CaFleureBon Profiles in American Perfumery: Samantha Sherwin & Sasha Bertran of United Scents of America + Made in the U.S.A Draw

samantha sherwin united scents of america

Samantha Sherwin United Scents of America 

 Profile: Samantha – I’m a third generation New Yorker and a third generation entrepreneur who was born and raised by a highly educated and hard-working family.  My parents both instilled values in me to study hard and follow through on whatever it was I put my mind to.  Following in my family’s footsteps I knew that one day I would have a business of my own, it would however be years until all my ideas and experience put my dream into motion. 

samantha sherwin

Samantha Age 4

From an early age I was enticed by scent.  The smell of my cabbage patch doll provided me with comfort.  My strawberry shortcake shampoo lifted my spirits.  Every scent I loved provided me with a certain feeling and memory.  Unfortunately, for my family I liked to pile on all my scents at once.  I would use scented lotion, body spray and chew fruity gum all at the same time.  If we were on road trips my dad used to make me open my window so he didn’t drown in my aromas.  To this day if I smell a shampoo or fragrance I used as a kid I get nostalgic. One of my first jobs as a teenager was for Bath and Body Works.  Given the nature of the company I was immediately in love.  I was fascinated by why people chose certain scents, what packaging got their attention and how marketing played a role in what they actually purchased.   The original collection had a fragrance that represented a “country” smell, a “beachy” smell, a “woodsy” smell, and so on.  I always thought how cool it would be if different states had their own scents.  Looking back, the funny thing was that as much as I loved it I never took it as anything more than an afterschool job.

Twelve years later I found myself working for a cosmetic company and gaining the experience I needed to know how to produce and market products.  At my following job I headed up sales for a fragrance distributor and not only made amazing business contacts but I met Sasha, my best friend and the most amazing business partner.

  sasha Bertran

Sasha Bertran United Scents of America

Sasha: I am first generation American born to a Chinese mother and Indian father. My first memories of fragrance were in my my mom's bathroom where she splashed Chanel No. 5 all over her after she showered- "only the best" she would say. My father had a love of fragrance too. His signature was HoHang by Cristobal Balenciaga. I still remember the box had a honeycomb pattern…even to this day, when I leave him, I can still smell his scent on my clothes for hours after. When I was a teenager, they would buy me sophisticated fragrances like Dior Tendre Poison and Boucheron Jaipur which I loved, but I never really thought my path would evolve from fragrance wearer to fragrance creator.

sasha scents of america

Sasha Age 3 

 I grew up in Northern New Jersey, so in my early career I gravitated towards fashion and the imagined glamour of that industry, but after a few years I realized it wasn't all it was cracked up to be. My love of designers was still with me so I jumped into fragrances so I could still work with those designer names in a different capacity. From there, my destiny was created, I met Samantha who became my confidant, partner, advisor, advisee…and together we conquered this journey into perfume making together and haven't looked back since. 

 Sam and Sasha at scents of america fragrance launch

Sasha Bertran and Samantha Sherwin  at the Launch of United Scents of America

 American Perfumery:  United Scents of America is the epitome of American fragrance.  It is a fragrance for the people, by the people.  Although the line knows no age, nationality, or economic bounds its concept is to spark nostalgia for America and bring people back to where they call home, a favorite vacation, where they went to college or a place they always wanted to visit.  Sasha and I will speak with residents of a certain state.  We’ll ask them a list of questions, have them sample different notes and have them discuss everything that makes their state unique.  We will then compile all of our information and work very closely with our chemists (Saul and Pat of Klabin Fragrances out of Cedar Grove, NJ) to create a fragrance which is representative to that state.

We are so excited to see more of a movement towards niche American brands.  Seeing so many fragrance and cosmetic brands being made overseas is heartbreaking knowing not only the state of our economy but also that there are so many fabulous untapped resources right here in our own backyard.  We hope others will follow our initiative and make a conscience effort to buy American made products such as United Scents of America.

charlesfazzino

 Copyright All rights reserved by Fazzino

 Favorite American Artist:   We find inspiration in the work of Charles Fazzino.  His work is not only bright and whimsical but it’s a playful look at what a particular state or city represents.  Charles Fazzino is one of the most popular and highly-collected pop artists of all time following the in the footsteps of such pioneers as Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein.

– Samantha Sherwin and Sasha Beltran, Founders of The United Scents of America

charles fazzino atlantic city painting

Copyright All rights reserved by Fazzino

Editor's Note: Two years ago, if anyone asked me what Eau de New Jersey would smell like, the snobby  New Yorker in me would have quipped, "road rage , toxic waste, and Snooki's latest flanker". That was before October 22, 2012 and the devastation wrought by Hurricane Sandy on New Jersey, especially its Coastline and beaches. The people  of New Jersey  were some of the hardest hit and represent what American resilience, pride and community is all about. Now, as the unofficial start of the Summer begins, the Summer after Sandy, the beaches,  Atantic City Casinos and Boardwalk are open to the public in less than eight months. It seems fitting New Jersey has it's own perfume …after all it is the Garden State (which smells great btw) thanks to the founders of The United Scents of America Samantha Sherwin and Sasha Bertran (born in N.J.). -M.C.

united scents of america california new jersey massachusetts florida new york hawaii texas

 We have a Memorial Day Perfume Draw… Sam and Sasha are offering:

For our US readers their choice of  one 1.7 oz of New Jersey, New York,  Massachusetts Hawaii,Texas, Florida OR California. perfumes.

For our International readers– a sampler of all seven United Scents of America fragrances

To be eligible, ALL READERS, please leave a comment about what you found fascinating about Sam and Sasha's profile.

If you reside or have a US address do the same and ADD your choice of fragrance. If you think your state deserves a scent give it a shout out!

Draw ends May 30, 2013

massachusetts united scents of America will donate 25 percent to One Fund Boston

25 percent of all Massachusetts fragrance and candle sales  will be donated toThe One Fund Boston to support the families effected by the horrific bombing in Boston last month April 15, 2013.

SUPPORT AMERICAN PERFUMERY

Please like CaFleureBon Profiles in American Perfumery on FACEBOOK ; and your entry will count as two.

We announce the winners on our site and on our Facebook page, so Like Cafleurebon and use our RSS option…or your dream prize wil be just spilled perfume

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35 comments

  • Francesca says:

    I loved and found it fascinating that they find inspiration in the work of Charles Fazzino. That bright and playful quality of his makes me feel those fragrances will have a similar quality somewhere. Lovely generous Giveaway.

  • Dana says:

    I think Texas sounds interesting and something I would like. Thanks for bringing this company to our attention. I live in the U.S., Ohio to be exact.

  • Hernando says:

    Got to go with Cali, my home state! Growing up there made me aware of the wonderful scents (from the flowers, fruits, trees, etc…) that abounded from my backyard to the local parks. Thanx!

  • leathermountain says:

    I had such a strong flashback to my own childhood when Samantha mentioned her cabbage patch doll’s smell and her strawberry shortcake shampoo. I was obsessed with both as well! I’m so intrigued by the Massachusetts scent (and live in USA). Thank you for the lovely draw

  • Mujo says:

    I liked that Samantha layered all kinds of scents and her dad had to open a window while driving.

    I’m an International reader.

  • Fazal Cheema says:

    it is apparent that family and cities you grow up in have a profound impact on how you turn out to be as an individual..Family had a greater influence on Samantha while Sasha has mostly been the product of New York..i am also proud NY resident and hopefully continue to do so for the rest of my life so my preference is New York fragrance

  • Jo says:

    What I find interesting about their profile is that they both came from different ends of the beauty/fashion industry and came together perfectly for this project. I’ve been wanting to try Texas for a while! Would love to eventually see a scent for little old NH 🙂

  • Darilyn says:

    I always find it interesting to hear the childhood
    association with perfumes and scent.
    Even though I now live in Florida, I would have
    to pick Massachusetts where I am from;
    (one hour south of Boston)…cranberry bogs everywhere!
    I live in the US.
    Thanks for the draw!

  • GregorySop says:

    I find it nostalgic that Samantha got her early ‘inspirations’ if you will, from Cabage Patch & Strawberry SHortcake figures. I checked out the works of Fazzino and he appears to be a very fun loving style of artwork. Since we in Ohio decide each presidential election, of course we deserve a scent! I would be interested in — Florida

  • Jackie b says:

    It will be interesting to try and identify the different states by smelling the perfumes, although I have not visited all of them. One day!

    I am an international reader.

  • Elia says:

    i think having an Indian and Chinese parent is fascinating. They’re said to be clashing cultures. A remember a comedian skit about how Indian’s can’t live without a bargain and Chinese can;t be haggled.

    I’m in the EU

  • Liz K says:

    Wonderful and interesting that the strange powdery Cabbage Patch scent inspired Samantha. I can still vividly remember that scent even though I hardly ever played with dolls. I did spend a lot if time with scented erasers and my few precious Charmkins and I can relate to forcing people to air out the car. Those early nineties drugstore scents had to be strong to compete with the strongly scented shampoos (and the Aquanet). I would love to try the Texas scent.

  • ringthing says:

    Very original concept and I am fascinated by Fazzino. While reading I was struck by how all of Samantha’s upbringing seemed honed to having her own business, and I enjoyed reading how Sasha’s parents bought her such sophisticated perfumes at a young age. I’m in the US and would choose Texas. I’d also like to see Michigan as a perfume: the lake, woods, snow and… Detroit? 🙂

  • Charles Briggs says:

    I’m loving the Texas or Florida scents. Reading your stories reminded me of when I was young ad into my Dads and Grandfathers fragrances and piling them on. Great you two met and have be able to meld your ideas into one. Great work. In the Okla US. I wonder what Oklahoma would consist of…perhaps clay, salt, cedar, pecan, incense???

  • Holly F. says:

    I am in the U.S. I find it fascinating that these two friends are working towards and achieving their goals together! I’d have to go with New Jersey since I live here and have been curious about this scent. Thanks for the draw!

  • Lean S says:

    I liked finding out that Samantha’s love of the fragrance industry was in part influenced by her job at Bath and Body Works. When I was in high school, their fragrances were all I would wear, as they were appealing to my age group and affordable. I also like that both Samantha and Sasha are originally from the East Coast :), yay New York and New Jersey!

    My choice of fragrance would be Florida. I also have liked the facebook page (Lean Sa)

  • Barbara says:

    Laughed at Samantha’s father making her roll down her window
    because of her “scents”. Reminds me of driving three 15-year-old boys around drowning in Axe and Irish Spring.
    I live in Michigan and am drawn to the Texas fragrance.

  • Steve says:

    I find it interesting that Samantha layered scents. I have never tried this but it sounds like a great way to make your fragrance long lasting.

  • Kit says:

    I love that Sasha’s Mom wore Chanel No 5. My Grandmother, Mother, older sister and I all wear Chanel No 5 and it is such a source of comfort for me. Can’t imagine life without it!

  • Meg T. says:

    I found the process interesting– interviewing a state’s residents while creating the fragrance. I live in North Carolina and this time of year it smells just wonderful around here. Honeysuckle, roses, and gardenias are both blooming right now, plus everyone is mowing their lawns which gives a nice green scent to the air. There is something that has a more pungent, gingery scent that smells amazing but I don’t know what it is! In the fall we have a lot of sweet osmanthus (sweet olive) which smells wonderful when it blooms. I’m in the USA and would like the Massachusetts scent the best.

  • breathesgelatin says:

    I am in the US and I liked the Facebook page!

    I find it interesting that two very different women came together to found this brand, which celebrates America. And I love that Samantha worked at Bath and Body Works! So many of us, if we admit it, were first exposed to fragrance there.

    It’s a close call but I’d like to be entered for Massachusetts.

  • Steve A. says:

    I have HoHang just like Sasha’s father, that’s fascinating!!

    I’d love to win the New York

    Thanks.

    USA

  • Mary Carol says:

    I thought it was interesting to read that Sasha ans Samantha speak with people from each state that they name a perfume after, to get ideas. I liked how they actually have people sample notes, as well. I live in the US and my choice of fragrance would be NJ.

    I live in MN, and if it were ever to be captured in a scent, I am thinking it might include notes of our wildflowers, pine trees, lakes and autumn leaves.

  • wefadetogray says:

    I think its interesting their democratic approach to perfume (for and by the people) which knows no gender or nationality, a sort of amalgam of the plurality of the States. I am curious to see how does this approach translate into nostalgia.
    Although I am in NYC, I feel attracted to California. I am nostalgic about the idea of spending a summer in California 🙂
    Hawaii also sounds like what I need right now; I just adore plumeria.
    Thanks for the draw. I am in the US

  • Omega says:

    I think it’s interesting they find inspiration from pop artist Charles Fizzino.
    I live in the U.S. and I think I would like a bottle of California, as I do love coconut and go to CA all the time. I also live in NV..not sure what notes would make up a NV scent lol! Sagebrush, Cantaloupe(only thing that grows well here), Cigarette Smoke(always reeks of it in the casinos), Pine, Sand would be a few notes for NV, lol.

  • brie says:

    Fascinated that Sam had the same experience I had….dad opening his window to get rid of my scent in the car…I would love to try New York and I live in the USA. thank you for the draw!

  • Patty Pong says:

    They all sound yummy.
    I’m fascinated there are questions asked to different state’s residents and the answers are used in the formulation choices.
    I would LOVE to win New York.

    CONUS

    Thank you.

  • mim says:

    Thank you for the article and draw! I love learning about American perfumers.

    I liked reading about Sasha and Samantha’s process of talking to people about what their state means to them. Also, Samantha’s memories of using scents as a teen brought back my own memories of my sister and me as teenagers experimenting with perfumes and lotions. Our poor mother!
    Reading about her cabbage patch doll’s smell; my dolls smelled good too, they were comforting and familiar from an early age. I kept my favorite one in my bed for a long time just because of that.

    I feel like I should choose my home state but NJ looks great too! and I went to college there. California also, coconut and eucalyptus seem intriguing together. Ooh, Texas too, lovely cedar-citrus.

    I would choose… NJ

  • Amber says:

    This is a great article! I loved hearing about the process of creating a new scent! It seems that perfume is something that was part of each of them since they were young. I love that!
    I hope to try all of the scents eventually. I think I would choose NJ or HI first. I live in NH, but one state I would think that would be fascinating is Alaska. I lived there during my high school years. It’s certainly a place like no other! Thanks for the great article. 🙂
    Amber

  • Cynthia says:

    I love that two best friends started a company together. Also, the Cabbage Patch doll scent as an early muse made me laugh! I would pick Texas if chosen. Thanks for the draw and article.

  • Amy K says:

    I’ve had the same thought that my family must have been suffocating under my collection of teen fragranced body sprays and lotions. I would choose California for the eucalyptus note. Thanks!

  • Steve T says:

    I kind of wish I was an international reader, perhaps getting to try all of them, lol. New York, Massachusetts, and Texas all seem like excellent scents that I would really enjoy, but I would have to choose California. I’ve been dying for some coconut, especially since my batch of Virgin Island Water doesn’t seem to have much, and I also enjoy finding complexity in simplicity of ingredients.

  • Latifah says:

    I can relate to being comforted and enticed by scents at an early age. Those are the memories that are most vivid. It is a funny thing because I filled out a questionnaire related to scent preferences recently in trying to find a new fragrance. My descriptions were directly related to familiar scents from childhood. I stated my love for the smell of the North Atlantic Ocean and the smell of maple trees. (Born in Maryland and raised in Pennsylvania) I have lived in several states throughout the US and it is true that each state has a distinct, unique scent. I love this idea. I now reside in Texas, so I am curious about that one. I am, however, very intrigued by the Massachusetts scent. Either of those would be most welcome. Thanks for the opportunity.

  • PatriciaC says:

    I love how they came together as friends and started their business. To me this is the essence of what america is all about! Wonderful history ladies, much success to you! I think Texas would suit me best. I live in the U.S.-Shout out for Illinoise,would love if you created a fragrance for my home state.