Profiles In American Perfumery: Theresa Murphy of Cypress Cove +A Day At The Coast Giveaway

Theresa Murphy of Cypress Cove

Theresa Murphy, Founder of Cypress Cove

Profile: I’ve been interested and intrigued by the power of scent most of my life. From my “hippie-chick” days in California experimenting with patchouli, to my motherhood era creating lavender-based lotions to soothe my babies, to my current passion of recreating happy scent memories that celebrate the American lifestyle—fragrance has always been part of who I am.

My path to perfumery comes with a deep appreciation for the natural beauty around us. I had a wonderful childhood growing up in California and spent a lot of time taking trips to the mountains or heading out to the beaches along the Northern California coast, exploring the fruit orchards. Those memories are still vivid— Pine needles, sea spray, fruit ripening in the sun… they left a permanent impression. Even as a kid, I somehow knew that scent was special. It can shift your mood, transport you back in time, or make you feel something big and meaningful in a split second. I didn’t call it “olfactory memory” back then, but I was already chasing it.

vintage photo of Yosemite

Photo of Perfumer Theresa Murphy of Cypress Cove with her father, visiting Yosemite

As a young mom, I wanted to make gentle, safe blends to use around my kids, so I leaned heavily into essential oils. Lavender lotion became part of our nightly routine after bath time—it helped calm them down and settle in for the night. That soft floral scent still takes me back to those quiet, snuggly evenings.

Then, in 2020, I came across an article about Nootkatone—a synthetic molecule with a bright, energizing grapefruit smell. The FDA had just approved it, and I was fascinated. I’d mostly stuck to naturals up to that point, but this opened up a new world. I started reading about other clean, safe synthetics and quickly realized how much possibility there was. It felt like someone had opened the gates to an entirely new creative playground. Over the last few years, I’ve been blending safe synthetics with the natural materials I already loved. The results were so much more nuanced and interesting—more like what I had always wanted my perfumes to be. That’s when I really got serious about it. I dove in—taking online classes, joining webinars, listening to perfumery podcasts, and reading every book I could get my hands on. There’s so much information available now, and I’ve been able to learn from perfumers all over the world.

Perfumer's organ

Photo of Theresa Murphy of Cypress Cove studio/ blending desk

On American Perfumery: To me, American perfumery is about freedom, creativity, and celebrating our landscapes and lifestyle. We live in such a big, beautiful country with so many unique places to explore, and I think that’s something worth bottling. That’s what I try to do—turn moments into memories, and memories into scent.

A Day at the Coast Cypress Cove

Photo of Theresa Murphy of Cypress Cove ““A Day At The Coast” Mood board

America the Beautiful isn’t just a song—it’s a source of endless inspiration. Whether it’s a visit to a Hill Country winery, a summer day at the lake, or a quiet weekend at a coastal B&B, I love turning those experiences into wearable scents. Travel has been a huge influence. My husband and I have had the chance to explore a lot of the U.S.—from antique shopping in New England to hiking trails in North Carolina and catching sunsets along the Florida coast. Each place has its own feeling, its own rhythm—and yes, its own scent.

Craft fair Theresa Murphy of Cypress Cove

Photo of Craft Fair with Olfactory Obsession

As I grew more confident in my fragrances, I began exhibiting at craft fairs and local markets. That’s when I started connecting with small business owners who shared my appreciation for regionally inspired products. These relationships have allowed me to partner with retailers who want to celebrate their hometowns in a unique way—through scent. I love helping shops tell their story and connect with customers through fragrances that reflect their local charm and personality.

Celia Hua of Mane

Perfumer and Vice President of Creations Cécile Hua of Mane

My hobby slowly turned into a business; I’m still blending my own fragrances while also working with some incredibly talented perfumers. Cecile Hua is the nose behind A Day At The Coast.  Whether I’m crafting, curating, or collaborating, the goal is always the same: the scent has to spark something. It has to stir a memory, set a mood, or make someone smile. That’s how I know it’s ready.

Ansel Adams’ Yosemite photo californiamuseum.org

Favorite American Artist: Ansel Adams. Growing up, we made frequent trips to the mountains and Yosemite, and his black-and-white photography captures the spirit of those places perfectly. I love how his work feels raw, real, and timeless—just like the wilderness he photographed. His photos make me remember the smell of pine trees, cold air, and campfire smoke. I hope my fragrances can do the same—bring people back to a place, a moment, a feeling.

Theresa Murphy, Founder of Cypress Cove 

Cypress Cove A Day at The Coast

 A Day At The Coast by Celia Hua

Thanks to Theresa Murphy of Cypress Cove, we have a draw for a registered reader that is USA-based (contiguous 48 states) for a 30 ml bottle of A Day at The Coast, created by perfumer Cecile Hua. To be eligible, be sure to register please leave a comment describing what strikes you about Theresa Murphy’s path to perfumery. Draw closes 6/14/2025

Notes: Fresh sea breezes, powdery sand, driftwood, and a wisp of patchouli.

Theresa Murphy is 180th in our American perfumer series, which officially began in 2011 with Dawn Spencer Hurwitz of DSH Perfumes.

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

All photos belong to Theresa Murphy unless otherwise noted

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Please read Deputy and Natural Perfumery Editor Ida Meister’s review of A Day In The Vineyard.

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18 comments

  • Ramses Perez says:

    Taking inspiration from the place you grew up or a childhood memory, will always evoke a memory and a feeling of nostalgia. Sea/coastal fragrances have always been very popular because they put you on that vacation mode. In this one we see the full picture brought to life with the notes: sea breeze, sand and driftwood. Imagine sitting in the sand on a hot summer day and the sea breeze blowing your way, it’s incredible. I’m located in the USA.

  • Brad Woolslayer says:

    I like the idea of blending natural ingredients with safe synthetic materials. It was cool to hear how Theresa dove into learning about perfumery by taking classes and reading many books about perfumery. I live in Maryland USA.

  • Steven A says:

    I was struck by the idea of wanting to make gentle and safe blends to use around the kids. US

  • roxhas1cat says:

    That’s cool how Theresa got her start. Loved that picture of her at Yosemite. I treasure my old family photos of Yosemite and fondly think of sitting in the meadow watching the fire falls which were discontinued in the 70’s because they weren’t “natural”. Ansel Adams photos of Yosemite are amazing!! That’s cool she gets her inspiration from travel (please help…..I’m still searching for the scent of Santa Fe NM). I grew up at the beach and would love to win this! Thanks. USA.

  • Kensolfactoryodyssey says:

    What strikes me about Theresa Murphy’s path is how naturally it bloomed from life experience—hippie roots, motherhood, and a deep love for the American landscape. Her journey feels grounded and genuine, like her perfumes are bottled memories. As a U.S. resident, I’d love to experience A Day at The Coast and be transported by the scent of sea breezes and sun-warmed driftwood.
    I’m in usa

  • Kensolfactoryodyssey says:

    What strikes me about Theresa Murphy’s path is how naturally it bloomed from life experience—hippie roots, motherhood, and a deep love for the American landscape. Her journey feels grounded and genuine, like her perfumes are bottled memories. As a U.S. resident, I’d love to experience A Day at The Coast and be transported by the scent of sea breezes and sun-warmed driftwood.
    I’m in usa

  • Jeremy Francis says:

    I’m most impressed by this perfumer’s desire to travel as she can in order to gain inspiration and aspiration for her creations. She exhibits a dedication that most persons should pay attention to and learn from. I placed a like on this perfumer’s article on CaFleureBon Profiles. I am also located in the USA.

  • Bran J says:

    The idea of safe fragrances and oils is very appealing. The main draw though to Theresa Murphys journey into fragrance is the idea of invoking memories. A scent that brings a smile to someone’s face now that is aspirational. Overall it’s about the trigger of bliss in a memory, a transportation. Love in NY USA

  • carrie_earle says:

    I loved reading Theresa’s story. While I appreciate the traditional perfumers who grew up in France, came from famous families and/or attended prestigious institutions but there is something about the non-traditional, self made perfumer that is intriguing. There’s a different kind of passion and care given to the art of creating a scent that is magical. I’ll be looking into Cypress Cove fragrances now that CaFleureBon has brought them to my attention. Thank you for the opportunity to this giveaway. I’m from Michigan.

  • Jenna Park says:

    I really admire your journey there are so many wonderful memories associated with fragrance. I appreciate that you really care about the ingredients and if they are safe. Since becoming a mother that has become even more important to me.The best part is you taking inspiration from this beautiful country. There are so many beautiful places here i sometimes think we take for granted. i read a lot about perfumers taking inspiration from Paris or Rome but it’s nice to see you making safe products with the United States in mind. i would love to try these fragrances. I’m in Pennsylvania USA

  • teatreesoil says:

    i feel like it’s much more common to get stuck in a mental “rut” and convince yourself to stay in the same “lane” that you’re used to following– i applaud theresa’s openmindedness to exploring synthetic materials/compounds and using them in combination with her already-familiar natural materials to see what more she could achieve together.

    i also appreciate these profiles in american perfumery– it’s a great way to learn more more “indie” perfumers who all have their own journeys that led them to fragrance & discover more of what drives them & the scents they create. also happy to learn that cypress cove has very affordable samples– i remember the a day in a vineyard review & definitely want to sample both fragrances!

  • opalbear says:

    This is so interesting to read about transitioning from essential oils and naturals to incorporating aroma chemicals. The fragrance sounds amazing. I’m biased growing up in Northern California but I do love a coastal conifer scent! I would love to try this house. I am located in the U.S.

  • aditu says:

    I love that her journey into perfumery started with creating safe soothing baby care items for her kids! And then that after learning of an interesting new idea (the safe synthetic) she took it and ran with it all the way to creating her own line. I would love to be transported to the seaside with A Day at the Coast. I am in MA.

  • Annika says:

    I appreciate Theresa Murphy’s path to becoming a perfumer. Growing up around such natural beauty and olfactory diversity in California must have been quite an inspiration. I can also understand why Ansel Adams with his stunning and stark black and white imagery is a favorite. He has a way of showcasing nature in simple yet raw and powerful ways. The notes for A Day at the Coast say Pacific Ocean to me . Love the bottle. MD, USA

    I liked CaFleureBon Profiles in American Perfumery.

  • mmerline says:

    Northern California and the Pacific Northwest are full of such distinct, varied, and memorable natural beauty that it’s easy to understand how growing up there could influence a perfumer later in life. Like Theresa so aptly said: ‘I didn’t call it “olfactory memory” back then, but I was already chasing it.’ Also, interesting that she started experimenting with essential oils, which are a widely available way to appreciate certain scents. I also appreciated Theresa’s comment about traveling the states to experience those different locales. “Each place has its own feeling, its own rhythm—and yes, its own scent.” That’s a lovely sentiment. Another excellent post in the American Perfumery series.

    I’m in the contiguous USA. I follow CaFleureBon Profiles in American Perfumery on Facebook.

  • brentm says:

    It is so interesting to see what things in life helped form the Perfumes and purfermer produces. Would love to give A day at the Coast a try. Arkansas, usa

  • Devry says:

    I loved the discussion of naturals and synthetics and how she was able to incorporate synthetics and how that expanded possibilities.

  • mdellaroc says:

    What a great “creation” story. My son has a great nose and I think he should consider going into perfumery but he says it’s just for fun. But as your story shows, who knows what lies ahead? In maryland.