The Devil Wears Snow: Interview With Founder of Ephemeral Scent

One year ago, I found CB I Hate Perfume during a Brooklyn stroll. I’ve long had snow on the brain not knowing I could hit it with a stone. Partly bred in Brooklyn, this siren was delighted to discover the mastermind of an award-winningfamous fragrance in her backyard. Now doubly delighted at the chance to meet Christopher Brosius in December–the month to discuss scent, semblance, sanity and a four letter ‘s’ word.

Image courtesy of WikiMedia Commons. “Schneekristalle” Source: German Wikipedia, original upload 23. Okt 2004 by MatthiasKabel (selfmade) (http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Schneekristalle.jpg)

“Perfume is too often an ethereal corset trapping everyone in the same, unnatural shape…An opaque shell concealing everything–revealing nothing…An arrogant slap in the face from across the room…People who smell like everyone else disgust me.” ~ CB

 

December–the month to discuss scent, semblance, sanity and a four letter ‘s’ word.
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Me: The sense of smell? How? Why?

CB: Those especially fascinated by the psychology of smell: read Rachel Herz.

Me: How does smell effect us?

CB: While we’re constantly using our sense of smell, we very seldom–if at all–notice the impact smell has on our lives. I know of an individual who lost his ability to smell and suffered emotional trauma and depression. I know of an adult who was born without the ability to smell and through a surgical operation acquired the sense of smell. He couldn’t leave his house–the smell of everything, everywhere, was overwhelming. He hadn’t had the chance to assign qualifiers like “good” or “bad” to scents, so everything he smelled seemed overpowering and repulsive, including food.

“…we very seldom–if at all–notice the impact smell has on our lives.”
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“I know of an individual who lost his ability to smell and suffered emotional trauma and depression.”

Me: Demeter.

CB: Mmm.

Me: You’re moving.

CB: We intend to bring more art through our new space. We’ve got ideas.

Mihail Simonidi (1870 – 1933) – Winter perfume. Image courtesy of WikiMedia Commons. This work is in the public domain (http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Commons:Copyright_tags#United_States)

Me: New flowers in the house.

CB: Some florals are nearly impossible to replicate due to their depth. Take tuberose, for example. I’m very pleased with this line. Granted, they’re not inexpensive due to the high cost of materials needed to produce these fragrances. Nor are they for the faint of heart due to how they differ from their commonly conjured synthetic counterparts.

Me: Winter 1972. A signature snow scent.

CB: Each fragrance conjures up different emotional reactions that may be tied to an individual’s memory. “My Birthday Cake” once brought to mind chocolate cake with pink frosted flowers and a hint of candle wax for someone who came through my store. Nothing to do with the plain, simple, unfrosted angel food cake that was my birthday cake. It’s great when someone hones into a scent and owns it.

“Each fragrance conjures up different emotional reactions that may be tied to an individual’s memory.”
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Me: Your fragrance titles lead with a notion. A simple suggestion can lead far and away from your original intention.

CB: Yes, and that’s wonderful.

Image courtesy of WikiMedia Commons.

Me: Do you have a protégée?

CB: I work with many talented people, but I can’t teach anyone what is in my head nor the way I work. When I attempt to convey what I want, my hands may wind up above my head while I’m saying “No, this way!”

Me: The devil wears snow?

CB: Yes, sometimes.

Image courtesy of WikiMedia Commons.

Love CB I Hate Perfume? Here’s your chance to show your support.

This interview is not a direct transcript and has been edited for brevity and creativity. 

Snow kings and queens: share your comments.

 

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It’s Business Time: 2013 Holiday Gift Guide and Contest

We’re fortunate to encounter individuals, organizations and companies doing work which we consider righteous. Our unofficial 2012 holiday gift guide launched the concept for this year’s compilation with prizes to boot. Based on our research of companies and brands we deem interesting, innovative and inspirational, we’ve asked for product submissions for our 2013 Holiday Gift Guide and Contest. The result is a chance for entrants to win featured products in this post. We hope it’s as fun and informative for you as it is for us!

November highlighted Curandera NYC (curing urban ailments), EiR NYC (named for a Norse goddess), Kharma Khare (recycled tires-cum-yoga mats) and Outlaw Yoga (helping at-risk populations). December features additional products made by companies who have agreed to share their wares with contest winners. Jingle all the way.

Image courtesy of Cole + Parker.

Cole + Parker designs swanky socks that help entrepreneurs in the developing world launch businesses through Kiva. Thrilled to reference Business Socks at every opportunity. Week to win: December 2.

Image courtesy of Mala for Vets.

Mala For Vets, founded by Chris Eder–retired US Air Force MSgt with PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder)–donates portions of proceeds to non-profit organizations and customizes malas such as this one to benefit Mindful Yoga Therapy for Veterans. This prayer bead necklace is made with obsidian–a supportive and protective stone–forming a shield against negativity. Ganesha, the Hindu elephant deity, is known as the “remover of obstacles.” What could be more positive? Week to win: December 9.

Image courtesy of Frankincense and Rose.

Frankincense and Rose blends locally sourced ingredients resulting in products intended to naturally nurture. Week to win: December 16.

Image courtesy of The Social Media Monthly

The Social Media Monthly keeps us socials on top of our game. The first and only print and digital magazine devoted exclusively to exploring social media’s impact on business, society and culture. Your year-long subscription awaits. Week to win: December 23.

Image courtesy of Kimberlyoh Designs.

Make your mark and have your initial hand-stamped on this wrist bracelet by Kimberlyoh Designs, thus launching yourself into the New Year fully in touch with your identity. This heart-of-gold artist felt compelled to reconnect to her passion, and so launched her line on ever-loving Etsy. Here’s to following our creative Calling. Week to win: December 29.

Here’s how to participate:

Folks are invited to visit our Facebook page and leave a comment as to why winning the featured product of the week would make your day OR folks may enter their comment in the comment section of this post. Winners are chosen by Urban Siren, LLC based on their compelling creativity. Prize are announced each Monday on Facebook and the weekly winner is announced each Friday on or before 5:00 p.m. EST through January 3, 2014.

Rules and Disclaimers:
  • Void where prohibited
  • This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed, or administered by, or associated with, Facebook. Urban Siren, LLC is utilizing Facebook as a platform to share the contest and invite entrants to share their thoughts on each product of the week for a chance to win
  • No product purchase necessary for entry
  • Entrants must be 18 years or older
  • The contest is only open to legal residents of the 50 United States and the District of Columbia (excluding Puerto Rico and all other territories); prizes may only be shipped to destinations which meet this geographical criteria
  • One comment submission per entrant per prize
  • Urban Siren, LLC reserves the right to change prizes should a featured prize become unavailable
  • Entrants agree that Urban Siren, LLC may use their name in announcing the winner should the entrant win unless otherwise specified by the entrant
  • Entrants may receive a message from an Urban Siren, LLC representative requesting shipping information should their entry be chosen as the winning comment. Address, email and phone number will not be shared publicically with Urban Siren, LLC’s readership though a shipping address may be shared with a representative from the company that produces or represents the featured product for prize shipping purposes
  • Urban Siren, LLC will not use a winner’s address for any purpose other than to send a winner’s prize or share with the company that produces or represents the featured product for prize shipping purposes. Urban Siren, LLC does not accept responsibility for how the winner’s address may or may not be used by aforementioned companies
  • Urban Siren, LLC is not responsible for any prizes that do not reach their shipping destination
  • Urban Siren, LLC is in no way liable for the safety or use of products offered through this contest or on our website
  • Urban Siren, LLC waives liability for any damage or injury to persons and/or things as a result of the acceptance of the prize offered
  • Prizes are not redeemable for cash and must be accepted as is

    Image courtesy of WikiMedia Commons

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    Let the commenting begin!

 

 

 

 

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