Brandon Jensen of Jensen Fragrances 

My Profile: I originated and grew up in Albuquerque, New Mexico, under the care of my dad, until he married my stepmom when I was seven. Childhood in the mountains was liberating, surrounded by nature on our farm with horses, cattle, and a variety of birds. From an early age, I was familiar with chores and the rhythm of farm life. Our family vacations were filled with camping and fishing in the northern New Mexico mountains, fostering my deep appreciation for nature.

Brandon Jensen of Jensen Fragrances growing up in New Mexico

Around the age of 14, a job opportunity for my dad led us to relocate to Orlando, Florida, marking a significant shift from my rural upbringing to urban life. Despite the change, I adapted during my high school years, forming lasting connections. At 16, I delved into the realm of working on import cars, reveling in engine swaps, horsepower, and speed. However, a car theft incident diminished my enthusiasm for car mechanics.  As the years passed, I developed a passion for saltwater fish and coral keeping, finding fascination in the technical aspects of chemistry and the unique characteristics of each fish and coral species. Around the age of 24, I became entranced by the world of bourbon and Scotch whisky. The intricacies of crafting liquid bread, coupled with the nuances of finishes and ages, became a captivating interest for me.

Brandon and his wife, Terri, fishing in Red River, New Mexico

In 2014, I met my future wife, Terri, through an interesting connection. Her aunt happened to be my best friend’s mom’s best friend (try saying that three times fast). They orchestrated a blind date for us, and a decade later, here we are.

   

Brandon Jensen of Jensen Fragrances sampling whiskey at Jim Beam

When Terri and I initially crossed paths, she held a passion for wine, but I introduced her to the world of whiskey. We embarked on what I affectionately called “Whiskey Education Sessions,” during which I curated a flight of diverse samples. Together, we would engage our noses, identifying various notes before delving into the flavors. This marked the beginning of refining our senses to discern textures and specific fragrance notes.

After meeting my wife and traveling more, I made the decision to part ways with my saltwater tanks. Finding help during our trips away had always been challenging due to the complexity of my setups. Despite bidding farewell to the tanks, my fascination with the science of whiskey persisted. In the summer of 2016, I became more involved with the Orlando Whiskey Society, fostering enduring friendships with fellow members that continue to this day.

Brandon Jensen of Jensen Fragrances and his wife Terri , and partner in love and perfume on their wedding day

In 2016, Terri and I got married, kickstarting the journey of building our life together. The following year, we purchased our inaugural home, establishing a foundation and settling into a sense of permanence. In 2018, our family expanded with the arrival of our son, and in February 2020, we received the joyous news of Terri’s pregnancy with our daughter. However, the landscape drastically changed with the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, leading to a global lockdown.

Between April 2020 and August 2021, our lives were marred by the untimely loss of two close friends, both taken from us far too soon. These tragedies prompted a profound reassessment of every aspect of our lives—our parenting, marriage, dreams, and ambitions. During this period, I reconnected with my sister, Mindy Ruiz Gallagher, after nearly two decades of separation. Through her, I met her husband, Daniel Gallagher of Gallagher Fragrances, who harbored a keen interest in crafting his own perfumes. This immediately captivated my attention.

As I delved into the intricacies of perfumery with Daniel, a technical fire within me stirred to life. The nuances, the evolution of a fragrance as it dried down, and its complexities fascinated me. Past experiences with ordering extensive sample packs from eBay had left me disappointed with their similarities and lack of longevity. Daniel’s supplied fragrances, however, impressed me with their longevity and creativity. Intrigued, I acquired a starter kit, meticulously documenting my personal notes on individual ingredients in a comprehensive spreadsheet. Late-night sessions became my routine, involving the process of creating, failing, discovering—the inception of my next chapter.

 

Jensen Fragrances logo

The concept of Jensen Fragrances took shape in 2021, and it officially entered the realms of social media and business licensing in February 2023. The choice of a bison as our emblem holds a personal connection for me, stemming from vivid memories of witnessing herds of these majestic creatures in the western landscape. Terri and I have spent our careers as cogs in the corporate machine, operating within massive organizations where we lacked the autonomy to influence significant decisions for the company, whether positive or negative.

The custom bottle cap for Jensen Fragrances

With Jensen Fragrances, we’ve embraced the opportunity to break free from the constraints of corporate life. This venture allows us to unleash our creativity and establish our own brand according to our vision. It’s a chance to run wild, much like the herds of bison I admired in my youth—a symbol of freedom and individuality that we’ve cherished for many years.

 Brandon Jensen of Jensen Fragrances mixing table

On American Perfumery:  Being an American perfumer holds a special significance for me as it entails translating my life experiences and memories in the United States into olfactory artwork for sharing. My goal is to weave the ingredients I encounter, ones that resonate with me, into abstract compositions that transcend the boundaries of conventional perfumery. I continuously seek fragrances that diverge from societal norms, permitting my creativity to wander freely. Whether inspired by random musings or the exploration of a novel cuisine, I find comfort and pleasure in designs that deviate from the ordinary, connecting back to specific ingredients.

Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers in Follow the Fleet

Favorite American Artist: My wife, Terri, is the true connoisseur of the arts so this one is all her…

Terri:  When pondering American Artistry, Fred Astaire instantly takes center stage in my mind. As an old soul enamored with the charm of musicals, song and dance numbers, and films of that era, Astaire emerges as the epitome of artistic brilliance. His prowess in dance, singing, and acting was unparalleled, encompassing a rare fusion of talents, particularly during his time.  Astaire’s ability to effortlessly glide through any dance routine, regardless of his partner or the complexity of the choreography, was truly remarkable. It wasn’t just his technical skill that captivated audiences; there was a genuine joy radiating from him as if he was floating on air. His infectious happiness conveyed a profound love for his craft, making it seem as though he was head over heels in love with every step, note, and line.

What set Astaire apart was his innate talent for drawing people into his world. He didn’t just perform; he invited others to share in his passion. To lose oneself in the sheer love of an art form and simultaneously carry others along on that journey is a rare and remarkable feat. Fred Astaire embodied this artistry, creating an enduring legacy that transcends time and continues to inspire generations – myself included.

-Brandon Jensen & Terri Jensen of Jensenfragrances.com  

Thanks to Brandon and Terri of Jensen Fragrances, we have a drawing for one 30 ml bottle of Clove of Olde

Notes of Blood Orange, Timur Pepper, Clove, Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Tobacco, Caramel, Vanilla, Oakmoss, Amyris Wood, Patchouli, Amber, Musk, Oud.

 

Or

 Jensen Fragrances Gardenia Dusk

Notes of Orange Blossom, Gardenia, Lavender, Rose, Iris, Plum, Star Anise, Honey, Whipped Cream, Vanilla, Sandalwood, Ambergris, White Musk

This is a reader’s choice for  one registered user in the USA only. To enter, you must be a registered reader. Please leave a comment with what you found fascinating about Brandon’s path to perfumery and which Jensen Fragrance you chose. Drawing closes 1/20/2023

Brandon Jensen of Jensen Fragrances is 176th in our American Perfumer Series, which officially began with Dawn Spencer Hurwitz of DSH Perfumes on July 11, 2011.

Please like ÇaFleureBon Profiles in American Perfumery and your entry will count twice (be sure to leave that in your comment).

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Editor’s Note: Jensen Fragrances was launched in 2024. All photos belong to Jensen Fragrances unless otherwise stated.

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