natural perfumes
(hi-kish-em-ay)
“it’s more than a perfume, it’s a way of truly caring for yourself.”
“To make a natural scent, perfumers typically blend essential oils and dilute them with alcohol. Ambrose takes this a step further, creating her own tinctures by soaking herbs and flowers in an organic cane alcohol and continually adding new ones to the tincture for up to a year and a half. “I’ve learned the more you go into the process, the ore of an artist you become. I know I’m doing art when my mind is free of thought,” Ambrose said. These tinctures, which Ambrose calls “vintage’s,” date back to 2019 and include jasmine, mint, oregano, citrus, anise, lavender, pine needle, sage and more. They serve as the base of Ambrose’s perfumes which are then blended with high-quality essential oils that are diluted so they don’t burn the skin.”
- Bend Magazine, 2024 Winter Issue
scent design
the moment your guest smells a scent, a memory is created
In this process we narrow in on the herbs, flowers, waters and trees that bring joy to you and those around you. Then, through a few rounds of formula testing we create a unique scent for you. Scent design is offered for space diffusion, perfume, lotions and incense.
the name (hi-kish-em-ay)
an inspiration of cultures
(hi-kish-em-ay)
I decided to blend French and Japanese languages to create a new word: Hīkishémé. Languages bring me back to my favorite times of travel. When I travel, I experience intense moments of contentment. When I began to form my brand in 2019, I realized how much these moments influenced my life. I am deeply inspired by the music, art, beliefs, languages, colors, fashion and so much more about the people and landscapes in other countries.
The definition I have given the word is an inspiration of cultures. The pronunciation is a slow……….(hi, kish, em, ay.)
Perfume as a hydration lotion
deep hydration for your skin
A natural perfume worn for skin hydration. Spreads on like a cream or lotion, soaks in & feels like heaven.
Nourish the entire surface of your skin and your spirit in one with our deeply hydrating body lotion. Apply it to your feet at night and cover with socks for a restful sleep, and wake to refreshed skin and a room filled with the uplifting scent of a garden. If the air is dry and you are getting ready to show off your legs, tattoos, arms or neck, this lotion will sooth your skin, make your skin sparkle and bring your favorite scent to those around you.
Base ingredients of the lotion: aloe vera, sunflower oil, shea, argan, coconut, vitamin e, and jojoba oil, essential oil, soy wax, arrowroot.
Workshops | Learn the art of blending
Scent, perfume, incense, music, community. sign up for a workshop
“You can select a handful of ingredients that smell good to you (tangerine, lavender, fir tree, etc.) and Kristine will show you how to blend your own perfume to take home with you. It’s a lot of fun and you get to meet other people in your community who have a love of scent.” - John B.
“I am so inspired by my scent class. The lay-out of the class was easy, comfortable, explorative.” - Theresa R.
private workshops
‘best scent adventure in bend!’ - Bend social club
We offer an array of scent workshops to choose. The link below will take you to a brief form and we will reach out to you within 1-2 days.
I began creating natural perfumes
It is clear that gardening brings me happiness.
how it all began.
I’ve been a professional photographer for over 15 years. About seven years ago, I experienced serious trauma and had to take a break from photography. I fell into a deep depression. It was the fifth dark depression in my lifetime, and I knew that if I didn’t change my life dramatically, I would not survive. I realized I had never been content in my life nor felt a sense of peace and lacked real self-confidence. I dove into therapy and then National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI) support groups. It was a slow process, but every moment offered a reward……
Featured in Bend Magazine
“The parts of the human brain that process emotions and memory are also responsible for the sense of smell, so it’s no wonder that scents such as soup bubbling on a stovetop or a fresh-cut rose can instantly conjure vivid memories. For Bend-based perfumer Kristine Ambrose, the power of scent has been life-altering.”
Shop the perfume lab in bend, oregon with a private appointment.
Your complimentary appointment will include a cozy setting, tea from the garden, and time to test perfume and lotions and choose your favorite blend. When you visit the lab, I will explain the process used in making perfume and the stages of making tinctures. An appointment is a half hour escape into the world of perfume. 3+ people are required for an appointment.
