OUR STORY

We envision a world where everybody feels their best - physically, emotionally, spiritually and psychologically. 

 

On a trip of a lifetime to India we stumbled upon a perfume store in Rajasthan. I purchased the shop's stock of crystal glass bottles on a whim. Told of their unlikely arrival by India Post, promised to follow my dream if they arrived safely home. 

As the founder, I've immersed myself in the natural world studying Natural Perfumery under world renowned alchemist Mandy Aftel, Flower Essences, Aromatherapy, Plant Shamanism, Medical Herbalism and Rongoa Maori Medicine. 

I also hold a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacology & Psychology and Performance Music, relevant for my early understanding of classical composition.

This tapestry of interests has formed the basis of a new approach to designing and sharing Natural Fragrance using Scent, Soul & Science.

Within the first year of business we hosted one thousand club members in three global locations and made over fifty fragrances for brands, events or to mark a special occasion. Not a day goes by where we don't experiment with scent & science designing and sharing shimmering layers of prestige fragrance.

Perfume is probably the most sophisticated creation one can make; it's very intellectual. It's the most valuable product of our spirit.

PATRICIA NICOLAI 

 

WHAT WE DO

Natural Scent design for brands, people and places who share our passion for scent’s ability to inspire, connect and be wholly life enhancing.

 

 

 

OUR TEAM

MORGAN BROWN-SHARPE
FRAGRANCE MANAGER

1. What do you do at Perfume Playground (what do you love about it)? 

I do a whole mixed bag of things! Helping Sam design fragrance and branding to its greatest potential is my favourite part. I am fascinated by the healing properties of nature, which is what drew me here in the first place because of it's use of scent soul science to create natural fragrance. 

2. What do you do when you’re not here?

You'll most likely find me roaming around Cornwall Park gazing at the trees and flowers - film camera in hand. 

3. Tell me about a time when you were in pure joy?

There is this one time which came to mind, I was hiking in the Waitakere Ranges... after setting up camp- I went for a wander. I stumbled across a gap in the bushes, revealing the most intense sunset I have ever seen. It was scarlet red and brushed with blazing orange. I swore to myself I would never forget this treasure I had witnessed!

4. What do you avoid at all costs?

WASPS. I had a "near death" experience (an over-exaggeration but seemed like it to my 13 year old mind), when a nest of wasps exploded under my foot whilst orienteering on Mt Eden, and I was stung 11 times. Every time I see a wasp nowadays- I seriously freak and embarrass myself.

5. What are you listening to / watching / following that makes you move?

A band called Still Woozy I am really enjoying for their up-tempo, electronic, jazzy tunes. I love taking a walk and feeling energized by their music.

POPPY HEWISON
FRAGRANCE ASSISTANT

1. What do you do at Perfume Playground (what do you love about it)?

So far I have helped out with tasks such as helping create invitations for club events! I love the creative energy and freedom I feel when I helped design these.

2. What do you do when you’re not here?

I study Visual arts majoring in painting at AUT. Recently I've spent a lot of time in the ceramics lab, I've extended my painting practice into sculpture.

3. Tell me about a time when you were in pure joy?

When I first tried creating a ceramic bowl by hand throwing on the wheel. I find it to be a soothing yet exciting pass time, it can also be incredibly therapeutic.

4. What do you avoid at all costs?

I can't stand wasps, makes doing the gardening hard!

5. What are you listening to / watching / following that makes you move?

I am really enjoying listening to King Krule at the moment, reminds me of summer time.

AVIVA VAN DEN HEEVER
FRAGRANCE ASSISTANT

1. What do you do at Perfume Playground (what do you love about it)?

That it is all natural! I also love the idea of working with your senses.

2. What do you do when you’re not here?

Study, work, read, tramp and eat!

3. Tell me about a time when you were in pure joy?

The moment when my best friend became my fiancé... I didn’t know whether to smile, laugh or cry (so it was a bit of a combination)

4. What do you avoid at all costs?

Meat and Auckland traffic.

5. What are you listening to / watching / following that makes you move?

I listen to just about everything. I still watch Grey’s Anatomy and just started watching the Fantastical Mrs. Maisel (a story about a female comedian in the 1950s and how she leads the way for female comedians). Yoga, Pilates and a good Step class always gets me into the rhythm of things.