CaFleureBon Profiles in American Perfumery: Rodney Hughes of THERAPEUTATE Natural Parfums + Kehinde Wiley Draw

Rodney Hughes

Rodney Hughes of Therapeutate Parfums

Profile: I was born in Shreveport, Louisiana to ecstatic parents, who had just about given up on having children, after eight years of trying to conceive. Both my parents were creative types, my dad a Barber and my mom a Cosmetologist. Her specialty was as a Hair Colorist; I remember the acrid smell of lye based products use in those day. My mother Frances, would sit with me for hours demonstrating how to color in my coloring books. I had books with two hundred or more pages and my mother would buy me the 64 box of Crayola Crayons. Now, whenever I smell Beeswax Absolute in reminds me of those unforgettable with her.

Frances001

Rodney's mother Frances Louise Hughes

My fascination with art continued with my second grade teacher who taught me to write in cursive; forming of letters and script ignited a sort of fancy-full fire in me, one that I could now combine with color. This is what informed my earliest influences as an artist. By the age of eight, I had extraordinary independence for those days and had distinct aesthetics; I wouldn’t allow anyone to choose my clothes and did my own ironing. Thus, I started my lifelong love affair with high fashion. Early memoires of my grandmother getting dressed for a party are still fresh in my mind. I remember all the layers of under garments- girdles, stockings, garters that went on before her pale pink silk gown. Estee Lauder's Youth Dew was her fragrance choice.

I moved from the Deep South to the Big Apple (New York City) to study Art and Design at Pratt Institute. I left the fashion industry in 2007 after more than 18 years of designing and manufacturing apparel and home goods. My experience in fashion took me to many destinations around the world and certainly those travels influence me. Having traveled to Sri Lanka and danced along the shore of the Indian Ocean inspired my love of the fragrance L'Autre by Diptyque and is very much present in my fragrance Taprobaine.  Both are very usual fragrances that remind of me of the humidity, spices, sour fruit and tropical flowers encountered while in Colombo. It wasn’t fashion, but the art of healing that opened the door for me into this world of perfumery. I spent much of my adult years on airplanes breathing recycled air, suffering from fatigue and jet lag, which began to affect my health and wellbeing.  I read many books on aromatherapy and began to experiment with essential oils while studying Reiki. Using this knowledge was beneficial to me and to my Reiki clients who I composed synergistic bespoke blends so they could continue the healing process after our sessions. My aromatherapy teacher was a certified instructor, and a career nurse. I later discovered she had been taught the art of natural perfumery by Kathryn Degraff and was also married to a PhD Chemist. From there it was a obvious progression for me to continue my studies in natural perfumery with both Debbie and Howard Freund. I named my brand to honor the Egyptian Therapeutae, which influenced the western history of healing. The  fact that we use the term “essential” is linked to The Essene Healers of Qumran who were influential in teaching Jesus Christ.

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Rodney lives and creates perfumes in Bed-Stuy: Digging out of the Polar Vortex

On American Perfumery: I live and work in Bedford–Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, an eclectic neighborhood, which represents the essence of American cultural diversity. Being an artisan in America at this time I believe is essential to our relevance on the global stage. I think it’s the artisans and  the small merchants that will allow us to be a country coming back from the brink of ruin brought down by giant faceless corporations. It is equally important to me to be an example for my community and sharing my art and healing with those who need it most. For me this is American, to dream big, work hard  to achieve whatever goals you set. Big shoes to walk in, but that is how we are “Made in America.”

After Giovanni Bellini’s St. Francis in the Desert from the series “Black Light” kehinde wiley

  After Giovanni Bellini’s “St. Francis in the Desert” / from the series “Black Light” Kehinde Wiley, New York Artist

Favorite American Artist:  I love the painter Kehinde Wiley, his work excites me. He portrays black men and hip hop artists by framing them in a way unlike anyone on the art scene today. His art speaks to realism and past Master's works on many levels, but uses the metaphor and symbolism of floral motifs to convey other ideas. This play on realism intertwined with nature symbolism is a waft of perfume painted and caught in motion. The Art of Perfumery exists in this manner for me as a perfumer, but on the opposite spectrum, it’s the unseen manifest upon our senses. Having chosen to work in Naturals speaks to the respect I have for nature and the marriage between the earth and all of us.

Rodney Hughes, Natural Perfumer forTherapeutate Parfums

Editor's Note: Rodney is a former Natural Perfume Editor for CaFleureBon from 2010-2011 and his style was pure poetry. If you are new to Cafleurebon I encourage you to read them, including Mandy Aftel's Trevert , Anya McCoy's Moondance , Rodney was part of our founding team here and  took part in the Natural Perfumers Guild Mystery of Musk Project, with this lyrical ode to Alexandra Balahoutis' entry Temple of Musk. Most memorable for me was his  tribute to his Mother, Frances –Michelyn Camen, Editor in Chief

THERAPEUTATE  parfums

Thanks to Rodney Hughes we have a US reader's choice for ONE 30ML atomizer of these five special editions:                                                                                                 
 V5DKA, MAAT KA RE ER ATAM (MAATKARE), TAPROBAINE,  OUD OR MODERN PATCHOULI

 

 To be eligible, please leave a comment on what you found fascinating about Rodney and his path as well as your choice of fragrance. Draw ends March  3, 2014.

SUPPORT AMERICAN PERFUMERY

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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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43 comments

  • Someotherspring says:

    Rodney fascinates because he’s like the male version of me: both Bed-Stuy, both transplants from elsewhere(s), both had mothers in the hair biz, both creative, both appreciate Kehinde’s practice, both natural perfumers! No, I’m not a narcissist, I’m just amazed! I think I’d love Taprobaine. Continued success & blessings…

  • I love that his grandmother was such a huge inspiration — so was mine! Many blessings your way…

    I think of those offered, MAAT KA RE – ER AH ATAM sounds the most intriguing.

  • What a pleasant story. Interesting path. Oh I remember how me and my mom would color with crayons for hours on end. So travels and jet lag lead you to a life of perfumery. I’ve done my fair share and can relate to how it wears you down. I agree that there are wonderful essential oils out there to remedy the stress or to awaken the mind. The fragrances you have created are unique. I’m not sure which one I would like. I found great things about all of them. I suppose my favorite would be V5DKA. I live in the USA. Thank you for your creativity.

  • Rodney and I share similar path choices. Not the fashion part but the healing path. It amazes me how one choice leads us to others so vital in our destination. Beautiful profile thanks for sharing! My choice would be Maat Ka Re-Er Ah Atam, so many notes that speak to my soul. Thanks for the opportunity to learn more about Rodney and his journey, and to Rodney to try his beautiful creations. I am in the US

  • I think its very sweet that he has such fond vivid memories of his grandmother getting ready for parties and that that inspires him. I am interested in:
    V5DKA
    From the USA. Thank You.

  • Rodney’s stint as a Cafleurebon contributor was before I was a regular reader, so I enjoyed going back and reading his contributions.It was interesting to me that he had a long career in fashion and home design before turning to perfume. I would pick Taprobaine.

  • I agree with his statement -” Being an artisan in America at this time I believe is essential to our relevance on the global stage. I think it’s the artisans and the small merchants that will allow us to be a country coming back from the brink of ruin.” Interesting to me that although I say I “agree” I am not sure if we think this for the same reasons, though.

    I’m fascinated by the collection of notes in Taprobaine. Liked on FB, of course. Another great profile! Fab draw, too. Thanks!!

  • carole macleod says:

    Rodney, your mother is a beauty! What a serene expression. Maybe the fact that both your parents chose professions that make people look and feel better made you the Reiki healer you are today. Reiki can be a really magical sort of massage and it involves a lot of giving from the therapist.
    I am looking forward to reading the archives, and discovering more about Rodney’s work.
    Sincerely,
    Carole

  • Like Rodney, I have a mother who cultivated my artistic talents from a very young age (I also started writing in cursive, having been taught by my Mom, before I started school!). It is so important to nurture those seeds in children — we need those who would create art for the coming generations! I am liking how V5DKA sounds.

  • I am inspired by Rodney’s journey from home grown inspiration to high fashion glamor and finally to a personal mix of things that make his soul sing.
    All his blends sound wonderful but MAAT KA RE ER ATAM seems especially unique.
    Thank you!

  • I found it most I interesting that his segue into fragrance was by way of the art of healing. There is truly something therapeutic about fragrance, like wearing a particular scent on a busy day to keep yourself calm and uplifted. I am in the US. I would be interested in trying V5dka. Thanks

  • feras Al noaimi says:

    َpersonally I have enjoyed the whole post, as well as I have found everything interesting. My favorite scent is Oud

    Thank you and good luck

  • One of the first things mentioned was his early in life notice of smells (hair products). I would be happy for the V5DKA. US

    ty

  • what a great profile! i’m always drawn to people who combine the art of healing with the art of aromatics… they are so inherently linked– which is, in part, why i choose natural perfumes.

    is it WRONG if i say the most interesting part of the profile is his picture? it has such a light about it.

    i live in the usa and would be drawn to Taprobaine.

    thank you!

  • Thanks for an interesting article, particularly the description of Rodney’s career path where a variety diverse of situations seemed to converge in order for him to become a natural perfumer-
    and the perfumes sound wonderful.
    I live in the US, and I would like to try Modern Patchouli.
    THANK YOU!

  • I love that Rodney did his own ironing at age 8! And the story of his mother is so special, thank you Rodney for sharing your memories of her.

    All the Bespoke fragrances sound well crafted, and V5DKA sounds especially lovely. Thank you for the draw!

  • It’s fascinating that cursive writing was such an artistic trigger. My daughter is getting ready to enter kindergarten, and I was just wondering the other day if they still teach cursive in public schools. Thank you for reminding me that it’s an important skill.

    I would choose V5DKA to try something with a marjoram note.

  • Many public schools have stop requiring that our kids learn to write in cursive! I believe it was great training for me in that it helped to solidify the connection between left and right brain functioning. This makes me a more engaged being and allowed me to be strong both as an artist and businessman.

  • This is a wonderfully written article and introduction to our homegrown and internationally exposed parfumer, Mr. Rodney F. Hughes. Well done! By the way his botanical parfumes are exquisite and smell beautiful. They are refreshing as they are healing.

  • i just wrote because I love this article, but if I had to choose, I love rose notes so MAAT KA RE – ER AH ATAM it would be.

  • I really enjoyed how things came together in his life that may not have been so obvious at first but unique and wonderful when they melded. He is a special gift to his family, but when I read he did his own ironing at such a young age I knew he’d be going places before I finished the story! Please consider me for this giveaway, I am in the US. I visited the Website–great music–and all of them sound great and I would be very happy to receive any, but I am most interested in Modern Patchouli and V5DKA. Thank you and may you have much success in your future!

  • Originally from south Louisiana as well, live in San Jose, Ca now. Met Rodney on a trip to Puerto Rico. Have become great friends. Rodney has always been passionate about design and perfumery. I have previously purchased perfumery from him. All great!! Love the wonderful aromas. Great job Rodney. Keep up the great work. I’ll be purchasing more soon!! Great as gifts for friends / family or just for yourself.

  • I love that the smell of beeswax absolute reminds him of his mother and the box of crayons (I always wanted the box of 64!). I am in the US, and I would choose V5DKA.

  • Love it that Rodney is in Bed- Sty, great area. My aunt wore Youth Dew, I can still smell it if I think of her.Family support of creative types is so important, how blessed. I love rose & amber so my choice would be MAAT KA ERAH ATAM. I am in the US. Wonderful profile, and a new perfumer to try.

  • ElizabethN says:

    Rodney’s story is interesting, especially that he lives and works in Bed-Stuy. I also like how he came to name his line, which I’ve always been curious about. I live in the US, and I can’t resist the notes in MAAT KA RE – ER AH ATAM.

  • Fazal Cheema says:

    Rodney’s memories of his mother Frances are the best part in the story..the association with beeswax, youth dew been her choice (youth dew is really awesome) and him creating a fragrance as a tribute to his mother…i am in the US and my choice will be Oudh!

  • Rodney’s story is truly a favorites of mind. Each line and picture graciously invited me to tag along his extraordinary journey. His craft is truly a ministry. I believe there’s a blessing in every bottle. I would love to be intoxicated by the aromatics of Oudh.

  • It’s always interesting to hear the back story of how a brand chooses it’s name.
    If a winner I would choose V5DKA 🙂

  • I, too, loved smelling my mother’s and grandmother’s fragrances ever since I was a little girl. I was fascinated with his path from fashion to healer/perfumer. I loved reading the tribute to his mother. His fragrances sounds amazing, but I would love to try Modern Patchouli for the fir and rosemary. Thanks!

  • Career paths that evolve organically like this inspire me. It reminds me to take everything in the moment, but also to push forward.

    I am in the US and I would love any of the prizes. Thank you.

  • It was great to read how his grandmother was such an inspiration to him and how the smell of beeswax absolute can trigger happy memories of his mother. Rodney has had quite a career in fashion and now he has taken his talents to the perfumed arena and I am so glad that he is able to share his art with us. I would choose V5DKA I’m in the US. Thanks for the draw!

  • susie frankel says:

    I found Rodney’s career path most interesting. His passion is clear. I too love Kehinde Wiley’s really great art…subject and background make for huge great portraits..and I’d bet they wear Rodney’s gifts.
    I would like V5DKA or Maatkare. USA
    thanks for the introduction. and draw.

  • I love how reiki and fragrance became intertwined. I believe scents can be incredibly healing, and we all know the power of scent memory. (Now I’m craving a deep tissue massage plus aromatherapy!) I would choose V5DKA. I live in the US and thanks for the draw!

  • What a glorious article! I was so moved by Rodney’s beautiful recollection about his Mother and Father’s lives and their love for him. I have the same love for my son, and I often tell him how he made me the happiest woman in the world when he was born, and he’s blessed my life every day since. Before my son was born, I also travelled a lot so I empathize with the fatigue and exhaustion Rodney experienced as well. It never occurred to me until reading this, that I could have used aromatherapy to help at those times. Only a genius perfumer like Rodney could use his travels to Sri Lanka and his love of the fragrance L’Autre by Diptyque to inspire his own fragrance Taprobaine. A dear friend recently suggested I try Rose Otto for peace and calming in stressful situations. I just noticed on Rodney’s website, that his TAPROBAINE fragrance contains Rose Otto, my favorite Vetiver, and rare Absinthe, so if I’m fortunate enough to win his fragrance, I would love a bottle of TAPROBAINE!!! Thank you for offering such a special gift to your readers. (I will also Like you on Facebook in the RSS feed).

  • I love the broad range of creative interests Mr. Hughes has. I’m sure his curiosity and creativity translate well into his fragrances. I’d love to try modern patchouli. I’m in the US.

  • Cynthia Richardson says:

    I found Rodney’s journey facinating. It seems events conspired to lead him to perfumery. As a mom, my heart appreciates the scents he remembers from his childhood. I would lile to try V5dka (V5).

  • I found it interesting how Rodney’s love of fashion and travel eventually brought him down this fragrant path that he was meant to travel. I would love to win Oudh. I’m in the U.S.

  • I met Rodney several years ago and discovered his love of and talent for healing. He would often atomize the air with scents that brought about a sense of peace and well being. Then I found out that he had created these scents.
    We spoke about the idea of him offering a class to teach others. In the meantime, my daughter’s birthday was coming up and she expressed her interest in learning how to make perfume.
    The result was a wonderful party where attendees had the opportunity to learn about and create their own personalized scent!
    My daughter and I both still have some of our individual scents and they still smell wonderful.