Why We Chose The Society of Scent
One of the questions I get asked most often is how we select the fragrances that become part of our candle-making experiences discovery. The answer takes me back nearly eight years, to a chance encounter in New York with French perfumer Frédéric Jacques. Long before we ever discussed working together, I was struck by something that has become increasingly rare in today's fragrance industry: authenticity.
In a world where many launches are shaped by trends, marketing strategies, celebrity collaborations, and consumer research, Frédéric has always remained committed to a much more personal philosophy. He creates fragrances because they move him, not because they fit the market.
The Society of Scent, the fragrance house he founded with his wife, Marisha, reflects that philosophy in every collection. Each perfume is built around exceptional raw materials, carefully selected ingredients, and a deep respect for the craft of perfumery. Rather than chasing what is fashionable, Frédéric approaches fragrance as an artist approaches a canvas, allowing creativity, intuition, and years of technical expertise to guide every composition. The result is a collection of fragrances that feel distinctive, timeless, and deeply personal.
What makes his work even more remarkable is the experience behind it. Frédéric began his journey in perfumery at the age of thirteen before continuing his education at the prestigious Roure Perfumery School in Grasse, the historic heart of French perfumery. Over the course of his career, he has created fragrances for some of the world's most iconic luxury houses, including Hermès, Armani, Ralph Lauren, and Thierry Mugler. Yet despite an extraordinary résumé, what I admire most is not the list of brands he has worked with, but the independence he has preserved throughout his career. His creative decisions are driven by passion rather than commercial trends, and that integrity is something I deeply respect.
When I founded Artisane, my vision was never simply to host candle-making workshops. I wanted to create experiences rooted in craftsmanship, beauty, hospitality, and emotion. Every detail matters, from the table design to the music, the flowers, and of course, the fragrances our guests discover throughout the experience. Partnering with The Society of Scent felt like a natural extension of that vision because we share the same belief that true luxury is never about excess; it is about intention, quality, and creating something meaningful that people remember long after the moment has passed.
Today, when guests experience the fragrances featured during our workshops, they are discovering much more than beautiful scent compositions. They are experiencing the work of a perfumer who has dedicated his life to his craft and who continues to create with the same curiosity, discipline, and artistic freedom that first inspired me all those years ago. In many ways, our collaboration represents what Artisane stands for: celebrating artisans who choose authenticity over trends and craftsmanship over convention, while creating experiences that engage the senses and leave lasting memories.
One final note, because people always ask me which fragrances I reach for the most. My personal favorites from The Society of Scent are Rose Rage and Sucre Érable, two creations that beautifully illustrate Frédéric's ability to balance technical mastery with emotion. They are distinctive, elegant, and unlike anything else in my fragrance collection. If you're curious to discover his work and explore the full collection, I invite you to visit The Society of Scent's website and experience his world for yourself.
