Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Best of 2011


Here we are in the fresh new year looking forward to endless possibilities and back at all the sign posts from the last year. 2011 was an amazing and adventurous ride powered by winds of faith, intention and support from devoted fans and patrons which I am endlessly grateful to.

The year brought more sales than ever in the history on this uber niche natural perfume biz. Pretty amazing given that so many people don't quite "get" natural" perfume and the economic situation. I've partnered with several retailers and artisans. As we look forward with excitement to 2012, we would like to take a moment to remember the events of 2011 with gratitude. Here are a few highlights:

~ My perfumes have sold to people in all the states of the US and in over 60 countries.

~ It was an honor have Denise Hamilton here at the house and be featured in the LA Times Magazine as well as through out the perfume and handmade blogosphere in 2011.


~ Many thanks to Trish of Scent Hive for choosing To Bee as one of her favorites of 2011, as well as all the customers who adore this scent. 2012 looks like a great year for the honey bee!


~ Family and friends got together and bought me a brand new Canon camera for my birthday. I'm in LOVE with the new camera, it has become an extra appendage and so valuable to my artistic muse and business.

~ This holiday season Illuminated Perfume packages were gifted to more recipients than any other year to date. Christmas morning was made extra special knowing that people all over the world were being treated to my handmade, nature infused fragrances.

~ 2011 was the year that I embraced new computer and design knowledge the debut of our first edition Roxana Illuminated Perfume Lookbook and an upcoming new website.

~ I have partnered with up with a several talented and amazing artisans to expand the illuminated line in new directions for 2012.

~ 2011 presented us with several bee rescues that have resulted in two thriving hives.

~ This past year also brought some very sad and challenging moments like the passing of John Neuhart. One of the silver linings that has transpired is the manifestation of a letterpress studio here in the garage.

~ Eve received a four year scholarship to Bennington College in Vermont. The adjustment has been getting use to the empty nest.


~ The California native garden we've been creating here at our little woodland cottage has finally taken off with many plants now self seeding themselves. The front slope is starting to look filled in and attracting lots of birds and bees.


It appears that 2012 will contain even more thrills for Roxana Illuminated Perfume including our very first honey harvest here at home. Happy New Year and much gratitude to each and every one of you!

5 comments:

ahsumaker said...

Wow, all 50 states and 60 countries! That's awesome. Congratulations!

Carrie Meredith said...

To Bee was one of the most memorable fragrances of last year for me, and honestly, you are very much responsible for me opening my mind to perfume solids again. I hadn't known quality like that in much abundance. I think your magical bees are to blame. :)

Illuminated Perfume said...

ahsumaker thanks for your comment and visiting this journal. it's an amazing felling to know that my natural perfumes have been purchased all 50 states and over 60 countries! i decided to count one day when a friend mentioned that his book was selling in over 45 countries.

Illuminated Perfume said...

Hey Carrie, thanks so much for sharing here that you consider To Bee as one of your fav's for 2011. Cheers to 2012!

Illuminated Perfume said...

Many thanks to all of you who have e-mailed private comments and wishes for the new year. Love you all <3