Floral Designer Ann Onusko of Indigo Perfumery located in Lakewood, Ohio, near Cleveland, speaks the language of flowers and her career as one of midwest's most well known Floral designer led her down a perfumed path. Ann couldn't find a perfume that suited her; the mainstream offerings available in her area did not speak to her. So, she opened her own Niche Perfumery.

In Victorian times, there were no Hallmark cards, so suitors would send secret messages by presenting their beloved with a special bouquet. The way the flowers were arranged was a love note.  Ann recommends sending an aromatic message with perfume.

 La Dame Aux Camélias, by Jardins D’Ecrivains, was created by French perfumer Anais Beguine as a scented ode to the heroine of Alexandre Dumas’ novel. In the Language of Flowers, Camellias whisper “I shall always love you” and the Purple Violet note in the heart murmurs “You occupy my thoughts” and awakens the lover in you. $150 /250 ml

 Moramanga, by Coquilette Paris and composed by former Italian Fashion Stylists Rosa Vaia and Elise Juarros (who met on a photo shoot in Paris), was inspired by the beauty of African women. Heady tuberose speaks of forbidden love and this perfume’s abundance of jasmine sends a sensual message.  Exotic Ylang-ylang crowns the bouquet and means “Flower of All Flowers.” $175/100 ml

 Renowned French Jeweler, Ann Gerard, enlisted one of the world’s best known niche perfumers, Bertrand Duchaufour, to create Ciel D’Opale which evokes the sweet smell of Linden, the flower of matrimony. Mated to honeysuckle this scent symbolizes “the bond of love”. $165/60 ml

 Belle Fleur Orange Blossom and Pomegranate candle is a perfect way to scent a new bride’s bedroom this Valentine’s Day. Orange Blossom is the flower of marriage and pomegranate symbolizes fertility. The luscious scent was composed by renowned perfumer, Jerome Epinette, as a paean to Adam and Eve and Original Sin.

Gardenia: Robert Mapplethorpe

 L.A. Perfumer Sara Horowitz-Thran’s first fragrance, Perfect Gardenia, was created in 1997 when a client asked her to create “the perfect gardenia.” In the Language of Flowers, the intoxicating aroma of gardenias suggests secret love. Notes of freesia inspire “trust”.  $40/.02 oil rollerball

Of course when you think of Valentine’s Day, a bouquet of red roses is a universal declaration of Love. Ann recommends Providence Perfume Co.’s all natural Rose Bohème, which uses real rose essences and is hand-crafted in small batches by Artisan Perfumer, Charna Ethier. The strong saffron note hints of a night of passion. $68/15ml

Ann is offering 20 percent off all purchases of $40 or more at www.indigoperfumery.com , which offers a hand curated selection of over 20 niche and artisan perfume collections. Enter INDIGOCFB  at checkout.The offer is valid through February 7, 2014

Indigo Perfumery is located at 12011 Detroit Avenue, Lakewood OH (216-767-5563) Winter Hours Tuesday-Saturday 11:30-5:30

-Michelyn Camen, Editor in Chief