NO
15
SCENT OF
THE WILD
Wild Olive African Artisans creates natural perfumes
with beneficial aromatherapeutic properties.ild Olive Artisans’ philosophy is to offer customers
100% natural cosmetics and perfumes that assist
in preserving their health and beauty for as long
as possible. These products are inspired by
traditional African remedies and indigenous botanicals, and
are manufactured in-house by skilled artisans.
Creative director and perfumer Marioara de la Tara believes
we have a lot to learn about the historical uses of indigenous
African plants. The best possible raw materials and ingredients
are obtained from all over the continent and the globe from
ethical, sustainable sources.
“Perfume-making requires discipline and systematic work,”
she says. “A decade of learning made me realise that mastering
it is an ongoing process. Each new material must be known in
depth and in relation to the others. I am a minimalist, so I do
not add a large number of ingredients in my perfumes. For Wild
Olive we are seeking to create authentic African perfumes.”
In the Wild Olive Artisans’ scent library, there are at least
120 different materials at any given time. Its perfumes dispel
the misperception that natural perfume has to smell old-
fashioned or like aromatherapy oils.
Visit the Wild Olive Artisans shop in Cape Town at 29 Pepper
Street or shop online.
wildolive.euW
LEFT Perfumer
Marioara de la Tara.Cape Town-based luxury
boutique hotel Ellerman
House commissioned Wild
Olive Artisans to create
a fragrance and product line
featuring all of the latter’s
hallmarks: eco-conscious
principles, ethical production
and exquisite packaging. The
brief was to pay tribute to the
Bantry Bay area.
“Cape Flora is my favourite
repertoire to interpret,” says
perfumer Marioara de la Tara.
“The fragrance Botany Bay
is composed with indigenous
essences to which I added
some of the crisp, modern
atmosphere of the city where
this luxurious oasis is found.”
Monica Onigas, business
manager at Wild Olive
Artisans, adds, “Perfume
is an integral part of
cementing the memories
tourists take back home
with them.” Regarding the
collaboration and venturing
into the hospitality industry,
Monica says the team
thought carefully about the
decision. ”We are a specialist
manufacturer and our focus
remains on quality and
service before anything else,”
she says. “We do not often
get the opportunity to work
with establishments that put
the customer’s experience
before cost. Ellerman House
did not spare any effort in
order to create the
best experience for
their guests.”
The products
are available to
purchase from
Ellerman House
boutique.
ellerman.co.zaWORDSAMELIA BROWNvisi.co.za JUNE/JULY 2019 154
�ISI REASONS