We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Azra David. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Azra below.

Alright, Azra thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. How did you come up with the idea for your business?

My journey into the world of perfumery was deeply rooted in my upbringing and personal experiences. Growing up in Amman, Jordan, I was exposed to the rich tradition of using perfume as a form of self-care. It was a daily ritual to apply fragrances after a shower, and that’s where my fascination with scents began. The pivotal moment for me was when I first encountered the mesmerizing fragrance of Fahrenheit. I can still recall it vividly; it was a magical experience that left an indelible mark on me.

Living in the Middle East, surrounded by the aroma of flavorful, aromatic foods and my grandmother’s enchanting flower garden, I developed a heightened sensitivity to scents. The diverse array of spices and the enchanting fragrances of flowers like jasmine, rose, and honeysuckle, which bloomed abundantly in Jordan, deepened my appreciation for the power of scent.

As I grew older, I delved into books about perfumery and essential oils, nurturing a dream that seemed distant but remained close to my heart. The turning point came when I applied to a prestigious school in Grasse, France, known as the perfume capital of the world, and was accepted. This was the moment I decided to turn my passion into a reality and embarked on formal training in the art of perfumery.

My journey took me around the world, visiting perfumery shops, and immersing myself in the craft. It was during this time that I realized the unique and deeply personal nature of perfume creation. Crafting fragrances is like creating wearable art, but it engages a different sense – our sense of smell. Every step, from blending essential oils to filling the bottles, is a labor of love and a testament to the significance of self-care.

For me, self-care is not just a routine; it’s a deeply sentimental and personal experience. Creating fragrances is an art that connects our sense of smell to our memories, and I wanted to share this beautiful art with the world. This passion, coupled with the belief that fragrance is a powerful and evocative form of self-expression, drove me to start my own perfumery business. It’s about offering something deeply personal and artistic to those who appreciate the emotive power of scent in our lives.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I am an artisan, an olfactory artist, and a passionate world traveler. My journey into the world of perfumery has been a lifelong exploration of scents and the art of creating fragrances that transcend time and place. My unique approach involves sourcing essential oils from local producers around the globe, individuals who cultivate the flowers and painstakingly extract the essence by hand. This traditional method has been practiced for thousands of years, and it allows me to encapsulate memories in a bottle.

One of the most memorable experiences I recently had was crafting a custom fragrance for a bride on her special day. She entrusted me to create a fragrance that would not only capture the essence of her destination wedding in Lake Como but also evoke a profound sensory experience for her, her husband, and their guests. Drawing inspiration from the serene surroundings of Lake Como, I meticulously blended notes of Bergamot, Honeysuckle, Magnolia, Ambergris, Sandalwood, and Orange to craft a fragrance that painted an olfactory picture of her unique love story.

What sets me apart is my dedication to preserving the intimate and sentimental nature of perfume. I believe that perfume is not merely a product; it’s a personal, emotive form of self-expression. In a world where many purchase their scents from department stores, I aim to provide an alternative – a bespoke fragrance tailored to each individual’s personality and preferences. Why should you smell like everyone else when you can have a signature scent that truly represents you?

I take immense pride in my ability to create these unique olfactory experiences and to offer a glimpse into a world that not many have the privilege to explore. I invite potential clients and fragrance enthusiasts to discover the art of perfumery, to embrace the idea that your scent can be as distinctive as you are, and to embark on a sensory journey with me that will leave an indelible mark on their memories and senses.

We’d love to hear your thoughts about selling platforms like Amazon/Etsy vs selling on your own site.

I’ve chosen to sell my perfumery creations on my own website, www.House-of-Azari.com, for a more intimate and artful shopping experience. When you visit my website, you step into a world carefully crafted to reflect the essence of my perfumery. It’s not just about buying a product; it’s about experiencing a piece of art.

Here’s a short list that I could share with some of the readers.

Brand Control: My website gives me complete control over the brand, design, and overall user experience. This control allows me to convey the unique story and ethos behind my perfumery.

Personalized Customer Experience: I can offer a personalized shopping experience. I provide tailored recommendations, exclusive offers, and a deep connection to the art of perfumery.

Direct Communication: The website enables direct communication with my customers. It’s a space where I can share the inspiration behind each fragrance and connect with those who appreciate the art of perfumery.

Showcasing Artistry: The website serves as a canvas where I can showcase the artistry and craftsmanship that goes into each fragrance. It’s a platform for sharing the beauty of the process and the final product.

Supporting Artists: Importantly, when customers purchase from my website, they are directly supporting an independent artist and artisan. It’s a way to contribute to the continuation of a traditional craft and the preservation of a unique form of art.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

One memorable story that exemplifies my resilience is when I was just starting my perfumery business. Like any new venture, it faced its share of challenges. At one point, I encountered a significant setback when a crucial shipment of rare essential oils was delayed for an extended period due to unforeseen circumstances.

This was a critical moment, as my entire line of fragrances depended on these specific ingredients. Instead of succumbing to despair, I used this time to revisit and refine my existing creations, experimenting with alternative ingredients and formulations. It was a time of intense creative exploration and problem-solving.

As I persevered through this challenging period, I not only developed contingency plans for future supply chain disruptions but also discovered new fragrance combinations that would have remained unexplored otherwise. When the delayed shipment finally arrived, I was not only well-prepared to resume production but had also expanded my range of offerings.

This experience taught me the value of resilience and adaptability in the world of perfumery and entrepreneurship. It reinforced the idea that challenges can be opportunities for growth and innovation, and it’s a lesson that continues to guide me in my artistic journey.

Contact Info:

• Website: WWW.HOUSE-OF-AZARI.COM
• Instagram: HouseofAzari

Image Credits
Photographer: @larabellespurlock Model: @matt_perl