The Perfumer, Emma Leah

This exciting journey to being a perfumer began with a nomadic childhood that exposed me to many different experiences of scent. I would revel in the rich complex odours found in the different natural surroundings I encountered in the worlds I inhabited. Flowers and herbs that always populated our gardens and spices that filled our kitchen were my favourites from an early age.”

My heightened sense of taste and smell led me to explore further as I matured, expanding my palette and understanding of the structure of blending different ingredients and appreciating the singular complexities of each separate part.

The style of perfumery I practice is based in the ancient cultures of original perfumers of the middle east and the orient. I only create with botanical extracts and I have spent 15 years studying, using and formulating with essential oils. The learning process has led to exploration of the chemistry, psychology and therapeutic qualities of the extracts but it is foremost their odour properties I am interested in. The aromatherapy benefits of essential oils are my reference point for formulating my bath and body products but when it comes to my perfumes I rely only on the guidance of my nose and let the natural oils ignite my passion.

The perfumes of the Fleurage range are born from my personal experiences and fascinations of the rich and diverse worlds we inhabit both physically and in our imagination. As I take in the extracts I work with, I see images of nature, the spiritual and mystical worlds, our sensuality and individuality. These are what the four Perfume Houses of Fleurage represent. A working brief forms from these images and I construct the fragrance in its entirety, from the foundations up to the entrance notes.

In the traditions of the perfumers of old I use a high concentration of fragrance to base for a definite scent with economy and staying power. Each perfume is tested on human skin (my own first) because that is where they are worn and I do not interfere with their appearance (color) in anyway. I appreciate and enjoy the challenge of the complex and changeable nature of botanical extracts and their links to the earth.

It is my belief that perfumery is an art form and like any artistic endeavor it is about utilizing and manipulating materials to create something that stimulates the emotions through the senses. I am like the painter who prefers to use oil paints rather than acrylics, though still appreciating the synthesis of modern materials and those who wish to use them. I have chosen the classical and ancient arts of perfumery to discover and share the luxurious fragrances I truly love. There is an exhilaration to be experienced from truly beautiful botanical scents that I do not find in modern fragrance. I believe they make us radiant with joy as they become at one with our very being. I invite you to indulge your senses and rediscover the ancient art of perfumery.

I am pleased to be both an invited member of the international Natural Perfumers Guild and member of the Australian Society of Cosmetic Chemists.