My warmest greetings to you all!
I’m Kate Byrd—a pharmacist by trade, perfumista by nature, avid gardener, culinary virtuoso, freelance writer, and amateur photographer. It’s my pleasure to introduce you to my blog, Florafilia, dedicated to the realm of flowers and fragrance.
Why flowers?
Flowers have always held a fascination for me. Their fleeting beauty, graceful forms, vibrant colors, and exquisite scents have forever charmed my senses. Each blossom weaves its narrative, from the regal rose to sultry jasmine. In my native California, I had an acre on a hillside dotted with native oaks where I collected David Austin roses and antique varieties of lavender.
Now, I live in a tropical valley in Nepal. My garden is a jungle. Ginger and lemongrass infuse the air. The sweet scent of night-blooming jasmine graces the evening’s ambiance. Amongst this lush paradise, mongooses amble casually, monkeys swing by, and fruit bats snooze up high in banana trees. I bet you thought the Himalayas were just glaciers and mountain peaks. Not entirely, this is Shangri-La!
Why fragrance?
As a gardener and a pharmacist by profession, my love for fragrance was a natural progression. Perfume transcends mere scent— it’s an art form that can convey emotions, a memory, style, or a place. What intrigues me about perfumery is its fusion of creativity and science. Have you ever wondered how perfumes are made? How petals are transformed into poetic fragrances? I’ll be your guide, unveiling the artistry that blends botanical beauty with organic chemistry.
My Inspiration
Since the niche-obsessed nineties, I’ve followed fantastic fragrance blogs like The Black Narcissus, Bois de Jasmin, Perfume Shrine, Persolaise, Now Smell This, Cafleurebon, and the encyclopedic Fragrantica forum. They’ve profoundly inspired my perfume journey, and I hope they can do the same for you.
That doesn’t mean I’m a perfume snob. I appreciate affordable scents as well as luxury fragrances. There are gems to be had at all price points. I’m particularly fond of finding unusual and underrated masterpieces. My style leans vintage, and I have little interest in following mainstream trends.
Stay in Touch
I hope you’ll join me for in-depth perfume reviews, insights into the art of perfumery, and my adventures in the Himalayas. Subscribe to Florafilia for updates, and let’s connect on social media.
Please take a moment to introduce yourself in the comments.
Is there a flower or fragrance that’s special to you?
Kind regards,
Kate Byrd