It’s been an inevitable journey for me, beginning a perfumery and skincare line as I’ve made both since I was a girl. I almost created a collection straight out of high school, but the winds suddenly blew in a different direction, and I found myself immersed in the world of studying midwifery. I continued to make perfumes for creative pleasure, as I always had, and for friends. Then, I fell pregnant with my eldest daughter and knew I wanted to be at home with her, so it was a real push to start a business that I could grow alongside my children - and so, Cygnet was born (my loved ones call me Swan). So, I guess simply, out of love.

 It has been a journey! Being a heart-led business, I didn’t have a business bone in my body, so I have had to learn and grow a lot in terms of managing the business side of things. My passion for formulating and sourcing artisanal ingredients has been able to flourish with Cygnet, which I just feel so grateful for. Something a lot of people don’t realise is that it’s actually really rare for a perfume house to be perfumer-founded and to manufacture their products in-house. Often, you likely won’t even know who the perfumer behind your favourite fragrance is, which is kind of crazy! We know the names of bands, artists, chefs, etc., yet the way perfume is made and consumed currently in the West strips it of its fundamental creativity. Supporting perfumers is vital to us - we had the joy of having an intern from the Grasse Institute of Perfumery with us for six months last year. It was so wonderful to work alongside another female perfumer and to be able to provide a platform for her to create her own debut fragrances. I’ve been lucky to have wonderful support, from my partner and family to all the wonderful creatives I’ve worked with to bring Cygnet to where it is now. They say it takes a village to raise a child, and I believe the same can be said for growing a business.

It’s everything! I am so passionate about sourcing, and one of the many reasons I love manufacturing in-house is that I can have complete control over where we source our ingredients. The aromatic materials we use possess terroir just like wine - their scent and molecular makeup are influenced by soil, climate, and locality. This is why we release them once a year to highlight seasonal variances, as well as why I love working with 100% natural ingredients. They are alive, dynamic, and have incredibly rich histories. If sourced ethically and sustainably, they can economically support a community and keep people and plants connected. When sourcing natural raw materials, it’s crucial to be aware of some of the issues surrounding sustainability - is it an endangered species, is it being overharvested, is it FairWild certified, etc.

It can take years to create a perfume, or very rarely just weeks. Starting with the inspiration - whether it be an exquisite distillation or an olfactory-rich landscape. I keep a notebook and take photos of inspiration, jotting down materials that may work. Then begins formulation, and the many little variations along the way. Lots of math, working with spreadsheets, high-precision scales, and finding the perfect balance of raw materials to bring out the facets you wish. Most of our perfumes have upwards of 30 different ingredients in them. Finally, when the formula is finished, we compound the fragrance, and it goes through a two-stage aging process of up to six months before being chill filtered and bottled, all by hand.

We follow the IFRA guidelines, which set out limits of raw materials in formulas to avoid sensitization (some individuals can have allergic reactions to certain scent molecules, such as a skin rash). We also consider what our customers are loving when formulating new fragrances, as well as what is missing from our collection. Unlike most perfume houses, we don’t put a budget on our formulas. It does mean our product costs are way higher, but creativity is not hampered by costs, and the end result is decadent and beautiful. When formulating, we have to carefully consider things like balancing top, heart, and base notes to create a fragrance journey that is long-lasting, which is no easy feat for botanical perfume. We also consider our style - extrait de parfum, the most potent and luxurious. It is always in a smaller bottle and more costly as the ingredients are concentrated and luxurious; a little goes a long way.

Selecting notes and ingredients for each season’s release is an immersive and intuitive process, deeply intertwined with the rhythms of nature. Each year, I spend time observing and experiencing the changing landscapes, capturing the essence of each season through meticulous note-taking and sensory exploration. Nature serves as my primary muse; the unique aromatic profiles of plants and flowers at different times of the year guide my selection. The terroir of each ingredient—how soil, climate, and locality affect its scent—plays a crucial role in this selection. This seasonal approach not only celebrates the dynamic and alive nature of natural ingredients but also ensures that each release is a distinct, ephemeral experience that resonates with the time of its creation.

Our approach to skincare is rooted in the belief that the skin is a dynamic, living ecosystem that thrives when nurtured with respect and care. I am amazed by the fact that our microbiome is in conversation with the macrobiome of the earth around us. We focus on using only natural, nutrient-dense ingredients that work harmoniously with the skin’s own processes. This means selecting botanicals known for their balancing, soothing, and regenerative properties. Our formulations aim to support the skin’s microbiome, barrier function, promote hydration, and deliver nutrients that enhance the skin’s natural resilience and radiance. Users can expect benefits such as improved skin texture, increased hydration, and a balanced, healthy complexion that feels and looks vibrant.

Inspiration comes to me from a multitude of sources—nature being the most profound. The ever-changing landscapes, the unseen interactions between humans and plants, the scent of the earth after rain, the delicate aroma of blooming flowers, and the rich, warm notes of woodlands all fuel my creativity. I am also deeply inspired by the stories and traditions surrounding natural ingredients, the artistry of craftsmanship, and the beauty of everyday moments. Also, my children and their sense of wonder. I think we don’t get enough of those simple moments of awe these days, and I think the profound beauty of nature’s olfactive world can bring that back.

Comfortable, practical, natural fibers. I have two young kids, as well as chickens, dogs, and cows, so a comfortable pair of boots and clothes that are durable and well-made! It also gets super cold, wet, and windy here in winter and spring, so I have been living in the Cloth & Co.  Roll Neck Vest.

The material, as well as where and how it is made. I love supporting small-scale, local clothing businesses that have strong ethics and sustainability goals, as I know how much work it takes to make a business like this thrive and the positive impact it can have.

The best piece of advice I’ve ever received is to trust my instincts and stay true to my values. It’s easy to get swayed by external pressures, but staying grounded in what I believe in and authenticity has been crucial for both my personal and professional growth.