ÇaFleureBon Profiles in American Perfumery: Mason Hainey of MIZU +Connecting to the Natural World Draw

 

Mason Hainey Of Mizu Botanical perfume

Mason Hainey of MIZU

Profile: To understand my relationship with scent, I think we first need to look at my relationship with a woman I called Mango. She was my hero, my best friend, my grandmother. An accomplished gardener, she taught me about the flowers, their scents, and how to love the earth from a young age. Every time I would visit her home in the farmlands of northern Connecticut, she’d be burning some sort of sweet smelling candle — like vanilla or cinnamon. She was always creating an atmosphere of warmth, comfort and total ease. To me, burning a candle soon become synonymous with that peaceful feeling of being with my grandma.

Mason Hainey

Mason Hainey of MIZU and Grandmother, “Mango”

These are some of my earliest scent memories, and ones that I believe shaped my understanding of how scent can influence mood.  As I got older, around 10, I started my own candle company called “Mason’s Gel Candles”.  I’d find antique glassware, fill the bottoms with sand and shells and make them into candles. I sold these to my classmates, teachers, friends and family – my first endeavor as an entrepreneur.

 

Gifu Shrine Japan

Exploring a shrine in Gifu, Japan. A visit that helped inspired MIZU’s Temple Perfume.

In my teenage years, I was given my first opportunity to travel to Japan as a student ambassador — and I immediately fell in love with the country.  Spiritually, it felt like I had returned home. On this trip, I was shown what it meant to live in harmony with the land, and how to respect the resources she provides. I was introduced to the ancient art of fragrance… and for the first time, that scent can be used to heal.

 

MIZU Fashion show at Mark Twain House

MIZU Fashion Show at Mark Twain House, Hartford, CT

At age 19, I launched MIZU, originally as a menswear brand inspired by travel. I taught myself how to sew and designed accessories and custom garments from vintage Japanese textiles. I eventually dropped out of art college and moved to NYC to pursue this career full-time.

 

Connecticut Forests

Forests of Northern Connecticut

Through all of this, I was battling my own demons. A desire for acceptance… both from myself and others… ultimately led down a path of dangerously self-destructive behaviors. I was warring internally for much of my young-adult life before I came to fragrance as a means of calming my mind. I found the scents of flowers or Japanese incense helped call myself outside of my anxiety.  I became inspired to return to the forests I knew as a child and reconnect with the beauty of nature. I found my peace in the outdoors.

How to make all natural candles

Each batch of MIZU candles remains hand-poured

As my fashion label continued to grow, I started to feel stale and exhausted. Now, living in Brooklyn and unable to escape into nature, I turned to my original love of candle making as a means of creating my own sanctuary. I taught myself how to blend fragrances, and used them to scent candles inspired by different natural environments. I offered these candles to my existing customers and soon after, fragrance became the primary force behind MIZU. In 2014, I expanded my work with the release of my debut perfume, Palo Santo.  From that point on, the world of scent has continued to call to me, broadening my understanding of how fragrance can create atmosphere and influence wellbeing.

Mizo botanical candles

Hinoki Essential Oil Candle, Released 2020

MIZU designs with the philosophy of Scent As Meditation, offering botanical fragrances that reconnect us with the natural world. Each perfume or candle transports us to a moment in the wild; providing a grounding atmosphere to pull us out of our anxious minds and give us the tools to help anchor in the present. “MIZU” ( 水)  translates to “water” in Japanese. This was the first word I learned while living with a host family outside Tokyo. It serves as a totem to my time in Japan and as a reminder that all life is connected.  My love of nature has led me to work exclusively with botanical materials. There is something so “whole” about working with naturals, the process feels so genuine and full of life.  In the past year, I’ve begun creating my own extracts, with the desire to explore this further in future work.

 

WILD VETIVER BOTANICAL OIL

Wild Vetiver Perfume Oil

I am deeply inspired by the fleeting moments of beauty we find in nature, and so often overlook. The golden hours of August – the frosted blooms of March –  The passing showers of summer. I aim to bottle these experiences, and offer them for people to explore at their leisure. Each scent serving as a reminder to slow down… and enjoy the present.

With MIZU, I view my mission as two fold — to bring joy others through the work I provide, and to reconnect people to the forgotten areas of the natural world ( and in the process, reconnect with themselves). On the horizon, MIZU is currently preparing to launch a companion collection of 4 all-natural Eau De Parfums, coming in early 2021, to accompany my current line of Perfume Oils. In the near future, I aim to open up a scented boutique, offering a hands-on experience into my world of botanicals, with an accompanying cafe of perfumed treats, to explore one of my other passions in life – culinary arts.

botanical Perfume Organ

 Mason’s Perfume Organ

On being an American Perfumer: To me, being an American Perfumer is synonymous with the freedom to explore what inspires your craft without the need for buy-in from big fragrances houses. We are artists and craftspeople, with materials easily accessible from every reach of the world.  As some have echoed here in the past, American Perfumers don’t feel so restrained by the traditional notions of what perfume “has” to be, and can to explore new and innovative ways that perfume can help us. We are able to break free of perfume “types” and transcend genre. That freedom, perhaps born out of a certain degree of blissful ignorance – or defiance-  can lead to innovations that change the industry and set trends. On a global scale, our contrasts in thinking are what push creative breakthroughs. As materials and knowledge become more accessible around the world, I think it will be fascinating to see what collaborations will bloom, and what new ways we will employ the use of scent across disciplines. The next great frontier for the American perfumer will be one of collaboration.

 

Moon over the Forest, Charles Warren Eaton ( Birmingham Museum of Art ) Credit: artsbma.org

Favorite American Artist:  Charles Warren Eaton’s work embodies the fleeting moments of natural beauty that I find so inspiring. His ability to expressively and yet concisely articulate atmosphere through the use of contrast and color is something I see a direct correlation to my own practice.

– Mason Hainey of MIZU

MIZU Botanical Perfume Moonflower, Wild Vetiver, Temple, Monarch

MIZU Botanical Perfume Discovery Set, (Includes: Moonflower, Wild Vetiver, Temple, Monarch )

Thanks to Mason Hainey. we have a draw of for a registered reader  in US / CANADA for a  MIZU Botanical Perfume Discovery set of 4 fragrances.  To enter the draw, you must be a registered reader. Please leave a comment with what you found fascinating about path to perfumery, and where you live. Which of the four fragrances appeal to you the most? Draw closes 11/16/2020

Mason Hainey of MIZU is our 157th in our American perfumer series, which officially began in 2011 with Dawn Spencer Hurwitz of DSH Perfumes.

All photos belong to Mason. unless otherwise noted

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

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22 comments

  • drjedi says:

    Loved this essay by Mason Hainey, and it appealed to me in so many ways. The art of appreciating incense (koh-do in Japanese), returning to the forest to find comfort and peace (forest-bathing, or shinrin-yoku in Japanese), and the love of elegant Japanese culture. Having visited Japan last year ourselves, especially Kyoto, this essay rang so many bells for me – yes, yes, yes. I liked mason’s take on American perfumery, and his idea of creativity inspired by collaboration, not too bound by rigid ideas of what perfumes and perfumery should be. Without decrying the value of received wisdom, one also has to appreciate what creative thinking, intuition and insight can bring to the arts, including the art of perfumery. Not having tried these perfumes, yet, but going with gut feeling, I am drawn to Temple and wild Vetiver. Thanks for the very enjoyable essay and the draw. Writing from the USA.

  • Brian says:

    Thanks for the opportunity to win the draw. In regards to Mason’s path to perfumery: Like Mason’s grandmother, I myself am also a gardener. Some plants I grow for their appearance but some I grow for both their appearance and their fragrance. I enjoy gardening very much; I know that it can be a good thing to do with one’s time. I hope to make essential oils and perfumes eventually. Since Mason has already started to do that, I’d like to see what his fragrances are like. I’d probably like all four of the fragrances that are in the Botanical Perfume set, but this year I’ve discovered, and found that I like, vetiver, so possibly the vetiver perfume. One of them seems like it might have an incense scent and I’d probably like that one too. I hope to win; I live in MD., U.S.A.

  • patrick_348 says:

    I found very interesting how Mr. Hainey has used fragrance for self-healing. I practice meditation on a regular basis, so the idea of scent-as-meditation also appeals to me. He sounds like someone I would like to get to know. The scent that I am most curious about is Temple, since I would like to see how he might try to embody Japanese spirituality in fragrance, maybe with some incense, a note I find fascinating. I am in the US, in North Carolina.

  • Trinity33 says:

    It’s a lovely tribute to his grandmother that her guidance and expertise in gardening inspired him in his perfume journey. I appreciate his interest in Japanese meditation techniques as I often use scent to enhance and guide my self-care routines. All of his offerings sound wonderful but I’m most interested in Monarch due to the patchouli. Commenting from MD, USA.

  • Lauren says:

    I love the love he has for his grandmother. I’m going to look at his candles right now. I also liked the Profiles in American Perfumery on FB. Thanks for the chance. Lauren SC, USA

  • NiceVULady says:

    Mason has been immersed in the fragrance world since he started making scented candles. His perfumes seem to be a natural extension of that art. All of the four in the Discovery set appeal to me, Monarch perhaps just a wee bit more. Many thanks to Mason for making this draw possible with his awesome discovery set. I’m in the USA

  • gianluca says:

    Wow this really speaks to me. To me nature is always the way that you always fall back to in the path to perfumery. It always gives you surprises and reminds you what you always have. At the moment, Moonflower sounds like my choice.

    I find American Perfumery intriguing often. Liked the page! (US)

  • Bryant Worley says:

    I really appreciated Mason’s entrepreneurial spirit, starting his own business at 10! But before that, I appreciated his love of nature, inspired by “Mango”.Then he continues on the same entrepreneurial path by, at 19, creating his of menswear line, then after burning out with that, going back to scents, his roots, naturals at that. His ‘stick-to-it-tiveness’ is excellent.

    I have to say that Monarch appeals to me most, the notes, The Notes, THE NOTES! sound excellent (I can smell it now), and look forward to sampling the Discovery Set, having my olfactory senses pleasured by their odorific emissions.

    I live in Waldorf, MD, USA.

  • doveskylark says:

    I enjoyed reading about Grandmother “Mango.” I also liked the influences from Japan. I checked the MIZU website. It is very calming. I felt centered. I would love to try Wild Vetiver the most.
    I live in the USA.

  • Daniel Fisher says:

    Sounds like an interesting guy. I’m amazed there are so many American Perfumers! I do enjoy that he’s not afraid to shirk tradition. Indie houses can take risks and that’s part of what I love about it.
    From Texas with Love
    Xoxo

  • ThatMulattoDude says:

    This was excellent cockpit view of the journey to perfumer of Mr. Hainey. Interesting to hear how the simple, everyday things that his grandma did with him influenced his entire life path. Wild vetiver seems like the most intriguing fragrance to me. Appreciate the opportunity for the giveaway. Best from Virginia, USA!

  • INYA says:

    As a gardener, I enjoyed reading about Ms Mango and how she influenced Mr Hainey. I would love to try Moonflower, because of the jasmine and tuberose notes. Thanks for the opportunity! Liked CaFleureBon Profiles in American Perfumery. Mich USA

  • Zanounelie says:

    I just loved reading about Mason Hainey’s journey as a Perfumer. It’s so interesting that he was first inspired by his grandmother who introduced him to nature. Like Mason, I truly believe in the power forests to heal, comfort and soothe. All four of the fragrances in the set appeal to me, but I’ll settle for Monarch. Thanks for the opportunity. Commenting from Miami, FL, USA.

  • jundaasian says:

    What really fascinated me about the Mason’s path to perfumery is that he was inspired by the scenery of Japan and its deep connection to nature. I really like perfume houses that are attached to nature and I also really like the traveling aspect to it as well.
    I think Moonflower appeals to me most just because the image of that flower just inspires a certain calmness and I think that that is the message that it would be able to convey.
    I live in Florida, US.
    I have also liked the CaFleureBon profile in American Perfumery.

  • stac8080 says:

    I too had a similar epiphany when visiting Japan although for me there was a certain tranquility exploring the busy streets of Tokyo. I had numerous transcendent experiences enveloped in the hustle of Shibuya or the Shinjuku train station. I also gained a greater love for scent while in Japan.
    Wild Vetiver appeals most of their line of scents. I am a Vetiver fiend.
    I hail from Canada.

  • Erin says:

    What a wonderful profile. I find Mason’s journey with using natural scents to find balance and healing in his life so inspiring. It sounds like he has found his calling. All of his perfumes appeal to me (which is rare!) but Temple sounds especially beautiful because I adore osmanthus and labdanum.
    Thank you so much for this draw! I’m in the US and I have already liked the Profiles in American Perfumery FB page.

  • John Michael Jones says:

    I absolutely adored reading this… his love for his grandmother is contagious. Brings me back to my childhood & time spent with my own grandmother. The way he found such peace within fragrance, that allowed him to heal, was so inspiring to read. What a great read this was, thank you! I would love to try them all but Temple stands out to me. Good luck to all from Boston Massachusetts!

  • seanchen says:

    I was very fascinated by Mason’s path to perfumery, I think that it is so nice how everything goes back to his grandmother. I thought that that was very wholesome. I also really like perfumes inspired by places and Japan is a place that I would like to see referenced more in perfumery. I think Moonflower might be the one for me. I have always liked the way that they looked and I think the way that the Yuzu would compliment the florals would just be amazing.
    Liked the Facebook Page!
    Reading out of Fl, USA

  • vickalicious says:

    MIZU is a new house to me. That’s amazing that he started his first candle business at the age of 10!!!! And then taught himself how to sew and launched a clothing brand! I’m very impressed by the passion and determination that he has. All of the fragrances look very interesting, however Monarch sounds the most appealing to me. I’m looking forward to the launch of his fragrance collection! Thank you for the giveaway; located in Texas.

  • Princess Anna says:

    After owning about 500 bottles of different perfumes, I have become fascinated with discovery sets, because they allow me to try and have more different fragrances. I didn’t know MIZU until now, and the story behind the house is so extraordinary and I’m very certain that the fragrances are also unique. CA, USA

  • KateD says:

    I really enjoy this series. So many perfumers (and perfume lovers) can trace their interest back to childhood. It is so clear how meaningful his work is to his own sense of wellbeing. Temple sounds very appealing at this time of year. I’m in the US, thanks for the interview & the draw!