I know them to be life-changing events. I also know pregnancy changed my relationship with my sense of smell forever, and for the better. I am much more sensitive and discerning than I was before pregnancy. So fascinating.

    I’m intrigued by Kildren. I do love a good linden blossom and the combined notes sound very interesting. Thank you for the generous opportunity.

  • Francesca says:

    Bedouin, a name that can never fail to interest I believe. I imagine there was quite a journey that led to the creation of that perfume listening to the way that Persephanie approaches creative life. I thank her for sharing the artists Elizabeth Turk, Ty Best,Lee Bonteco and Cy Tombly whose work came to life for me via Google after reading this review. Her studio, the tree that has many branches that spread in all directions but are bound to the same place in time and space. Would love to be a small gecko on the wall there!

  • Suzinn says:

    I loved the images in the article as much as the article itself. Persephenie is the personification of her brand, artful, intriguing and beautiful.
    I would love to smell Bedouin because I love botanicals, especially roses and sandalwood!

  • Kata says:

    The most interesting for me is the way how Persephenie became a perfume designer: from aromatherapy to creating complex fragrances.
    If I win, my choice would be Kildren.

  • Noxa says:

    Persephine gives the impression of a truly fascinating individual.
    She has a truly refined taste in art which I very much admire.
    As for her creations…
    Gourmand amber? Wow, Kildren sounds so incredibly beautiful.

  • yash says:

    Persephenie epresents niche at its best: her entry into perfume world and her commitment to nature, her influences…very laudable.
    I would love to win Datura..

  • Anna says:

    It was interesting read how she really does with the nature and how she is listening to her heart. That vintage necklace in first picture is amazing, wow.
    It was very difficult to choose one, because three of them sounded like “pick me, pick me”, but I will choose Datura. I hope I will win, thanks for the draw!

  • Laurentiu says:

    I appreciate Persephenie for she is a creative person with a wide imagination. Every person that has a weakness for art, any kind of art, instantly grows in my eyes.

    I would like to win Leatherwood. Thanks!

  • Maggie Mahboubian says:

    I’ve admired Persephenie and her work for a long time. She dances to the beat of her own drum and I love how she combines different strands of art exploration in her atelier. She’s not afraid to experiment, but is committed to quality with everything she does. I was fortunate to attend some of her “salon” events which were sensory displays of beauty. I’d be interested in sampling her Bedouin. It sounds wonderful.

  • Scented Memories says:

    I find interesting her connection with art and with Indian culture and I love her style. I would like to try Bedouin.

  • HollyJae says:

    Persephenie seems an intriguing lady – I’d love to visit her studio/salon but alas live far far away. I enjoyed reading about her art interests, she’s provided a few names I’m now interested to research.

    I’d love to try Bedouin!

  • MariaA says:

    I loved the neclaces in the photo trully wonderful! Her travelling was amazing and her aromatherapie studies inspired by the birth of her son!
    I would love tory all 4 but Datura is the most appealing to me!
    Lovely review!

  • eric m says:

    Persephenie seems very passionate as an artist and a perfumer..I loved her phrase: ‘i like to immerse myself in the arts’..
    I would love to win ‘leatherwood’
    Thanks for the draw..

  • mim says:

    I found it interesting that she is so immersed in different creative art forms that her studio morphed into a perfume lab! And that she does jewelry as well as aromatherapy.

    Thank you for bringing attention to this interesting perfumer! Persephenie makes lovely creations, I am not sure which perfume to choose since 3 sound very ‘me’–Bedouin, Kildren, and Leatherwood are all calling to be sniffed!
    I would choose…Leatherwood, because it sounds kinda like a pirate ship.

  • RVB says:

    I found her inspiration in the ancient aspects of incense very interersting.I would love to win Kildren

  • GinnyM says:

    I love that Persephenie is inspired by sculpture, because fragrance it itself so dimensional…and as wonderful as all four scents sound, I find Kildren most intriguing!

  • Tativa says:

    The fact that she is keenly aware of how diffrent people smell trips me out.

    I would choose… hmmm toughie… leatherwood. Because a dark tuberose scent sounds delicious.

  • Zee says:

    As a leaner toward the natural Bedouin speaks to me with it’s warmth and inviting list of notes that I could easily surround myself with.

    I like that she is so inspired by design and sculpture and other visual arts – which just makes sense to me.

  • Kathryn says:

    I really like that her whole business began with a desire to delve into aromatherapy and its medicinal properties. Through experimentation she has managed to stumble into the world of fragrance, and I personally find that rather inspiring.

    I am most interested in Kildren. Thanks!

  • Olga says:

    A very interesting name, sounds a little like Persephone, but different! I found it interesting that there is a connection between art, holistic medicine (natural birth) and fragrance in the way Persephenie talks about them.

    I’d be most interesting in Datura, the thought of dawn blooming jasmine makes me jump even though the thought of caramel in the musk scares me off a bit. But I am hopeful!

  • Holly F. says:

    I love how Persephenie describes her time in India, as the influence this has had on her creativity with perfumery is apparent. The ritual part of it is paramount. I am very drawn to Datura, it calls to me!

  • kalli says:

    Loved that she’s drawn to many forms of art:). Bedouin looks like a must sniff for me!

  • missp says:

    I found the artists who inspired her interesting — Cy Twombly is one of my favourites too. I would love to try Kildren. Thanks!

  • Dana says:

    I relate to her saying that she has always been aware of the way people smell and fascinated by scents in all forms. Today I feel drawn to Kildren. I love ginger smells.

  • Laura says:

    Her description of her journey into perfumery is fascination. And I love the necklaces she made, what gorgeous photos! I would love Bedouin – and Datura! But I think Bedouin comes out on top…..

  • Cheesegan says:

    I find it interesting that Persephenie immerses herself in do many arts and I love her comment that her love for perfume was partly inspired by her mothers love of collecting perfume bottles along with other nick-knacks. Her perfumes sound intriguing. Her botanical Bedouin sounds very sultry and I would like to try that.

  • Kate says:

    I absolutely love the interplay of art and perfumery here. I think that if I won I’d go with Kildren, it sounds wonderful!

  • Michelle U says:

    What I love about Persephenie: First of all I love her name… she has one awesone name. Second of all I love her artistic skills and her sense of art and the jewellery. Also I find very interesting that before she created perfumes she practiced Aromatherapy and that must have a big and positive influnce upon her perfumes.

    All her perfumes sound great but my pick is Kildren.

    Thank you! 😀

  • sherapop says:

    How nice that Persephenie’s obsession with incense arose from a trip to India! This feature was very interesting. Thank you.

    I would like to sample all of these perfumes but will select Bedouin as a prize, should I win. (-;

  • Brooke says:

    I had the opportunity to smell all 4 recently and fell for Leatherwood. It is very well done. I love to travel but haven’t spent any time in India. I enjoyed hearing about the smoke offering in India.

  • sonora says:

    I found the whole of Persephenie’s journey interesting. But it’s the first sentence that’s most visual to me: raised by a mom who collected, among other knick knacks, empty perfume bottles. Did she imagine what had once been in them? If selected, I’d have to go with Leatherwood.

  • Anna says:

    I like the decorations made by Persephenie, all photographs, her lab and Boutique in L.A.
    Bedouin is the most interesting for me to try.

  • sherobin says:

    I found it interesting that Persephenie’s interest in perfumery grew out of a desire to birth her child naturally. Bedouin would be the scent I’d choose if I won this draw. Also want to mention that I love her taste in jewelry! Thanks for the draw!

  • Ellen Covey says:

    I think I would like to try Datura. I love the growing plants and flowers, and would be curious to see what Persephenie did with the fragrance of Datura.

  • Sasha says:

    I think it’s interesting that the visual arts like painting or sculpture serve as inspiration for her works of perfumery. I wonder if perfume ever inspires visual artists?

    All of her works sound lovely, but I think I’d have to choose leatherwood.

  • Amer says:

    I alway find it interesting when aromatherapy and perfumery meet. It brings an old and forgotten dimension to the art from back when perfume was considered to be therapeutic. Kildren’s notes are very unusual. I’d love to have a sniff of that!

  • PatriciaC says:

    My daughter also is aware of how people smell, i don’t think i would want that gift. But it’s interesting. Datura sounds nice would love to experience what dawn blooming jasmin smells like.