Discover the captivating story behind MY GEISHA in this conversation where founder DENISA TANASE reveals how a dinner-table sketch became a global name in beauty and perfumery. Rooted in the mystique and grace of geishas, my Geisha celebrates confidence, individuality, and artistry. Spanning perfumes, skincare, and fashion, this brand reflects a holistic vision of empowerment. Join us as Denisa shares the inspirations, challenges, and triumphs that have shaped my Geisha into a symbol of elegance and self-expression across 15 countries.
Denisa, could you walk us through the history of my Geisha? What were the initial goals and inspirations? What is the story behind the brand’s name?
The story of my Geisha is one close to my heart, and it’s rooted in a moment of spontaneity and vision. It all started when my husband sketched out a business plan on a napkin during a dinner. We were dreaming big, envisioning a brand that would bring people joy, confidence, and a touch of luxury in their everyday lives. That simple sketch evolved into the my Geisha we know today—a brand that now spans 15 countries, with over 50 stores globally!
The name my Geisha itself was inspired by the elegance and mystique of geishas, who have long symbolized beauty, grace, and inner strength. I wanted a name that would capture that same allure and empower anyone who wears our fragrances. Geishas, after all, aren’t just performers—they’re artists who embody dedication, grace, and confidence. These are the qualities I wanted our products and brand story to express.
Our initial goal was to create perfumes that not only smell incredible but that also resonate emotionally. I believe fragrance is deeply personal, evoking memories, creating moods, and connecting people to themselves and others in powerful ways. We expanded from our original oriental scents—luxurious and long-lasting—to also include skincare and collaborations with renowned brands from around the world, so that my Geisha could become a holistic experience of beauty and self-care.
What started as a dream on a napkin is now an inspiring journey of growth and connection. Today, my Geisha is about celebrating individuality, boosting confidence, and helping everyone feel amazing in their own skin. It’s a journey I am so grateful to be part of, and it’s only just beginning!
Makeup, body care, fashion, and perfumes… How are these categories interconnected? What role does perfumery play within the brand?
Our portfolio is truly a reflection of the holistic approach to beauty and confidence that defines my Geisha. For me, beauty isn’t just about one product or one moment—it’s about an entire experience that brings out the best in you. Every category we offer, from perfumes to makeup skincare, body care and fashion, is part of that larger vision of helping people feel empowered, authentic, and radiant in their own unique way.
Perfume, though, is the heart and soul of our brand. Scent has this incredible ability to reach people on a profound level. It can transform your mood, enhance your presence, and even evoke memories that define who you are. With my Geisha, I wanted every fragrance to be a journey in itself—a statement of confidence that reflects your personality. That’s why we start with powerful, long-lasting oriental notes and pair them with ingredients that evoke a sense of luxury and comfort. All our products are interconnected by this vision of creating an experience that’s deeply personal. But perfume is what brings it all together; it’s that final touch that amplifies everything else, adding a layer of seduction and allure.
In the end, my Geisha is about more than beauty—it’s about confidence, connection, and the power of self-expression. Everything we create is designed to help people feel their best, inside and out.
When it comes to perfumery, how does the creative process unfold? Is there a common thread that ties my Geisha’s different fragrances together?
The creative process in perfumery is like an unfolding story for me—one that begins with a vision of a feeling or experience that I want to share. At my Geisha, each fragrance starts with an inspiration, often tied to a sensory or emotional journey, and evolves through selecting high-quality, unique ingredients that capture that essence.
The common thread across all my Geisha fragrances is a commitment to crafting scents that feel empowering and transformative. I aim for each fragrance to be both captivating and lasting, evoking a deep, memorable connection. Our scents are rooted in oriental notes, like oud, incense, or precious woods, which bring richness and depth.
Throughout the process, I work closely with our perfumers and research team to ensure each scent not only smells incredible but also delivers an experience—like boosting energy, evoking calm, or even reducing anxiety. This dedication to well-being and confidence is what ties all our fragrances together, making them more than just perfumes. They’re designed to resonate with you on a deeper level, as a part of your personal journey and expression.
In the end, every my Geisha fragrance is crafted to be unforgettable, a scent that lingers both on the skin and in the mind, embodying our philosophy of “Essence of Confidence.”
Which fragrance is your best-seller? If you had to recommend just one of your fragrances to a potential customer, which would it be and why?
Our best-selling fragrance is my Geisha Cannabis Extrait de Parfum. If I had to recommend just one scent to a potential customer, this would definitely be the one. Cannabis is so much more than a fragrance; it’s an experience that taps into both the senses and emotions.
What makes Cannabis special is the intriguing blend of notes that come together to create something both bold and soothing. It opens with that unmistakable, narcotic hint of cannabis, which we’ve paired with earthy coffee, warm tobacco, oud, and smoky incense. Together, these notes create an alluring and mysterious scent with a depth that resonates differently on each person’s skin, making it uniquely personal.
Beyond its captivating scent, Cannabis is designed to enhance well-being. This fragrance has been crafted with notes that offer calming, anti-anxiety effects, while also being energizing. So, not only will you smell amazing, but you’ll feel uplifted and confident—a true essence of confidence that can carry you through anything your day holds.
Our Cannabis Extrait de Parfum it’s a national sensation. It was the best-selling fragrance in Romania in 2023, and as of mid-2024, it holds the position of the second best-selling fragrance year-to-date. my Geisha’s success doesn’t stop there—we’re among the top three best-selling perfume brands in Romania, with three of our fragrances, including Cannabis, Musk, and Sakura, ranking in the top five nationwide. They’re followed closely by fan favorites Foreplay and Rose Poudre.
Consumers are increasingly interested in sustainability and ethical sourcing. How does my Geisha address these important aspects?
From the very beginning, we’ve focused on crafting high-quality, long-lasting formulations, which reduces the need for frequent repurchases and helps minimize waste. Our fragrances are designed to last longer on the skin, meaning a single bottle goes a long way.
In terms of sourcing, we work closely with suppliers to choose ingredients that are ethically and sustainably produced. For example, we partner with vegan, cruelty-free brands like Stara Mydlarnia and collaborate with skincare companies such as Hanskin and Beaudiani that prioritize safe, responsibly-sourced ingredients. We know consumers care deeply about these issues, and we do too. Each step we take is a reflection of our commitment to offering beautiful, luxurious products that honor both people and planet.
My Geisha is available in ten European countries and also Kuwait, Taiwan, Qatar, and Etiopia. Are there plans to expand further, and how have the various cultures responded to the brand?
Yes, absolutely! We’re thrilled to see my Geisha resonate with people in so many places, from Europe to Qatar, and we’re actively looking at opportunities for further expansion. Every market we enter offers new perspectives, and it’s incredibly fulfilling to see how different cultures respond to our fragrances and skincare.
As we plan our next steps, we’re looking at expanding into other regions where scent plays a pivotal role in personal and cultural expression. Each market brings a unique set of preferences and traditions, and we’re committed to understanding and honoring these as we grow. Our goal is to bring my Geisha to more people worldwide while maintaining the essence that makes us distinct—a celebration of confidence, beauty, and cultural connection.
What mark would my Geisha like to leave in history?
At my Geisha, our dream is to leave a legacy of confidence, beauty, and empowerment. We want to be remembered as a brand that went beyond the surface to create products with true meaning, products that invite people to discover and embrace their unique selves. Each fragrance, each skincare item, and every innovation we bring is about celebrating individuality and the journey of self-confidence.
In history, I hope my Geisha will be seen as a brand that shifted the beauty industry’s focus from external perfection to internal strength and authenticity. We want to encourage people to feel incredible in their own skin and to use our products as tools for self-expression and well-being.
So, if my Geisha can be remembered as the brand that helped people feel beautiful not just on the outside but deeply within, I’ll consider that our greatest success. Our legacy is about leaving a lasting imprint on people’s lives, one that goes beyond scent and skincare to touch the soul, making confidence and beauty a part of everyone’s story.
In 2 or 3 words, how would you define perfume?
For me, perfume is “Essence of Confidence.” It’s that invisible accessory that captures emotion, memory, and personality, allowing you to express your true self without saying a word.
Thank you, Denisa, 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 interview —it’s been a pleasure sharing my journey and passion with you! If there’s one message I’d love to leave, it’s this: never underestimate the power of your dreams and the strength you have within to bring them to life. my Geisha started as a simple idea scribbled on a napkin, and it’s grown into a brand that celebrates beauty, confidence, and individuality in ways I could only dream of.
To everyone who’s been part of this journey—our incredible team, our loyal customers, and the growing my Geisha family around the world—thank you. Remember to embrace your unique essence, pursue your passions without fear, and always, always wear your confidence like a fragrance. That’s the spirit of my Geisha.
Check out My Geisha: https://mygeisha.com
(images cortesy of My Geisha)
