Founder of Basium Fragrances
How was Basium Fragrances born? When did you have the idea of starting a fragrance oil brand?
When I was 17, I moved overseas to pursue my modeling career, I was traveling full time and living between Paris and New York which was really exciting but I also soon began to find that it became all-consuming and very intense, so I decided I needed to balance my time and channel my energy into something that I found more purposeful. So I began to study aromatherapy, natural perfumery, and other wellness subjects, mostly online but also in some cities on longer stays. And from that Basium was born!
Why are fragrances generally toxic and what effects can we generally experience? Any statistics?
More than 95 percent of the chemicals in synthetic fragrances are derived from petrochemicals. These chemicals disrupt hormone activity, cause reproductive malformation and they have also been linked to liver and breast cancer, diabetes and obesity - some of which are cited on the EPA’s hazardous waste list.
Definitely not something we want to put on our bodies!
Where do you source your essential oils from?
We currently source our ingredients from a range of accredited organic suppliers, but our goal is to build personal relationships with the growers and their families. Since we launched the brand, travel has been off-limits due to the virus but when we are able to move freely again, it will be a priority for us.
Where do you produce the fragrance oil and how do you ensure the aroma is preserved?
BASIUM began at home and it has slowly evolved into our carefully curated range, which is now produced in our artisanal laboratory in the UK. To ensure the aroma is preserved we use a very high concentration of essential oils which is also why our perfume oils last longer and you don’t need to use as much.
You have a beautiful branding and Aesthetic.
What was your biggest visual inspiration to create Basium Fragrances?
I wanted to create something timeless, yet fun and colourful! I found a lot of my inspiration derived from the colour tones of our ingredients and also the raw, unpolished and genuine elements of nature.
What certifications do you have or are you working on that?
I studied aromatherapy in New York and I am currently finishing up my training as a holistic health coach. I have also studied various herbalism and natural perfumery courses over the past few years.
What have been your biggest challenges so far as an entrepreneur?
The whole process has been an incredible learning curve, as this is the first time I have been involved with creating a brand and what goes along with it. From the product development, branding, packaging, website etc, the list goes on. Each of these areas have had their own hurdles and there have been plenty of moments where things have tested my nerves but fortunately, I am surrounded by some loving friends and family who have been able to lend a helping hand along the way.
Do you still model? How do you combine having a start up and modelling?
Yes, I am still modeling full-time, so time management has become very important!
Often I find myself mid photoshoot discussing ingredients and products with hair and make-up artists which is fun but also a little distracting. I also love to make the most of the travel opportunities to immerse myself in each country's Botanics, cultures, and ideas which I then incorporate into BASIUM.
What are your plans in the next year for Basium?
I have so many dreams for Basium! To continue to build something of meaning is my main aim, not selling more products. Our goal is to support small farmers and source all of our ingredients locally as well as collaborating with like-minded people who share our beliefs and value our earth, the way we do.
