Theresa Murphy, Founder of Cypress Cove

Profile: I’ve been interested and intrigued by the power of scent most of my life. From my “hippie-chick” days in California experimenting with patchouli, to my motherhood era creating lavender-based lotions to soothe my babies, to my current passion of recreating happy scent memories that celebrate the American lifestyle—fragrance has always been part of who I am.

My path to perfumery comes with a deep appreciation for the natural beauty around us. I had a wonderful childhood growing up in California and spent a lot of time taking trips to the mountains or heading out to the beaches along the Northern California coast, exploring the fruit orchards. Those memories are still vivid— Pine needles, sea spray, fruit ripening in the sun… they left a permanent impression. Even as a kid, I somehow knew that scent was special. It can shift your mood, transport you back in time, or make you feel something big and meaningful in a split second. I didn’t call it “olfactory memory” back then, but I was already chasing it.

Photo of Perfumer Theresa Murphy of Cypress Cove with her father, visiting Yosemite

As a young mom, I wanted to make gentle, safe blends to use around my kids, so I leaned heavily into essential oils. Lavender lotion became part of our nightly routine after bath time—it helped calm them down and settle in for the night. That soft floral scent still takes me back to those quiet, snuggly evenings.

Then, in 2020, I came across an article about Nootkatone—a synthetic molecule with a bright, energizing grapefruit smell. The FDA had just approved it, and I was fascinated. I’d mostly stuck to naturals up to that point, but this opened up a new world. I started reading about other clean, safe synthetics and quickly realized how much possibility there was. It felt like someone had opened the gates to an entirely new creative playground. Over the last few years, I’ve been blending safe synthetics with the natural materials I already loved. The results were so much more nuanced and interesting—more like what I had always wanted my perfumes to be. That’s when I really got serious about it. I dove in—taking online classes, joining webinars, listening to perfumery podcasts, and reading every book I could get my hands on. There’s so much information available now, and I’ve been able to learn from perfumers all over the world.

Photo of Theresa Murphy of Cypress Cove studio/ blending desk

On American Perfumery: To me, American perfumery is about freedom, creativity, and celebrating our landscapes and lifestyle. We live in such a big, beautiful country with so many unique places to explore, and I think that’s something worth bottling. That’s what I try to do—turn moments into memories, and memories into scent.

Photo of Theresa Murphy of Cypress Cove ““A Day At The Coast” Mood board

America the Beautiful isn’t just a song—it’s a source of endless inspiration. Whether it’s a visit to a Hill Country winery, a summer day at the lake, or a quiet weekend at a coastal B&B, I love turning those experiences into wearable scents. Travel has been a huge influence. My husband and I have had the chance to explore a lot of the U.S.—from antique shopping in New England to hiking trails in North Carolina and catching sunsets along the Florida coast. Each place has its own feeling, its own rhythm—and yes, its own scent.

Photo of Craft Fair with Olfactory Obsession

As I grew more confident in my fragrances, I began exhibiting at craft fairs and local markets. That’s when I started connecting with small business owners who shared my appreciation for regionally inspired products. These relationships have allowed me to partner with retailers who want to celebrate their hometowns in a unique way—through scent. I love helping shops tell their story and connect with customers through fragrances that reflect their local charm and personality.

Perfumer and Vice President of Creations Cécile Hua of Mane

My hobby slowly turned into a business; I’m still blending my own fragrances while also working with some incredibly talented perfumers. Cecile Hua is the nose behind A Day At The Coast.  Whether I’m crafting, curating, or collaborating, the goal is always the same: the scent has to spark something. It has to stir a memory, set a mood, or make someone smile. That’s how I know it’s ready.

Ansel Adams’ Yosemite photo californiamuseum.org

Favorite American Artist: Ansel Adams. Growing up, we made frequent trips to the mountains and Yosemite, and his black-and-white photography captures the spirit of those places perfectly. I love how his work feels raw, real, and timeless—just like the wilderness he photographed. His photos make me remember the smell of pine trees, cold air, and campfire smoke. I hope my fragrances can do the same—bring people back to a place, a moment, a feeling.

Theresa Murphy, Founder of Cypress Cove 

 A Day At The Coast by Celia Hua

Thanks to Theresa Murphy of Cypress Cove, we have a draw for a registered reader that is USA-based (contiguous 48 states) for a 30 ml bottle of A Day at The Coast, created by perfumer Cecile Hua. To be eligible, be sure to register please leave a comment describing what strikes you about Theresa Murphy’s path to perfumery. Draw closes 6/14/2025

Notes: Fresh sea breezes, powdery sand, driftwood, and a wisp of patchouli.

Theresa Murphy is 180th in our American perfumer series, which officially began in 2011 with Dawn Spencer Hurwitz of DSH Perfumes.

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All photos belong to Theresa Murphy unless otherwise noted

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Please read Deputy and Natural Perfumery Editor Ida Meister’s review of A Day In The Vineyard.

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