Meet Trailblazer Lesli Wood

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lesli Wood.

Lesli, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I started La Curie in 2013 with the intention of making scents based on mythologies and ancient places. I wanted to create scents that work on an emotional level. My aromas are rooted in history, with an edge of spirituality. I think fragrances can be an act of adornment or protection. Mostly I wanted to capture some of the enigmatic and dreamy combinations that were ‘in my head.’

I love to explore interesting combinations and not base a fragrance around ‘jasmine’ for example. I’m looking for mixes that noses can’t decipher. It’s a strange process to explain, but it’s part of why I don’t release too many perfumes; usually one per year.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I relied on just word of mouth to get accounts, exposure and introduce people to my scents. I like that people felt like they discovered a secret that no one knew about. I did get a lot of exposure when I submitted a perfume to the Art and Olfaction institute for judging and ended up winning the artisan award for 2016.

If anything, I get overloaded a bit with the business side and would rather focus on creating. I’m better at being a creator than a business person! Creatively I would recommend having a few good friends for sharing ideas with and for me ‘skin’ to test scents on is essential. I would suggest finding a balance of getting feedback and being true to your vision.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about LA CURIE – what should we know?
I make artisan unisex scents and candles for my La Curie line and do a few fragrance collaborations and other art and music occasionally. I have my way of mixing that starts with an idea of a scent that I can ‘smell’ in my head. It’s not easy to explain, but I work from that inspiration mostly. Occasionally I create from a physical place which is also part fantasy and not completely based in reality. I like to do odd combinations or themes that are also very wearable. My favorite theme/scent is Odyssey that I created ‘natural botanicals from space’…like candied comet dust and astroid sap. Lately, I’ve been taking photographs (without perfume bottles in them!) from some of my collection of natural history specimens.

Do you recommend any apps, books or podcasts that have been helpful to you?
I listen to or look at mostly anything not related to perfume making. I like to stay in my head and not be influenced by the industry or what others are doing. I do dig into ancient history, art, other cultures for inspiration and to have time away from being a ‘business.’

Contact Info:

• Website: la-curie.com
• Email: info@la-curie.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/la_curie/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lacurieperfume/
• Other: https://www.instagram.com/leslinoe/ for other art and creative projects

Image Credit:
La Curie

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