Kathy Saunders of Terranova

Profile:  I was physically born in Oakland, CA but was raised in Berkley, CA along with my older sister and co-owner, Ann Saunders.  I graduated as a dance major at UCLA and obtained my MBA from Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.  I’m currently the creative leg of the business, while my sister, Ann, who has owned and operated retail stores in Washington D.C. and Aspen, Colorado, has been instrumental in starting and developing our wholesale business.

Ann, Jane and Kathy Saunders–Terranova is a Family affair

My mom and founder, Jane Saunders, was a decorative arts graduate of UC Berkley in the 1930s and was a tremendous trend setter during her day.  With $750 and a dream, my mom started the business, at age 50, as a store front in Berkley, CA back in the 70s.  During this time she became a trend setter in many ways by being the first to use natural botanical oils, essential oils, and vegetable based glycerin in her body products.

Ann and I had this business coursing through our blood at an early age!  Although the business kept mom busy, she always involved us in her travels.  I remember one trip where we traveled to visit an Indian Chief at a Southwestern Indian Reservation to purchase jojoba oil where it was grown and harvested!  She also included us in her decisions and we always had jobs (and so did our friends).  Our friends thought she was the coolest mom in Berkeley (no small feat in the 70s)!

Having growing up in the fragrance business, we developed a deep love of the nature of fragrance and the memories it creates.  At mom’s shop, we would blend natural essential oils with other ingredients to create “indie” perfumes and sold alternative fragrances such as Strawberry Yogurt, Patchouli (which was big seller in the 70s), and other perennial favorites like China Musk™, China Rain™, China Lily™, and Rain™ (a fantasy, floral musk) which was our first signature fragrance and continues to be a popular, top-seller for us today!

On American Perfumery:  When I think of what it means to be a Indie Natural American Perfumer, I think of ourselves as artists that create fragrances that reflect the free spirit, individuality and authenticity of the individual wearing it.

When we started our business in the 70s Berkeley was, and still is, filled with “free spirits” who were looking to express their individuality.  They wanted a scent that they couldn’t get from mass produced fragrances sold at big box retailers and we were happy to fill that need. We also pride ourselves on the ability to create authenticity in all our fragrances.  During the creative process of creating our Island Escapes Collection™, for instance, we actually procured flowers directly from the lei stands in Hawaii to replicate the aroma and capture “The Aloha Spirit.”  Because of our focus on authenticity, our Island Escapes Collection™ (which includes tropical floral fragrances like Pikake, Gardenia, Tuberose, Plumeria, White Ginger, and Tiare Lei™) is the premier fragrance brand in Hawaii!

Wayne Thiebaud  Two Kneeling Figures 1966

Favorite American Artist:  My sister, Ann, was an Art History and French Major at the University of California in Davis.  So art and travel has filled her life and is a continuous source of inspiration.  During her studies, she was lucky to have famed California artist, Wayne Thiebaud, as her art teacher.  He represents a fun, colorful, and spirited California style that is reflected in the Terranova® spirit!

Pomp and Circumstances Eugene Savage 1940 an example of Hawaii inspired Art Deco

As for me, I love the Pacific!  During my travels to Hawaii, I was moved by the murals on display at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel by Hawaiian artist Eugene Savage and Frank McIntosh.  These stupendous works of art, from the 1930’s and 40’s, were created in such a glamorous time in California and Hawaiian history that we actually have them featured on the packaging of Terranova®’s Island Escape Collection™!

–Kathy Saunders, Co owner of Terranova Natural Fragrances

Terranova Gifts Sets !  Gardenia, Aire and Shea Blossom

Thanks to Kathy, Jane and Ann Saunders of Terranova we have a readers choice of Aire, Rain ,Shea Blossom,  Plumeria Pikake Gardenia or Tiare Lei Gift Set (includes a full size all natural Body Lotion, Body Wash,  Perfume Essence and Invigorating Body Sponge).  To be eligible, you must live in the US, be a registered  CaFleureBon reader.  Please leave a comment with what you found fascinating about Kathy Saunders. I am sure they would appreciate it if you LIKE Terranova on Facebook here or instagram @terranovabody. Draw closes May 24, 2015

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