ÇaFleureBon Profiles in American Perfumery: Jennifer Botto of Thorn & Bloom Natural Perfume + Launching June 15, 2015 Draw

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Jennifer Botto Natural Perfumer

 Profile: Growing up on a farm in northern NY instilled in me a deep attachment to the natural world. Before my parents bought the land, it had been a large peony farm and we were lucky to have sprinklings of heirloom peony bushes around our house and property. One of my fondest memories was running outside on a warm late spring day to sniff these beauties in their full flower, pausing at each one like a little buzzing bee just out of the hive. I’d stick my nose in blooms as big as my head, and marveled at the miniature fragrant world of ants and petals. Each season on the farm brought with it olfactory gifts as glorious as the spring peonies. Summer exhaled sour wild strawberries and sun-scorched earth. Autumn brought musty mounds of leaves and ancient apple trees hidden in forgotten hedgerows. Winter whispered plumed of smoke from spent fires and boiling sap amongst the evergreens.

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 ‘Jennifer (left) and sister with giant peonies'

 

I currently live in Boston and although it’s an amazing city, I often find myself lost in deep nostalgia for the sensory experiences that shaped my world. This desire for connection led me to start experimenting with scent as a means to transport myself outside the city’s boundaries, and into the great outdoors of my youth. Reveling in scent can be the perfect way to escape; it can bring you full blooms in a frozen tundra, fresh grass in a sea of pavement, or a lover’s musk when you’re all alone.

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 ‘Old Farmhouse circa 1967

My love for craftsmanship and natural materials stems from watching my parents work their land and house. Both my mother and father were raised on farms. From Scottish immigrants who settled into a rich dairy farming culture in Vermont, to Italian immigrants who farmed vegetables in Long Island, my family history of land stewardship is long and deeply ingrained. Watching my father master skills such as farming, carpentry, mechanics and taxidermy instilled in me a sense of pride in manual labor. My mother’s talents in woodworking, horticulture, stone masonry, cooking and knitting gave me confidence that as a woman I could do anything.

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‘Perfume Organ’

On American Perfumery: I love witnessing the revitalization of all things craft and artisan in recent American history. It’s so exciting to be a part of a movement that values innovation, craftsmanship, slow-work and local production. For me, it represents a deep longing for historical and cultural connection for which many Americans yearn and a backlash against the current climate of instant gratification, rampant consumerism and frenetic growth. I find it so encouraging that people are slowing down to look at the past and other cultures for inspiration and guidance, borrowing techniques, materials and notions to make their work more authentic and meaningful.  I see American Perfumery as a spoke on the wheel of this American-Made movement, along with other micro-enterprises such as breweries, distilleries, dairies, etc. In the center of this wheel are the procurers of raw materials, the farmers and wild-crafters. Looking at it this way, I see the hub of the wheel as the most important aspect of production. Because of my farming background, I value the procurement and processing of raw materials just as much as I value the more detailed refinement and blending of these materials. Artisan producers tend to have a hand in every aspect of production and know that – from raw material to finished product – every little detail matters. This interconnectedness of production points ensures the highest quality of goods and allows the maker to preserve time-honored methods of production that would otherwise fade away. One reason I choose to work with natural materials when I make perfume is that I want to support farmers and processors of these raw materials so that these methods (and ultimately the raw materials themselves) are not forgotten.

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David Lynch and Isabella Rossellini by Helmut Newton for Vanity Fair, 1986’

My Favorite American Artist:  I’ve always been a huge fan of David Lynch. He has this great way of pairing the familiar with the disturbing in order to provoke an intense emotional reaction. His juxtaposition of the mundanely beautiful and the eerily strange give the viewer a sense that danger lurks just beneath the surface. He peels away layers of surreal perfection to reveal a rotten core of corruption and decay. In this way, his work mirrors life; it represents the wide spectrum of human experience, both good and bad, albeit exaggerated and distorted.

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 ‘Thorns’ by Jennifer Botto

In my life and my work, I keep coming back to the yin & yang theme. The name Thorn & Bloom Perfume refers to this duality in natural perfume, as botanical fragrance is often filled with unique jolie laide nuances, which to some can be an acquired taste. I look upon these nuances as essential elements, knowing they’ll impart depth and character to an otherwise mundane blend. I love the holistic notion that life is full of both imperfection and radiance, and experiencing the two simultaneously can be very powerful. “But he who dares not grasp the thorn should never crave the rose” -Anne Brontë

Jennifer Botto, Natural Perfumer and Founder of Thorn & Bloom

Editor’s Note:Thorn & Bloom  Natural Perfume will launch on June 15th 2015. All Jennifer's perfumes are 100 percent botanical, created in small batches,using essential oils,  tinctures and co2. They are Eau de Parfum Strength. We are thrilled to introduce you to a new perfumer.

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Thorn & Bloom Perfume’s bottles with locally made wood caps’ by Jennifer Botto

Thanks to Jennifer we have  a draw for a registered (you must do this or you are not eligible here) reader in the USA for 30 ml Savage Garden, Stranger in the Cherry Grove Birds of Paradise Wild Rose or Orange Blossom. Please leave a comment with what you found fascinating about Jennifer Botto’s path to perfumery , your choice of fragrance (or a sample set of all 5) and Like Thorn & Bloom on FaceBook or follow on twitter.

Please like CaFleureBon Profiles in American Perfumery and your entry will count twice.

 We announce the winners on our site and on our Facebook page, so Like Cafleurebon and use our RSS option…or your dream prize wil be just spilled perfume

 

 

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24 comments

  • Thanks for introducing us to this new house! I love Jennifer Botto’s thoughts on the reasons for the rise of artisanal culture in the U.S. I quite enjoyed all her thoughts. Great interview. Another great profile in American perfumery!! Liked that page, just “liked” Rose & Bloom on FB. . .and enjoyed looking at her website. Both Stranger in the Cherry Grove and Wild Rose sounds absolutely wonderful. It’d be hard to choose one over the other, but if I had the good fortune to win, I’d have to go with Wild Rose, as I’m such a rose lover! Thanks for the generous draw.

  • Elizabeth T says:

    I love to see new American houses popping up. Ms. Botto had such a sensory-rich childhood, and it seems that it has come through in her perfumery! And what beautiful bottles. Sending all the best wishes on her new endeavor! If I’m fortunate enough to win I would adore a bottle of Orange Blossom.

  • Jennifer’s reference to natural perfume being dual in nature appealed to me so much. I always am exploring the notion of dual naturedness and trying to accept it as part of my personality rather than fight it. In a society that pushes sameness in trends and lacks access to natural products, I look forward to Jennifer Bottos’s perfume line. Im excited to partake in the dream of an entrepreneur and someone who is not afraid to create a unique experience for women. A woman’s scent is so personal to her and the thought of having my own original scent is something I can’t miss out on!

    If I had my pick it would be Orange Blossom by Thorn & Bloom!

  • Congrats to Ms. Botto! I wish her every success. Besides being a total beauty she is intelligent and passionate about her work. I identify with her surge to smell botanicals as a reprieve from city living. If I win I’d love to sample the Wild Rose. Thanks for the draw. I also liked on FB.

  • luvmarley says:

    I can’t even describe what I enjoyed particularly about the interview as it seemed to appeal to all my senses. If she wrote a book, I’d read it. I liked both FB pages requested. I agree with the above poster, the bottles are exquisite. I would choose the Orange Blossom as it appeals to me with the honey, tobacco….mmmm. Lovely.

  • I love the way Jennifer talks about American Perfumery. The way she describes the community of it makes me feel the great strength that must lie behind the movement and the expressions, vast and various so exciting. Its a broad view that paints a cultural picture which for me as a viewer gives greater understanding of it.Thank you for sharing her journey with us. Birds of Paradise would be my choice.

  • I love that the perfume is all natural. I enjoyed reading about her childhood and I think that led her to create these natural perfumes. The wood caps on the bottles are just beautiful – they really lend a hands-on, personal touch.
    I would choose Savage Garden. Hard choice – several are very appealing. Thank you for the draw!

  • fazalcheema says:

    I am not surprised Jennifer had an amazing childhood in NY (who doesn’t have)..I often see ads on subway how most of the NY allows you to get in touch with nature (NYC is not the whole NY) and Jennifer’s story shows there is whole other culture in the rest of NY as compared to NYC culture. Her work desk is really a mixture between modernity and tradition.. could not help but note the Macbook directly tucked under essential oils 🙂 for this draw my choice will be Stranger in the Cherry Grove.

    I have like Thorn and Bloom and am already a member of CaFleurebonProfiles: American Perfumery community.

    thanks for the wonderful draw. I am in the US

  • silvrolive says:

    It’s fantastic that Jennifer considers herself a farmer and “wild-crafter.” I never heard that term before and I love it! As someone who lives in an urban environment, I relate to wanting a scent to carry you out to fields and woods. I have followed a whif of lilac around the block just to find and sniff the flowers 🙂
    I am in the US and would love to try Orange Blossom. Thanks for the draw!

  • Everything about Thorn & Bloom is wonderful, from the quote, to the holistic approach to fragrant blending and life, to Jennifer’s roots in farming and respect for craftsmanship, her perfume organ,
    and she’s based in Somerville!

    I might be able to visit one of the markets this summer and smell the line in person! Now I know how you West-Coasters feel 🙂

    Orange Blossom would be my choice.

    I love how on her site you can choose adjectives and seasons and it shows which scents fit the category. OB and SITCG are both ‘autumns’ and from the description I’d love them both!

    fb liked her page and already liked cfb page USA
    thank you for the article and draw

  • I grew up in Alaska, without the wide spectrum of delectable garden scents that summer can bring — I found myself rather envious of Jennifer’s NY farm childhood — a place that clearly gets her creative juices flowing. I couldn’t choose one; I’d love to win the sampler set, and I live in the U.S. Thanks for the wonderful profile and the draw!

  • I like Jennifer Botto’s philosophy that “life is full of both imperfection and radiance, and experiencing the two simultaneously can be very powerful” and that she extends this to her perfumery. I would choose the sample set of all 5 and I follow Thorn & Bloom on Twitter @hofken.
    I Like CaFleureBon Profiles in American Perfumery on Facebook (Cynthia M Richardson).

  • As someone who appreciates botanical perfumery I was very happy to learn of a new natural perfumer. Jennifer Botto and Thorn &Bloom really appeal to me. I love the connection she has to nature. The photo of her giant peonies. was adorable.
    I would like to try Orange Blossom.

  • rodelinda says:

    It’s very interesting to me how so many of the perfumers featured here grew up in idyllic settings surrounded by the beautiful smells of nature. My childhood home was surrounded by peony bushes too, and it’s a smell I miss in this PNW climate.

    Normally I’d go for Orange Blossom, but Stranger in the Cherry Grove would be my choice this time since I never see black cherry notes in anything. I’m in the US. Thanks for the drawing!

  • leathermountain says:

    Just followed on Twitter. I’m in the US and select Birds of Paradise. Two things stand out to me about Jennifer Botto’s path to perfumery. The first is her notion of spokes of a wheel whose hub is the production of raw materials. It’s a wonderful metaphor. The second is the idea of scent as an escape from today in the city to more bucolic settings, cherished childhood memories. A peony farm! That photo! Thank you for sharing.

  • I love that Jennifer uses natural materials and the idea that she is supporting the farmers and processors -other artisans. I am new to your blog and am excited to learn more about pop natural perfumers. Thanks so much for entering me in the drawing.

  • It is awesome to see another natural perfumer and that her desire for her youth led her to start experimenting with scent to capture that natural place again… and that is what scent can do, for all of us, transport us. Fascinating. I enjoyed the article very much and will be watching Jennifer. I love the name of her perfume company as well.
    I’m in the USA and registered. Stranger in the Cherry Grove sounds enticing, doesn’t it? but I would be happy with any of the offerings. Thank you for the draw.

  • I’m happy to see another American perfumer doing naturals. Always fascinating to read of a young 5 or so year old smelling everything in sight as a child in a rural setting then as an adult actually marketing perfume. I’m going to choose Stranger in the Cherry Grove because I like cherry smells. USA

  • What a wonderful interview. I particularly like the description of the artisanal community, and Jennifer’s motivations for creating her perfume. I would select the Orange Blossom, very evocative of the season right now. I look forward to buying a sample set to experience the full range.

  • I find it interesting that Jennifer has incorporated the yin and yang theme into her work, as that is fascinating to me as well. When we are drawn to something, it makes itself known in our lives in both little and big ways, and this theme of duality is indeed to be a powerful one. I would love Savage Garden! Liking Thorn & Bloom on FB, I’m in the US.

  • All of these look lovely on paper! I was drawn to Jennifer’s work philosophy of applying the yin and yang concept to her craft – it goes well with her regard and description of David Lynch’s work.

    I liked Thorn & Bloom on facebook immediately after looking at their line on their website. I’m having a hard time choosing one, but I think I’ll go with Savage Garden.

    I am also part of the CaFleurebonProfiles: American Perfumery community on facebook.

    Thanks so much for the draw and for shedding light on this house. I am in the US.

  • I am always most taken by what leads a person to start perfuming. the first experiences are very special. I too started in the city, and the scents took me way beyond.
    All the best to you,
    Hemla
    if I should win, I would like a sample set of all 5

  • I loved reading about the relationship between Jennifer’s rustic childhood experiences, full of the wonders of nature – and the counterpoint to her contemporary city life, and the way scent transports her back to another place and another time. I completely relate! I think nostalgia and love are so deeply intertwined with scent. It was also a privilege to hear about the culture of farming and handwork in her family. Jennifer – I’m so impressed with your thoughtfulness and your articulate approach to your work. All the best of luck to you! If I were to win, I’d love a sample set of all 5. Impossible to choose! (Though…I must admit I’m a sucker for orange blossom 🙂 I’ve liked on FB as well so I can be sure to receive updates. Wishing you ever success!

  • Nicole Araujo says:

    Jennifer’: line sounds amazing. I think her background growing up on a farm with so many different sensory experiences in nature will give a unique depth to her perfumes. It’s obvious that she puts a lot of time and close attention to every part of her work. Each part of the interview was interesting and eloquent. Like another commenter said, if she ever wrote a book, I would read it. I also like that she values slow work as well as locally produced art and products. I’m really excited to try all the perfumes but “stranger in the cherry grove” sounds amazing.