ÇaFleureBon Profiles in American Perfumery: Olivia Larson of La Fleur by Livvy + Calcutta to Colorado Draw

olvia livvy larson

Olivia ‘Livvy” Larson of La Fleur by Livvy

Profile: My name is Olivia “Livvy” Larson. I was born in Calcutta (now known as Kolkata) in India. My inspiration comes from memories of my childhood growing up in India: of Indian women in the market place with fragrant jasmine garlands in their hair. The scent of attars, rose waters, and sandalwood incense sticks wafting through the air as they burned. The various flowers that bloomed at night, the smell of earth after it rained on a hot summer day.

LittleLivvy

Livvy as a young child

The smell of fresh mint leaves being crushed into juice at a vendor’s stall. And the frangipani (plumeria) flowers which grew right outside my grandmother’s bedroom window that amazingly floated indoors to share their beautiful fragrance with me. I moved to the United States 17 years ago and Colorado has been home.  It is here that I was able to explore the fine arts.  I took a few oil painting lessons with Chris Anderson at Colorado Mountain College .

la fleur by livvy perfume logo

In the US, my creativity began to bloom.  It is from my study of the Impressionist artists and their floral paintings that inspired me. I became more connected to nature and started to enjoy gardening. I love flowers. I never seem to get enough of them or have enough of them and with this idea my fragrance line was born.

olivia larson fleur by livvy

Livvy Larson of La Fleur by Livvy

My perfume line is a personal journey that I wish to share with others. My path to natural perfumery began in India where I was surrounded by tropical plants, flowers, fruits, spices and herbs. These all play an important role.. I enjoy working with natural ingredients especially essential oils, absolutes, resins and other botanical ingredients including making my own tinctures. I love to capture the exotic floral fragrances and combine these with other raw materials from the west, for example. I work with rose de mai (which is a nod to my French great grandfather) and strawberries as well as  Eastern elements such as   sandalwood and champaka. My fragrances are not intended to overwhelm the presence in the room but to compliment the person wearing it. I love when someone smells my perfumes for the first time and is immediately transported to a certain time in their life or reminded of a particular person. Scent brings memories crushing back to the forefront of the mind.   “Nothing brings to life again a forgotten memory like fragrance”… Christopher Poindexter.

perfumer workspace la fleur by livvy

On American Perfumery: As an American Natural Perfumer I have the freedom to express myself  using botanical ingredients large companies might not allow. I don’t use focus groups or complicated marketing.   My clients  sprad their love of my perfumes and I feel blessed that they share this love via word of mouth.  I came here with two suitcases.  Now  I am living the American dream  and composing  scents that touch others. Everything is possible.

mary wells motown october 1964

Mary Wells The Queen of Motown, 1964

Favorite American Artist: Mary Wells the “Queen of Motown”. Music is food for the soul. In spite of humble beginnings and health issues she was an American singer who helped define the sound of Motown and rose to the top. I really enjoy listening to her music even though it was before my time.

–Olivia ‘Livvy’ Larson, Founder and Owner La Fleur by Livvy

livvy fragrance designer book

Editor’s Note: Livvy was featured in The Fragrance Designer Primer: A roundtable of 14  Perfumers

la fleur de livvy mix and match

La Fleur by Livvy Mix and Match Perfume Coffret

Thanks to Livvy we have a worldwide draw for our registered readers (be sure to do this). Of a mix and match discovery kit of three 10 ml bottles of the following all natural La Fleur by Livvy perfumes; your choice of Fleur Damour, Fleur de Innocence, Fleur de Seduire, Fleur d’Aspiration, Fleur de Mystere, and a Parisian Affaire. To be eligible, please leave a comment with what you found fascinating about Livvy’s path to perfumery, where you live and  which three fragrances you would like to win, Draw ends September 12, 2015

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

Follow Fleur by Livvy on FACEBOOK  here

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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31 comments

  • Emma Krasov says:

    Livvy has a magic touch with perfume, and her artisanal fragrances are always a pleasure to wear. I live in San Francisco and like trying Livvy’s new creations at the annual SF Fragrance Salon.

  • Patty P. says:

    Fascinating to me you came to U.S. 17 years ago as a young person and name as your favorite American Arist Mary Wells who by that time was long absent from the popular culture. You would have had to make some effort to find her. 🙂
    My 3 picks, A Parisian Affair, Fleur de Seduire & Fleur d’ Innocence
    USA

  • Kim M. says:

    I love that Livvy’s fragrances are natural. I live in Florida, where I’m surrounded by many of the flowers that capture the imaginations of perfumers… and it’s encouraging to me that she embraces them. I envy her artistic journey! Hard to choose among the scents listed, as they all sound lovely. However, I’d love to try Fleur de Mystere, Fleur de l ‘Amour, and Fleur de Seduire — the latter of which I think my husband would just LOVE!

    US resident — thank you for the opportunity.

  • fazalcheema says:

    When Olivia describes her childhood memories of rose waters, attar, and incense, i can almost picturize it because I am aware of the bazaars in India. I have been aware of Calcutta (now different name) since my childhood. Olivia is right..there is something about being in the US which sparks your creativity.

    my choices will be Fleur de Seduire, Fleur de Mystere and a Parisian Affaire. thanks so much for your generosity Olivia.
    I am in the US

  • Kela Valenz says:

    Me encanta todos los perfumes de Levvy. Olivia es una persona ADMIRABLE un ejemplo a seguir. I personal used perfumes lotion and soap and I love it because it’s natural and i can hugs my kids my husband and they love it. Olivia se que llegaras muy lejos y que lograras todas tus metas.

    Thanks so much for all your generosity We miss you!!
    Glenwood Spring Colorado.

  • Michelle U says:

    This part right here was fascinating for me ” It is from my study of the Impressionist artists and their floral paintings that inspired me. I became more connected to nature and started to enjoy gardening. I love flowers. I never seem to get enough of them or have enough of them and with this idea my fragrance line was born.”

    My picks:Parisian Affaire, Fleur d’Aspiration and Fleur de Mystere.

    I am a registered reader from the EU!

    Already gave a like to CaFleureBon Profiles in American Perfumery on Facebook.

    Thank you very much! Wish you all the best!

  • Tom K. says:

    Livvy’s life story was so interesting to me. I am a lover of all things Indian. I was so interested in the different flowers and smells of her country.
    Being that I have smelled some of Livvy’s perfumes I would have to say my 3 favorites, and my 3 picks would be Parisian Affaire, Fleur De Mystere, and Fleur D Amour. But I love them all I cant wait to see what else she will come out with next. I know it will be great.
    I am in the US

  • Sharon says:

    This is fascinating as my journey has also been through love of the Impressionists, floral painting, and on to studying and creating my own natural perfumes. Still in the early stages – but what a joy! I live in Durban, South Africa, and my choices are Fleur de Seduire, Fleur d’Aspiration and A Parisian Affaire

  • Diane Owens says:

    I not only love Olivia but love her perfumes as I feel her essence is in these scents. I have given her perfumes as gifts which have been so loved. They are ‘classy’ thing as is Olivia!
    Diane Owens

  • madeleine gallay says:

    I love that it was her love of art, her art studies, that her brought her to fragrance. Both speak of passion and beauty, the senses and a necessity to create because that is what must be done.

    Mary Wells, yes. The incredibly great Darlene Love is playing later this month, sold-out in a blink, at the Whiskey on Sunset Strip.

    And she was some beautiful baby.

    I would so love three of these special fragrances but I would hope that she would select them. Oh I would love that. In the USA.

  • Maya says:

    Livvy’s path to perfumery came from her love of flowers, especially tropical ones. I can understand and identify with this. I love all the flowers she mentioned. I very much like the idea of a perfume complimenting the person wearing it. It’s great that she has been able to come to the US and create her natural perfumes.

    I would be most interested in: Fleur de l’Amour, Fleur d’Aspiration, and Fleur de Mystere.

    In the USA.

  • Nemo says:

    Having just returned from a trip to India, I can totally see how growing up in India would inspire a lifetime fascination in scent 🙂 I am glad that she has been able to combine her childhood memories with American perfume creativity! I am in the US, and I would love to try A Parisian Affaire, Fleur de Seduire, and Fleur d’Aspiration.

  • Shirley Laux says:

    Yes, that is my little baby girl now a beautiful woman, daughter and sister to her sisters.
    Olivia takes great pride in what she does, it is not what you take to do it, it is how you study it and put it into your interest and the Perfume La Fleur that makes it so
    wonderful, that smell that lingers on, and does now stain your clothes trying it you will know what it means,,,,,,,, All the best to you Livvy God bless Mom.

  • Patsi says:

    I love the fact that Olivia’s childhood scents have inspired her journey. It is amazing that those memories are the things that shape our lives as adults and encourage us to recreate the story, whether in art, music, poetry or perfume. Congratulations Olivia, all of your perfumes sound wonderful.
    I would so like to try ‘A Parisian Affaire’, ‘Fleur de Mystere’ and ‘Fleur d’Innocence’.
    I am in the UK and thanks for the draw.

  • Timea says:

    Amazing review. I found fascinating the most about Livvy’s path to perfumery, that her perfumes are all naturals. And I suppose that Livvy is a very nice person. If I will as lucky to win, my choices are Parisian Affaire, Fleur the Mystere and Fleur d’Innocence. I have already liked CaFleureBon Profiles in American Perfumery. Thank you for the draw. I live in Europe.

  • Francesca says:

    This review just takes me back to India, I know it well and have visited Kolkata , a very special city. To be carry the memories of a childhood in India to the perfume arena is a richness that is to be celebrated. What a start for the nose and a joy for those on the receiving end I can only imagine.And then tying it up with the impressionists, more richness of color and inspiration. I’d choose Fleur de Mystere, Fleur de l ‘Amour, and Fleur de Seduire. Thanks so much for making this an International draw. I’m registered, live in New Zealand.

  • ring thing says:

    I like the way that Livvy combines eastern botanicals with western elements to create scents inspired by music and art, and her desire to share them with others. They sound like the kind of perfumes that can surround the wearer like gauze and I love scents like that! I’m in the US, I have liked the Profiles in American Perfumery page on Facebook, and I would choose Fleur de Seduire, Fleur de Mystere and a Parisian Affaire. Thanks for this profile (Livvy, you are gorgeous as well as talented) and the generous offer.

  • Iphigenia says:

    I loved the fact that Livvy is an artist with many talents like painting, music, fine arts and perfumery and the fact that her memories from her life while living in India became the inspirational seeds for her aromatic creations.
    My choices Fleur de Seduire, Fleur de Innocence and Fleur de Mystery. I am a registered reader in EU. Thank you for this generous draw.

  • Flora says:

    I have tried most of her perfumes and they are wonderful – whoever wins this draw will be lucky indeed! No need to enter me, I just wanted to let everyone know how good the fragrances are!

  • Elissa says:

    Livvy is so inspiring. To come to a new country and start fresh with a dream.
    My choices are Fleur d Amour y A Parisian Affaire, Fleur de Seduire
    USA reader.Thank you for this opportunity

  • bunchofpants says:

    I love that Livvy was inspired by what naturally surrounded her. Too often we don’t stop and pay attention to the wealth of fragrance in our everyday world. I would love samples of Fleur de Seduire, Fleur d’Aspiration, and Fleur de Mystere. I’m in USA.

  • hofken says:

    I found Livvy path to perfumery fascinating, especially that it began in India with all of its colors and fragrances. I live in the US and would like to win a mix n match set of Livvy’s choice

  • Cynthia says:

    Reading this I feel a real kinship with Livvy Larson. I was lucky enough to live in India for four years many years ago, and I can say this is where my latent love of fragrance truly came alive. So I can identify with her starting point. I also appreciate her love of nature and she is situated (in Colorado) in a beautiful spot to appreciate it. I am in the US and would love to try Fleur d Amour, Feur d’Aspiration, and Fleur d Mystere. Thank you for the draw. (I am amazed there are so many perfumers out there to still discover!)

  • Genie Gee says:

    I found Livvy’s entire story so very interesting & moving.

    I really knew what she meant with her comment about *the smell of earth after it rained on a hot summer day* because to me, every place I have ever lived, the *earth smells different* after it rains, the earth, the asphalt, the sidewalk, each location has it’s own different, distinct, scent.

    I am in the US & if I should be lucky enough to win, I would love to try Fleur de Mystere, Fleur d ‘Aspiration, & Fleur d’ Innocence, all of which reflect a part of who I am….the innocent child, the aspirations within me, & the mysterious side of me no one quite understands!

    Thank you!

  • DGambas says:

    Olivia’s scented memories of India and her childhood are beautiful. The story of frangipani outside her grandmother’s window has captured my heart. It reminded me on jasmine we had under the windows when I was a child. I’m glad Olivia lives her American dream. It is important that she combines ingredients typical for India with “western” ingredients. It is wonderful to be a perfumer far away from IFRA’s restrictions. I heard about Olivia Larson and La Fleur by Livvy during the Artisan Fragrance Salon 2014. Her perfumes were awarded in many categories. I’d love to wear La Fleur by Livvy perfumes and choose Fleur de Mystere, Fleur de Seduire, and Fleur d ‘Aspiration. I’m in the EU, Croatia. Thank you.

  • Mujo says:

    I always have a soft spot for all natural perfumes, and frankly American perfumers are much more advanced in natural perfumery than the European perfumers. Livvy’s lifepath to becoming a perfumer is also the natural course of a scent-loving person. I would love to sniff her findings in the world of perfumery. My choices would be Fleur the Seduire, A Parisian Afaire and Fleur de L’Amour. I live in the Netherlands. Thanks for this wonderful draw.

  • Greg Sh says:

    I’ve always wanted to visit India. It seems like such a beautiful place, with tons of scenery. I also love Indian spices and food! Olivia sounds like a fantastic person, and a very very talented perfumer.

    My choices would be Fleur de l’Amour, Fleur d’Aspiration, and Fleur d’Innocence.

    I live in Canada and thank you for the draw!

  • CAROLYN GUDGEL says:

    I find it so interesting she first was touched by the scents of her childhood. Then, coming to the US and finding a love of Art….kindred spirits here. Gardening is another common interest. It’s so soothing and invokes creation. I live in north Texas where it’s still extremely hot! I would love the opportunity to try Fleur de L’Amour, Fleur d’Innocence and Fleurs de Seduire. Thank you for telling your story.

  • Vick G says:

    “My fragrances are not intended to overwhelm the presence in the room but to compliment the person wearing it.”

    These are my kind of fragrances! The ones that don’t have huge sillage and projection. I love how Olivia uses florals. I think they are amazing in perfumery when not overpowering. There’s so many great selections but I will go with Fleur d’Innocence, Fleur de l’Amour, Fleur d’Aspiration. I’m a Canadian reader and wishing you the best of luck in the future.

  • Mim says:

    Thank you for the spotlight and draw! Olivia’s scented memories of India and her childhood are beautiful, as is her pursuit of her own American Dream. Her path seems to combine a sensual appreciation of nature with a love of art and creativity in all respects. “I came here with two suitcases. Now I am living the American dream and composing scents that touch others. Everything is possible.”
    She might not have carried much, but she managed to bring a great deal with her–her memories, passion, creativity, resourcefulness…

    Top 3 choices for me are: A Parisian Affair Perfume,Fleur de Seduire,Fleur de Mystere

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  • Greg Mayne says:

    What a great read! I loved reading about Olivia’s memories of India, and all the scents that she remembered. From the spices, to the mint, to the florals, I enjoyed the little stories she told about it all. I also like how passionate she is on her craft and how much effort she puts into her perfumes. My 3 choices are Fleur de l’Amour, Fleur d’Aspiration, and Fleur d’Innocence. Canada