Vanilla is the second most expensive spice in the world. Saffron takes first place in this category.
Vanilla can be found in both commercial and domestic products such as for baking, beauty products and perfumes. Since Vanilla is the second most expensive spice in the world, then where do all of the manufactures of these commercial and domestic products get their vanilla spices?
I cannot say because I do not know, but for natural perfumer and owner of A PERFUME ORGANIC, Amanda Walker she has chosen a blend of three vanillas, rare resins and spices to create an exquisite and velvety scented fragrance called, MEJICA.
This new fragrance is produced with certified USDA organics. Mejica Perfume is used with the “vanilla orchard that changed the world”.
A PERFUME ORGANIC company is based on using only the finest organic botanical that are hand-poured locally in Manhattan (New York) in small batches to maintain purity.
Mejica Perfume has a unique scent that is not dark and musky. Its flair to maintain a rich dose of stay powering on the skin is due to its organic roots.
I had a conversation with Ms. Walker on more about Mejica Perfume and how she feels about being a natural perfumer in the Big Apple.
The Interview…
1. Hi Amanda! Thank you so much for your time. First, I have to let you know that vanilla is my all time most favorite scent. I love to wear it and cook with it. Amanda, what is it about the vanilla orchid scent that you like?
A.W.-I LOVE vanilla and I LOVE orchids!! They are such amazing epiphytes - I've been collecting them for years, my favorite is the Paphiopedulum or 'Lady Slipper'. Vanilla has an incredible history and I've been blending different kinds I've sourced and been amazed by the diversity of scent from different distillation methods.
2. Your perfume creation, MEJICA is described as a blend of three vanillas rare resin and spices. Amanda, can you explain what you mean by three vanillas rare resins and spices? Also what does MEJICA mean?
A.W.-I wanted to create a very special perfume using as much vanilla as possible, but didn't want the blend to be sweet and common. Vanilla is seriously difficult to cultivate and process, I think people have grown accustomed to the synthetic, powdery, candy scent commonly labeled as vanilla. When I think of vanilla I think SPICY - JUNGLE - EXOTIC!! Vanilla originated in Mexico thousands of years ago, but is now cultivated in Madagascar and Indonesia. I decided on the name 'Mejica' as it's an old word for Mexico - a reminder of where the plant was first discovered. I also thought blending a vanilla with tree resins and spices would create a more complex and uniquely addictive perfume everyone could love!
3. What do you love most about being a natural perfumer?
A.W.-I like designing healthy scents that are good for me and the environment.
4. I understand that vanilla is the second most expensive spice after saffron due to the extensive labor required growing the vanilla seed pods. Do you find is difficult to acquire this ingredient? Or do you have a supplier(s) that help you when purchasing the vanilla ingredient?
A.W.-It's incredibly difficult to find really high quality certified organic vanilla. I've only been able to located 2 suppliers in the USA.
5. I know you are located in New York and it is truly a very popular place for the perfume industry. You are a natural perfumer, yet not the only natural perfumer in New York, so how do you handle the competition?
A.W.-I don't consider other natural perfumers as 'competition' I see them as colleagues promoting healthy beauty and furthering our cause. I founded a group called the NYC Natural Perfumers for perfume fans, perfumers, artists, entrepreneurs and enthusiasts to create a dialog about scent, try new/rare natural perfumes, and network. It's been so much fun and super successful, we have over 300 members!!!
Thank you so much Amanda for answering my questions. I know have a deeper understanding and even more love for the vanilla orchid. I wish you continued success!
INFORMATION: aperfumeorganic.com
CONTACT: amanda@aperfumeorganic.com
NYC NATURAL PERFUMERS (meetup.com/NYC-Natural-and-Organic Perfumers)
******************GIVEAWAY***************
Due to the generosity of Amanda Walker, Fragrance Belles-Lettres is offering one perfume sample of five 1ml tester vials of Green, Urban Organic, White Musk, Perfumed Wine 'Rose' and Mejica! A Perfume Organic Collection.
2. On the subject line put Amanda Walker Contest
3. In the body, write your city and state
The GIVEAWAY begins on Wednesday, February 2nd through Wednesday, February 8th at 8:00pm (EST)
Good Luck to you all!!
PHOTO CREDIT: aperfumeorganic.com, facebook, wikipedia.com
0 comments