OUR STORY

Aurica Fragrances Studio

THE AURICA JOURNEY

Aurica Fragrances was born in 2015 from a profound connection to nature and a deep dissatisfaction with the commercialized perfume industry. Founder Eleanor Blackwood, after spending years working for large fragrance houses, became increasingly disillusioned with mass-produced scents that prioritized marketing over artistry. During a transformative hiking trip through the Australian wilderness, Eleanor experienced an olfactory awakening—the complex aromas of eucalyptus forests, coastal breezes, and native flora sparked a vision for fragrances that would capture these authentic natural experiences.

Starting with just three signature scents created in her Adelaide home studio, Eleanor's handcrafted perfumes quickly gained attention at local artisan markets. The minimalist bottles and nature-inspired fragrances resonated with those seeking an alternative to mainstream perfumery. By 2017, Eleanor partnered with botanical chemist Dr. Liam Forsythe, whose scientific expertise complemented her creative intuition, allowing Aurica to expand its collection while maintaining its commitment to quality.

Today, our boutique in North Adelaide serves as both our retail space and creative laboratory, where we continue to develop fragrances that tell stories of the natural world. Each Aurica perfume represents our ongoing journey to translate nature's essence into wearable art—capturing not just scents, but moments, memories, and emotions in their purest form.

Founder Working in Studio

MISSION & VALUES

OUR MISSION

At Aurica Fragrances, we create artisanal perfumes that reconnect people with nature's authentic essence, translating the complexity and beauty of natural environments into wearable scent experiences. We believe fragrance is a powerful sensory art form that should evoke emotion, trigger memory, and foster mindfulness in an increasingly synthetic world.

AUTHENTICITY

We prioritize genuine expression over commercial trends, creating fragrances with integrity and purpose rather than following mass-market formulas.

CRAFTSMANSHIP

We embrace meticulous attention to detail, small-batch production methods, and the irreplaceable human element in perfume creation.

SUSTAINABILITY

We source responsibly, minimize waste through thoughtful packaging, and prioritize ethical practices throughout our supply chain.

ACCESSIBILITY

We demystify the world of niche perfumery, making quality fragrances approachable through education, transparency, and genuine customer connection.

THE PEOPLE BEHIND AURICA

Our small but passionate team brings together diverse backgrounds in perfumery, chemistry, design, and business to create fragrances that reflect our shared values and artistic vision.

Eleanor Blackwood

ELEANOR BLACKWOOD

FOUNDER & CREATIVE DIRECTOR

With formal training from the Grasse Institute of Perfumery and a background in botanical illustration, Eleanor brings both technical expertise and artistic sensibility to her role as Aurica's creative visionary. Her distinctive approach combines scientific precision with intuitive creativity, informed by her lifelong fascination with how scent triggers memory and emotion.

Dr. Liam Forsythe

DR. LIAM FORSYTHE

CHIEF PERFUMER & FORMULATION SPECIALIST

Holding a Ph.D. in Botanical Chemistry, Liam spent a decade researching plant compounds before joining Aurica in 2017. His scientific background ensures our fragrances achieve perfect balance and stability while maintaining their complex character. Liam's meticulous approach to formulation allows us to push boundaries while ensuring each scent tells its intended story.

Zara Mendez

ZARA MENDEZ

DESIGN & CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE DIRECTOR

With a background in sustainable design and customer psychology, Zara ensures every aspect of the Aurica experience—from packaging to retail environment—reflects our brand values. She leads our workshops and consultations, translating complex perfumery concepts into accessible language that helps customers discover their perfect scent match.

Theo Hamilton

THEO HAMILTON

OPERATIONS & SUSTAINABILITY MANAGER

Former environmental consultant Theo oversees Aurica's business operations with an emphasis on ethical sourcing and sustainability. His expertise ensures we maintain our artisanal quality while growing responsibly. Theo has developed our refill program and eco-packaging initiatives, allowing customers to enjoy luxury fragrances with minimal environmental impact.

OUR ACHIEVEMENTS

Since our founding in 2015, Aurica has grown from a one-woman passion project to an internationally recognized niche perfume house, earning accolades for both our fragrances and our ethical approach to luxury.

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RECOGNIZED EXCELLENCE

  • 2022 - Art and Olfaction Awards Finalist, Independent Category
  • 2021 - Sustainable Luxury Award, Australian Design Guild
  • 2019 - "Best Botanical Fragrance" by Sensory Arts Institute
  • 2018 - Featured in Vogue Australia's "Artisans to Watch"
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SUSTAINABLE GROWTH

  • Expanded from 3 to 18 signature fragrances since 2015
  • Established partnerships with 15+ independent retailers in Australia and New Zealand
  • Developed international shipping to 32 countries
  • Maintained small-batch production while increasing reach
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ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

  • Implemented bottle refill program reducing glass waste by 65%
  • Sourced 80% of botanical ingredients from sustainable farms
  • Reduced packaging waste by 40% through redesigned containers
  • Carbon-neutral shipping since 2020

SHIPPING INFORMATION

DELIVERY OPTIONS

  • Standard Shipping: 5-7 business days within Australia
  • Express Shipping: 2-3 business days within Australia
  • International Shipping: 7-14 business days, depending on location

All orders are processed within 1-2 business days. Free shipping is available for orders over $100 within Australia.

Please note that due to regulations around alcohol-based products, international shipping may have restrictions for certain countries. Contact us for specific information about your location.

RETURNS & REFUNDS

We want you to be completely satisfied with your Aurica experience. Our return policy includes:

  • 30-day return window for unopened products
  • Store credit available for opened items if there are quality concerns
  • Custom formulations are non-refundable
  • Sample sets are non-returnable

If you're unsure about a fragrance, we recommend purchasing a sample or attending a consultation before committing to a full bottle.

EXPERIENCE AURICA FIRSTHAND

Visit our boutique to explore our collections, attend a workshop, or schedule a personalized fragrance consultation.