Friends in Fragrance: Interview with Yosh Han and Ineke Rühland + BFF Perfume Draw

 

 

Ineke Rühland  of Ineke Perfume and Yosh Han of Yosh Olfactory Sense

It is only during my experience as a publicist for Luckyscent, (just before the explosion of the blogosphere), that I understood that I was witnessing a revolution; independent perfumers whose ideas promoted fragrances with artistic values as well as traditional ones. Fast forward six years later, American independent perfumers are at the forefront of this movement. Two women stand out as global "indie" leaders and its no coincidence that recognition for their respective Art as perfumers seemed to accelerate from the day they met.  –Michelyn Camen, Editor-in-Chief

 

Where and when did you first meet?

Yosh:  About five years ago both of our perfume lines were sold in a Brooklyn store called Luilei, and the owner mentioned to both of us that we should meet because we would have a lot in common.

Ineke:  After being introduced via Luilei, we actually first met at a Sniffapalooza event at Takashimaya in New York 2010, where we had side-by-side tables.  It was friendship at first sight.  Since then we’ve been meeting regularly for tea in San Francisco.

 

 

 I remember that day; CaFleureBon was only a few months old and I introduced you both to Managing Editor Mark Behnke who spent the afternoon giggling with Yosh and chatting away with Ineke.

Yosh, have you done an aura reading for Ineke? If so what color is her Aura?

Yosh: When we were at Pitti Fragranze in Florence a couple of years ago, I read her aura. That day, it was a beautiful royal amethyst.

 

Describe your friend in 30 words.

Yosh: Ineke is intelligent, cosmopolitan and meticulous with keen observational skills. She’s secretly eccentric and quirky.

Ineke: Yosh is a warm, friendly extrovert with an intuitive, organic approach to her work and life.  She has great people skills and is a natural connector.  We both have international backgrounds, including a Dutch connection, so our communication is quick and easy … we’re on the same wavelength.

Painting:  alchemy of sleep by Brad Kunkle 

Which of your friend’s perfumes really speaks to you?

Yosh: I love Evening Edged in Gold! I remember when I first smelled the prototype, we were in NY in a crowded restaurant. The rich osmanthus with sandalwood and vanilla combined with angel’s trumpet is opulent and dreamy. It was cold that night and when I smelled it, I felt enveloped in rich gold.

I am also rather fond of the new woody Sweet William from Ineke’s Floral Curiosities collection for Anthropologie. I think both showcase her talent as a perfumer with a wide range of fragrances.

Ineke:  I’ve always loved Ginger Ciao, but now have switched allegiance to Sombre Negra.  It’s a really well-constructed fragrance that oozes character.

Photo:Ginger Ciao's Opponent Ally

Yosh, for your one day to be released novel Ginger Ciao what character would be inspired by Ineke?

Yosh: In literary terms, if Ginger Ciao is the protagonist, then Ineke would be her opponent ally. One who is seemingly against her but actually supporting her.

 

 Tea at Samovar July 27, 2012  Photo: Yosh Han

When you aren’t talking shop what do you enjoy doing together as friends?

Yosh: We’re nearly always talking shop and we almost always meet at Samovar because we are both tea snobs. And chocolate or wine is usually also involved.

Ineke: We often meet up mid-afternoon and are so busy chatting that the dinner hour arrives unexpectedly.  Truly, Yosh is just a fascinating conversationalist.

Ineke, does Yosh have a  talent that she  should pursue in addition to her perfumery and writing? (note: I think Yosh should host a  t.v talk show  on fragrance awareness-MC)

Ineke:  Perfumery and writing seems like a lot already.  I wouldn’t want to put more on her shoulders, but I could see her helping other people on the creative side.  She is good on the visual side, and full of conceptual ideas.

Do you test and critique each other’s creations?

Yosh: Sometimes we evaluate each other’s work to get a fresh perspective but I would say we end up supporting each other’s business and marketing strategies too. And most of all, the emotional support is very rewarding. We can talk in shorthand and have similar experiences with retailers and distributors.

Ineke:  A few times I’ve gotten stuck with a creation and had Yosh help me with trials because it takes a good nose to discern small differences in a formula.

 

Jane Austen

If there is reincarnation what was your friend in a past life?

Yosh: Ineke was a Charles Darwin type botanist/horticulturalist/explorer. I still see remnants of that past life in this current life, especially in her newest release, Hothouse Flower, and especially with that royal amethyst aura color that I’ve seen her in which shows up in her packaging.

Ineke:  Although Yosh also has Asian roots, I really think she is solidly European in her essence.  I could definitely see her as a writer in Victorian England, a Jane Austen type, a writer of substance.

 

As leaders and advocates of American independent perfumery, what advice would you give a budding perfumer in starting their own company?

Yosh: If you’re lucky like me, having a friend who is a confidante and peer is invaluable. Above all, don’t give up. There will be challenging times but being your own captain makes the journey adventurous and rewarding.

Ineke: There are a lot of different ways to pursue your art/craft.  Don’t feel you need to follow a pre-set formula, but rather work to your strengths and create something wholly original.

Yosh Han and Ineke Rühland

Thanks to Ineke and Yosh, we have a  draw for  75 ml Evening Edged in Gold  (The Ineke  sampler  is a great way to  try  before you buy …Its $25 and redeemable when you buy any fragrance onsite if you buy a sampler now  you will receive a sample of Hothouse Flower in late August)

or

 50 ml of Ginger Ciao  EDP  and 3ml of Sombre  Negra (which is back-ordered until November)

To be eligible: leave a comment  with what you enjoyed learning about Yosh and Ineke's friendship and the fragrance you would like to win.  Draw closes August 2, 2012

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

Ineke was featured in CaFleureBon Profiles in American Perfumery 

Yosh was featured in  CaFleureBon Profiles in American Perfumey

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63 comments

  • How wonderful to have a dear friend who supports what you do and lends her nostrils for your benefit!
    The questions were fun and the responses witty
    Jane Austen for Yosh I wouldn’t have thought of her as that and I enjoyed reading that Ineke has a bright violet aura which is the most beautiful and spiritual of all connecting to the higher self
    I would like to win Yoshs ginger Caio with the sample of somber negra
    Because I already own Evening Edged in Gold

  • Yosh and Ineke…you have a fabulous friendship. I find it wonderful that in doing your own perfumes, being ‘on the same wavelength’ if one of you gets ‘stuck’ the other is willing to guide and assist. good luck to each of you in future endeavours.

    And again ,thanks for the draw.

  • rosiegreen says:

    I like the fact that they are “tea snobs” and their meetings also include chocolate and wine. It is great to hear that they can help each other when one of them gets ‘stuck’. I would love to try Ginger Ciao. Ginger is one of my favorite things.

  • After meeting both Ineke and Yosh in San Francisco, it was interesting to learn that they are such good friends and colleagues. I have tried a sample of Evening Edged in Gold and love it, so it would be wonderful to win a full bottle. However, I would also be very happy to win either of the other offerings!

  • Amazing article! I always thought that Creators like perfumers or artists can hardly bear one another, cause they all feel different (and their feelins r the most important for them – like the center of the univerce).
    It’s a pleasant surprise to learn about Yosh and Ineke. It’s great these two talented perfumers are friends, even helpin’ each other with their works. Would be interesting to see their “collaboration perfume” one day 🙂
    I’d try Evening Edged in Gold

  • I like the sentence: Although Yosh also has Asian roots, I really think she is solidly European in her essence. I could definitely see her as a writer in Victorian England, a Jane Austen type, a writer of substance. My choice is Evening Edged in Gold. Thx

  • I really enjoyed the question “If there is reincarnation what was your friend in a past life?” and similarly their respective answers, it really sheds light on sides of each perfumer we don’t get to see often.

    As for fragrance of choice, I would love the Ginger Ciao as I already own a full bottle of Evening Edged in Gold =)

  • It’s great to have dear friend with whom you can share your life’s passion. It was interesting that they became such good friends after having side by side tables at a Sniffapalooza event.
    My choice would be the Ginger Ciao and Sombre Negra.
    Thank you for the draw!

  • Charles Darwin and a Jane Austen type- Perfect! Put those two in a room over tea, on a lawn and see what happens! Jane of course must wear her Moustache! I truly love the way they are so generous with each other in a professional sense. The is such a lot of envy out there when people are in a similar business so I hold this friendship up as an icon of how we can all share creatively, support each other and still have unique markets and niches and still be successful. Ginger Ciao & Sombre Negra.

  • i, too was like that these two meet over tea, wine and chocolate!

    and i would love to have evening etched in gold.

  • I enjoyed learning that Yosh and Ineke are both tea snobs (me too!).
    Thank you for the draw, my choice would be Evening Edged in Gold.

  • I love that two SF Bay Area perfumers met in New York. I have been lucky enough to attend a couple of events where both Yosh and Ineke were in attendance. Not only are they super talented, they are both lovely, warm, and engaging. I always look forward to seeing what these ladies will produce next. If I were to win, I would love Evening Edged in Gold.

  • Oh,I liked that they hace samovar, it’s so eclectic!
    I would like to own Evening Edged in Gold

  • Another tea snob here 😀
    I think it’s so cute that they share that little trait too.
    And I would love the opportunity to win Ginger Ciao.

  • I’ve enjoyed learning that they both have a Dutch connection in common. I would enjoy Evening Edged in Gold very much.

  • I love how Yosh and Ineke’s personalities fit together so well. It was interesting that Yosh saw Ineke’s aura and it was a beautiful shade of royal amethyst, and it was also fascinating to read what each thought the other might have been in a past life. What a great pair! I would so love to win Ginger Ciao, I’ve been after this one for ages. Thanks!

  • I love to enjoy a cup of tea with my best friend!
    I would also love to win Ginger Ciao!

  • It is great 2 successful people of the same industry can be friends and support each other. I would love to win any of the fragrances. I had to toss a coin: Evening Edged in Gold.

    Thank you. Lovely read!

  • Scented Memories says:

    In the first place, I enjoyed to find out that they are friends and they support each other. It’s quite rare to see such a great relationship. I would like to win Ineke’s fragrance Evening Edged in Gold. I have already smelled Yosh’s fragrances and I like them all!

  • I like the way they describe each other, I think that Ineke’s personality fits very well with the fragances she creates.

    I would love to win Ineke’s Evening Edged in Gold
    Thank you for the draw!

  • I love their meetings in various places… like magical places for perfumers…
    and I respect their mutual support…

    Ginger Ciao sound delicious. Thanks!

  • I enjoyed the whole interview, maybe the most interesting I enjoyed to learn was what they think about each others past lives. And it’s really great to see how they support each other.
    Hard decision, but I think I would like to win Evening Edged in Gold.

  • What a lovely friendship. I found it interesting that Yosh can read aura’s. I wonder if this was something that she developed or was born with.
    If I won, I would like to win Ginger Ciao.

  • I enjoyed their level of comfort and mutual respect. These are things that I also feel with my friends, and that I appreciate.
    I would love to try Ginger Ciao- it sounds lovely! Thank You!

  • Linnea Wiedeman says:

    I love that they meet for Tea, wine and chocolate. it is wonderful to have such a close friend with whom you can share a passion as well. I would like to try Evening etched in gold.

  • I love that they can evaluate each other’s work, they seem like kindred spirits!
    I would like to win Ginger Ciao, thanks for the draw!

  • Wow, their relationship seems really spiritual! So lucky to have found each other and share similar ways of being. I would like to win “Evening Flecked with Gold” please.

  • It’s wonderful the way they met! It seems to me that it was meant to be, their friendship! I would lobe to win Evening Edged in Gold. Thank you

  • I loved a lot of things about this interview and their friendship! The fact that Yosh read Ineke’s aura, that bot hbelieve in prvious lifes and have an opinion as what the other one was before, and the fact they meet for tea i.e. chocolate or wine and talk !! If I won I’d like Ineke’s perfume. Thank you!!

  • I loved that 2 woman who could be rivals are such good friends. I find it interesting that both believe in past lives and liked their answers involving the other’s past life. I would like to try Inele’s Evening Edged in Gold. Very interesting article. Thanks for the draw.

  • When a friendship is easy, it’s just easy. Time can really get away from you when you’re talking. Love the fact that they get together regularly for tea, chocolate, and wine. I would love to win the Ginger Ciao because I already have & love the Evening Edged in Gold. I can’t wait to smell the new Sweet William and Hothouse Flowers.

  • I think its so cool how they talk so knowingly about Auras and past lives! I’ve always been curious to learn more about those. But its such a neat way to connect to each other!

    I would love love love evening in gold! Deep osmanthus is my crack! With saffron, leather, and plum in the mix *swoons*

  • It was quite interesting to read about this aura reading and I’m glad about question about past lifes. That kind of frienship gives a lot for both of them!

    I would like to win Yosh’s perfume and a sample.I need something with coconut and ylang ylang now.

  • Evening Edged in Gold is downright one of my favorite perfumes, nice to learn Yosh loved it too!
    I find myself drawn to the leathery fruit of osmanthus paired with dark woods, in my opinion a great extension to the spicy-plum-cedar universe of Feminite du Boris.

  • I liked the idea of a creative woman embodying the spirit of a bearded, 19th century male naturalist…the way intellect can transcend standard ideas of gender. I would love to explore the coconut and basil tones of Ginger Ciao as I do have Evening Edged in Gold already.

  • I think it’s neat that you guys all met at the same time at the event. It’s sort of like a deja vu.

    I really liked Ineke’s advice at the end that: There are a lot of different ways to pursue your art/craft. Don’t feel you need to follow a pre-set formula, but rather work to your strengths and create something wholly original.

    Tough choice of prizes! If I won I would love… Evening Edged in Gold. So many Cafleurebon fans that say they have it already can’t be wrong 😉 it must be quite the fragrance.

  • I love that they are so supportive of each other – and that Yosh does aura readings!

    Both scents sound really wonderful, but my impulse says – Evening Edged in Gold.

  • Farawayspices says:

    Fantatic article about two fascinating women. I love the genuine admiration they have for one another, and the fact that they critique each others work. How lucky to have a trusted friend to give her opinion on your art! I also like that they enjoy chocolate…one of my other loves as well!

    If I won I would love to try Evening Edged in Gold.

  • What a wonderful example of true friendship! Supportive women working in the same business, and yet on the same page with each other. Very refreshing! As a fellow tea snob, I love that one of their favorite past times is to talk shop over a pot of tea. It is also one of my favorite things to do with my dearest friends. 🙂

  • Eek! I forgot to list which scent I would like to try: Ineke’s Evening Edged in Gold.

  • I loved that Ineke and Yosh are so different in some ways (including appearance) and have so many similar tastes (perfume, tea). I am biased I guess — I have straight auburn hair and my best friend had hair just like Ineke’s — but black!

    I also love that the two perfumer friends share prototypes. There’s nothing like an informal work talk, that’s priceless!

    I’d love to win Yosh’s Ginger Chao+ Sombre Negra. Thanks for the draw!

  • Oh I would love to be a bug on the wall during their tea meetings. A bug in the tea or chocolate would be even better, but more hazardous for one’s health.

    I find it facinating how many perfumers are also tea snobs, very interconnected senses.

    If I win, I would like to try: Ginger Ciao

  • I just love that both Yosh and Ineke are both tea snobs! (I’m one of those, too…) And their intuitive relationship sounds very special.
    I have Ginger Ciao and love it. So I’d love to win Evening Etched In Gold. Thanks for a great article on two fabulous artists.

  • i find it interesting, that both test and give feedback on each others creations, and still they seem to be good friends =)
    it’s interesting, because i think, when i create something, it has something of me within.

    And Evening Edged in Gold would be perfect gift for my gf 😛

  • Loved reading that Ineke sees Yosh as a Jane Austen type (one of my favorite authors). Would love Evening Edged in Gold-by far my favorite of the line (I have tried them all). Even if I dont win I will be purchasing a bottle for my mum’ b-day next month.

  • I am blessed that I got to meet both of these women at the Elements Show earlier this year in NY. I was immediately drawn in by each of their energies. Ineke is like an ethereal yet approachable fairy godmother! She is beautiful and warm and elegant and her sample set is one of the prettiest I have ever seen. Yosh is fabulously intense, bewitching and disarming…send her into a war zone and I’m pretty sure she could end the whole thing! Her energy is both completely grounded and swirling like a tornado. These are powerful women! It’s no wonder to me they are taking the perfume world by storm.
    I loved reading about their private talks with one another about perfume and past lives, auras and life over tea or wine. I would love to join in!
    Either fragrance would be a fantastic win but I’d choose Ineke’s EEiG that I’ve been coveting for a while now.

  • Amberosmanthus says:

    I’m always fascinated by people who just “know” when they see each other. They said it was “friend at first sight”. Very magical. I would love to win Evening Edged in Gold, and I now have that sampler set on my “to buy” list. Thank you for a great article!

  • I love that Yosh and Ineke have been meeting to chat over tea since they met five years ago.

    I own six perfumes by Ineke–and they are all wonderful!–but have never tried any perfume from Yosh, so if I were the lucky winner of this generous draw, I’d select Ginger Ciao in order to expand my horizons.
    (-;

  • Michelle U says:

    What I enjoyed about their friendship was the interesting way they described each another. That was very interesting.

    Evening Edged in Gold sounds really interesting to me! 😀

    Thank you ! 🙂

  • Omgosh! That’s the scent I want THE MOST right now!!!!!!!!!!! AN EVENING EDGED IN GOLD! I would just be floored if I won it! It’s my absolute fave scent and I don’t have money now for a full bottle so, this would be SO great!

    What I liked about their friendship, was the way they complimented and described each other & their work.

    If you haven’t bought a sample Ineke set, BUY IT!:D.

  • I like how they can talk in shorthand, like most bffs do.
    Neat! Would love to try Evening Edged in Gold, tanka.

  • I loved this bit: ” We’re nearly always talking shop and we almost always meet at Samovar because we are both tea snobs. And chocolate or wine is usually also involved.”

    They sound like they have a blast! I like that they support each other by providing fresh perspectives on their creations. And also the part about reincarnation–made me think about those close to me, what I’d say about them and what they’d say about me.

    I would love to try Evening Edged in Gold… even the name makes me breathe a little deeper and go to a happy place.

  • I enjoyed learning of the way they described each other and how they have maintained their relationship with those regular meetings over tea (and chocolate or wine).
    If I were the lucky winner I would love Yosh’s Ginger Ciao (and the touch of Sombre Negre) as I’m waiting for Ineke’s Sweet William to debut. The presentation for her sample sets is impressively elegant and generous with the reeemable offer)

  • I deeply enjoyed this article and learning that they shared insights about each others creations, supported each’s creative process and shared their experiences over tea, chocolate and wine..
    i would love to win Ginger Ciao..
    thanks for the draw..

  • It’s always fun to read about the camaraderie that exiss between perfumers and their influences on each oothers work is very interesting..
    I would love to win Yosh Han’s Ginger Ciao

  • d3m0lici0n says:

    I really liked this interview an the advic that Ineke gives to the young perfumers which is to follow their own path and not follow pre set formulas and work with their strenght and create something original.
    If I win I’d like to get Ginger Ciao.
    Thanks

  • I was in San Francisco recently and made a special journey to test Ineke’s line at one of the few retail outlets. Lovely! I also enjoyed learning that Sniffapalooza led to their meeting. If I win, I’d like to receive Evening edged in gold.

  • I think the most interesting thing that comes out of the interview is that these two are friendly competitors. I like the idea of an antagonist/ally. I’ve had some of those.

    If I win, definitely Evening Edged in Gold is the one.

  • I am inspired by the support and friendship,
    It could have been a competition and envy.

    You sound like very juicy and creative women.

    I want it allllllll

    I cant be greedy so today I will go with Yosh – Ginger Ciao.
    And Yosh-You did not revile your aura.
    Is it Gold ?

  • I like the fact that they are “tea snobs” and their meetings also include chocolate and wine. It is great to hear that they can help each other when one of them gets ‘stuck’. I would love to try Ginger Ciao. Ginger is one of my favorite things.