Sherri Sebastian, professional perfumer
The Origin of CaFleureBon Notes from The Lab
Each morning as I study the dry downs from yesterday’s blotters, I read a quote that hangs in my office from German philosopher Goethe. The last part reads, “Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it. Begin it now.”
When I wrote this in 2013 for CaFleureBon Profiles in American Perfumery series, I never imagined that I would become the editor and co-creator of the Notes from the Lab Series, which officially launched on July 15th, 2017. The idea for the series came about over a conversation with CaFleureBon Editor-in-Chief Michelyn Camen. As we discussed potential topics for an article she’d asked me to write as a guest perfumer, a new concept emerged. One that went beyond marketing trends, one that offered a realistic perspective on fragrance creation from a perfumer.
By the end of our call CaFleureBon Notes from the Lab was born, and a month later my first article Musk; The Invisible Star was published, marking the official debut of CaFleureBon Notes from the Lab.
What’s the best way to evaluate a fragrance? ‘Debunking Fragrance Myths: Part 1’
Since then I’ve written over two dozen pieces covering an array of topics from ‘Debunking Fragrance Myths’ to ‘Unofficial Perfumery descriptors and dialects’.
The subjects have varied but my dedication to sharing unique and thoughtful insights has remained consistent. These past five years as contributing editor of CaFleureBon Notes from the Lab have been edifying for me on many levels. I’ve enjoyed the challenge of learning a new skillset, but my roots as a fragrance creator have remained strong and are ultimately calling me back home. My true work is as a maker. Being immersed in the process of making or producing something – that’s what I do. If it wasn’t fragrance, it would be something else. For that reason, I’ve made the decision to retire from my post as editor of CaFleureBon Notes From the Lab.
Fragrance ingredients in alphabetical order. Read more in Notes entry, H is for Hedione.
I’d like to thank Michelyn for this opportunity and for her role as co-creator of this series. CaFleureBon is truly impressive in its scope of content and vision. Thank you to the entire team – it’s been an honor to be part of the CaFleureBon family. A big heartfelt thank you to the readers for bringing this column to life. I hope you’ve enjoyed these past five years together as much as I have.
And who knows? I could make an appearance as a future guest contributor when the time is right.
Resonance by Provision was featured in Notes’ “A different kind of Animal”
Recent Notes
In recent years, my desire to create led me to launch my own brand, Provision. The essence of my new offerings was perfectly captured by Global Cosmetic Industry when they featured the lineup, saying, “Provision offers a mindful take on prestige beauty and personal care.” Additionally, I’ve served as a mentor to junior perfumers, guiding them through personalized apprenticeships. Most recently, I was instrumental in organizing a collaborative awards ceremony on behalf of the American Society of Perfumers (ASP), “An Evening of Fragrance Excellence,” which took place at the World Perfumery Congress (WPC) in Miami on July 1, 2022.
Sherri with the winner of Quintis Sandalwood’s “Reimagine” perfumery competition, Fanny Ginolin
The event featured the ASP, Quintis Sandalwood, and the Institute for Art and Olfaction together for this first-ever collaboration at the WPC. The planning began over a year ago, and during this time I worked behind the scenes with Quintis Sandalwood to produce a perfumery competition with the goal of inspiring perfumers to reimagine Indian Sandalwood in a new fragrance creation. The evening was a true celebration of fragrance, craftsmanship, and dedication to the art of perfumery. Reconnecting with friends and colleagues at the WPC was the perfect segue into my new chapter. Going forward, I look forward to focusing my attention on only a few projects, including a new venture which I’ll share more about at a later date.
Sherri Sebastian
The Next Chapter
A perfumer once told me, early in my career, that being a perfumer was “a lonely job.” Today, three decades later, I finally understand what he meant. Personally, I don’t find it lonely to work alone. I’m perfectly content working in a quiet, peaceful environment where I can focus on the task at hand.
Oil and perfume make the heart glad,
So a man’s counsel is sweet to his friend. Proverbs 27:9
–Sherri Sebastian, Contributing Editor
Sherri Sebastian is a perfumer with over thirty years of experience in the flavor and fragrance industry. She’s the founder of luxury wellness brand Provision Scents and the Vice President of the American Society of Perfumers.
The French never say “goodbye”, instead they say Au Revoir, until we meet again. Thank you Sherri for making it “Happy on Top” and so much more. Your thoughtful and informative articles have enriched our pages, expanded our knowledge and truly allowed us an insider look into the lab of a professional perfumer. Stay tuned for more Notes from the Lab….Michelyn Camen, Editor-in Chief
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