Growing up, I was very conscious of how I smelled to others. Fragrance became a kind of armor—a way to make sure I always “smelled good” and, in a sense, to hide. The teasing and insecurities of puberty made scent feel like a shield I could control. But as I grew and began to learn more about fragrances, I realized it wasn’t a tool to hide my wounds. Instead, it became a way to enhance, to honor myself, and to participate in a daily ritual of presence, mindfulness, and personal expression. My exploration came to an abrupt stop, however, when I had my daughters who have severe skin and food allergies. I could no longer wear the luxury perfumes that I had grown to adore because of the harsh ingredients and additives. This new hurdle sparked a passion in me to find a way I could enjoy the luxury of fragrance safely—and so my daughters could too as they grow older.