I went to India on a trip of a lifetime with my best-friend. Stumbling 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.

Founding the Perfume Playground™ sat alongside an immersion into the natural world which included certification in flower essences, aromatherapy, medical herbalism, plant shamanism & Rongoa Maori Medicine, complementing my Bachelor of Science marvellously.

Then, I followed my nose to the USA to become a Certified Natural Perfumer under world renowned alchemist Mandy Aftel.  

This unique combination of scent, science and wonder lead to the development of the Perfume Playground™.

Within the first year of business we hosted one thousand club members in five global locations and made over fifty fragrances for brands, events or to mark a special occasion. Not a day goes by where I 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 

THE MANIFESTO

to raise the vibration and creative endeavours of others; 

exploration of scent, soul + science.

refinement of ideas, people and places into fine fragrance that is natural, empowering, 

precious and personal; performance perfume

to give more than we take. 

a multi-sensory space to restore your connection to self & the land; 

to enjoy your wonder & wisdom.

 

perfume is the music of my dreams

ANNICK GOUTAL

 

THE FOUNDER

Hello, I'm Samantha.

I longed for a luxurious natural perfume that belonged in my beauty cabinet, when I couldn't find one I decided to learn how to design. I love translating ideas into fragrant for using Scent Soul Science. I enjoy collaborating, sharing and helping others reclaim their senses.

Early days

While at high school I played the flute to the standard of performance equivalent to someone studying full time at a conservatoire. I rarely performed despite my A.T.C.L qualifications, tormented by perfectionism.

I graduated with a Bachelor of Science, majoring in Pharmacology & Psychology. My first job was in the Prestige Fragrance Division at CS Company in New Zealand. I fell in love with perfume in this role. I designed my first Perfume at Galimard in Grasse, France in 2005.

Corporate Life

Renowned for Strategy, Business Development & Building legacy systems during 10 Years managing projects in New Zealand and Internationally, I was made redundant from a company I'd been part of for five years.

Slowing down

I lived most of my life in a rush, ambitious yet distracted, always hunting new opportunities. I worked hard, for long hours and attained many luxuries of life. This rush took a toll on me mentally, physically and socially. I often projected my emotions onto others, struggling to feel content and often keeping score. I was encouraged to practise Medical Qi Gong to manage shin splints that had formed from hours of marathon training. Learning to move with my breath and body I slowly created space and reclaimed my senses.

I founded the Perfume Playground™ for you to rediscover the natural world, to connect with your natural wonder and wisdom; to reclaim your senses.

I teach, sharing my knowledge freely.

I design, for beauty and wellbeing.

 

SCENT DESIGN

We work to uncover your true essence and translate it into scent for distribution, using the most precious natural ingredients.

LEARN MORE

CREATE YOUR FUTURE FRAGRANCE

Be prepared to raise your vibration.

CUSTOM DESIGN

SENSORY EXPERIENCE

Host a private scent session. It's magical.

DISCOVER HOW

JOIN THE CLUB

Explore with friends and family.

BECOME A MEMBER

THE TEAM

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

I do a whole mixed bag of things at PP! 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 to PP in the first place because of it's use of scent soul science to create natural fragrance. Exploring and learning all about this further as I help with perfume creation is a whole heap of fun.
 
2. What do you do when you’re not at PP?
You'll most likely find me roaming around Cornwall Park gazing at the trees and flowers - film camera in hand. Reading about essential oils has also been a recent hobby! 
  
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.