The Stories We Carry: Fragrance, Identity, and the Art of Becoming with Serene B. Hollingsworth

Send us Fan MailToday we're joined by Serene B. Hollingsworth, founder and perfumer of SANCTUAIRE DE FLEURS, a luxury fragrance maison rooted in cultural authorship, memory, and design. Through her work, Serene explores scent as an expression of identity, history, and lived experience, creating fragrances that tell stories often overlooked through traditional narratives.In this episode, we talked about:• Her transformation from a fearful child and young professional into a confident entrepreneur and leader• Navigating and surviving Corporate America while remaining true to herself• Building intentional networks and meaningful relationships throughout her career and entrepreneurial journey• The visibility that came from being featured in The Wall Street Journal—what it meant for her business, and what it didn't mean• The importance of integrity and authenticity in business• The power of persistence, even after being told she didn't have what it takes• The art of creating and composing fragrances from story, memory, culture, and history• Developing fragrances through a women's lens and honoring perspectives that have often been excluded from traditional storytelling• What it means to build a brand that reflects both personal identity and cultural legacyThis conversation is a powerful reminder that our stories matter, our experiences have value, and that sometimes the very things that make us different become the foundation for the work we're meant to create.Connect with Serene: Website: https://sanctuairedefleurs.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/serenehollingsworthInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/sanctuairedefleurs