The first time I was stung by a bee was when I was busy brewing a perfume from the local vegetation. (I was six years old.) I took it as a sign that the bee liked my perfume. Ever since then I have been exploring the scents of nature. Through my research into ancient anointing oils and early perfumes and aromatics, I discovered the art of natural perfumes. After many years of self-study I started to market my perfumes and founded African Aromatics. I like to include in all my perfumes some elements that reflects my environment and at least one extract that I have made myself from local flowers. All my perfumes contain African elements in them and I use only natural extracts to compose my perfumes.
Africa is the environment in which I live and breathe in. Steiner once said that the geography of the land reflects the hidden forces that shapes not only the landscape but is also a reflection of the Folk-Souls and thus shapes those born there. Just as the geography of the land reflects its hidden forces, so do the plants that have evolved from its soils and were shaped by its climatic conditions. Plants in turn, imbue us with their essence and thus the soul of the land, in one way or another. Even when you go walking in different biomes you will notice the difference in feel from one area to another, although they may be separated only by short distances.
In reality we are all constantly being “enflowered” by our environment. The whole of the ecosystem shapes the individual elements within it and we are shaped in the same way. Although there is great variety in plants and the ethnic groups within Africa, we all share a common element that on the surface may perhaps not be easy to discern, yet it is there. I can only describe it in ethereal terms. We who live in Africa are all infused with the soul and spirit of Africa, so are my perfumes.
Africa and nature continues to serve as my inspiration.
With Love and Sunshine, in Africa
Sophia
Alwyne by Pierneef
