PERFUMERY + ART = MAGICK

Since my first encounter with perfume in my youth, I was instantly drawn to the compact aspect perfume had though it resided in a small container while holding immense potency, silage and longevity. To honor this compact potency, my first iteration of parfum oils come in 1 dram sizes and are alcohol free. A series I intend to continue while still exploring other sizes, possibilities and spray perfumes in the future. As well as delving deeper into manufacturing incense and other products that appeal to the olfactory senses.

Since this beginning of this journey of scent, I’ve been on a quest for exploring all the various elements that exist in the world that can be used in scent, their qualities, what they do in blends, and most importantly how they behave and if they last over time. After reading books on archaeology, religion, Ancient Egypt, perfumery, and alchemy, as well as inheriting a rich South Asian heritage where scent is used on a daily basis, I realized the significance of the olfactory arts and the ability for them to induce flight, create and change the atmosphere and unlock portals within and outside the human body. Not to mention the immense healing and medicinal abilities natural substances have and whenever possible appreciate the potency of their essential oils. Inducing scent happens of course as we all know via the nose, an organ that connects directly to our frontal lobes in our brains for us to be able to process smell. This path is a direct and short connection in order to process this complex information. After 3 decades of trial, failure and experimentation, I finally felt compelled to start my own quest into all things related to scent XAMBUCA OLFACTORY is that endeavor, and it’s a companion one to my music project entitled XAMBUCA.

I’m based out of my home in Asheville, NC where I hand make these amazing, scented offerings. I pride myself on being a niche and limited edition perfume operation with an emphasis on olfactory arts as well as scents with an intention and purpose. This while simultaneously being a staunch environmentalist and activist and emphasizing using natural sources as much as possible. I want people to make scent a part of their every day lives and not deny themselves the luxury of perfumes that can be offered for an affordable price. Our scents are always unisex / omni-scent. Meaning anyone can wear them regardless of distinction.

Thank you for supporting me on this journey of exploration.

~Chandra Shukla