Earlier this year, we found ourselves at the launch of new scents by Hope Fragrances at BG Restaurant at Bergdorf Goodman. We had the opportunity to find out about this brand, how they use their platform to also educate and raise funds for depression and the power of scent. We took a few moments to chat with its founder of Hope Fragrances as well as founder of Hope for Depression Research Foundation, Audrey Gruss.

ATHLEISURE MAG: Prior to launching your own firm Hope Fragrance, can you tell us how you got into the perfume industry, where you worked and what fragrances you created?

AUDREY GRUSS: I was Director of Advertising and Creatives Services Worldwide at Elizabeth Arden in its hay day when they launched the Chloe fragrance. I learned so much about the details of a fragrance launch at that time. Handling advertising for the other Elizabeth Arden fragrances was a challenge when you have to adapt basic creatives for 55 countries and all their specific needs. It was a virtual job in diplomacy.

AM: What is it about working in this portion of the beauty industry that you enjoy working in?

AG: Creating a fragrance from scratch is one of the most interesting things anyone in the artistic arena can do! It was a joy to work with one of the top “noses” at Firmenich, Honorine Blanc, to create the Hope Fragrances. My vision and hers totally coincided and it was a dream process. There is nothing like working with a consummate professional and getting the results you want. I also find it fascinating to work with the retail executives at BG because they have so much knowledge of the industry at their fingertips and their guidance is so important.

AM: What was the moment when you decided that you wanted to create your own brand?

AG: I created the Hope for Depression Research Foundation (HDRF) in 2006 and about 12 years into the neuroscience research process, I wanted to have a tool to reach more consumer by raising awareness about depression. The research process is extremely long and detailed and the scientific papers do not get much consumer visibility. I thought that creating a fragrance brand would get us consumer visibility on a fast-track. My mother Hope loved fragrance and always surrounded herself with white flowers and white floral fragrances and so I used that as an inspiration to create the Hope Fragrance Collection.

AM: We loved hearing you talk about your brand and some of the thought behind it. For our readers, can you tell us about how you came up with the name for the brand?

AG: The brand is named after my mother Hope who was one of the most creative people I knew. Was inspiration. She also struggled with depression and that is why we give 100% of the profits from Hope Fragrance sales directly to depression research.

AM: Where are your fragrances currently available?

AG: Bergdorf Goodman NYC and HopeFragrances.com

AM: Are there other scents that we should keep an eye out for that you may be launching this year?

AG: We are so excited that we will be launching in May 2020 at Bergdorf Goodman a new Hope Night Parfum, a warm, sensuous and romantic perfume that will be in a magnificent crystal bottle designed by packaging designer Marc Rosen.

AM: What are 3 go-to ingredients that you enjoy including in a number of your fragrances?

AG: All 3 fragrances have a base of white flowers, which were so beloved by my mother Hope. The pure essences are so beautiful that they have an uplifting feeling. The original Hope is a magnificent fusion of the 4 white essences. Hope Sport has a base of tuberose and lily of the valley, and green citrus note. Hope Night has some beautiful oriental notes on a bed of white flowers.

AM: As someone who I’m sure travels frequently, what are 3 items in your carry on that you enjoy traveling with in order to make the experience more enjoyable?

AG: There are 3 things I can think of. I always carry a small portable umbrella and found one at Burberry that is just the right size. I carry a clip-on ponytail that creates the fun easy hairdo in the worst weather anywhere and everywhere. I wouldn’t travel anywhere without my Hope purse spray. At 0.05 ounces I can carry in my purse on a plane, or put into an evening bag, and I always have my favorite fragrance to give me that uplifting feeling.

IG @HopeFragrances