CaFleureBon’s “Sweet Dreams” Blog- O- thon: On Behalf of Jessica September Buchanan of 1000 Flowers

Growing up we watched the Jerry Lewis‘s telethon into the wee hours of the morning. Comedy, interviews, celebrities, singers. Without fail for decades we donated to Muscular Dystrophy. Jerry’s Kids they were called.

Now, we learned that this American institution is about to change forever. The annual MDA Labor Day Telethon with Jerry Lewis has been downsized, dismantled, and its host, dismissed. The traditional, twenty-hour, overnight marathon was compressed into 6 primetime hours, but more importantly, Jerry Lewis, the MDA National Chairman for decades has been unceremoniously dismissed from his duties in what was to be his final year, with no explanation . Our guess it isn’t commercial enough anymore, its not hip enough for the demographics wanted by the network and we all know that Jerry Lewis is in poor health. Jerry Lewis had a dream and he devoted much of his time and career to it,

So what does that have to with perfume?

We learned just a few days ago that one of our favorite indie perfumers was teetering at the edge of not making it…Jessica September Buchanan of 1000 flowers, so EIC Michelyn Camen decided to use CaFleureBon to raise awareness and hopefully money and Managing Editor Mark Behnke said ” why not call it a blog a thon.”

From Jessica’s Blog

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.”-
Jessica Buchanan.

Regalisse Noire won one of Cafleurebon top 25 fragrances of the year. Mark, Ida and I adopted Jessica from the day Mark met her at Sniffapalooza Fall Ball in 2010. MC believes Jessica is the indie perfumer that represents the “next generation” in this interview and all of us follow her blog. Regalisse Noire was not a one hit wonder; her fragrance Fleur No 1 has proved her talent. Next, hopefully we will enjoy JSB’s all natural fragrance – Narcotic Flowers.

CaFleureBon from its inception has supported indie perfumers, with it’s first post from Michel Roudnitska on ethical perfumery, (Michel was already speaking with Jessica when Michelyn reached out to him on Facebook).According to Franco Wright of Luckyscent.com Regalisse Noire is his best selling gourmand on sister site indie scents

But we want to put our money where are words are, CaFleure Bon will donate one dollar usd for every comment left . We hope you try and buy her fragrances, so she doesn’t have to sell her ‘sweet dreams’ award winning fragrance at bargain prices. (Don’t ake pour word for it , according to Franco Wright of Ind(Dp( In addition, should we reach fifty comments we will buy one reader who leaves the most heartfelt comment a 15ml bottle of Reglisse Noire and Jessica will send it any where in the world.

Nancie johnson


Sweet dreams are made of this… your support. Just a comment.. You can do that can’t you? Our goal is to reach 100 comments by 11:00pm EST Monday Sept. 5,2011

Ida Meister, Mark Behnke, and Michelyn Camen

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108 comments

  • Good Work is the work at which you’re at your best. I want everyone to be able to do their chosen work.

  • It takes alot of guts to follow your passion and even more to write such an honest open letter. You are an inspiration to young women and entrapenuers alike. I hope that this comment will help you. You are an artist, inventor, entrepanour and marketer thats alot of hats. But I take my hat off to you for being a risk taker when most of us sit on the sidelines of life. Best of luck to you. I hope that your efforts and determination are rewarded to you through the journey you are on.

  • CaFleureBon is such an amazing Blog! Michelyn what a great idea. I am also going to go and order from her site. This is what it is all about.. giving someone a lift when they need it. Jessica was so open in sharing her story. We should be able to acheive or dreams when we follow them giving our all.

  • Oh Jessica, Don’t Buckle under. I Know you have been through alot from reading about you.Much success in all you do~

  • Jessica’s story is very inspiring. I admire her courage and determination. I ordered a bottle of Reglisse Noire in support of her dream and I hope many more people do.
    I wish you all the best Jessica! I am sure that by sharing your story you have motivated many of us not to give up on our dreams!
    To Michelyn and co, setting up this blog-o-thon is such a kind and thoughtful gesture. God bless you!!

  • taffynfontana says:

    “Keep your dreams alive. Understand to achieve anything requires faith and belief in yourself, vision, hard work, determination, and dedication. Remember all things are possible for those who believe” I really like this Gail Dever’s quote.

  • I wish Jessica the best of all and hope she will continue to do what she loves. I admire her courage to chase and find her dreams. How many can say we are doing what we dream about. I regret not chasing my dreams earlier in life. I still have some time but I have bills to pay and parents that need my help. Jessica, I hope everything works out for you.

  • Wishing Jessica the best. Thanks for helping her out! I’ve put a link to one of her perfumes on my site in the rotating banner on every page to try to help increase exposure. I’m going through a different mess – and have that on my site as well.

  • Somerville Metro Man says:

    I have to chime in. Jessica is truly one of the most talented independent perfumers I have encountered. She has been kind enough to give me a sample of Narcotic Flowers and it is another jewel in her crown.
    Please leave a comment encouraging her to keep on being the artist she is. All we’re asking of the CaFleureBon community is one minute of your time.
    This is exactly what the perfumed blogosphere should be able to do well. Rally support for an artist in need of it.

    No I don’t count toward the 100. 🙂

    Mark

  • I’ve chosen a profession that is not well-remunerated, but it suits my talents perfectly, and enables me to pursue my passion. I wish such a career for everyone — but with more money!

  • What an honorable thing to do. It can be so tough following your passion and talent, especially in midst of this recession. Jessica has my full understanding and for what’s it’s worth my thoughts and wishes, I sincerely hope she’ll make it. All the best of luck.

  • Michael Singels says:

    Continue being brave and courageous Jessica! You are truly an inspiration. Have faith that the Universe will provide, often in the most unexpected ways, like the blog-o-thon on CaFleureBon! What a nice idea and offer. And I can’t wait to see more on Narcotic Flowers, it sounds delightful.

  • This is really nice of you.
    I’m adding my comment just to say I went and bought a bottle when I read her poat.
    I hope her perfume dream survives and perfumistas everywhere lend a hand.

  • I have yet to try any of Jessica’s 1000 Flowers fragrances. However, I’ve heard amazing things about Reglisse Noire from several friends.

    This story is touching and heartbreaking, but ultimately hopeful. I have the utmost respect for someone like Jessica who follows a dream. It takes a lot of faith, hope, and willingness to take a risk — not to mention the nailbiting stress of investing a lot of one’s own money in one’s dream. Now and then I’ve had a dream like that, and I’ve fulfilled a couple of small-scale ones in my life, but again, I reserve a huge amount of respect for those who plunge — not blindly, but with thoughtfulness, intelligence, and awareness of their own talents — into such an all-consuming venture of following one’s true vocation. Inspiration and perspiration are sometimes joined by luck and the vicissitudes of economies! I pray and send wishes for success to the risktakers like Jessica.

  • This is very exciting. a well deserved moment, a great reach out and I am proud to be able to add a small contribution. good going Carfleurbon, I’m proud of your generosity!

  • Ida, Mark, and Michelyn- You are three angels of the perfumed kingdom I must say! I am so deeply touched by the outpouring of support and encouragement. It says a lot to me about human character- that we’re all very much able to dream and if we can’t reach our own- we are compelled to help others reach theirs. Thank-you to all of you! I would also like to mention, that to pay it forward even more- 1000 Flowers donates 1% of sales to Bees For Development. This is an organization that supports and helps establish beekeeping as economic development for people primarily in third world countries. You can find more here- http://www.beesfordevelopment.org/
    Thank you all for supporting this 1000 Flowers dream! xoxoxoxoxo (and a big hug to Mark, Ida, and Michelyn for everything!)

  • I just purchased a bottle of Reglisse Noir.

    I hope for the best for Jessica – I know she will succeed.

  • chayaruchama says:

    Jessica is warm, genuine, impassioned; she represents- for me- the sort of individual it is a privilege to support and encourage.

    We pour money, every day- into products backed by those whose motives are sketchy, at best.
    Why not make your money speak to your ideals and dreams ?

    Jessica, take heart and hold fast !
    We wish you a veritable harvest of goodwill and thanks!

  • Robert Ricci once said: ‘The perfume is not goods; its creation is an act of love.’ Although I haven’t yet smelt Reglisse Noir, I am sure that it must smell wonderful because of all the love poured into it. I am proud to offer you my support.

  • This story has really touched me. I will be purchasing Reglisse Noire…and Jessica, I sincerely hope all works out. I believe it will.

  • I’m so pleased to see you’re continuing to build on the effort to help Jessica. When I first read her story when you posted about it last week I was so moved. It is an amazing accomplishment Jessica has made. I must admit her being a fellow Canadian made it even closer to my heart.
    I’ve just started my exploration into fragrance and I’ve been astounded by the open arms I’ve been welcomed into this community. A community that I know will do it’s best to save 1000 Flowers. The incredible talent and determination that Jessica has exhibited cannot be let to go to waste. She deserves nothing but the continued success her hard work has resulted in thus far.
    Jessica you WILL make this work!
    Michelyn, Ida and Mark…you rock!

  • Living your dream is not easy and no matter how hard an individual tries, it takes friends of all kinds to help carry an effort to the next stage. Let’s home Jessica can hang in there with our support. Indie perfumers need this kind of help – who cares about celebrity perfumes. We need to support people who are CREATING the unique scents we appreciate. Now to find out where to buy Reglisse Noire!

  • Jessica – I wish you success, wonderful smells and many bees! You and I share a passion for pollinators and natural ingredients. Bless you for following your dream and I hope to see many more perfumes coming out of your workshop!

  • I am bad with words, so I am just going to use quotes (not very original, I know):

    We all have our own life to pursue, our own kind of dream to be weaving. And we all have some power to make wishes come true, as long as we keep believing.
    – L. M. Alcott

    We believe in you Jessica! Good luck! :*

  • Jessica, I admire you. Being able to give all that you have towards a dream, that is amazing. I wish I had that sort of courage. My husband has been out of work almost a year, and as I type this, he is on the phone arranging when he’ll be starting the new job he just landed. I take this as a positive omen and will pray the universe throws some of this good fortune your way! I hope you will soon be enjoying the fruits of your labors and this “Labor Day” holiday seems a fitting time to hear about your work. Thanks for that, Ida, Mark and Michelyn!

  • Jessica, wishing you the best of luck in all your endeavors, never give up on your dreams. Persistence pays off at least that is what my parents always told me. Do what feels right and you will always come out on top even if some times it does not seem this way. Never give up without a fight and always give it your all its the only way you can say you have done what you could. Good luck and may all your future wishes and dreams come true.

  • Queen Cupcake says:

    Jessica’s determination is so inspiring! I send thoughts and wishes for her dreams to become reality. Here is a quote by Henry James that I like: “We work in the dark – we do what we can – we give what we have. Our doubt is our passion, and our passion is our task. The rest is the madness of art.”

  • Jessica – your story is inspiring! And I truly believe has many more chapters yet to be written. Your talent, drive, and willingness to lay it on the line for your dreams is bound to carry you far! I wish you all success. May your efforts and bravery lead to the fulfillment of all that you have envisioned for your business and yourself. Such drive and courage deserves to be rewarded!

  • Anya there are way more perfume folk reading this than the comments show
    It seems that for one reason or another they are not posting Sigh
    35-40% of our readership is not US and either way most everyone has an iPhone

    The important message isn’t lost and we have taken a stand that supporting indie perfumers is essential to our fragrant future we put our entire day to this blogothon and it’s to each person conscious to leave a comment

    (Ida Mark and my comment do not count)

  • Jessica, never give up. It takes great courage to reach out. The pursuit of quality and excellence is so rapidly disappearing, I hope you will find the support you need. Best wishes…

  • Don’t give up, Jessica! You have lots of supporters, you see? I know everything is going to work out 🙂

  • I am touched by the support and the help of CFB community. And of course Jessica, you are very courageous for reaching out and asking for help. You have my admiration for it. Everything in life has a good part to it…I am wishing you gigantic success and many blessings and Love.
    We are all in this together. If one of us gets successful, we all will be. You are doing this for all of us. Thank you. <3

  • Being an indie perfumer I very much relate to the expenses of starting and running a perfume business. I am sure we have all sacrificed for our indie businesses. I wish you and all indie perfumers the best..

  • It’s so courageous of you to give up everything to go after your dream! I’m touched and inspired by your story, and also by Cafleurebon’s effort to give a helping hand. This is what a community is all about, reaching out in both little and big ways to help a fellow dreamer. I’m here, along with all of the fragrance lovers and indie perfume supporters, rooting for you Jessica!

  • Zee Boudreaux says:

    It was a few years ago that I emailed Jessica for a sample of her beautiful first perfume. When my free sample arrived (from Grasse I
    believe) I couldn’t believe how beautifully it was packaged. Wrapped up in black tissue just like the delicious licorice candy that inspired it. I’ve coveted my sample a very autumnal scent for me… in corresponding with Jessica to enquire weather a year in Grasse was something I should/could do to further my studies she was so forthcoming, so generous and so very honest about her experience. I missed meeting her in person in Canada this summer but she had welcomed me with open arms one perfume fanatic to another. To imagine the hardships that this sweet soul has endured to follow her dreams is easy for me because they are so similar to my own. Living an artists life regardless of medium is never an easy path to take. Starting your own company is such a big beautiful but risky thing. To those that haven’t tried her fragrances trust this perfume crazed man they are beautiful. Open your wallets and order them today. Thank you Jessica for sharing your creations and your experiences and for not being afraid to ask this perfume community for help. Best of luck in all your endeavors. Zee

  • Such difficult times to launch a small business, and such courage! May you reach your goals, Jessica!

  • I was so touched by Jessica’s story that I just ordered a full bottle of Regalisse Noire. Best of luck in fulfilling your dreams, Jessica!

  • Jessica, you are an example of someone not dreaming their life but living their dream. I wish you the best of luck and not only luck but success and performance. CaFleureBon is a great platform for spreading the word. Spreading the vibe, the heart, the soul, is only possible in perfume form.
    <3 Nina

  • Jessica, you have all my sympathies and empathies, and I wish you all the best of successes.

    After ten years of paying all my own costs for the anti-human trafficking activism I do, last month and for the first time ever I had to ask for help. I was invited to speak at a conference in Australia and just couldn’t take that much of a financial hit to accept. So far comrades have donated $1216 and every new pledge that rolls in brings tears of gratitude.

    I commend CaFluereBon’s generosity, and I’d like to know if there a Paypal account so those of us trying to build a better world through anti-capitalist “gift economy” can make our own “gifts” to nurture Jessica’s obvious talent.

  • i met Jessica in 2009 in Grasse and had the chance to try Reglisse noir at the very beginning of its launch…and to appreciate Jessica’s experience and passion….
    i am helping buying reglisse noir : YOU?
    she needs our little help 🙂

  • Jessica,
    As an artist struggling to make my art known, and struggling to make ends meet while I grow, I know all that you are going through. My heart is with you in your love and your passion for your art of scent.
    Clare

  • Jessica,

    I hope you will be able to continue following your dream! With the world in such a confused state these days, we need all the beauty and kindness available.

  • Gary W. Bourbonais says:

    Thanks for the opportunity to help Michelyn et al…..

    To Jessica…..keep on at the Dream….You may have a setback, but You will prevail….

  • Hello again everyone! I am so touched by your comments! I am going to make a little book of them to read whenever I need a shot of encouragement! Yes, this is what community is all about- and I am feeling the love right now, and it makes all my hard work and suffering worthwhile. big hugs to you all! xoxo
    ps- Thank you Zee- it’s true- this is an artist’s path- which is never an easy road to take. But moral support can make a major difference for those of us on that path. looking forward to meeting you one day! lotsa love!

  • The hottest circles of hell are reserved for those who, in a time of crisis, preserve their neutrality.
    – Dante

  • Also, I wish all of you who are artists and entrepreneurs also, the very best of luck and fortune! Just keep going, and do nothing else but keep positive and BELIEVE in what you’re doing!! You might suffer- but there is so much beauty in the journey. hearts!

  • The warmth and support of community is such a comfort, and I’m so pleased to be a part of yours, Jessica and CaFleureBon. Kudos on putting the word out for all to respond in generous measure!

  • Jessica,

    And here I am sending you best wishes of luck and fortune your way from Pakistan.

    Love,
    Naheed

  • Jessica, you inspire us all and I want to pledge my support! We need such a gifted soul as you in the perfume industry! Please email me as I would love to feature you on my radio show to get the word out to help you!

  • Jessica- I think you’re fantastic! I ADORE Reglisse Noir and have been wearing it for the last year. It draws comments where ever I go! I am sending you best wishes and the hopes that things turn your way.
    Hugs for you!!!!!

  • I think most indies can relate to your story and are pulling for each other. We all face similar challenges and try to find our own way through them. I’ve not sampled your scents yet but look forward to doing so — they sound beautifully done! Best of luck to you! Given your talent, drive, education, and this outpouring of support, I’m betting you’ll be successful!

  • Dear Jessica,

    I really hope you can discover a way to keep your awesome business alive! I have to say that becoming a perfumista only about 3 or 4 years ago I have reached a point where I feel like I’ve sampled a large representation of what’s out there, even if I haven’t tried everything. 1000 Flowers is simply stunning, takes me back to my childhood–and only the good part of it! Thick black licorice imported from Finland, enjoying vanilla pastries, spending hours out in the woods, burying my face in flowers without knowing their names….All of this from your first launch, not knowing anything about you, nor having some grand overhyped reputation that makes me feel like I should like it–I just love it, period!
    I wish I could cook you a meal right now, even after 8 hours on my feet doing prep in a kitchen–it’s so baffling to me to hear of starving artists, and it makes me sad that we have this economic situation all over the world–please find a way to eat 3 meals a day! At the same time I don’t want you to close your business’s doors! I really want to try Fleur No 1, and Narcotic Flowers, and buy your perfumes when I can better afford to buy full bottles…You’ve already sold your house and invested your heart, the universe must hear you–it certainly smells you and your masterpieces! Some investor out there surely would swoon for one of them–she/he just hasn’t smelled your perfumes yet! Think–you’ve made your pilgrimage to Grasse, become learned and made a beautiful perfumes that smell *like no others*–that takes talent that demands use, that can’t be repressed and set aside for some career that is best described as “Bill Payer”–we’re all depending on you, as much as we’re in awe of you–your success must happen, so we can all smell sweeter, and know that maybe we can accomplish our dreams, no matter how against the odds they may be too!!! Long live Jessica’s creations, and may she make 1000 more!

  • Jessica, may the passion, determination, talent, and openness that have taken you this far carry you past this hurdle.

  • jessica and 1000 Flowers!!!

    Such creativity and dedication to the art of perfumery and following your life dream. I have no doubt at all …that your work and dreams will be fulfilled!!!

    I already ordered my bottle of Reglisse Noir so you can remove my name from the draw!!

    LOVE,
    Ragna

  • I will be the least eloquent here, Jessica, hang in and hang on! Do what it takes, as this too will pass. I will be ordering from your website! You have come so far, too far, and you have the support of the fragrance community and your many admirers!

  • Your heart must be 1000 miles wide…you have taken your dreams and turned them into perfume…by doing so, you have done what others only think about, plan, dream…you have taken it and breathed life into it….Keep the faith! and best wishes….for a fragrant future!

  • Happy to participate, glad to see so many rallying around Jessica in support of her dream. and a heartfelt “good job!” to the lovely Cafleurebon team for hosting this blog a thon!

    Also–I already have Reglisse Noire (nom nom nom) and have ordered the Fleur No1…so there’s no need to enter my name in the draw. 🙂

    ~Ruth aka Daisy

  • I meant to say also that I’m eagerly anticipating Narcotic Flowers!

    *fairly drooling all over the keyboard just thinking about it!* 🙂

  • thank you all for your comments. We are proud to have raised $68 and will review the comments and reveal the winner of a 15ml of regalisse noire.
    More important than the Money was the Message
    Good night and sweet licorice dreams

  • i just read this and want to add my message
    (not for the draw, just to be a part of this):

    dear jessica.

    you are truly inspiring.

    both for going after your dream as you did (and do)
    as well as for asking for help when you cannot do without it.
    i hope it comes (help that is.)

    but whatever you do, may you be happy and prosper in every way.

  • I wish you the best, Jessica. I recently tried Reglisse Noire for the first time, and it knocked my socks off. I’m looking forward to receiving my order.

  • Wow – very moving. It truly takes a lot of spunk to do what you’ve done, Jessica. Whatever I can possibly say to encourage you to stay the course, I hope that I can, and I hope that you will. Best wishes and hopes…. -Neil

  • Susan Spencer says:

    I hope your dream comes true Jessica. You have worked so hard so don’t quit. Best wishes and luck.

  • I hope you can pull through, Jessica. You are an inspiring person, following one’s dreams is not easy. You can be very proud of yourself.
    Off to your website now…

  • Dear everyone…. This is the most beautiful collection of messages in the world! And this gives me a huge amount of fuel and renewed vigor to keep going on this crazy perfumed path. I won’t give up, and will take the money that has been generating to purchase more cedar boxes, bottles and atomizers, plus moving into the InnovaGrasse office to finally create my little atelier here in the city of Grasse. But first, I have my work cut out to keep up with the Liquorice Dreams sale and send all the little bottles of Reglisse and Fleur out into the world. Again, lots of love and blessings to you all! xoxo

  • Jessica — wishing these early business hurdles are quickly behind you and become a memory on the sweet, demanding path to success. In addition to wonderful perfumes, you are creating quite an “origin story” for your business. Here’s to getting on with the story!

  • Wishing you all the luck in the world Jessica! I know how hard it can be to keep it all afloat. You are driven and talented, a recipe for success, now we just need to add a dash of financial backing! I’ll be purchasing your fab scents and hope others do as well.

  • Well that is just so too sad to be true. Unfortunately money rules our world and no matter how we try, we can’t do without.
    I hope thing turn right for you Jessica. All best.

  • I’ve never tried one of Jessica’s fragrances, but I love the scent and taste of licorice. This is one I’ll seek out to test. Good luck Jessica!

  • I just got back from a Labor Day weekend trip and read this post. I know it is beyond the deadline to comment but I just wanted to add my “two cents”. I purchased a full size bottle of Reglisse Noire unsniffed. Niche companies that handcraft quality perfumes (as I have read is exactly what Jessica creates) should be fully supported by all of us “perfumaniacs”! Jessica, I wish you nothing but the best and hope that all of the support will help you through this challenging time! Cafleurebon, thanks for bringing this to all of our attention!

  • It is very refreshing to see so much passion invested in perfume. I’m looking forward to future creations.

  • John Reasinger says:

    I first heard about “Reglisse Noir” while discussing gourmand scents with another FB fragrance club member. When I heard how HE (yes…I said “he”) loved this fragrance more than any he had EVER smelled…I felt compelled to investigate this much loved perfume, its creator AND issuing company. No sooner did I send a message to someone I know, after reading her review, and asking for a sample; than it was posted THE NEXT DAY that the company was “going under”. How could this be? Nature is the inspiration for almost all true artforms and perfume is no different. It says something about this industry that cheap, mass-produced by the numbers scents are FLYING off the shelves and true works of art are few and far between and that the future of a company started by a woman who SOLD HER HOUSE, followed her soul’s calling, slaved endlessly and followed her life’s dream is in danger of failing. When the very first perfume she created won awards AND make both MEN and WOMEN swoon says something right there!! That something this pure and beautiful is in danger of being destroyed and consumed by the corporate demon that worships ONLY the ALMIGHTY DOLLAR, and no longer cares about TRUE BEAUTY and art in its PUREST FORM says something to me. I can only hope that 1000 Flowers can “tread water” long enough for me to do MY PART and help out by supporting them and purchasing ANYTHING from them. Natural (and indie) perfumers such as Adam Gottschalk, Dabney Rose and Dawn Spencer Hurwitz have made me realize that what I was calling “perfume” and “cologne” were just empty echoes of the real things…Perfume Lovers and Collectors UNITE and show the world that not only do we want to smell great but we DO (and can) think globally and act locally. Jessica: I pray for you and 1000 Flowers and hope you are going to be around for a long long time…

  • Jessica I know that you are feeling the Love 😉 Dreams can be acheived with the Love and Support of others. Best of Luck.. Michelyn I also ordered so don’t put my name in the draw..

  • Jessica, I’m so impressed by your courage and tenacity! I’m sure one day you will look back at the early , somewhat desperate days of your business and you’ll smile over all this and say “it was worth it!” ….I hope Licorice Dreams becomes the title of you memoir. 😉 ~Daisy

  • I have something to add…..last night I went to bed liberally sprayed with Reglisse Noire….my big black-as-night cat Maxie always snuggles me….and today she smells of licorice……black licorice scented black cat….I guess I’m easily entertained. But I’ll tell you what—she smells FABULOUS!

  • Do I hear it for 102??? Anyone? Jessica, I wish you all the best of success. Hoping you can continue doing what you love best.

  • Judy Collins, who is still singing in her 70’s, says “Do what you love and you will find a way to get it out to the world.” Jessica, your love for perfume shows in your work. I am sure we will smell more of your perfumes.

    Cheers to the cafleurbon team for showing their love for perfume and perfumers, too.

  • A big thank you once again to everyone at Cafleurebon and all of you who left a comment here to lend support and encouragement. It really makes this lonely life of being an independent perfumer even more worthwhile. I miss having direct interaction with my clients, and one day hope to have a little shop where I can speak with everyone face-to-face and hear feedback directly. Anyway- blessings to you all, and I am looking forward to creating more perfumes for your enjoyment! Oh, and one more thing! I have just ordered the most amazing custom fragrant cedarwood boxes from master craftsmen in Morocco. These will house the 50ml Reglisse Noire- and will be available for Xmas. I will do a limited run of 150 pieces- so start planning if you’d like to reserve one. xoxo

  • Jessica, I don’t know you, I don’t know your perfumes but I want to support you.
    We all want to believe that Judy Collins is just right…

    I feel deep compassion for you and all the hardwork as I am going trough a similar story, here in Vietnam, at the other side of the world. Setting up a natural perfume business, including the creation and production is not an easy thing to do. It definitely needs passion and abnegation.
    We are very little fishes dreaming of swimming freely in a big blue clean ocean. I believe supporting each others will help us to face the sharks and the oil slicks.
    I wish this “blog a thon” will bring you solutions to develop your business. I wish you all the best.

  • Dear Jessica,

    As a fellow recent alumnus of GIP, I applaud your work, your will and your dreams. I thank you for taking the chance and fighting the fight. Don’t give up.