As a collector over the years, I learned all of the ways I want and do not want TSVGA PARFVMS to operate.  Something I always wanted was transparency, and to be able to see some behind the scenes and inner workings of the brand.  I wanted to see the perfumers station, and the perfumer at work.  I wanted to have a view of his perfume organ, resting assured they had a collection of high quality ingredients.  If they claimed “hand-made” presentation, I wanted to see them making it with their hands.  That is why I enjoy being very open about my process and broadcasting it on youtube and instagram for you all to see.  

Sometimes in natural perfumery, scent profile can vary with one ingredient even if you buy from the same source again, and sometimes an ingredient becomes unavailable. This is no reason to stop making a beloved fragrance. If an ingredient needs to change, then it will change. The fragrance will live on despite mild necessary batch variations, as long as those variations do not severely alter the fragrance. If you are into natural artisanal fragrances, you are likely aware of this already and are okay with it. This happens with natural brands whether they are transparent about it or not. I will also do intentional batch variations at times, and will disclose this under “batch variation” in the details of the fragrance.  

It is important to know each brand’s definition of natural and what their values are. For some brands, “natural” could mean using mainly natural isolates- which really are no less harsh than synthetics.  For those deeply passionate about using all naturals, that means using the raw materials such as essential oils, absolutes, and tinctures.  For TSVGA, the standard has evolved since launch. All fragrances moving forward are planned to be all natural, with no aroma ‘natural’ isolates.  I was initially okay with some partially synthetic fragrances in my line of offerings.  I have since become very sensitive to most synthetic aroma molecules to the point where my throat feels like it is closing up, my eyes burn, I feel nauseous and get a head ache.  This has led to reformulating those blends. I also use natural benzyl benzoate and natural triethyl citrate at times to break up the gunk at the bottom of batches that forms from using cacao and vanilla absolutes etc. I believe it is very important to be transparent with you about all these little details. The lack of disclosure around this has kept me from purchasing many fragrances as brands refuse to reveal information that I believe is important for the consumer to know, especially when it comes to allergies. Folks can be allergic or sensitive to some naturals just how I am to synthetics, and I will always confirm or deny usage of such ingredients in my formulas if you need to know.

Do not be fooled by perfumers that don’t want to invest significantly more money in raw materials that try to convince you that aroma molecules and naturals are the same thing, smell the same, or are somehow more “pure.” And don’t take my word for how much better it feels to inhale naturals vs synthetics either. Your nose will make that decision for you. Your nose knows, and it cannot be fooled. There is a reason some of us choose to make these larger investments and make significantly lower profit margins. To us, it is worth it.