From Synthetic Siren to Natural Nymph: My Fragrance Awakening

Just a small sample of my synthetic aroma chemical perfume collection!

For years, I was a devotee of the bottled magic that is synthetic perfume. I chased the latest releases, the complex accords, the intoxicating trails that lingered in my wake. My vanity was a fragrant laboratory, filled with vials of designer scents and niche concoctions, each a symphony of artificial molecules designed to seduce and captivate. I loved the drama, the power, the sheer artistry of these synthetic creations.

Then, the veil began to lift.

I started researching the ingredients in my beloved perfumes. The long, unpronounceable chemical names, the warnings about potential irritants and endocrine disruptors – it was a wake-up call. The realization hit me like a splash of cold water: my skin, my body's largest organ, was absorbing these synthetic concoctions like a sponge. I was essentially bathing myself in a cocktail of potentially harmful chemicals.

Suddenly, those captivating fragrances didn't seem so appealing. The headaches, the occasional skin irritations, the nagging feeling that something wasn't quite right – it all started to make sense. I was a prisoner of synthetic allure, and my body was paying the price.

The thought of ditching my entire collection was daunting. I loved perfume! It was an expression of myself, a way to enhance my mood, a subtle form of personal artistry. But the more I learned, the more I knew I couldn't go back.

A Spark of Inspiration by the Great Lakes

Around this time, I found myself spending more time by the Great Lakes. The vast, shimmering expanse of water, the fresh, clean air, the earthy scent of the surrounding forests – it was a stark contrast to the cloying, artificial perfumes I was used to. The natural world, in all its raw beauty, was a revelation.

I began to wonder: what if I could capture the essence of this natural beauty in a perfume? What if I could create fragrances that were not only beautiful but also safe and nourishing? The idea took root, and a passion project was born.

I started researching natural perfumery, exploring the world of essential oils, absolutes, and resins. I discovered the rich history of natural fragrance, the ancient art of blending botanicals to create evocative scents. The more I learned, the more excited I became.

The Great Lakes as My Muse

The Great Lakes became my muse. I envisioned fragrances that captured the crispness of a winter morning on Lake Superior, the warmth of a summer sunset on Lake Michigan, the earthy scent of a forest after a rainstorm on Lake Huron. I wanted to create perfumes that were not just scents but experiences, a way to connect with the natural world.

The Great Purge (and a New Beginning)

Ditching my synthetic perfumes was a process. It was like breaking up with a toxic relationship. I started slowly, replacing my everyday scents with natural alternatives. I experimented with essential oil blends, creating my own custom fragrances. It wasn't always easy. There were moments when I missed the complexity and longevity of my synthetic perfumes. But the more I embraced natural fragrance, the more I appreciated its subtle beauty and its connection to the earth.

And so, my journey began. Inspired by the purity and power of the Great Lakes, I set out to create a perfume company that would honor the natural world and nourish the body and soul. It’s a journey of learning, experimentation, and a deep respect for the power of nature.

If you're reading this and you're curious about natural perfumery, I encourage you to explore it. Your skin (and your soul) will thank you. The switch is more than just a fragrance change, it is a lifestyle change. It is a commitment to your health and to the health of the world around you.

-Connie