Veronique Gabai Q & A
1. What inspired you to become a perfume creator, and how did your journey in the fragrance industry begin?
I’ve always had a strong sense of smell since childhood, but for a long time, I didn’t know what to do with that gift. It wasn’t until I started working at L’Oréal that I began to connect the dots. As I evolved within the industry, I developed a true passion for fragrance creation, especially learning about the power of ingredients and their ability to transform emotion. After many successful projects, the natural next step was to launch my own marca.
2. Your perfumes are known for their distinctive Mediterranean influence. How does your personal connection to the region shape your creations?
Everything starts there. The Mediterranean is a region of exception, rich in nature, culture, and glamour. It’s defined by its sunshine, both the one above, like on the Côte d’Azur, and more importantly, the one within, made of love, care, and joy.
Every fragrance I create tells a story tied to this region, whether it’s a place, a moment, or a specific ingredient. Take Sur La Plage, for example, it’s a beach day captured in scent. This connection to nature and wellbeing is at the core of the brand, which is why we also created AROMA, an aromatherapy line that uses scent as a tool for self-care and stress relief.
3. What is your process for developing a new fragrance?
It always begins with a feeling, an emotion we want to evoke. From there, we identify a key ingredient that anchors that feeling and build the composition around it. For instance, Noire de Mai centers around a unique, faceted rose note that evokes elegance and depth. The process is both emotional and highly technical.
4. What makes a perfume truly memorable or unique, in your opinion?
The quality of the composition and the ingredients. We use a high concentration of natural materials, which are more faceted, richer, and have a deeper chemistry with the skin. That chemistry is everything, it’s what creates a personal signature.
I always think of a friend who wears Ready for Rosé, she gets stopped in the street constantly by people asking what she’s wearing. That scent works en her, which is what makes it unforgettable a others.
5. Do you have any favorite ingredients or notes you often return to?
While I work with many different ingredients depending on the story I want to tell, I tend to favor naturals for their richness and emotional depth. That said, there are some common threads in my fragrances: citrus for joy, woods for strength, and amber for sensuality. Whether it’s something fresh like Vert Désir or intense like Oud Elixir, you’ll always find these elements subtly woven in.
6. What role does storytelling play in your fragrance creations?
Storytelling is everything. Each scent carries a narrative and aims to make you siente something.
Take Ready for Rosé, it’s that magical feeling of spring awakening. You’re shedding winter layers, planning a getaway, changing your wardrobe. In France, the start of summer means rosé season. That scent captures the energy of being carefree, joyful, and fully alive, when you’re “ready for rosé,” you’re ready for fun.
7. How do you balance the creative and technical aspects of perfume-making?
This balance is the essence of the craft. You need a deep understanding of raw materials, your “palette”, and the technical skill to bring them together harmoniously.
It’s about shaping an emotion, yes, but also making sure the perfume diffuses beautifully, lasts long, and maintains integrity on the skin. For example, Eau d’Azur took over two years to develop. It’s fresh like a cologne but lasts like an oud, an olfactive innovation that demanded countless trials to maintain that lightness while achieving lasting power.
8. How has the fragrance industry evolved, and where do you see it heading?
Since the pandemic, fragancia is no longer reserved for special occasions. People now wear scent for self-expression and emotional wellness. The niche segment has exploded, driven by demand for authenticity and quality over marketing.
That said, the market is oversaturated. Many collections launch every year, but only a few build real emotional connections. Sustainability, loyal communities, and returning customers will define the brands that last. We’re proud to have a high repurchase rate, proof that we’re doing just that.
9. Perfume often evokes strong emotions. What feelings do you hope to inspire?
Joy, sensuality, confidence, and self-expression. I want our scents to transport you, to the Mediterranean, to a beautiful memory, to a version of yourself that feels radiant.
It’s about creating that aura, sunshine on the outside and inside.
10. What challenges do you face balancing art and business?
The industry is highly competitive, and the traditional models of distribution and communication are shifting quickly. You have to stay nimble without losing your essence.
The key is knowing when to adapt, and when to hold firm. For us, that means never compromising on quality or authenticity. Those are the pillars of trust, and that’s what builds lasting brands.
11. How can perfume reflect a person’s identity?
Fragrance is deeply personal. It taps into the emotional brain, where memory and instinct live. That’s why we focus on personalization.
We work with high concentrations of naturals so they evolve with your skin. Our layering concept allows people to create their own unique signature. On our website, we even use cross-sensory cues to help people choose scents based on their personality.
I always say: smell with your eyes closed. Let your heart decide, don’t let trends or noise interfere.
12. Can you share a favorite moment from your journey so far?
Collaborating with brands and creatives has been incredibly rewarding. As a perfumer, it’s a unique joy to distill a brand’s DNA into scent, to create something emotional that transcends visual identity and becomes a deeper, lasting expression of who they are.
13. What advice would you give someone starting in the fragrance world?
Start with passion, it’s what fuels you. But understand: the journey is long and difficult. You have to love not just the dream, but the process of building it. And be very conservative with your resources. Cash flow will be your biggest challenge until you reach volume, so discipline is key.
14. How does sustainability factor into your brand?
Sustainability is essential. We approach it holistically, prioritizing natural ingredients, ethical sourcing, and conscious formulations. We’ve spoken about this more in our recent interview in Turkey, especially around Délices des Bois, which reflects our commitment to celebrating nature while protecting it.
