Hi there Posse. Recently I introduced you all to a new business called American Perfumer. The name says it all. Independent Artisan American Perfumers being put on display so you can find a large selection of them in one spot. Genius! From that initial post I was inspired to meet some of the people behind the perfume brands that are for sale at American Perfumer. They all get the same 10 questions so we can see how they differ and how they are similar. After I will give you a quick review of one or two of their perfumes. Today let’s meet Mik Coyle of Mikmoi

Mikmoi: American Perfumer Interviews

(Photo – Aubrie Pick)

What do you recall of your families fragrances as you grew up?

My mother wore Youth Dew and father Bay Rhum and the odd bottle of Old Spice aftershave

Where is your dream vacation spot?

Hokkaido, I adore Japan and I’d like to go there when its full winter and blanketed in snow.

How do you like to start your day?

Like to start the day with some yoga and spinal twists to be specific. I have done yoga longer than I have done most things and I became a teacher finally in 2000 to mostly deepen my practice. This was before it was quite as cool as it is now but I think everyone can benefit from yoga and it is a wonderful way to start the day.

Tell us about your life, family, business or career before perfume?

I still work in the field of diversity and inclusion and its a big part of my artistic expression. Completely in love with cultures and languages and learning about people from around the world. As I got to know fragrance ingredients and the history of aromatics I started to travel in my mind to the aromascapes of where the materials grow and to the cultures that cultivate them. Many ingredients grow in only a few places in the world. By bringing those ingredients together in a creation I practice inclusion and make something new and beautiful that is greater than the sum of its parts.

How did you find yourself in perfumery?

I stumbled on it actually, I had a profound encounter with an essential oil blend and experienced a deep feeling a calm. That led me to research more, and one book became 3 then 10 and one oil likewise became more than 500…I was hooked! Did the only certification in aromatherapy that required an application that I could find, to learn as much as I can. Then I was given Mandy Aftel’s Essence & Alchemy book by a friend. I called about a class the day I finished the book and Foster answered and told me he was about to send the next class announcement and did I want to reserve a space as they fill quickly. The rest as they say is history.

What is your favourite perfume note and why?

I really love frankincense – for the calm and the effect it has on human beings.

How did you decide on your companies name, what is its relevance?

Back when creating an email address was trial and error to come up with something that was your name but not already taken I got creative. I knew I didn’t want to end up Mik123…so at one point I added ‘Moi’ as in ‘Me’ in French. And voila, I was successful and MIKMOI was my new email address. When I went to start the line I did a broad look at names and identities and in the end, MIKMOI was the clear favorite of all those I shared with friends.

What was the last novel or biography you read (current if appropriate)?

I just finished a wonderful one Alexander Chee’s “How to write and autobiographical novel”

Hypothetically: If you had to pick a Signature Perfume that you didn’t create, what and why?

Jasmin et Cigarette by Etat Libre d’Orange. I just love it in its simplicity and ethereal grace.

Who are your fragrant heroes?

Mandy Aftel and Yosh Han

 

Thanks Mik for letting us see a little into your head and heart.

You can buy MIKMOI at American Perfumer

Vesper EdP by MIKMOI

Vesper Notes: Lillet, suede, rose, frankincense and myrrh

AO EdP by MIKMOI

Ao Notes: Tuberose, Thai ginger, coconut

 

 

 

Portia also writes for Australian Perfume Junkies