CaFleureBon Profiles in American Perfumery: JK DeLapp of The Rising Phoenix Group + Georgia Boy Perfume Draw

IntheGrass jk delapp

JK DeLapp is a Natural Perfumer (and former model and stuntman)

Profile: I was born 30 miles outside of New York City, on the Jersey side, and from the age of 9, grew up on the north side of Atlanta. It was a tremendous time of growth in Atlanta, starting in the early 90’s—and we were there to ride the first wave.  Metro Atlanta grew by 5 Million people in my time there, and I was exposed to more than half of Fortune 500 Companies relocating to Atlanta, domestic and international (im)migrants relocating, the Hollywood of the East becoming more established, and a burgeoning culture of expanse and growth of ideas, business practices, and opportunity. In many ways—my adolescense in Atlanta was akin to growing up in Italy during the Rennaissance.

GrampaandJKasanInfant

JK and his Grandpa Jo Jo

No stranger to inovation, my paternal Grandfather (confectionary) and Father (household products) have become “unknown household names,” greatly influencing the lives of everyone in the West—from bite-sized candy bars to contact lenses. The family legacy, so-to-speak, has driven me to challenge myself, as well as influenced my understanding of What Is—and What Could Be–if one were to apply oneself properly.

I’m not sure about my thoughts on Past Lives, but I think I may have been a Chef, a Doctor, and a Spice Trader. From a young age, I have been drawn to my sensorial experience of the world, and to the exotic corners of ethno-botanical medicines and culinary delights.

rising phoenix  jk delapp

At 27, I left my home in Atlanta to pursue a 4-year formal education in Chinese/East Asian Medicine at Pacific College of Oriental Medicine in San Diego, the largest of some 50 or so schools of Chinese Medicine in the US. It was there, while in med school, that I began to see the essential oils that I had been using to make my own perfumes as simply another form of the herbal materials that I was learning to use to formulate medicines for patients. The rich history of Dao Di (Terroire, and its effect on an herb), and Pao Zhi (the method of perparation of that herb, and how it can effect it’s behavior) have greatly influenced my skills in compounding, and broadened my horizons on materials and how to use them.

Kyle,GrampaandI

JK and brother Kyle (cofounders of The Rising Phoenix Group) with their Grandfather who is a former Mars and Hershey senior executive and is credited in the Candy hall of Fame as the inventor of bite size candies)

It was while still in school that I approached my brother, Kyle—whose skills are in finance and business—to partner and form The Rising Phoenix Group. My Aromatic Artistry has become, to me, simply another form of what I have always been doing, both in the kitchen, and in medicine. I have a tremendous appreciation for Incense (hence—The Rising Phoenix). I could literally bathe in incense , burn almost continuously fine blends from Shoyeido, and search far and wide for the finest Frankincese, Sandalwood, and Oud to burn singally in both the Japanese Kodo and Arabic styles.  It is not uncommon to find food, wine, coffee, tea, or a meal being shared with me over some delicate burning fragrance in my home, as I am quite fond of pairing incense with cooking, as well as eating.

JKatworkII

JK scent testing an Accord in his studio. Nearly every accord takes from 6-18 months to macerate

On American Perfumery: Americans as a people are an interesting bunch.  We tend to be creative, push boundaries, and fight against tradition.  I find this interesting, as a perfumer—as the challenge is always to be creative, to push boundaries—all the while respecting the tradtions that have come before us as we explore and discover new ways of expressing both our talents, as well as our sensorial perceptions of fragrance and art. I find my greatest joys as a perfumer lie in “Fusion Perfumery”—blending modern Western expectation with Eastern, Arabic, and Historical perfumery. Above all—I enjoy telling a good story!

JKwithGarthBrooksonsetof'MidnightSun'MusicVideo

JK with Garth Brooks

 Favorite American Artist: I spent several years working in Film and Television between my undergraduate years and before beginning my formal education in Chinese Medicine. I enjoy great films, like The Matrix and The Big Lebowski, actors such as Liam Neeson and Patrick Stewart, directors such as Clint Eastwood and Mel Brooks—and on the musical side of talent,  Garth Brooks of course. I’ll throw in Lady Antebellum,  who I adore and I went to college with both Dave Haywood and Charles Kelley at UGA (University of Georgia)—all Georgia boys, like myself.

JK DeLapp,Co- Founder and Natural Perfumer for The  Rising  Phoenix Group

Editor's Note: All Rising Phoenix Perfumes are non-alcoholic, hand-compounded Parfum Extraits; 4mL Bottles. Synthetic-free and 100% Natural. Each average 6-8 hours of wear, or longer. Bottles retail at $125. JK is an associate member of The Natural Perfumer's Guild -Michelyn Camen, Editor in Chief

rising phoenix perfumes

Thanks to JK we have a world wide draw   More Beauty than Beast   Preda  Green Velvet or  Poisoned Fig (Zoca Knezevic's, the co-founder of Fragrantica.com favorite) for four readers- Two  for our international readers and two from the USA. Georgia boys are mighty generous.

patrick_stewart sexiest man alive

Gratuitous photo of Patrick Stewart who Michelyn thinks is one of the sexiest men alive

To be eligible, please leave a comment that includes your home country, what you found fascinating about JK DeLapp and your choice of perfume. Draw closes August 18, 2013

SUPPORT AMERICAN PERFUMERY Please like CaFleureBon Profiles in American Perfumery on FACEBOOK ; and your entry will count as two.

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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60 comments

  • Not many perfumers out there could go on using only natural ingredients. Most synthetic-free perfume won’t give much sillage. Have read some review about Preda, Sillage is above-average which interests me and it’s notes looking very good and looks like it gonna suit me too!

    I’m from Thailand and if I’m selected I would like Preda please.

    Thank you!

  • Oh wow, all of these sound so lovely! Finally a perfumer based out of Atlanta ^^ <3 for the south.

    I think its cool he has an eastern medicine background in herbs, I think it will give a diff feel to his creations than someone who started out in aromatherapy or a traditional perfume school, and am curious to see what that difference is!

    I am in the US and would love some preda. Jasmine+ rose+ chocolate… how can that not be amazing!

  • OH MY GOSH…This is the best. I have “Green Velvet” on my want list.

    Chinese Medicine who would have thought this would send you down this path. How interesting. I’m really enjoying your thought on Fusion Perfumery…I can actually picture it. I wish you all the luck and would look forward to bragging to my friends I am wearing “Green Velvet”. I’m in OK, USA.

    Fingers crossed!!!

  • JK you’ve had quite a path, with a famous grandfather and all =P Your approach to perfumery from Chinese medicine is definitely interesting and as with any all natural perfumer, I’m super curious to test your work! I’m sure someone has asked in a previous review somewhere.. but what does JK stand for?

    I would love some Green Velvet, from Taiwan~

  • Victoria Casey says:

    I’ve wanted to try Green Velvet since I first heard of it on Fragrantica so that would be my choice. I liked the idea of his background in Eastern medicine. I live in the US.

  • I live in the US, I really find interesting the point of view about american perfumery
    “Americans as a people are an interesting bunch. We tend to be creative, push boundaries, and fight against tradition. I find this interesting, as a perfumer—as the challenge is always to be creative, to push boundaries”
    I’ll definitely pick Green Velvet if I win. Thanks for another great article!

  • I love the connections JK found between Chinese medicine and perfumery through essential oils. I would LOVE to try Preda, and I’m in the US. Thanks for introducing us to this wonderful new perfumer’s work!

  • What I appreciate the most about this interview is hearing about the many things in JK’s background that’s made him the artist he is today. He has really had an interesting path that has led him to perfumery. I would love to try Preda and am in the U.S. Thanks!

  • julesinrose says:

    What an interesting background he has! I find it truly fascinating that his grandfather worked for some food giants. A Mars bar is a far cry from natural perfumery! All the fragrances sound intoxicating, so it’s a very hard choice. I’m in the U.S., and I’d love to them all. . oh, okay: .Poisoned Fig, please! Thanks to all.

  • A perfumer from Atlanta who is a Garth Brooks fan? This must be a first. If I were to win the drawing, I’d like to try Preda (or is it Prida, or Prada? – I see all three spellings here and on the website), but would be open to trying any of them. I’m in the US.

  • I am from Minnesota, USA. I was most interested in his Chinese/East Asian Medicine background, very cool! I wish I could make perfumes and to have a background in medicine along with perfumes is outstanding. 🙂 I would like to try Preda, it speaks to my heart.

  • SO hard to choose only one interesting fact about JK. But if I must choose just one, it would be that his perfumes are a unique ‘fusion’ of sorts. How ‘cutting edge’ that JK blends the traditional with the modern from around the world! As someone who lived in China for 4 years, I know firsthand the difficulties of studying and learning a new language and culture. I am so impressed that JK was so inspired by Chinese medicine that he has infiltrated American perfumery with their more ‘holistic’ and natural medicines, herbs, and remedies. And as a result…creating new and invigorating fragrances that are Eco-friendly. JK has the potential to truly make a lasting impact on the direction of American perfumery. I can’t wait to see where his career takes him!!

  • What I found interesting is that JK studied Chinese medicine and the importance of the fragrant essences. I love the idea of incense smoke permeating his atmosphere too.
    I am in Australia and would love to win Poisoned Fig.

  • I find interesting how JK seems to try to mix Eastern tradition with modern American mentality in almost every possible way, be it through perfume composition or burning incense at home everytime he can.
    I am in Belgium and I’d love to win Poisoned Fig.

  • Marcopietro says:

    I think it’s really interesting the connection between Eastern medicine and perfumery.
    I love green fragrances , so I’d like to try Green Velvet.
    I live in Italy.
    Thanks!

  • I think it’s interesting that he attended the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine and that he is a formal model and stuntman?:). Interesting combo! I love fig and love the name, Poisoned Fig, I’d love to sniff it. I live in the U.S. in Garth-Brooks-loving Nevada:).

  • I find it fascinating the way JK started his journey through eastern alternative practices, and the passion he has for incense.
    I’m in Cyprus and would like to win Poisoned Fig.
    ty

  • Like many, I found the connection between Eastern medicine and perfumery interesting… I’m from Belgium and would choose Green Velvet.

  • Susan Meeker-Lowry says:

    I would love to try one of JK’s amazing fragrances. I took his perfumery course because I related to his unique perspective and am so very glad I did. JK is a rising star for sure. My choice is More Beauty Than Beast.

  • What’s interesting? His grandfather invented bite-sized candy. How great is that? 🙂

    My choice is Preda.

  • Where can I try some of this new product that does not use alcohol? And can you tell me more about the background of each perfume you have? I heard from a friend that there is a story behind many of the perfumes and how JK and his brother devised each scent. Sound like heaven…

  • I had to think for hours which one I would prefer and although 3 scents look very promissing my final choice is More Beauty than Beast. Just like JK I love incense (by the way my initials first and last name are also JK). I live in the Netherlands.

    I found fascinating that JK’s path to become a perfumer was through Chinese medicine.

    The bottles are so beautiful, just like little jewels. By the way I completely agree with Michelyn about Patrick Stewart (his voice especially….:)

  • I”m in the US. I find his trajectory fascinating: from Atlanta to UGA to acting to Chinese medicine to perfume? That’s pretty wild. My choice for the draw would be Preda. I also like Profiles in American Perfumery on Facebook! Thank you!

  • I enjoyed reading about JK’s varied background and interests, all of which contribute to his unique fragrances, I am sure. I am in the US and would choose More Beauty Than Beast. Thank you!

  • poisoned fig please ! romania calling.
    it was interesting to learn that he did work in Film and Television.

  • Your journey is varied and interesting. I was born in Massachusetts, grew up in Southern California, and am retired in Phoenix. My grandfather owned a confectionary store in the depression. He had a chance to join a colleague on a venture to start a candy company, and declined because he did not feel he could hazard his family’s future at that time. I spent my career working with Optical/Ophthamologists. The way you use fragrance, modern with Eastern, Arabic and historical facets is fascinating. My choice will be More Beauty then Beast, love incense and spices, roses and jasmine. Sweet, cheeky bottles, too.

  • Nancy Brach says:

    Never thought of pairing incense with food before, we’ll have to try that someday. Poisoned Fig is the one I would want if I get lucky, and sent to the US.

  • susie frankel says:

    Very interesting background/studies. I, too, have burned incense for comfort and joy. His grandfather at Hersey and bite sizes..how sweet.
    Choice is Green Velvet. USA

  • soupersusan says:

    That’s one fascinating guy. I especially love how he expresses the intersection of scent, nourishment (food), and healing (TCM). Makes sense to me!

    I live in the US too. My first-choice Phoenix scent is More Beauty than Beast.

    Thank you, folks, for the article and the drawing. (And the “gratuity,” Michelyn!)

  • leathermountain says:

    My home country is USA, I find the spice trader former life completely plausible (and fascinating), and I choose More Beauty Than Beast.

  • Suzy Larsen says:

    I see your name JK and now I have a story and face to go with it. You’ve come to life for me. And your story is fascinating…especially your interest in Chinese Medicine. And the whole bite size candy connection is awesome. Ears perked up when I read you have an interest in country music. Having been in country radio for a number of years I was able to meet Garth Brooks too. Great article Michelyn. I’d love to win Poisoned Fig. I’m from British Columbia, Canada.

  • Intriguing life … From Holly wood to kodo incense ceremonies
    I really am impressed and this is one of the most interesting profiles I have read as JK seems to be a very special man
    I was looking on the site and read that fig cannot be extracted naturally
    and I am very curious about Poisoned fig
    The family history is wonderful to read
    PS Make it so Number 1
    US reader

  • I like that JK stands on its head the traditional maxim that fragrance spoils the taste/experience of food and wine! I’d love to know about some of his favorite incense/food combinations. I’m in the US and I think More Beauty than Beast would be perfect.

  • What strikes me in the JK interview is the energy that emanates from him. Assertive and intriguing I would say. I live in Canada and I dream of winning Green Velvet.

  • Living in the USA, I found JK’s family history interesting, with his bite-sized candy Grandfather, I also enjoyed reading about his going into business with his brother and thus the “Georgia Boys” but I thought I had read somewhere that JK had relocated to LA, California. I would enjoy wearing Preda Green Velvet

  • I found his background in Chinese/Asian medicine the most interesting, because I’ve never thought about that connection before but it makes perfect sense. I am in the US, and I would love to try Green Velvet.

  • I feel like maybe we were twins separated at birth! lol Only I’m a wee bit older. I was an actor/stuntwoman and then went on to become a Master of Oriental Medicine incorporating essential oils in my practice which eventually led me to natural perfume and cafleurebon! Can’t wait to try these! I am most drawn to Preda and its patchouli goodness.

  • Wow Southern Boy’s are generous and have some very interesting roots as well 😉 No surprise in the connection of Chef, Spice Trader to perfume, but the Chinese Medicine was very interesting to me. Kudos to a wonderful profile and Best of Luck to Rising Phoenix… In the USA and would chose More Beauty than Beast.. Thanks.

  • Fazal Cheema says:

    the most interesting fact in my opinion is the family legacy with grandfather having distinguished career in candy industry and now JK exhibiting creativity in the natural perfumery industry. I also admire the fact JK take time to create new perfume instead of releasing them in hurry..I am in the US and my choice will be Green Velvet

  • I’m a consumer of TCM. So glad to see another talented person head in the direction of alternative healthcare. Aside from that I love the bottles, and that the juice inside looks like the real deal. I’d like to try Poisoned Fig; I live in the U.S.

  • I also found the path from Chinese medicine practitioner to perfumer interesting. I would pick green Velvet if I win.

  • Who wouldn’t of loved growing up with a grandfather in the chocolate candy business? His education in Chinese medicine is also interesting, along with his music and movie loves. I concur! The bottles are beautiful and the four choices are difficult, if I should be so lucky. I think I would be very pleased with More Beauty than Beast. Thank you.

  • Hello Everyone, and thanks for your interest!

    Who would have guessed my colorful background would have led me here to all of you!?

    I saw a few questions in there that I’d thought I’d answer, if that’s alright with you =)

    I LOVE cooking and eating to incense!

    My recommendation for burning while cooking:
    –>Plum Blossom from Shoyeido. It compliments the fragrances conjured up in the kitchen nicely, as well as wets the palette.

    My recommendation to accompany Tea:
    –>Burning Raw Frankincense (from Mermade Magickal Arts) in the Arabic-style (directly on charcoal)

    My recommendation to accompany Coffee:
    –>Agarwood/Oud! Raw Agarwood burned in the Arabic-style, or White Cloud from Shoyeido are wonderful places to start.

    My recommendation to accompany Wine:
    –>Always pair with an opposite. If the wine is really jammy (like an Old-vine Zin)–use a more dry, woodsy, or peppery incense. If the wine is spicy/peppery (like a Syrah)–use a sweeter, balsamic, or wood and spice blend.

    **There’s no real right or wrong–have some fun and experiment!

    I do some occasional Japanese Kodo-style “listening parties” with friends, or anyone I can corner to listen to some smell-goods while at my home. Cookouts at the house (I use natural wood charcoal to cook on) are generally cooked over a Japanese or Korean-style Hibachi ceramic charcoal grill, and always end with a burning of raw incense materials over the coals. That’s always an interesting way to close out a cookout!

    We’ve gotten lots of emails through our website, hoping to hear a little more about our family story, so here ya go!

    Gramps spent most of his career working in Confections. He worked for companies like Ludens (remember those TASTY Cherry cough drops??), and later helped Mars acquire the Ludens company. While at Mars Inc., he was credited with being the marketing genius behind bite-sized candy bars, which revolutionized Halloween and the candy market.

    He later took a job working with Hershey’s, and was behind the acquisition of Cadburys (out of the UK), as well as a few other smaller confectionaries that are now owned by Hershey’s.

    He was always Gramps to his 12 grandchildren. It’s funny to think that he had such an impact on the confectionary market, as his marketing campaigns and behind-the-scenes workings have influenced nearly everyone on the planet.

    He was later inducted into the Candy Hall of Fame for his contributions (who knew Candy had a Hall of Fame!? haha). His lasting legacy, though–was being a wonderful man, a great father, and a fantastic grandfather.

    Kyle and I are proud to have some of his best friends helping to advise us in our little venture, and absolutely love hearing some of the stories from his youth. The photo in this article of the three of us is but a glimpse of the hilarity that was his unusual gift that he charmed movie stars and corporate business men with. He even managed to convince Norman Rockwell to paint him a holiday card to send to everyone while at Mars. The man was a charmer!

    Both my father and I have carried on his name in ours–Joseph Kearney DeLapp–which is where I got my “JK” from, and has been my nickname since I was a bambino.

    Joe the II carried on in the family footsteps of marketing, and fashioned campaigns for Johnson & Johnson with products like Reach Tooth Brush, Act Mouth Wash, and Huggies Diapers. In fact, I think “Father Joe” was on the cutting edge of “Product Ad Placement” in film, as he got Tom Hanks in one of his earlier films to use Johnson’s Dental Floss on camera. Who would have ever guessed Ad Placement would have gone as far as it has, today??

    Anyone remember the old Reach Toothbrush commercials, where the cartoon character’s head opened wiiiiiide, and then he brushed his teeth? Those were “Father Joe’s” commercials, as well as the old “War on Germs” commercials for Act Mouth Wash.

    Somewhere…us kids took a left turn. My sister and I both ended up in the Entertainment Industry (Sis is a Reality TV Producer), and I ended up on camera–my first job spent working with Matthew Fox and Matthew McConaughey on We Are Marshall, as Fox’s Double and Stand-in. The acting and modeling came shortly after.

    Our sister, Ashely, has helped bring multiple Reality TV series to your televisions, as well as the Grammy Awards Museum, in LA.

    Our brother, Kyle, was the only one to ‘really’ follow in the family footsteps, and went in to finance. He is the Henry Ford of our operation.

    Did I mention that Kyle is a Carnagie Melon Hero Award Winner ?? In high school, he and two friends saved a few children from drowning while on Spring Break. He and his two friends were nationally recognized for their selflessness and heroism.

    With all this being said…we are normal folks who have lived an unusually charmed life. We are rich only in family heritage. We were all born in Jersey, and moved to Atlanta. Kyle is in Denver, now; Ash is in LA, and I currently reside in San Diego. Folks are still back in the ATL.

    I have a real heart for helping people, and making the planet a better place, which is why I went in to Chinese Medicine, and what eventually led me to Natural Perfumery. When I originally pitched the idea to Kyle, I think he thought I was a little nuts–but it wasn’t long before he realized just how much good we could do in the world, and have a little fun doing it. It’s been a real pleasure working alongside my own brother, and our parents and family have been cheering us on along the way.

    We are all thrilled to be bringing each of you in to the Family, and hope that you will continue with us on this unusual and oh-so-fun ride we have embarked on!

    Thanks to Michelyn for inviting me to be apart of CaFleureBon’s Profile’s in American Perfumery (truly honored!), and thanks to each and all of YOU for reading and commenting!

    ~JKD

  • His grandfather invented bite sized candy, and he invented… bite sized perfumes? They all look quite lovely indeed (and at 4 ml bite sized goodness for sure).

    The ruby grapefruit and rose de mai in More Beauty than Beast sounds like the cat’s meow to me. It sounds like the perfect little black dress scent.

    My home country is the USA.

  • What I found interesting about JK Delapp is that he loves incense as much as I do and his grandfather invented bite size candies. How fascinating! I am in the US and my choice of perfume extrait would be Preda

  • What a variety of interests in your life: Acting, Chinese Medicine and now Perfume. One never knows where a path will lead.

    What a great tribute you wrote about on your “Gramps” and your Father. I can see where you get you innovation from.

    I would love to try any of your perfumes, so if I were to win, I would leave it up to you

    BEST of LUCK to YOU and YOUR ADVENTURES

  • I’m fascinated by Jk Delapp’s formal education in Chinese medicine and the path down which it led him. I would choose more beauty than beast and am located in the us. Thanks for the draw!

  • Wonderful to learn more about JK! The incense pairing suggestions for wine and coffee suggestions are so interesting, and I love the idea of burning incense on a charcoal grill after the cooking is done. Can’t wait to try out these ideas! I live in the USA, and Poisoned Fig sounds amazing.

  • i am curiosus about poisoned fig and how the name came out.
    hershley grandpa was interesting 🙂 from romania.

  • That s very interesting story about brothers to become founders of perfumery brand. I like that JK skills were developed during studying of oils that could help as the medicines for patients. I would like to try Preda. I live in Slovakia.

  • Fascinating that this journey of JK’s began in New Jersey.
    My draw choice is Preda
    CONUS
    Thanks all.

  • I am interested in JK’s background in eastern medicine. I’m curious about how this effects his compounding and creation of perfume notes, since there is so much emphasis on Dao Di and Pao Zhi. I would like to try Poisoned Fig and Preda. I am in the US. Thanks.

  • I liked reading about JK’s upbringing and how he started in this industry. I’m in Canada. And my choice would be Preda!

  • I loved reading JK’s take on American perfumery. I know that these scents will be wonderful because of his passion. I would pick Preda :).

    I’m in Canada.

  • I enjoyed the interview of JK and David Crow on the Floracopeia website and am interested in trying his perfume. I choose Preda because of the unusual ingredient combination :-). I live in the USA. Best.

  • More beauty than beast sounds in my alley but Preda sounds good too 😉 Thanks for this great oppurtunitiy and I’m sending good vibes all the way here from downunder (Sydney, Austraila)

  • Im happy to know that i share JK’s olfactory interest. One that is not only confined in modern perfumery but also appreciates Chinese medicine, Japanese Kodo, Oud and food.