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

Best of 2016

The traditional way we view time feels very linear to me, think about it, from a western perspective time is usually associated with the beginning of something and an ending, like day to night or birth to death. However, the reality of it I believe is quite different, it's not a line with a point at the beginning and one at the end, its more like a a complex geometric form.

Two of my favorite films this year which hover around the topic of time are Dr. Strange and Arrival.
"Through the mystic arts, we harness energy and shape reality." Yes!

At a birthday party for a friend a few nights ago I was asked about goals for the new year, I sighed and answered that I wasn't much into goals. In my experience goals as targets are great, but, they are also very.....disappointing. So many times life has come in and made a mess of my goals, so I don't bother with them, at least in their traditional format. She answered: "Yes I understand. What about personal goals, like self mastery?" Ah, those are a bit better, and thus that's what I've been pondering. Meanwhile another friend told me to "Think bigger!" Which I am embracing like a large, fuzzy teddy bear. What about you?

All in all I'd say 2016 was a very challenging year. The most thrilling part for me was unveiling my online botanical perfume course and once again being a presenter once again at the Beyond Aromatics conference! I was also thrilled to see so many people vote for Bernie Sanders and look forward to even more expansive thinking in terms of politics even with a clown in office. One thing is for sure, it will be interesting! Since I'm not into the news and media most of it will probably roll off me like a ducks back, at least that the intention. Instead I'll focus on adding beauty to the world and connecting more people to nature and themselves.

Happy New Year and much gratitude to each and every one of you! Remember to breath and love more, and remember who you are and what you are here to offer to each other.

Best of 2014

2014 ends opening a portal on yet another shiny, new year for manifestations and magical, mystery tours. I must say that this last year felt a bit epic and thus worthy of a post and look back.

Like 2012 when the gi-normous feature took place, this year feels dominated by one major event: the emergence of the new workspace and all that has come along with it. Most notably there has been a sharpening of the Roxana Illuminated Perfume brand and vision.

As a brand I finally settled on a new logo thanks to the talents of Jane Farr with the assistance of Maestro Spalenka, Jeff Burne and Ben Neuhart.

New perfumes released and upcoming:

• Impromptu
• La Dame Blanche, an Outlander inspired fragrance
• Mellifera
• Fleurish
• Figure 5: Bois

Packaging updates, most notably neutral pots replace the pinks, the addition of 4 gram little spray bottles for the Eau de Parfums and an introduction of new imagery for lockets and compacts.

The other notable event was the World of Aromatherapy conference at Bastyr in Seattle and Tree of Life presentation.

2015 will unfold with countless fragrant wonders with the debut of more delights, trinkets and olfactory adventures from nature. We are currently putting together classes involving plant matters of all kinds including the Maestros Artist as Brand Workshop which is almost filled up.

On the tarmac at the moment is Eau de Parfums of some of your favorites, La Dame Blanche as a solid and lots and lots of secrets. Given that 2015 equates the number eight which horizontally is the infinity sign I'm pretty sure that this new year is going to be stellar, thus I leave you with this, because after all we've gotta to make sure we have fun along the way...

Best of 2012

Whoosh, here we are at the point of endings and beginnings as we fly our magic carpet into the year 2013!

As a refresher, I looked through the posts here at the journal and on my facebook page because I knew that besides the Etsy feature, there were other stellar moments worth mentioning.

2012 brought more sales than ever in the history of this uber niche natural perfume biz. Pretty amazing given that so many people don't quite "get" natural" perfume and the economic situation. I'm looking forward with excitement to 2013, here are some highlights of 2012.

~ As mentioned above, being Etsy featured seller was one of the most stellar things to happen this year. Several factors played a role in making it the stellar experience.

1. I had myself, the studio and my perfume making process professionally photographed.

2. I systemized the perfume making and order filling processes.

3. I put all the packaging materials in the living room under three long tables for organizing and fulfilling orders. This left my studio space as a creative mecca for me, while helpers work in the living room. The living room is now the shipping and receiving, for better or worse, until we either move or find another space for my business.

~ In the Best of 2011 report I marveled that my perfumes had sold to people in all the states of the US and in over 60 countries. This year has not only surpassed those figures considerably but October produced a stack of invoices taller than the stack of the entire year of 2011, whoa!

~ Roxana Illuminated Perfume turned 5 and I turned 50!

~ Eve was accepted to theater school in London.

~ I participated in two Artisan Fragrance Salons this past year which was a great opportunity to meet and greet fans in person and continue to get the brand out there.

~ This year we added a few new items and packaging updates, in 2013 expect even more.

~ Partnerships with talented and amazing designers & artisans continue and will manifest in 2013.

~ We did our first honey harvest from our bee hives here on the property.

~ Our little woodland cottage was repainted in a beautiful, soft sage green color which is the perfect compliment to our native plant garden.

What's ahead for 2013 is sure to be marvelous and another grand adventure. Happy New Year and much gratitude to each and every one of you!

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!

Into the New!

Intending happy times ahead as we leave twenty ten behind us and sail in twenty eleven. The year 2011 in numerology adds up to a numerical Universal Year of 4 (2+0+1+1) or a 13 (2+11), depending which methodologies most appeal to you.

By using the numerology system at the Spiritually Speaking column I calculated that my personal transformation number for the year which is #1 associated with the Major Arcana Tarot Card: The Fool. This is particularly fascinating to me as I have been pondering this card quite a bit lately.

Those who step out of "The Tribe" are often perceived as fools because they function to the beat of a different drummer. That rhythm and beat for me are those of my heart, this pisses off quite a lot of people who want me to conform. Oh well, I'm suppose to avoid being headstrong this year so I'll stop now.

Some of the intentions for Roxana Illuminated Perfume that I am willing to share here in this public forum include:

Page 47 Liquid Botanical Perfume
GreenWitch Solid Natural Perfume
Body Butters
Updating the website


In fabrication are two new perfumes, one is based on a leather accord and the other is a honey bee inspired fragrance. Components for these upcoming perfumes have been in the works for a couple years. Several other perfumes, alliances and projects are underway but shall remain secret for now.


I continue to look for local and eco friendly sources with my packaging. This year I found the organic muslin pouches for the solid perfume minis and some really pretty vintage and eco friendly ribbon. I'm constantly on the lookout for upgrading while remaining true to luxe, my style, color palette and the environment. This criteria added to limited funds makes things extremely challenging.

Most of the trend reports seem to be pretty bleek (sigh) although I did see mentioned that a green lifestyle continue to be on the rise as well as a spiritual approach to living. In regards to a potential epidemics and/or pandemics, I recommend ignoring the stupidity in the news and focusing on: vital healthy foods, exercise, breathing clean air, taking aromatherapy baths, and surrounding oneself with positive nurturing people. Personally I find that staying away from the news is the best medicine. If you don't know this already the three major news sources are also weapon manufacturers. Read more about this at the Addicted to War website.

Some interesting numerological days in 2011 include:

• ‘Π (Pi) Day’ falls on March 14, 2011
• Friday the 13th, on May 13, 2011
• October 23 rd, 2011, or ‘Mole Day’

Happy New Year everyone!!

References:
Numerology in 2011 Year
Spiritually Speaking

Eleven for Eleven

This evenings post is inspired by Jan at Poppytalk. Taking her lead and words from...here's my personal New Year's focus (resolution) list! What are your plans for 2011?

No. 1: Remember the artist within


No. 2: Nurture the Muse


No. 3: Bee Here Now


No. 4: More LOVE all around

Paper Doll Valentine Ornament by Old World Primitives

No 5: Yoga

Ballet top by TreeHouse28

No. 6: Breath Deep



No. 7: Hawaii or another tropical isle


No. 8: Create beauty inside and out


No. 9: As Joni Mitchell says...Get myself back to the Garden


N0. 10: Pick up the phone

Photo by F2images

No. 11: Align with flow

Photo by Mingtaphotography

Best of 2010

Round and round we go, spinning through the Universe on planet blue while breathing in deep. The end of the year is upon us and I am here to share some of the highlights of the year scented, unscented and within other realms of beauty and art. This entry is one segment of a collective blogging circle organized by Trish of Scent Hive, please see the links at the end of this post to travel onward to the other participants.


Before embarking on our journey much gratitude goes out to all those who supported my work. I am deeply touched and humbled by the fabulous write ups, sweet notes and inspiring messages. Merci beaucoup!

"There are moments in our lives, there are moments in a day, when we seem to see beyond the usual. Such are the moments of our greatest wisdom. If one could but recall his vision by some sort of sign. It was in this hope that the arts were invented. Sign-posts on the way to what may be. Sign-posts toward greater knowledge." ~ Robert Henri

The most significant sign post marking the pilgrimage through 2010 for me was the arrival of the honey bees in May. What a fascinating adventure they have taken me on and continue to do so. These little winged alchemists grace me with an even deeper understanding of the circle of life.

"Even the smallest being can change the course of the future."
Modified from a Galadriel quote

My favorite gadget this year is the Nikon digital camera belonging to Eve. One day soon I'll have my own, for now she has been very generous in sharing.


The best plant and aroma in my native garden also happens be my favorite essential oil this year. Sage. I started using sage essential oil early in the year when a rather intense respiratory challenge entered the scene. For some reason I reached for the sage instead of eucalyptus and I haven't looked back. Meanwhile in the garden all the different native varieties are doing really well with little water, no fertilizer and planted in clay soil amongst abundant gopher activity. The fragrance is pure heaven and the honey bees adore the flowers. Now if I could just get the neighbors to stop using stinky dryer sheets that pollute the natural aromas of the native landscape, sheesh!

The best perfume adventure was a visit with Julie Elliot at her In Fiore shop in San Francisco. Julie was an early mentor as I began placing all the pieces together to launch my line. She has impeccable taste, is the most grounded and ethical person in the natural perfume community, and offers a skin care line that I lust for.


Intending 2011 is filled with the sweet aroma of love, beauty, joy and prosperity for each of you. I'll post shortly what I intend to manifest in this upcoming New Year.

Other blogs participating in the "Best of 2010" organized by Trish of Scent Hive, Screibman's Live, Portland Fragrance Examiner, All I Am a Redhead, CaFleureBon, The Non-Blonde, Smelly Blog, I Smell Therefore I Am, EauMG, DSH Notebook, A Rose Beyond the Thames, Persolaise and Sorcery of Scent.

Perfume Illuminated: Tiger

The Tiger
By William Blake

TIGER, tiger, burning bright
In the forests of the night,
What immortal hand or eye
Could frame thy fearful symmetry?

In what distant deeps or skies
Burnt the fire of thine eyes?
On what wings dare he aspire?
What the hand dare seize the fire?

And what shoulder and what art
Could twist the sinews of thy heart?
And when thy heart began to beat,
What dread hand and what dread feet?

What the hammer? what the chain?
In what furnace was thy brain?
What the anvil? What dread grasp
Dare its deadly terrors clasp?

When the stars threw down their spears,
And water'd heaven with their tears,
Did He smile His work to see?
Did He who made the lamb make thee?

Tiger, tiger, burning bright
In the forests of the night,
What immortal hand or eye
Dare frame thy fearful symmetry?

The Lunar twelve year zodiac of the Asia is upon us. The twelve animal symbols, according to ancient lore, were chosen by Buddha. Beginning on February 14th we entered the cycle of the passionate Tiger.

To celebrate this event for today's Perfume Illuminated contribution Beth and I are focusing on the scents and flavors of Asia.

FRAGRANCE

An Oriental Perfume is determined by scents with a warm, rich and spicy character. The fragrance catagories which go into composing Oriental perfumes are Amber, Incense, Balsamic, Wood, Floral and Spice with Citrus in the top notes. On a personal note this is my favorite type of perfume and the one that I tend to automatically create.

Main stream perfumes considered Orientals include: "Jicky" Guerlain 1889, "Shalimar" Guerlain 1925, "Old Spice" Shulton 1935, and "Opium" Yves St. Laurent 1977 . While attending art school in the 80's Opium was my main signature scent. My current obsession has been with the perfume devoted to Peace in the solid format, which happens to be an Oriental featuring all the notes mentioned above.


The Scents of Asia include those of China and Japan. The first scents of China were utilized for incense, sachets, tea, cosmetics, gardens and interior design featuring their flowering shrubs and trees. Many of these can be seen in their decorative arts.

The main raw materials include: Citrus, Camphor wood, Nanmu known as Southern wood, Cassia, Osmanthus, Chrysanthemums and Lotus. Today's contemporary botanical perfumer enjoys many essences from China including: Star Anise, Borage C02, Cajuput, Camphor, Cassia, Cedarwood, Champa essential oil and C02, Geranium, HoWood, Litsea Cubeba (aka May Chang), Rose (rugosa), Jasmin sambac C02, and Aglaia Absolute.

In Japan, like China and many ancient cultures, incense was the main use for fragrance. The Japanese also scented their clothing like the Chinese using sachets but also developed little laquer boxes on silken cords called Inro. Essences contained within a botanical perfumers palette from Japan include Yuzu, Shiso and Hibawood.


While on the phone this week with Beth she mentioned creating a classic five spice powder or syrup. When she described it I thought ah, this is like a Spice chord, similar to the Garam Masala chord I created. Upon researching a recipe for a five spice blend I discovered that the combination is based on the philosophy of Yin and Yang combining sweet, sour, bitter, pungent and salty. The five spice blend from Herb Companion Magazine lists: Star anise, Fennel, Clove, Cinnamon, and Pepper, all of which exist as essential oils and can be combined for a Five Spice chord utilized in the formulation of an Oriental type perfume. The Herb Companion suggests combining the ingredients with these proportions which can be interpreted into parts and or drops.

Fennel - 4 Tablespoons
Clove - 4 Tablespoons
Cinnamon - 4 Tablespoons
Pepper - 4 Tablespoons
Star anise - 12 whole

FLAVOR: Beth Schreibman Gehring
Please continue reading about Happy Chinese New Year! at the Windesphere Witch blog

Images
Top: Tiger by Kuniyoshi Utagawa
The Enchantress by Frederick Stuart Church from ArtMagick
All others are old engravings cleaned and placed on parchment by Roxana Villa