"Over time, I’ve come to realize that contortions are unnecessary. That doing my best is better than worrying about whether I’m doing it right."
Each week, I want to share with you the stories behind my hand-crafted scents. Why? Because every perfumer has a story for their fragrances, and I think it helps you to spin your own when you know mine. The fourth scent in this series is one of my favorites, She Belongs There. It’s amazing what happens when a woman realizes that wherever she is, wherever she goes, she’s perfect, and She Belongs There is my personal declaration of belonging. Just like you, I don’t need to do anything at all to fit into my world. I already belong right here, right now.
Scent Story:
About 10 years ago, I was visiting a friend in Nashville. He was a great person who dedicated some of his time helping an older woman who farmed vegetables in the country, so during my visit, we went to check out the farm and give her a hand. Despite my adoration for flowers, gardening is not my thing (maybe someday!), so instead of toiling in the soil, I decided to take a walk through a path that wound through a beautiful grove of trees. As I was walking I realized that I was all alone on a hillside surrounded by these beautiful trees and, I can't really explain why, but I suddenly felt a little scared, out of place. I sat down with my fear for a few minutes and came to the conclusion that I totally belonged right there, exactly where I was, and there was nothing to be afraid of. "I Belong Here" became a bit of a mantra for me for whenever I found myself in a new, tense, or challenging place.
This mantra and knowing has helped me through more experiences than I can count. Parties where I don't know a soul? I belong here. Competitive work environments with tough-to-crack people? I belong here. Getting hitched, giving birth, launching and nurturing a growing company? I belong here.
Over time, I've come to realize that contortions are unnecessary. Sure, life requires flexibility. We have to bend and occasionally stretch to chase our dreams and hold on to those dear to us. But changing yourself, or rather feeling like you need to change in order to fit everywhere is completely defeatist. Now, I focus on doing my best, rather than worrying about whether or not I'm doing it right, looking perfect, or fitting in to a certain expectation or mold. And that realization and constant reminder to myself is incredibly freeing. It's helped me be more me and feel more myself no matter what life may bring.
What Does It Smell Like?
A mystical, awakening evening walk through an exotic garden. A bit unfamiliar and frightening, but familiar scents waft in to remind you that no matter where you are, you are home. A warm, sexy tangle of gardenias, pikake, night-blooming jasmine, and lush, smoky vanilla keep you firmly planted in your self-knowing.
When to Wear She Belongs There?
To any of life's more challenging, exciting, electric occasions where you need a little nudge to remember that it's okay to be yourself. First dates, big job interviews, public speaking engagements. Our social media gal, Ashlee, wears She Belongs There every time she does a television segment (and she receives unsolicited compliments like this, when she does).
Where to Apply?
Near your heart and nape of the neck. At the small of your back, so the fragrance is like a gentle hand guiding you with confidence through any situation.
Custom Affirmation:
"I don’t need to do anything at all to fit into my world. I already belong right here, right now."
xo,
Julie