EMILY works full-time in business development management for a global law firm based in Philadelphia and recently completed her MBA. When she’s not immersed in the legal world, she’s the owner of a photography company and creates social media content and ad campaigns for fragrance brands. She has spent the last decade as a professional wedding photographer but fell even more in love with photography and fragrance when she launched Extrait.Inspired.
My favorite notes are saffron, immortelle, oud, honey, and cardamom. I love rich, luscious, alluring scent profiles and these notes have always spoken to me.
I became a fragrance content creator because of the intersection of two passions – photography and fragrance – and it brings me so much joy to bring them together. This community sparked life back into my love of photography after a long break during the pandemic when weddings slowed to a halt, and I fell in love with sharing the perfumes I adore with my friends, family, and followers.
The unique aspect of my work is: I try to create magic out of nothing and everything. Expressing how I interpret fragrance visually is deeply fulfilling, exciting, challenging, and inspiring to me as an artist. My ‘behind the scenes’ may never be pretty or glamorous, but I think that’s what makes it special. I’ve shot my cherished Amouage bottles on top of my bathroom toilet, my Rojas balancing amidst moving boxes, and laying in dirt to capture the shot I see in my mind without the use of AI. You can create and explore your inspirations in any tiny corner of the world, and I aim to translate scents from smell to sight for my audience.
So far, my contribution to the fragcom has been what I hope is beautiful photos, and an open mind and willingness to learn more about the art of perfumery. I also love to highlight and support indie brands and small business owners, because I’m one myself.
A good fragrance is one that evokes emotion, ties back to scent memories, and/or connects with your sense of self. Acting as an extension of you in scent form.
The best aspect of ScentXplore is connecting with fragrance friends, brands and perfumers. ScentXplore was the first time my online community was brought to life, and I credit that experience as the starting point of so many close friendships I’m lucky enough to have now. Also, hearing first-hand from perfumers where their inspiration came from and sniffing scents that challenge and excite you – it’s a dream come true. It’s remarkable to be in an environment with so many passionate and like-minded people.
In a few words, to me perfume is art, innovation, and part of who I am.
EMILY’S LIFETIME SCENTS
Silky Woods Elixir by Goldfield & Banks
Anyone who knows me knows this will be on my list. It’s like being wrapped in a syrupy, lush forest hug with a hefty dose of fig, saffron, vanilla, and oud. It’s loud, luxurious, woody, and simply delicious. This was a standout moment in my fragrance journey, as I felt an immediate connection to this scent and it hasn’t wavered since. I think it runs through my veins at this point.
Amber Aoud by Roja Parfums
This was my “when you know you know” moment coming to life in fragrance form. I knew I’d love it before smelling it, and finally got my nose on it at Beverly Hills Perfumery (sneaking sniffs of the blotter for weeks after!) I cherish every drop of this and love to save for special occasions.
Fleur Narcotique Extrait by Ex Nihilo
A feminine, floral powerhouse. I wear this when I need to reach for that dose of confidence and strength. My bottle is engraved with my Instagram handle and signed by Benoit Verdier. Both the scent and the bottle are lifelong keepsakes in my collection.
Suze by Boka
Suze is a reminder that it’s still possible to smell something like you’ve never experienced before, inviting you to think about all that can come in the world of perfumery. Smoky florals, spearmint, and fossilized amber complete this insanely addicting scent profile. I got to experience and share my feedback on the earlier iterations of this scent, which was my first time being involved in the development of a fragrance.
Guidance by Amouage
My first introduction to the world of Amouage, and another lifelong staple. A nuclear statement of pear, hazelnut, and florals – leaving me feeling beautiful and ready to take on the world. This is particularly special to me because of my work during the Guidance Art Contest, marking an incredibly special photo series that I’m so proud of.
No. 23 by Fischersund
Fifteen or more years ago, my father and I saw Sigur Ros in concert. Fast forward to 2024, I was in Iceland experiencing Jonsi’s family-run perfumery. No. 23 is easily the most “challenging” on this list of favorites, with notes like tar, licorice, and cypress, yet is surprisingly wearable (and addicting). Nobody does birch tar like Fischersund. This scent is deeply tied to both my childhood and adulthood in a deeply unique way.
Follow Emily on Instagram @extrait.inspired
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(image credits: Emily)
