ÇaFleureBon Profiles in American Perfumery: Ernesto C. Sanchez-Bujanda of YeYe Parfums + Memorial Day Draw

Ernesto C. Sanchez-Bujanda of YeYe Parfums

Profile: During my entire childhood, and many years hence, my mother only wore Diorissimo, one of the most iconic perfumes created by French, Master Perfumer, Edmond Roundnitska for Dior: “The fragrance that epitomizes all the extravagance, sophistication and dramatic flair of Dior.” To this day, I associate this fragrance not only with her, but also with many fond memories, during my formative years, in my home country, Venezuela.

Age 5 -Ernesto C. Sanchez-Bujanda Of YeYe Parfums hails from Venezuala

One other memorable experience was when my sibling’s and I were mere babies, our Mother would “perfume” us with an amazing fragrance (which has been discontinued); it recalls that of a baby’s skin; that special time when our Mother was bonding with each of us, and especially how the fragrance smelled “on our skin.” it was not by chance that one of the main ingredients, Orris Butter, eventually channeled its way into Y.O.R.K. No 7; recalling…reliving…all those special memories, during my formative years.

 Ernesto Inhaling the blossoms of a Magnolia Tree @ Santa Barbara’s Sunken Garden – Image by Ryan – 2017

Another subliminal influence, during that time, was a special place, an oasis, our family’s Summer Home…in a small town, El Tocuyo, a few hours away from the city where I was born, Barquisimeto. My grandfather was born there and had built a very special, “home away from home.” The surrounding gardens…seemed magical…filled with fig trees, infusing the air with an amazing fragrance. (My grandmother had a secret recipe, a caramel fig dessert that filled the air with a most seductive fragrance.) In addition, the gardens had pomegranate, mango, guava, mandarin, grapefruit, and orange tress, a tropical paradise, with beautiful flowers that were the source of food, as hummingbirds sucked the nectar from the flowers. When I reflect on my formative years, this is the place that often appears in my dreams, complete with pure unconditional, family love.

Eugene Rimmel – The Book Of Perfumes – 1865 – First Edition

While living in NYC, unconsciously, I was drawn into the world of beauty, skin care and…fragrances. I worked at Bergdorf Goodman and other acclaimed citadels of beauty and fashionFormal training was not available to me, thus I set about accumulating a foundation of knowledge by reading the most significant books and articles on the subject. Among my cherish possessions, is a first edition of The Book of Perfumes by Eugene Rimmel.

Ernesto C. Sanchez-Bujanda of YeYe Parfums – Collection of Raw Materials – Image by Ernesto – 2016

Perhaps the most influential book was Perfume and Flavor Materials of Natural Origin by Steffen Arctander, influencing my early years when I was focused mainly on raw materials of natural origins.

 YeYe Fragrance – Image by Dale Stine – Miami – 2008

After nearing ten years, a partner and I moved to Coral Gables, FL and co-founded, the only perfume boutique selling new and hard to find niche brands, both personal and home, when “niche” was truly rare and very special. After a few years of hands on experience and being exposed to so many wonderful brands, mostly from abroad, I longed to create my own “American” brand, commencing with home fragrances.

Ernesto C. Sanchez-Bujanda and Ryan York of YeYe Parfums

In the spring of 2014, my significant other, Ryan York, and I said goodbye to Miami and drove across this amazing country, also exploring California, from the south to the north, arriving in Santa Barbara with the sole intention of launching YeYe Parfums, specializing in Personal Fragrances, along with my established Home Fragrances.

 PENHALIGON’S Orange Blossom – late 1860’s

In creating YeYe Parfums, disciplined by engineering, philosophy, prose and inspired by the histories of long established brands, some dating back several hundred years, and the unique and awesome beauty of California’s, “American Riviera,” Santa Barbara, and Ryan’s unique experience, during most of the 1980’s, in NYC, as Director of Stores for Caswell-Massey, America’s Original Apothecary, founded in 1752 (the first to import European fragrance and skin care brands), we set out to put our own personal mark on the fragrance industry, I as the in-house perfumer, and Ryan as our DOO.

Seal of the United States Department of the Navy

Ryan was born in Texas and was among the last generation to be drafted into military service, at the age of 19, from 1967 to 1971, during America’s most controversial war: Vietnam. At the time of the “Army Daft Notification,” you are given the option of “joining” one of the other services; thus he choose the US Navy, trained as a Submariner and communications, learning Morse Code. He served his country, but did not see any combat action.

YeYe Parfums — Image by Ernesto – 2016

On American Perfumery:  I was educated as an Industrial Engineer, but just before I was to receive my degree, I had a once in a lifetime chance to move to “America, the land where all things were possible, for anyone with a dream.” At a very young age, I had been searching for a creative path.

Liberty Balloons  by Frank Lloyd Wright

Favorite American Artist: The most significant American Artist, that inspired me, began while living in NYC, after a visit to the Guggenheim Museum: Frank Lloyd Wright – Born 1867 – 1959 – Designer Extraordinaire.

Frank Lloyd Wright Guggenheim museum

Mr. Wright’s personal saga and abundant creations, inspired me on so many levels, both personal and professional, to be independent and bold; considered to be America’s not only Premier Architect, but created the most astonishing interior and graphic designs, architectural, hand colored renderings, furniture, textiles, rugs, carpets, stain glass, tableware, ladies gowns, etc., etc. I have visited many of his most significant buildings and seek out his work wherever I travel, and have read extensively about his life, his evolution and countless “American” creations

Ernesto C. Sanchez-Bujanda of YeYe Parfums, who is the perfumer and co-founder    

Thanks to Ernesto Sanchez-Bujanda of YeYe Parfums and Ryan York, there is a fantastic draw WORLDWIDE. There are three winners who will be chosen at random. Each winner will receive their choice of a full size 100 ml of Equus No 8 click here for notes, Y.O.R.K. No 7 notes or Sentiers de Comètes Eau de Parfum notes of their choice.

YEYE PARFUMS Equus No 8, Y.O.R.K. No 7, Sentiers de Comètes Eau de Parfum by Konstantin Subbotin

To be eligible you must be a registered reader(register here), you must be registered or your comment will not count. Tell us what you found fascinating about Ernesto C. Sanchez-Bujanda of YeYe Parfums path to perfumery, where you live and which fragrance you would like to win. Draw closes 6/1/2018

Please like CaFleurebon Profiles in American Perfumery and your entry will count twice. Please leave that in your comment.

 Ernesto C. Sanchez-Bujanda Of YeYe Parfums Dale Stine – Miami – 2008

Ernesto is the134th American perfumer in our series. 

Follow us on Instagram @cafleurebon and @yeyeparfums

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

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45 comments

  • ElenaChiss says:

    I loved the part and the description of Diorissimo. Really nice that Ernesto has such a strong connection with this particular fragrance. I used to wear it, but I have not done so in a long time. I think I will give it a wear in the next days.

    I am from EU and the one creation that speaks to me has to be Equus No.8

    Thanks for the draw!

  • Thanks for this interesting aryicle about talanted perfumer.
    I always enjoy other’s expiriance, sweet memories.
    I liked story about his childhood, about their “baby skin” perfume and grandfather’s hous and beatiful garden.
    I am from Armenia.
    I would like to win Equus No.8.
    Thanks for draw!!

  • fazalcheema says:

    Ernesto’s story reminds us that the classics like Diorissimo instilled love of perfume in many current perfumers. It is clear he is inspired by the classics and his style reflects that. My choice is Equus No. 8. I am in US. I am already member of CaFleurebon Profiles in American Perfumery.

  • BostonScentGuy says:

    Whenever reading these artist bios, I love how childhood association with scent always plays a role in each artist’s development…something that I find isn’t necessarily always the case in the reasons/inspirations why people make their way into other fields. I love the story of Ernesto’s mom perfuming her children…as well as hearing about his journey from the beauty counter to being a self-taught nose! I’m in the US and thank you so much for this draw. If I were to win, I’d love to experience YORK no 7.

  • Just Add Light says:

    I really enjoyed the reference to subliminal influences – in this case, Ernesto’s description of his family’s summer home paradise. Being a strong proponent of using fragrances in regression work, there is a part of me that similarly resonates deeply with images of sunlit orchards, fields of flowers and blossom-feeding insects – even if it’s only a mental facsimile. Moreover, I think many people would be surprised to find out just how ubiquitous and pervasive these kind of images are in the global unconscious, having heard numerous descriptions from my clients over the years. Very much appreciate Ernesto and Ryan’s generosity! I’d love to win a bottle of Sentiers de Cometes. From Canada.

  • I very like his path to perfumery, and the stories from his childhood. Hard to chose only one, because all of these perfumes sounds really unique. I think my choice would be Sentiers de Comètes. Thank you for the chance. I live in Europe.

  • perfumelover67 says:

    Ernesto’s journey since his childhood until the present time is fascinating. The memories of her mother wearing Diorissimo, how she perfumed her chidren and the different fragrances surrounding his summer house are unique. No doubts that influence his life forever! I know that with all his sensitivity and talent all his creations will be successfully amazing and we will he able to enjoy them now and in the future.
    I am in the US and I would love to win Y.O.R.K No 7. Thanks to Ernesto and Ryan for the draw.

  • James2473 says:

    Very good write-up!! It’s always interesting hearing about how people ended up where they are in this life! My favorite part was reading about the scents in his family’s summer home gardens in El Tocuyo. It sounded incredible. If I were lucky enough to win, I would choose Sentiers de Comètes. I’m located in the U.S., and I liked “CaFleurebon Profiles in American Perfumery” on Facebook under “Jamison Webb”.

  • Liked CaFleureBon Profiles in American Perfumery. Would love to try Sentiers de Cometes, based on notes. Thanks for sharing his journey. I’m in the USA.

  • I like the part with a “home away from home”. Reading that, I imagined myself being there, in that garden filled and surrounded with so many, fruity and different fragrances. Sounds heavenly!

    My choice is Y.O.R.K. No.7 . I am from Europe. Thanks!

  • Wood4Ever says:

    Notbing could be more American than two people, one an “All American Boy” and the other an inspired newcomer, combine their passion and business savvy, and create something magical. Sentiers de Cometes sounds a lot like it was most heavily inspired by Enesto’s childhood. Thanks for the draw, I’m in the US.

  • I would love to be included in this draw. I always am interested in perfumers, or any passionate endeavor, that begins in childhood. Sentiers de Cometes sounds enchanting with its ambergris and incense but Ernesto’s retelling of his remembrance of his baby cologne and how it inspired his fragrance Y.O.R.K. No.7 encourages me to try for that frangrance. I am in the US and appreciate the chance.

  • Thank you for the profile and draw!
    My favorite parts were reading about Ernesto’s childhood experiences which gave him a foundation in enjoying fragrance and, it seems, in believing in himself and empowering him to take chances; his pursuit of knowledge through many channels; and his adventurous relocation and start-up.

    USA
    Equus would be my choice
    They all look awesome!

  • The whole article was facinating, but what I found most interesting was the inspiration taken from Frank Lloyd Wright, a master of whatever he put his mind to. Sentiers de Cometes has notes that appeal to me the most. I hit like on the CaFleurebon Profiles in American PerfumeryFacebook page. I live in Canada.

  • NiceVULady says:

    I love Frank Lloyd Wright as well. That Ernesto takes this person as his inspiration is so interesting. Traveling and spending time in so many different places must have contributed so much. II’d like to try Y.O.R.K. No. 7 should I be lucky enough to win. Thanks for the draw. I’m in the USA

  • DespinaVnt says:

    I loved reading about his personal path towards perfume making, and his wonderful olfactory memories of his mother.
    I’d really love any of the three YeYe perfumes offered, in order of preference: SENTIERS DE COMÈTES, EQUUS No8, Y.O.R.K. No7.
    I like CaFleurebon Profiles in American Perfumery on FB as Despina Veneti, and I follow you both on Instagram as despinavnt.
    I live in EU (France), thank you for these great series of interviews!

  • Ernesto sounds like a relaxed personality. I’d like to win Equus to Germany not just because that horse photography is so amazing. Then also the notes sound promising, I like the combination of spiky and calm ones.

  • I enjoyed this interesting article.
    I liked his memories about Diorissimo about Orris note.
    I have never tested sny YeYe perfums, but I think thay are interesting and wearable- because many years of expiriance in niche perfumery shop gave him big knowledge of consumer tastes.
    I wish to have Equus No.8.
    Armenia

  • kaitracid says:

    It’s always nice to read about a perfumer’s path and how did he get into this industry. I see how his first steps towards this was his home away from home with all the smelly things from the surrounding gardens.
    The 3 perfumes sound all good, but I’d go for Equus No 8. Thanks, I live in Europe.

  • Great article, from his relationship with his mother to his many travels Venezuela, NY, Florida, he seems to be a very traveled individual. Running a Niche perfume shop for so many years one would most likely have seen/smelled everything. I would be really happy with any of these scents. However if I had to choose an order it would be:
    Equus No. 8, Sentler de Cometes, followed by Y.O.R.K No. 7.
    Thanks you for the great read . US

  • Incredible passion and love, it is so nice to see people explore and try to pursue their dream. All three creations sound absolutely amazing and unique, specially Equus, but Sentiers de Cometes interests me the most, York could be really good too, as I love citrus powdery scents. I hope to see more creations from Ernesto in a future, but for now it would be a real privilege to try these!
    From Europe.

  • I wonder what the perfume was your mother used on you when you were a baby. Great background stories, one of my favorite parts that are included.
    Y.O.R.K. No. 7 please. US

  • Beautiful art and great article. Equus No. 8 sounds lovely. Interesting path of scent you are on. I live in the US. Thank you.

  • newyork318 says:

    Ernesto has a great story. The idea of perfumers reading about fragrance and then using their talent to create is always fascinating to me. As much as I read and get ideas, it’s hard to imagine learning about fragrance from books, no matter how descriptive. Of the three, I’d pick Equus No 8. US.

  • Jake smith says:

    Amazing story I always love to hear about people’s lives. It’s great see some of the inspiration behind fragrances as well hearing about their passion for fragrance. I am also a fan of Frank lloyd Wright I love his glass art it is absolutely gorgeous. I hope to try out some of Ernesto’s creations in the future they definitely sound intriguing.
    I would like to try Y.O.R.K. No 7 I prefer more minimalist scents and I love mint and violet it sounds amazing. I am in the U.S.

  • George Lellis says:

    I enjoyed hearing about the blending of North and South American culture in Ernesto’s background, as well as the blending of nature-oriented and urban influences. I live in the U.S. and would like to get Sentiers de Cometes if I win.

  • Lori Laws says:

    I thoroughly enjoyed this profile on Ernesto and how his mother’s fragrance inspired him to create his own personal and home fragrance line. I am very intrigued when perfumers aren’t formally trained and they create really great scents. His passion for perfume and reading everything he could find on it is impressive. Equus No 8 would be my choice and I live in the US! 🙂

  • I’ve never heard of this house before but it looks very interesting and i really like the name of the perfumes. Really enjoyed the story of this guys. I would love to try that Y.O.R.K no. 7 . Thanks for the draw, i live in the EU.

  • Really great article,Thank you…One of the things i found interesting was him mentioning getting educated as an Industrial Engineer, but just before he was to receive his degree, he had a once in a lifetime chance to move to “America, “the land where all things were possible” as he says and he was brave enough to take the journey ,sink or swim 🙂 All these things led him to be a perfumer its pretty amazing !! Also him bringing up the subliminal influences and how they helped channel certain notes/ingredients into the fragrances was pretty neat too.

    Tough to pick which one if i did win ,but I think id go with York No 7!!

    CANADA HERE, Thanks for the incredible giveaway 🙂

  • roxhas1cat says:

    First off…..thank you Ryan for your service! The Vietnam vets are special to me as my uncle was one of them and I have fond memories of him and his buddy visiting my family on leave from Camp Pendleton before they left for Vietnam. Sometimes I wish I had a signature scent for my kids to remember me by, but there are too many amazing perfumes out there now to settle on one. Any chance of sharing Grandma’s secret fig caramel recipe? I have a fig tree in my back yard. Nice to see people following their dreams!! I’d love to win the Senetiers de Cometes. thanks of the generous drawing!! USA.

  • I have never heard of this brand and I salute Ernesto for taking this path, I know it must have been really hard, especially that he’s self thought. I wish him the best of luck with his brand and for me, I would like to smell Equus No 8 based on the notes. I’m in the EU.

  • aurora_ru says:

    Such an inspirational story how memories from the childhood grow up into amazing brand! Thank you, CafleureBon, for introducing us with those personal histories and thank you, YeYe Parfums for your very generous draw of Personal Perfumes. All 3 sounds great but I feel attracted the most to Sentiers de Comètes, especially after reading the description on their website and seeing the photo. I feel like that is one of the sentimental and evocative summer night scents of the garden from the perfumer childhood’s.
    I liked CaFleurebon Profiles in American Perfumery on facebook (My name is Zane Aurora), please count me twice.
    Thank you!

  • marcopietro says:

    Fascinating interview! The description of the garden of Ernesto family’s Summer Home literally bewitched me. The memory of the mix of aromas of the lush garden and the mother’s cake is tender and evocative.
    I would choose Equus No 8. I live in EU.
    Thanks!

  • Burton Jay says:

    Proud to count these guys as my friends. Not entering the drawing, just wanted to express my continued best wishes. The perfumes give a delightful journey – music for the ofactories.

  • m.r.everything says:

    Let me start by saying thank you for this opportunity! This is beyond generous and you guys manage to do this daily! Thank you again! I have been curious for quite some time about YeYe Parfums. I just haven’t got around to trying them. I have heard many great things from plenty of trusted sources, CaFleureBon being one of them! I always think it is interesting to hear how someone became a perfumer or what inspired them to create a fragrance brand. With Ernesto’s story, it hits a little close to home. My dream is to be a perfumer or to own a fragrance shop. Perfumes and fragrance are my passion. I am definitely in the wrong field. I went to a vo-tech high school for culinary arts, went to college for architectural engineering, and currently work as a director at a child care center. Again, fragrances are my passion though! Different ends of the spectrum, I know! I am glad to see that Ernesto and Ryan were able to follow their dreams and create YeYe together. I cant wait to try these fragrances either way! I would definitely go with Equus No 8 if I had to choose one. I am following and liked the Profiles in American Perfumery. I saw today was William Carius from Barrister & Mann… another company I need to try out! I live in Delaware. Thanks again for the opportunity!

  • Laurentiu says:

    I liked the part where he says about following and living the American Dream. He had a chance and now he is doing what he loves. I wish him only the best and good luck in this path he has chosen!

    I love how Equus No.8 sounds and that would be my pick. I am from EU. Thank you!

  • jeremyn87 says:

    What interested me the most was his exposure to perfume at a young age. One of the reasons why I’ll always have a soft spot for frags like Monsieur de Givenchy and Armani Eau Pour Homme was for that same reason. I smelled those as a baby, and would get to wear some as a toddler. If I win, I’d like the Equus No 8.
    I’m in the US

  • Love this write up! I would love to win PENHALIGON’S Orange Blossom. I love orange blossom perfumes and I’ve always wanted to own something by Penhaligan’s.
    I live in the US.

  • The mysterious ways that make us love perfumery the way we, both perfume artists and humble consumers, do never cease to amaze me. Ernesto’s path started with Diorissimo as if it were an equivalent of Ariadne’s thread, – well, don’t we all have a special Dior encounter in our past?!

    I’d be happy to try Equus No.8 although I must admit it was a tough choice 🙂 Hope I will get the chance to try them all soon enough.

    Thank you for the fantastic draw. I live in Russia.

    PS I’ve liked the CaFleurebon Profiles in American Perfumery (the name’s Diana Shemenduke)

  • Catanosmia says:

    I have always envied those who have a special calling in their lives and it sounds like Mr. Sanchez-Bujanda is one of those people. It was interesting to read about not only his memories of scents but also the other artists and places that have inspired him.
    Thank you for the article and the draw, I’m in the US and I’d choose Sentiers de Comètes if I won.

  • I love this series. The perfumer’s journeys are always so interesting. I love hearing the path they took to get where they landed. I would choose Sentiers de Cometes if I win. USA

  • Bubeto_GG says:

    Equus No 8 is the one i’d like to win
    Nice journey – i like to travel a lot and i also have a lot of childhood memories just like Ernesto
    I need the grandmothers secret recipe for the caramel fig dessert Lol
    I do follow/like Cafleurebon on FB
    Winchester US and EU…from time to time.

  • WaltherP99 says:

    Some nice mixture of cultures,smells,childhood associations and memories , great description of a fruit paradise.Mentioning of the fig desert with caramel was not fair….i’m on a diet and i do love both caramel and figs…not fair at all.
    Virginia USA and London UK…
    Equus No 8 will be the one for me

  • A great story. Ryan and Ernesto’s passion shows in everything they do. We still have customers who remember Ryan’s dedication to perfection at Caswell-Massey, and we have thoroughly enjoyed exchanging notes and scents with YeYe over the past few months. The scents are wonderful, Equus No. 8 is my personal favorite!

  • Where to begin? I lived in NYC for almost 20 years, commencing in 1973. My time with C-M: 1982-1988, as Manager of the Lexington Ave, Flag Ship Store; and eventually Director of Stores, as C-M expanded with company owned and franchise stores across the US. In 1988 C-M ceased to be family/privately owned and was sold to a Hong Kong Investment Company…and I jumped ship. For the next 30 years, I observed, from a far distance, with utter disbelief and sadness of the demise and near extinction of America’s “Original” Apothecary. No matter what endeavor I was involved in, consumed 24/7, C-M, as Paul Stuart before it, remained a part of me and was never very far from my consciousness. My time with C-M was an exciting time for my professional development. I was deeply saddened that her history, her soul, was being lost, forgotten, seemingly, of no interest to anyone. It was happenstance, and a twist of fate, that I discovered the profile of Nicolas Arauz in Ça Fleure Bon, learning that he now owns the company, has been deeply involved conducting extensive due diligence, preserving his detailed research of Caswell-Massey’s history and his intent on reviving an American Icon. I dare say, due to his efforts, Caswell-Massey has been revamped, reconfigured to fit today’s context and the fragrance industry. In fact, his many revisions, based on historic images, logos, and fragrances, boxing, etc. have made C-M more relevant today than at any time in its 266-year history. The American fragrance industry and many American Citizens owe Nick a great deal of appreciation for his passion of reviving one of America’s most significant icons! Nick, I am most intrigued that Equus No 8 is your favorite; there is a long and fascinating story as to how it come to be known as such; a topic for another time. Thank you!