The Patience of the Pines: A Lesson from the Great Lakes (and Perfume Making)
The Patience of the Pines: A Lesson from the Great Lakes (and Perfume Making)
The Great Lakes. They’re vast, powerful, and undeniably patient. They’ve carved out landscapes over millennia, weathering storms and reflecting sunsets with a quiet, enduring strength. As I build my all-natural perfume company, inspired by these majestic waters, I've found myself learning a profound lesson in patience – a lesson that echoes in every aspect of my work, from sourcing ingredients to the final, aged fragrance and every aspect of managing a home laboratory.
One of the biggest challenges of crafting all-natural perfumes is the sourcing of raw materials. We rely on the earth's bounty: fragrant resins, delicate florals, and rich, earthy woods. Sometimes, these ingredients are seasonal, or they’re harvested in remote locations. A particular blue spruce resin, reminiscent of a crisp northern morning, might be unavailable for months. A rare, wild-harvested organic floral might take weeks to arrive.
In a world of instant gratification, this waiting can be frustrating. But I’m learning to embrace it. Just like the lakes patiently shape the land, these delays are part of the natural rhythm of creation. They remind me that true beauty takes time.
This patience extends beyond sourcing to the very heart of perfume making. Creating a complex, nuanced fragrance isn't just about blending ingredients; it's about allowing them to harmonize, to meld, to age. Like a fine wine, a natural perfume needs time to mature. The initial blend might smell promising, but the true magic unfolds over weeks, even months.
Imagine a fragrance inspired by the misty shores of Lake Superior. The initial notes of Galbanum might be sharp and distinct. But as it ages, the subtle sweetness of coconut and the delicate floral whispers of White Lotus begin to emerge, creating a depth and complexity that wasn't present at first. This maturation process requires patience, a willingness to wait for the full symphony of scents to reveal itself.
And then there's the less glamorous, but equally essential, aspect of cleanliness. In a natural perfume studio, meticulous hygiene is paramount. Every bottle, every pipette, every surface must be spotless to ensure the purity and integrity of the fragrances. Cleaning with patience is an act of respect for the ingredients, a commitment to quality. Rushing the process can lead to contamination, compromising the delicate balance of the perfume.
Patient cleaning pays off in the end by ensuring the quality of the perfume is pure and unadulterated.
The Great Lakes teach us that patience isn't just about waiting; it's about appreciating the journey. It's about understanding that true beauty and quality are cultivated over time, through dedication and a deep respect for the natural world.
So, the next time you spritz on one of my fragrances inspired by the shimmering waters of the Great Lakes, remember the patience that went into its creation. Remember the patient sourcing, the patient aging, and the patient cleaning. And perhaps, you’ll find a little bit of that enduring, quiet strength within yourself. Just like the lakes, you too can weather any storm, knowing that time will reveal the true beauty within.
-Connie
Turnip Rock - Lake Huron