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March 10, 2013

CaFleureBon Profiles in American Perfumery: Sherri Sebastian of Sebastian Signs & Purusa® Naturals + Boldness Has Genius Draw

 

Sherri sebastian od sebastian signs

 Sherri on horseback

 

Profile: I was born and raised in Pittsburgh, PA into a large family with German, Scottish, Irish and French roots.  Both of my grandfathers owned their own businesses, a horse ranch on one side and a neon sign company called Sebastian Signs on the other.  I grew up surrounded by nature.  As my cousins ran wild through the woods, I would gather flowers and berries and mix them together.  Looking back now, I think it was always in my nature to experiment with combining ingredients. 

white-linen ad

As a teenager, I moved on to nail polish, makeup and trips to the mall.  My perfume collection graduated from Love’s Baby Soft and Jean Nate to Estee Lauder, Calvin Klein, and Chanel.  Each season I eagerly awaited the newest fragrance launch, captivated by how fragrance made me feel.  White Linen was for productive moods, while Obsession was for relaxation. 

 After earning a Food Science degree I spent a year in Europe apprenticing to a 6th generation wine maker, learning the subtleties of wine tasting.  My first professional job was in Brooklyn as an apprentice studying flavor chemistry and ingredients which often share the same palette as perfume.  Little did I know at the time this path would lead me back to fragrance, my original passion.  I was soon offered the chance to work under an accomplished perfumer at IFF, where my true perfumery practice began.  I spent endless hours committing to memory hundreds of molecules, their origin, and orientation to each other.  I spent 18 years honing my skills in New York City, and I consider it to be my second home. I worked with Nick Calderone for most of my time there (Lauren, Donna Karan Cashmere Mist).  as well as with Sophia Grojsman (Tresor, Eternity, and a ton more) and towards the end, Ted Barba who specialized in personal care (he made Finesse).


 
I’ve always been aware of the connection between science and art.  When I smell a fragrance I rarely concentrate on the individual notes, instead searching for the structure, base, and foundation that inform its character.

Sherri sebastian  sebastian signs new york

Sherri Sebastian is bi-coastal; here she is in New York

American perfumery:  For me, being an American perfumer means respecting tradition while not being bound by it. I’ve worked in the industry for 20 years, learning from both European and American master perfumers At IFF, I compounded countless formulas with upwards of 80 ingredients.  It was common for a fragrance creation to span the course of a year.  This taught me the importance of observation.  My work has shown me that it’s not only about ingredients but rather their subtle interplay within a composition and the accords that result from classic combinations such as chypre and fougère. 

Sherri sebastian is bicoastal. here she is in Malibu

Sherri Sebastian is a Lady from the Left Coast; here in Malibu

When I started my own brand and company Sebastian Signs, my idea was to create what I call “essential luxuries.”  Quiet moments, better posture, walks in nature – these are the things we do to nurture and care for ourselves.  My products are designed with this in mind.  When crafting a scent, I spend hours observing and fine tuning ratios until any additional move would detract from the previous result, wearing pieces of fragrances and following them on my skin and blotter, to file into my scent memory for use now or in the future. 

My latest concept is Purusa® Naturals, all-natural gels which not only enhance fragrances but allow them to last longer on skin.  Purusa® is the Sanskrit word for “pure consciousness.”  Each morning as I study the dry downs from yesterday’s blotters, I read a quote that hangs in my office from German philosopher Goethe.  The last part reads, “….Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it.  Boldness has genius, power and magic in it.  Begin it now.”

GeorgiaRed72dpi

Rich Rickaby  Used  Cars Series Georgia Red

Favorite American Artist:  Rich Rickaby is an artist based out of New York City who paints, designs, draws, sings and plays music.  I’ve followed his work for years.  I especially love his “Used Cars” collection, a close-up study of cars. His inspiration came when the MTA went on strike and on he began walking to work.  He noticed all the headlights and painted them realistically with acrylic and polymer gel, allowing the composition makes them abstract. Rich’s translation of metal, glass and mirrors onto canvas resonates with me as someone who studies the intricate nature of composition.

 
 
–Sherri Sebastian, Owner and Perfumer, Sebastian Signs and Perusa Naturals

Editor's Note: I became aware of Sherri's natural perfumes through Tama Blough's review of Purusa® and searched more information about her. To my surprise and delight, we had a lot of mutual aquaintances both in Los Angeles and in New York City; she has been my Linked in contact for sometime.-MC

sebastian signs no 17, no 35, no 44

Sebastian Signs "Numbers Line" No. 17, No. 35 and No. 44

For our draw, we have a readers choice of a full size 5 ml  No. 17, No. 35 or No. 44 EDP USA ONLY

 Sebastian Signs No. 17: Skin Scent–  Notes/Ingredients – cocoa, vanilla, sandalwood, incense, and musk ( MC's personal favorite)

Sebastian Signs No. 35: Modern Chypre– Notes/Ingredients- bergamot, coriander rose jasmine, moss, sheer woods, warm amber

Sebastian Signs No. 44: Floral– Notes/Ingredients- gardenia,honeysuckle, jasmine, black pepper, water notes

AND For all our readers worldwide

 The Purusa® Naturals collection  of all natural perfume gels from Sebastian Signs your choice of

Purusa® Naturals Root (Tama Blough's favorite )

Purusa® Naturals  Leaf 

Purusa® Naturals Petulam  (Petulam has a distinctive Vintage Vibe and uber sexy davana and is Michelyn Camen's favorite).

Thanks to Sherri Sebastian we are offering two perfumed prizes to two different winners. To qualify please leave a Quality comment with what you found fascinating about Sherri's profile and your choice of either an EDP or a Purusa® Naturals all-natural gel perfumes.  USA residents  can choose from Perusa or EDP).  Be sure to check out her website for more information about each scent.  Please state if youa re an international reader. Draw ends March 14, 2013

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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 spilt perfume

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30 Comments

  1. avatar Len says:
    March 10, 2013 at 9:39 pm

    I found Sherri’s past inspiring since she worked with so many great IFF perfumers and worked with 80ingredients at a time in a formula
    I love that her company’s name came from a neon sign
    I would choose root

  2. avatar Alison M says:
    March 10, 2013 at 9:56 pm

    I think it’s interesting that she learned about wine tasting and flavour chemistry before getting into perfumes.

    I’m international and would love to win Root.

  3. avatar ringthing says:
    March 10, 2013 at 10:15 pm

    It’s always interesting to read about the creative process and the links between food, wine and perfume. Ms Sebastian has a sensualist side that shows in her interests throughout her career and what better way for that side to manifest itself than through the Parusa perfume gels that combine scent and touch. Genius. I would love to try Petulam which reads as a sensualist’s dream! Thanks for the chance.

  4. avatar Lori L says:
    March 10, 2013 at 10:22 pm

    I really enjoyed this article and am impressed that a degree in Food Service led to a career in perfumery! If you can conceive it, you can achieve it. I am in the US and I choose No 35 (Modern Chypre)! 🙂

  5. avatar Janet in California says:
    March 10, 2013 at 11:49 pm

    I have always been intrigued by the similarities between perfume and wine and/or spririts. We use the same terms quite often!

    I live in the US and I would love to try #17.

    Thanks!

  6. avatar ElizabethN says:
    March 11, 2013 at 2:01 am

    I was fascinated to read that my teenage years in suburban Pittsburgh sounds a lot like hers…I guess there wasn’t a whole lot else to do! I would love to try Root too. Thanks!

  7. avatar brie says:
    March 11, 2013 at 5:58 am

    I was fascinated to read that many of her early perfume choices were mine as well! And, as a person who practices yoga, I love that the name of her natural line is of Sanskrit origin. I would love to try MC’s favorite-Petalulam
    thank you for this draw!

  8. avatar Mujo says:
    March 11, 2013 at 6:45 am

    I found Sherri’s idea of gels very innovative and I would love to try the Perusa naturals.

    I’m an international reader and I would love to try Leaf.

  9. avatar MissP says:
    March 11, 2013 at 9:56 am

    The Purusa® Naturals gel is an amazing concept and I want to buy it right now, lol. I have so many fragrances that I have to apply to my hair or clothing to help them last longer. Her line sounds lovely — I like that she focuses on the structure as a whole rather than individual notes. I’m an international reader, and would love to try Root. Thanks for the article and the draw! 🙂

  10. avatar Subbie says:
    March 11, 2013 at 11:14 am

    Wow. Gels! I want to know the consistency and texture – will they sink into the skin, will they be refreshingly cool, will they turn to liquid on the warm skin? I am intrigued.
    I am an international reader and am insterested in Root!

  11. avatar just breathe says:
    March 11, 2013 at 11:19 am

    I am fascinated by the idea of a perfume gel and as soon as I am done commenting I am heading to Sherri’s website!
    I live in the US and would love to win Michelyn’s favorite-
    Sebastian Signs no 17-Skin scent
    thanks for the draw!

  12. avatar Meg O. says:
    March 11, 2013 at 11:26 am

    I, too, grew up in the woods (and around horses). I think many of the smells I remember from my childhood influence my choice in perfumes: things that smell like they belong on the forest floor are intensely appealing to me. I also like how Sherri says to care for oneself: “Quiet moments, better posture, walks in nature.” They’ve always worked for me.

    I’m in the US and would love to try the #17 EDP, but they all sound intriguing.

  13. avatar wefadetogray says:
    March 11, 2013 at 1:17 pm

    I like the whole art of patience of observation which leads to pay attention to the interplay of accords and the subtlety of their interaction. I think this is the base for a luxurious experience!
    I am in the US and would like to try Sebastian Signs No. 17
    Thanks for the draw!

  14. avatar Catherine says:
    March 11, 2013 at 2:01 pm

    I love reading about people who find their niche and happiness by taking unexpected paths. Food science, to wine to perfume! I think I would like Sebastian Signs No. 35

  15. avatar rosiegreen says:
    March 11, 2013 at 2:20 pm

    I would love to try #35 Modern Chypre. It is interesting to me that Sherri started her career with food, moved into wine tasting and then moved into perfume production. It just goes to show that taste and smell are so closely linked. I am in the U.S.

  16. avatar Mary Carol says:
    March 11, 2013 at 4:20 pm

    I found it interesting to read that Sherri enjoyed experimenting with mixing flowers and berries she found in the woods when she was young, and as an adult followed a path that led to the study of perfume ingredients and then started creating her own line of perfumes.

    I live in the US and I would choose Petulam.

  17. avatar breathesgelatin says:
    March 11, 2013 at 4:21 pm

    I think it’s so fascinating when someone from one of the big companies like IFF goes on to work independently and in naturals. I find that transition really interesting and I appreciate what Sherri must bring to the table. Also wish I could follow her in receiving training in wine!

    I’d like to be entered for #35 Modern Chypre – I’m in the US. I also liked the series on Facebook. 🙂

  18. avatar MariaA says:
    March 11, 2013 at 4:42 pm

    Fascinating background!! Grandparents with owned businesses, free spirited, educated and well travelled. The gel perfume idea appeals to me a lot and I would love to win Purusa® Naturals Petulam as it has two of my most favorite ingredients mimosa and elemi combined and I live in the UK. Thank you for the draw!!

  19. avatar Francesca says:
    March 11, 2013 at 6:57 pm

    .”Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it. Begin it now.” I love the fact that this quote empowers Sherri. It begins with “Until one is committed there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back….” I have this on my wall at my desk. I read it each moment as well- I love the idea of the Purusa® Naturals Root please, I am an international!

  20. avatar Dana says:
    March 11, 2013 at 7:14 pm

    I spent my teenage years in Pittsburgh, too, and grew up smelling and loving some of the same scents. I liked the connection she sees between science and art. I am fascinated by these gels and would be so excited to win Petulam. Thanks for the article and the draw.

  21. avatar Mariekel says:
    March 11, 2013 at 9:33 pm

    I applaud the integration of balance Sherri brings to her work. I also love the idea of gel perfumes. Take me back to cherished bottle of Field Flowers gelee I has as a kid. and i am all for making more ephemeral scents last a bit longer!

  22. avatar Mariekel says:
    March 11, 2013 at 9:36 pm

    PS Would love to try Leaf, no 35 or Petulam.

  23. avatar Fazal Cheema says:
    March 12, 2013 at 6:41 am

    i admire the fact that Sherri has not just jumped the bandwagon of perfume brands to make quick buck.. she has been a true perfumery industry veteran who took the time to learn the craft and knows what she wants to do..it seems like she is in to fulfill her creative passion rather than just as a business. my choice is Sebastian Signs No. 17 because it has two of my favorite notes which are Sandalwood and Musk

  24. avatar mim says:
    March 12, 2013 at 11:38 am

    Thanks for this article and the draw!

    I liked hearing about Sherri’s professional background: “At IFF, I compounded countless formulas with upwards of 80 ingredients. It was common for a fragrance creation to span the course of a year. This taught me the importance of observation. My work has shown me that it’s not only about ingredients but rather their subtle interplay within a composition and the accords that result from classic combinations such as chypre and fougère”

    I think the key to art is observation, it is noticing subtleties in the world which one highlights or re-creates… I also liked hearing how her philosophy of ‘essential luxuries’ as self-care included quiet moments, walks in nature, and postural awareness. Very important!

    I would choose Sebastian Signs No. 17 or any or the gels…especially Root. Hard to choose! they each sound unique.

    USA reader, liked on fb as miriam t nussbaum

  25. avatar Meg T. says:
    March 12, 2013 at 12:44 pm

    I liked how Sherri talked about wearing different scents for different kinds of moods/work/days, and I find myself subconsciously doing this too!. I’m a US reader and would love No. 35. I liked on FB too 🙂

  26. avatar Ginny M says:
    March 12, 2013 at 2:23 pm

    She and I must be just about the same age! I was happy to learn that we both started out wearing the same two fragrances — Love’s Baby Soft and Jean Nate! If lucky enough to win, I think No. 17 would be right up my alley. Thanks!

  27. avatar Holly F. says:
    March 13, 2013 at 2:21 pm

    I liked how Sherri’s professional path led her “back to fragrance,” and it’s as though that was what she was meant to do from the beginning. I’m in the U.S., and would love to try No. 17. Thanks for the great profile!

  28. avatar Amer says:
    March 13, 2013 at 6:42 pm

    I think the gel idea (should it work on me) is pure genius! I can’t wait to try these and see if they are the answer to the permanent drawback of natural perfumes, short longevity.

    Now, Sherri seems like a very interesting person. Her approach to perfumery is not the artistic-intuitive that we have been used to in the case of natural perfumers. Instead she comes from a scientific-technical background. From flavor to fragrance. Hmmm

    Also her method of evaluation of her own creations is interesting. Reaching a point where any change would only detract, very logical and yet poetic!

    All these are reasons why I am itching to try Root.

  29. avatar Amer says:
    March 13, 2013 at 6:43 pm

    oops! Forgot to mention I am an international reader

  30. avatar Miriam says:
    March 14, 2013 at 11:26 am

    I adore Sherri, and loved reading even more about her! She is a delight besides being a creatively talented perfumer. Not onlly did we work together in NYC, but now she has joined me on “my” coast!!! Wonderful interview! ; )

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