Ring in the New

Thank you for being part of Illuminated Perfume for all these years, whether it has been as a client, patron, student or just onlooker, I appreciate every single one of you!

In the nineties, when I started creating healing fragrances from plants, I felt like a tiny, lone fish swimming upstream, it has now become a movement! At the core of true plant perfume is well being for both the planet and all her beings, supporting organic agriculture and small sustainable businesses.  Although my business is small the very act of working with plants, distillation and the sense of smell elevates consciousness. We become more illuminated by breathing in plant molecules. Like the butterfly effect, small vibrations can affect our entire cosmos.

The year 2019 has been filled with change and chaos for me personally, which on a micro scale reflects the tumultuous events around the world. As sensitives, the rather loud uproar is unsettling to say the least! Yet, my upbeat Leo sun continues to feel hopeful for us visionaries, to feel empowered and be part of a significant shift in this new decade—a shift that will set the stage for the next century to come.

I first witnessed the power of essential oils back during a sweat lodge more than twenty years ago, but it wasn't until 2008 that, with the California oak by my side,  Roxana Illuminated Perfume was launched. Shifting from working as an editorial illustrator, making social commentary through visuals, I pivoted to creating a full sensory experience of our natural world. At the time I was one within a handful of others who were in the aromatherapy industry. What made me different was that I choose to work with a palette exclusively of whole plant matter while bringing awareness to environmental issues such as native plants, peace and honey bees. I'll be completely honest with you, it's been really difficult, but inch by inch, slow and steady, here I am.

In 2015, to help expand the reach of plant fragrance, I began teaching local botanical perfume classes in Los Angeles, which eventually expanded to a presentation at Bastry University introducing the Art of Botanical Perfume online course.

"It is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge."

~ Albert Einstein

In the summer of 2017, I made what still feels like the boldest move yet, I sold my sweet home and moved to Santa Fe, New Mexico where the new perfumery is located alongside the School of Lost Arts. 2019 was the start of the Perfumed Bestiary series, although slightly derailed this last month, resumes with the letter H. An introductory splash was made here in the oldest capital city by participating alongside Greg Spalenka in the Santa Fe Art Tour, a full page article in the Santa Fe Reporter and being named Artist of the Month by our local brick and mortar art supply store Artisan. And that’s just the beginning! In 2020, the mission of elevating consciousness and becoming illuminated by plant fragrance continues with fragrances inspired by beautiful New Mexico and the rich stories that imbue this glorious landscape to bringing the current line of fragrances up to dates and adding more classes & courses.

Please join me in expanding the vision and impact in the year ahead by your continued support, patronage, insights and business acumen. As conscious creatives, we have the vision to use our choices in transforming the culture of business toward one that is more equitable and just. Roxana Illuminated Perfume has been leading the way and are honored to have the oak, the pinon and you by my side.

With love and gratitude,

Roxana