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Meet the Founder: Sophie from Ficifolia

Meet the Founder: Sophie from Ficifolia

It might not be obvious at first, but luxury jewellery and fine fragrance have more in common than meets the eye. Not only are they both highly personal and often gifted objects that evoke precious memories and moments suspended in time, they’re also an elevated expression of creativity and design, made to be worn.

For the month of December, we’re thrilled to be gifting customers a 2ml vial of Ficifolia fragrance with every order online or in-store. To celebrate this partnership, we sat down with the inspiring founder behind Ficifolia, Sophie Marcoux. Get to know her better below... 

Hi Sophie, tell us a little bit about yourself. 

I'm the founder and director of Ficifolia, a perfume brand inspired by Australian cities. Originally from Perth, I've called Melbourne home for the past eight years. Creativity has always been in my DNA—I've never not been juggling a million projects or hobbies at once! Currently, I split my time between running Ficifolia and Maiden, a Melbourne-based creative house and brand studio. On top of it all, my partner and I recently got a Kelpie puppy named Darling. She's full of energy and keeps me on my toes!

The idea for Ficifolia emerged during COVID in 2020. Can you tell us how it came about?

I love immersing myself in the world—exploring food, wine, nature and culture. I usually bring back a perfume or scented object from each trip, creating an olfactive memory of the journey. During Melbourne’s lockdowns, I found myself longing for those connections to the outside world. I realised there weren’t any fragrances that celebrated the unique Australian lifestyle, so I set out to create scents that evoke comfort and familiarity by capturing the essence of Australian scent memories.

What's been your favourite part of the journey so far?

That’s a tough one! I’d say the friendships I’ve formed along the way. Entrepreneurship can be isolating, but I’ve met so many incredible women in business who’ve become dear friends. I’m endlessly grateful for them.

We know that scent, emotions, and memories are intertwined. Is there a particular smell or fragrance that holds a fond memory for you?

There are a few, but the smell of Denmark, WA, is especially dear to me. I spent a lot of my childhood there, and it carries wonderful memories. It’s an earthy, fresh, eucalyptus-y scent. When you roll down the car windows, the forest air breezes in. Ficifolia is actually named after the Red Flowering Gum native to that area.

Have you always been a lover of fragrances, and if so, do you remember your first?

Absolutely! My grandmother—an utterly iconic woman—had a huge collection of perfumes on her vanity. I used to sit for hours, admiring the bottles and trying to pick a favourite. Her scents were mostly traditional and powdery. When I was about 13, she gifted me a bottle of Chanel No. 5. I wasn’t in love with the scent itself, but I adored how it made me feel—beautiful and powerful, just like her.

You just launched a trio of Sydney-inspired scents, can you talk us through the process?

Sydney felt like a natural next step for Ficifolia. I wanted to bottle the beauty and energy of the harbour city. We focused on three quintessential lifestyle moments that embody Sydney’s essence.

My synesthesia makes creating scents a very visual process. I start with mood boards of images and colors. Once the scents are briefed, trialed, tweaked, and finalised, naming them becomes the final, and often hardest step. The name needs to leave a lasting impression and set the tone for the sensory experience. After countless ideas in my notes app, the final names emerged: Sunbathers, Bistro Boy, and Oh, Darling!

What inspires you?

It’s a cliché, but inspiration truly is everywhere! Since our perfumes draw from everyday life, my surroundings are a constant source. Visually, I’m inspired by film, interior design and fashion. Some of my favourites include Wes Anderson, Sofia Coppola, Vivienne Westwood, Jacquemus and Tamsin Johnson.

Can you give us a run down of your fragrances and who or what occasion they’re perfect for?

Rose Street

Inspiration: Vintage shopping in Fitzroy

Profile: Fruity, Floral, Romantic

Perfect for: Date night 

Out of Office

Inspiration: After-work drinks by the Yarra

Profile: Citrus, Clean, Sweet

Perfect for: Drinks with the girls 

Intermission

Inspiration: Melbourne’s live music and theatre

Profile: Spicy, Woody, Green

Perfect for: A Saturday night gig

Sunbathers

Inspiration: Beachside on a hot Sydney summer’s day

Profile: Salty, Creamy, Citrus

Perfect for: A morning coastal walk

Bistro Boy

Inspiration: A long lunch in Paddington

Profile: Green, Herbal, Lactonic

Perfect for: Antipasto and people-watching

Oh, Darling!

Inspiration: NYE fireworks at Darling Harbour

Profile: Sweet, Sultry, Smoky

Perfect for: Late-night wines and a boogie

 

The holiday season is almost here. What’s on the top of your wish list?

The Hold My Heart necklace with smoky quartz—it’s absolutely divine! Hint, hint to my boyfriend if he’s reading this. I’m really into bold stones right now, and this piece is such a striking yet versatile statement.

We know you love to travel. Where are you flying to next?

Peru! I’m off to South America for five weeks in May. I can’t wait to hike Machu Picchu and indulge in amazing food.

For every purchase online or in-store in December, we’ll be adding a 2ml vial of Ficifolia fragrance to your order. Please note: your fragrance will be selected at random and cannot be exchanged.



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