THE NOSE KNOWS Phillips has been doing that for years, since she first began her extraordinary career in beauty and fragrance. She steadily climbed to the top of the industry, powered by her near Super Woman ability to recognize scent, a chemist-like understanding of ingredients, extraordinary instinct in how scents will trigger reaction, and a psychologist’s intuition in how different smells can affect a person’s mood and memories. She’s been called “The Nose that Knows,” and her track record speaks for itself. “All the fragrances I have developed and created are like my children,” says a modest Phillips. “I love them all because they were all different, and it was a distinct honor to be associated with iconic brands and companies. Tiffany was so memorable. I was able to capture the heritage and history of Tiffany & Co. in one unmistakable scent, which is still one of the most in-demand perfumes even though it’s no longer made. If you had told me that growing up in South Africa, I would be involved in the creation of so many global brands, I would not have believed it! Her 12-year-old company, is where Phillips creates fragrances for clients, consults with brands and, yes, has finally published her long-awaited book The Power of Perfume: How to Choose It, Wear it and Enjoy It! which has become a best seller. “It’s an homage to perfumes and scents and how it really helps people gain confidence, reflect their individuality and create a signature,” she says. “I always ask my clients, ‘Why wear what everyone else wears when you can create your own?’” The 280-page book is filled with highlights from Phillips’ career, myths about perfume and little-known-facts about the intoxicating effect of fragrance on all your senses. “My mission,” she says, “is to diffuse fragrance out of the bottle and to create memorable experiences.” For more information on Sue Phillips, visit suephillips.com and scenterprises.com. •
All the fragrances I have developed and created are like my children…
28 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | JULY/AUGUST 2021