What is your story?
I grew up in a household that valued gardening as a family activity - we had the most exotic garden in our neighborhood. Various flowers, herbs, some fruit, lots of roses and geranium. When spending time in our yard as a child and growing up, it created an olfactory stimulation that ties into memories. As I got older, I would spend my time in department stores at the perfume counter - literally trying everything they had and began to understand some of the connections and familiarities from our garden growing up. It’s funny because, still today some scents take me right back to certain experiences working in the yard. During my honeymoon in Italy, I found Frederic Malle, Andy Tauer, Farmacia, Tiziana Terenzi and others. Today, I am not sure that each of these are considered Natural Fragrances, but at the time I thought they were. So I came home inspired to dig into Niche/Artisanal Perfumery and found a shop that specializes in this up in San Francisco and became interested in their natural perfumery courses. I quickly ordered many synthetic ingredients to practice with and to learn about blending and how different mixtures will smell different even with similar ingredients.
How did you come into natural fragrances and what does it mean to you?
Over time, I had collected many natural ingredients including Oud Oil which really blew my mind. I began ordering samples of oil from different vendors to try them out - landed on some favorites that have since evolved. I do appreciate a fine oil, but what really got me was the Aloeswood and the depth, complexity found in ultra premium, wild woods. I began to collect these woods; Borneo, Brunei, Sri Lanka, Phillipines, China, Vietnam, Maluku, Ceram, Indonesia, Thailand, Papua and many others from more specific locales. It was through this epic adventure of tracking down and sourcing the best woods money could buy that I found true passion and respect for the magic that is found in natural ingredients. Since this, I have pivoted away from using synthetics in my perfumes and am learning to extract essential oils from various citrus, plants, resins, flowers, etc…
It is through these forums that I find there to be a divine interconnection between so many users through natural and exclusive aromatics. There is a magic to it and I will remain as much a collector as a sharer of beauty.
What are you trying to achieve through sharing these aromatic treasures with others?
When I embarked on my journey, I had no idea how much some of these vintage wild Aloeswood pieces would cost. I realized quickly that buying a 30+ gram piece (not uncommon when seeking the best available) is not realistic for many. My goal is to provide ease of accessibility to the best Aloeswoods by offering in a qty that removes the barrier of sheer price and enables anyone on the forum the opportunity to share in the experience of these ultra rare gems.
I’ve also offered up some of my personal distillations but the majority of these oils are used in my Wife’s candle business. Planning to have Oud Candles very soon ;-)
What is your main driving inspiration?
Growing, evolving as a human being - as a Brother to those who share a common interest. We are all learning together - as new woods and oils are made available, there is an acid test that the Ouddict members put these new products to provide reviews and feedback. We are all part of a family, one that expects a lot out of each other. To be genuine and honest, to be the best we can be, to learn and evolve our techniques when making perfume, attar, distilling oils or offering the best woods for sale. I love sharing my passion for each of these aromatics even though my specialty is on the Woods side. Please, feel free to reach out at any time - I truly enjoy meeting someone new to have a discussion around any of these topics.