Perfumer’s Spotlight: Maria McElroy of aroma M +Happy 22nd Birthday “Love is In the Air” Draw

Michelyn's Geisha O-Cha pouch has been all over the world since 2005

Over the past fifteen years I have met many perfumers from all over the world. Can you imagine that one of the most talented artisan perfumers, Maria McElroy of aroma M perfumes, lived three blocks from me?  We would meet at the Rose Bar at the Gramercy Hotel, sip champagne, dream out loud, compare red lipsticks (which always looked better on Maria) and ponder the changing olfactive landscape as the word niche started to be a catch phrase for so many perfumes. 

Maria McElroy of aroma M perfumes trademark red lips and vintage chic

In my  2010 article, Niche, Nicher, Nichest,  Maria said, “A cult fragrance, that is what I remember aroma M being referred to, not niche, as we launched at Bergdorf Goodman, back in the 90’s.  There were just a handful of us and it was a thrilling to be in the Bergdorf catalogue and sell out of our original Geisha o-cha perfume.  The buzz was different, no blogs or websites”. My first perfume from Maria was Geisha O-Cha, which I still love as much as the day I  discovered it while working with Luckyscent (as their publicist).  O-Cha is luminous and delicate,with notes of clary sage and sweet orange. There is  1/4 ounce left in the bottle, and I had never nor have I since, smelled anything like it. With great pleasure we celebrate the 22nd birthday (February 14) of aroma M and Maria McElroy’s achievements for this month’s Perfumer’s Spotlight –Michelyn Camen, Editor-in-Chief

"Birthdays are always a good time for reflection. It is hard to believe that on this Valentine's Day, aroma M will be in its 22nd year of business. I'm happy to report that I still love what I do and find perfume ever inspiring. aroma M now has a collection of twenty one perfumes, we have never taken one off the line. O-cha was our first, and Geisha Vanilla Hinoki is our latest. It was just a blink of an eye, that I was launching my original three Tea scented perfumes, o-cha, hana-cha and nobara-cha at Bergdorf Goodman in New York and Harrods in London. Still my favorite part of my job is creating. One of the highlights over the years for me was creating an aroma M collection for Sephora, when they first launched in the United States and Asia.

Aroma M Beauty

In 2012, I debuted aroma M Beauty, an organic Camellia Oil Beauty line comprised of five products a Face Oil, Hair Oil, Body & Bath Oil, Cleansing Oil and of course the all-natural Camellia Perfume. I had wanted to create a Beauty line for years, so this was a dream come true.

Maria in Japan

My appreciation for Japanese culture and aesthetics in addition to my extraordinary experiences in the secretive world of the Kyoto Geisha¹s, were the bases for aroma M¹s Beauty products. Adored by a slew of eco-chic ladies across the world, the Camellia oils are designed to smell beautiful and simultaneously enchant the mind, soul, and the skin. Drawing on my Aromatherapy background, I have conjured elixirs that are symbolic of aroma M¹s cross cultural concept, one that we have romanced throughout our 22 years.

Love is In the Air 15% Off Geisha Rouge, Geisha Amber Rouge and  Geisha Vanilla Hinoki.

It has been an extraordinary journey and I am excited to continue it and look to the future. This year aroma M in partnership with Slow Luxury and Epic Road Travel will be offering a Bespoke Perfume trip to Marrakech. I will lead clients on an olfactory exploration through the ancient Medina market where we will wind our way through the Souks gathering Perfume oils to create a custom fragrance. This will be a one of a kind experience, and a one of a kind perfume. I am thrilled to share this next fragrant adventure with you, stay tuned. In celebration of our anniversary, we are offering a promotion through Valentine¹s Day. 15% Off our sexy Geisha Rouge and Geisha Amber Rouge plus our super star, Geisha Vanilla Hinoki. Cheers to another year older!"

aroma M perfume samples

*all photos property of aroma M unlsess otherwise indicated

Thanks to Maria we have a draw for 2ml sprayers of both Geisha Perfume o-cha and Geisha Vanilla Hinoki for one registered reader in the USA. To be eligible please leave a comment wishing aroma M Happy 22nd birthday, what you learned about the collection and your favorite aroma m perfume. Draw closes 2/6/2017.

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

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11 comments

  • ntabassum92 says:

    Happy Birthday to aroma M!!! I thought it was so cool that whatever perfumes she has made, she has kept in the collection – I get so frustrated when things I love are discontinued, so I really appreciate a perfumer who has kept everything from the beginning. I have never tried an aroma M perfume, but I would love to try something that has inspiration from the beautiful Japanese culture.

  • I enjoyed reading about what influences the aesthetic. A very Happy Birthday. I love Amber Rouge. Thanks for the draw. I live in the USA

  • Sylvia Long says:

    I’m impressed that Maria has decided to keep all of her creations in the line for Aroma M. In a world that things are discontinued daily,that commitment to the brand,and the customer is refreshing. I’d love to try Canilla Hinoki! I keep hearing great things about it. Wishing a Happy birthday to Aroma M.

  • Congratulations, aroma M! I don’t need to be entered in the draw as I already own Geisha Vanilla Hinoki and a sample of Perfume o-cha and enjoy them. Geisha Noir is my favorite. One of the pleasures of aroma M is the gorgeous packaging. Thanks for your lovely creations, Maria, it’s fascinating to read about your company and inspirations.

  • Happy birthday aroma M! You deserve all the success you have had. I really enjoy Geisha Noir. I was unaware of the Camellia Oil beauty line–sounds wonderful. All the best!

  • Wishing a very Happy 22nd birthday to Aroma M. Hope you keep creating these lovely perfumes.
    All the best for future.

  • Happy Birthday Aroma M!
    Lovely article, and well deserved – I keep discovering yet more delightful and intriguing perfumes from Aroma M – my favourites being Geisha Green, Geisha Noire, Vanilla Hinoki and Camellia – all gorgeous. Haven’t yet tried O Cha
    Best wishes
    Rose

  • Happiest of birthdays to Aroma M! I liked reading of Maria’s interest in Japanese culture, and particularly that of the Geisha. I’ve wanted to try her fragrances for some time (especially vanilla hinoki!). Thanks for hosting such a generous giveaway.

  • Congrats and Bday wishes to aroma M! I have not yet had the pleasure of wearing an aroma M perfume, but am very curious about the Camellia oils that “are designed to smell beautiful and simultaneously enchant the mind, soul, and the skin.”

  • Happy Birthday to Aroma M! I was surprised to learn that the house has been around for 22 years, I have only ever known about their Pink, Green, and Blue fragrances and have only sampled Pink, which I liked. I see that I have much sampling to do! 🙂 From the notes listed, I would so much like to try Geisha Rouge, as spicy fragrances are what I love to wear and clove is a favorite note. Thank you so much! I live in the US.