Laurie Ericskon of Sonoma Scent Studio

Sr. Editor Ida Meister and I had been planning a “three Sonoma Scent Studio you should be wearing” post and when we contacted artisan perfumer Laurie Erickson for a draw on January 3, 2018, Laurie let us know very quietly of the changes to her business that she would be announcing very shortly.  She asked us not to make them public at that time. Her blog “Perfume in Progress” explains:

“This is a hard post to write. I’m making some major changes in my life this year, and I wrote this post to explain my plans as well as a little about the reasons behind them. I apologize that this news will come as a surprise, but this seems like the only way to handle things. I think the changes can be a win/win for everyone over the long term, though I regret that this news will be disappointing to some in the short term.

I have decided that it is time for me to find someone to take over SSS from me. Given my physical limitations, I have had to restrict orders to what I can handle, and I would enjoy seeing Sonoma Scent Studio go to someone who could take it further and allow it to grow more. Someone new could keep the store open 365 days a year, could do more international shipping, and could say yes to some of the numerous boutiques that have wanted to carry Sonoma Scent Studio. I’m in conversation with people and am confident that I can place SSS in good hands.

I’ve had a good, long run since 2004, but I need to do some other things that I can’t do when I’m busy with SSS. I want to remain active in the fragrance community because I love the friends I have made here. This is an amazing group of bright, caring, creative, generous people.

I have been thinking about making this change for a while, and a number of things in addition to my own needs have factored into the current timing. My parents are amazing for their ages, but they are in their eighties and I want to have more time for them. My Dad is likely having some surgery soon, which is scary at his age even though he is in great shape. Also, my assistant of three years has taken another job and can’t do my part-time job anymore (I have been blessed with several wonderful assistants over the years). Everything is coming together now leading me to make this change.

I’m not going to put the cart back up, but I have juice left for some of the scents and will take some orders for bottles via email during the last week or two of January and all of February (while supplies last). I will take orders in the order of the emails I receive at info@sonomascentstudio.com. I will not be doing sample orders, and I am out of 17 ml sprayers. I can offer 34 ml plus 5 ml and 10 ml travel sprays. I will start a new post for info/questions about ordering the remaining stock. This announcement will likely bring me quite a few email responses, more than I can answer in a timely fashion, but I will do my best to get back to people over the next few weeks. I thank you ahead for your patience and understanding.

I will enjoy having more time to spend with family, being able to take better care of my health, and being able to do some other activities in daily life. I would also be thrilled to see Sonoma Scent Studio grow and thrive with someone new. I can’t thank everyone enough for your support and encouragement over the years, and for so many of you touching my life and enriching it. I will still be here, just changing roles, and I hope to keep my fragrance friendships going beyond Sonoma Scent Studio. Much love to you all.”-Laurie Erickson of Sonoma Scent Studio (since her blog post many fragrances have sold out).

Laurie Erickson and her beautifully composed perfumes have inspired me throughout the years, personally and professionally. Laurie was among the first perfumers (the 3rd to be exact) featured in our Profiles in American Perfumery Series (which now number 130) and while I have collaborated with many artisan perfumers, it was our 2014 Yin and Ylang, created for our fourth anniversary, that I believe to be one of the greatest perfumes I have had the honor to work on. 

photo courtesy of  Laurie

Laurie wrote in our Art of Artisan Series: "People will always debate what should and should not be considered art. Merriam Webster defines art as “the conscious use of skill and creative imagination, especially in the production of aesthetic objects.” The English Oxford dictionary defines art as “the expression or application of human creative skill and imagination, typically in a visual form such as painting or sculpture, producing works to be appreciated primarily for their beauty or emotional power.”  Based on definitions like these, I would argue that perfumery qualifies as art. Artisan perfume formulas take skill and creativity to develop, and perfume is a product that brings beauty and emotion to the life of its user. Perfume is not a necessity for life the way food and shelter are; rather, we purchase perfume to bring pleasure and beauty into our lives.”

Excerpt from a handwritten note Laurie wrote to me January 12, 2017

If you are interested in Sonoma Scent Studio for business or personal reasons, please reach out to her directly here. One thing I know, is that her body of work is part of perfume history, her fans loyal,  and her compositions flawless. Retailers, distributors and other indie brand owners would do well by taking over Sonoma Scent Studio. Thank you Laurie for bringing pleasure to so many for 13 years. I am looking forward to your next chapter.

Michelyn Camen, Editor-in-Chief

 

CaFleureBon’s three Sonoma Scent Studio Fragrances you should be wearing draw is still open here (note that the award winning Bee’s Bliss, and samples of Rose Volupte, Champagne du Bois are out of stock, but is put aside for the winner), so be sure to click on the link and leave a comment. You can check here for Sonoma Scent Studio perfume stock updates.