The Majorelle Garden in Marrakech was one of the destinations on my ‘fragrant locations’ bucket list - a list my father shared with me as a child. A skilled cosmetic chemist and someone who was incredibly well-read, he instilled in me a deep appreciation for the world of scents and the beauty of fragrance.

Originally designed by French painter Jacques Majorelle in the 1920’s and later restored by Yves Saint Laurent, this garden is a masterpiece of exotic plants, serene pathways, and striking architecture. 

My taxi arrived super early - I’d been told by the hotel concierge that the best time to visit was first thing in the morning when the sun is still rising. Inside the garden, the air was cool with dew still glistening on the plants. There was hint of floral notes in the air — a delicate touch of orange blossom, perhaps sweet jasmine, and definitely more than a whisper of exotic spices drifting in from the nearby souk. 

After walking around this inner oasis with its hidden corners, fountains and statues, I sat back, relaxed, and sipped an orange tea, fully soaking up the tranquility. It was much needed after such an early start whilst on holiday! And yes - a moment of total inspiration for me. I wanted to bring that feeling home - a fragrance that would encapsulate the warmth of Spring’s first light, the soft floral notes, and the sense of peace and vitality I felt right then in the garden. 

Returning to my studio and after a long search and many possibilities, I finally found THE ONE. Inspired by a similar experience, a leading British perfumer had crafted a scent designed to capture the feeling of fresh beginnings and the warmth of the sun’s first rays. It smelled exactly like I had imagined - uplifting and gentle— yet full of vitality with a subtle hint of something mysterious.

From there, the journey continued. I began testing candles for their quality of throw, burn time, clean performance, and appearance. Candles are the trickiest part, but after some careful refinement, I created the Sunrise range, along with a reed diffuser and room mist to complete the collection. 

This fragrance is perfect for Spring, embodying the essence of renewal and fresh beginnings. Its delicate floral notes, coupled with the warmth and brightness of citrus, make it the ideal scent to embrace the season’s promise of growth and rejuvenation.

You can experience this beautiful fragrance in my Sunrise products, and I hope it brings a bit of that magic and warmth into your home as well.