TALHA KALSEKAR’s family roots run deep in the world of perfumery, but establishing his own brand, HOUSE OF NOYA, was driven by a personal desire to bring a fresh perspective to the art of fragrance. What sparked this decision, and how did he navigate the complexities of building a niche perfume house from the ground up? In this exclusive interview, the founder and creative director opens up about the motivations behind House of Noya, the challenges he faced in bringing his vision to life, and how he sees the brand moving forward.
Talha, House of Noya is deeply rooted in your family’s perfumery legacy. How and why did you decide to found your own brand?
Growing up in a family with a rich perfumery heritage, I was always surrounded by the art of scentmaking from an early age and witnessed firsthand how fragrances have the power to create emotions and trigger memories. However, I felt a desire to bring fresh perspective to the world of fragrances, one that is deeply personal yet universally resonant. House of Noya was born from a passion for creating powerful fragrances that are more than just scents, but also storytellers. I love to design each fragrance in a way that captures moments, emotions, and cultural narratives that connect people, transcending borders. We, at House of Noya, believe in crafting scents that offer a sense of belonging and a shared experience.
What were some of the key challenges or unexpected moments in establishing House of Noya? Is there anything you would have done differently?
Establishing House of Noya has been an incredible journey, marked by both challenges and unexpected moments that have shaped our brand. One of the key challenges faced till now was ensuring all stakeholders understand the brand, the story and the vision to reach the desired quality of product. Niche requires a meticulous approach to quality with the tiniest details playing a part.
As for things I would have done differently, I believe that each step has been integral to our growth. While I wouldn’t change much, I believe I should have had some team members join the Noya team at an earlier stage which would have saved ample time in the growth of the brand.
What are some of your favorite ingredients and themes? Are they reflected in your portfolio? Could you walk us through House of Noya’s creative process?
I personally find ingredients like oud, vetiver, ambergris, and musk to be my favorite—elements that are rich in cultural and historical significance and are also capable of reminiscing profound emotions and memories. These ingredients are frequently incorporated into our fragrance compositions, each serving as a bridge between the past and present, creating a sense of nostalgia and timelessness.
Our creative process always begins with a story—whether it’s an emotion, a cherished memory, or an experience that we want to encapsulate. This story forms the foundation of each fragrance. From there, we collaborate with highly skilled perfumers, who work with us to blend the finest ingredients, ensuring that each scent brings the narrative to life. It’s a collaborative and meticulous process, one that prioritizes authenticity and craftsmanship, making each fragrance not just a scent but a meaningful experience.
House of Noya emphasizes inclusivity and global reach. How do you ensure that your perfumes resonate with people from different cultural backgrounds?
Inclusivity is at the heart of House of Noya. We are deeply committed to drawing inspiration from diverse cultures, carefully respecting and honoring their unique subtleties and nuances. By focusing on universal themes—such as love, nostalgia, and personal discovery—we create fragrances that transcend geographical and cultural boundaries.
Our approach is further enriched by our team of specialized fragrance experts, who bring a broad spectrum of perspectives and insights. This ensures that our high-quality scents resonate with a global audience while maintaining their authenticity.
Could you share a memorable or uncanny story from a customer impacted by one of your perfumes?
One of the most touching experiences I have had was during a train ride from Florence to Milan. After attending a niche fragrance exhibition in Florence, I noticed a family nearby who seemed uncertain about which station to get off at. Overhearing their conversation, I realized they were about to get off at the wrong stop and offered to help. We struck up a conversation, which naturally led to the topic of fragrances. I took the opportunity to show them a discovery set from House of Noya, and they were intrigued. After sampling the scents, I decided to gift them the set.
Few months later, I received a heartfelt message on social media from the family’s daughter. She shared that her mother had passed away shortly after their trip to Italy, and that one fragrance, Saffron Dream, had deeply resonated with her during this difficult time. Her mother, of Arab descent, had always used saffron in her cooking, as it was a key ingredient in the meals she prepared. The scent brought back fond memories of her mother’s cooking and their last family vacation together.
This story profoundly moved me. It reminded me and helped me realize that my work is more than just creating fragrances—it’s about building connections and spreading positivity through the power of scent.
Looking ahead, what is your vision for House of Noya’s future, and how do you plan to keep evolving the brand? What do you see as your biggest differentiator?
My future vision for House of Noya is to continue expanding our global presence while staying true to our rich storytelling heritage. We aim to explore new markets and collaborate with artists and creators from various disciplines. What truly sets us apart in the market is our commitment to authenticity and our ability to infuse diverse cultural stories into each fragrance, transforming every scent into a captivating narrative rather than just a product.
What mark would House of Noya like to leave in history?
I would like House of Noya to be remembered as a brand that brings people together—a brand that celebrates diversity, tells stories that resonate across borders, and brings back emotions that connect us all through the power of scent. In addition, our fragrances are crafted with globally sourced natural ingredients, ensuring quality and authenticity in every bottle. House of Noya’s mark is encapsulating the scent of a memory in a bottle; it is more than just a perfume brand—it is a bridge that unites people through shared experiences and stories.
In 2 or 3 words, how would you define perfume?
Fragments of Self-Expression. I would define perfume to be a scent that uniquely expresses one’s inner world and individuality.
Talha, thank you for your time and for sharing valuable insights with us. Would you like to add something before we wrap up?
Thank you for this wonderful opportunity to share House of Noya’s journey. I would like to add that we believe fragrances are a universal language—a way to connect people, evoke memories, and celebrate diversity. We are excited about what the future holds and are deeply grateful to everyone who has been a part of our journey so far.
Check out House of Noya: https://houseofnoya.com/
(images cortesy of House of Noya)
