Charna & her Memere (French Grandmother)
Charna Ethier of Providence Perfume Co. is one of our most gifted American Indie perfumers and represents "Generation Next" in the growing world of Natural Fragrances. Her perfumes are so distinct and unique, no wonder she has a global cult following. Charna is also a mom, a wife, a teacher and an entrepeneur. Now she is the proprietor of a retail store. I asked Charna, with so much going on, why open a store?
Come on in
Charna Ethier: The impetus for me opening the brick and mortar Providence Perfume Co. was many things. First and foremost I needed space! My business had grown to a point where I needed room to expand, literally and figuratively. I desired a boutique space with additional studio room for perfumery classes, and room for manufacturing, filling and shipping our products.
The additional space I have allows me to work in a creative, light filled "scent laboratory." I can launch new products on a smaller scale by offering them first here in the boutique. Having a customer base to provide feedback is also helpful.
At the blending bar
I so appreciate getting to meet customers face to face, many of which have been purchasing my fragrances online for years. I love creating scents that tell a story on the skin, and am grateful that I can continue my passion. I love working with people one on one, so I created a custom blending bar, where a client can work with me to develop their perfect scent.
Charna created this -Now that is using her head!
Charna Ethier: Juggling being a mother, along with growing the business can be challenging. I'm very lucky my husband is supportive and an excellent cook. When I come home from work, dinner is waiting and the kids are in the bath. It's a new role reversal that I'm enjoying. I get to spend my days doing what I love, and meeting interesting people who enjoy sniffing things as much as I do. What more can you ask for?
Providence Perfume Co. is located at 301 Wickenden Street, Providence RI 02903. Phone: 401-455-2325
Hours: Mon-Sat. from 10:30-6:00 p.m.
Closed Sundays
To celebrate Providence Perfume Co., "The Store", we have a special draw for our US readers. Choose any of CaFleureBon's Editor's picks and win 15 ml EDP of the following Providence Perfume Co.'s 100 percent natural perfumes: Cocoa Tuberose, Rose Boheme, Divine, Eva Luna, Hindu Honeysuckle, Gypsy, Osmanthus Oolong or Tobacco Citron by leaving a comment wishing Charna good luck (express yourself) and your choice one of the above 9 perfumes. Draw ends May 3, 2013
Editor's Note: For our international readers, Charna is offering free shipping with any 30 ml perfume. Just call and mention CaFleureBon and save a bundle.
–Michelyn Camen, Editor-in Chief
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 spilled perfume.