Michelle Moellhausen: A Symphony of Scents

Born on May 5th, 1989, in Milan, Michelle Moellhausen’s origins are as diverse and rich as the perfumes she creates. Her mother, a Paraguayan of Dutch descent, and her German father imbued her with a cultural heritage that laid the foundation for her creative prowess.

Growing up between Paraguay and Italy, Michelle developed a deep appreciation for multicultural perspectives. This upbringing fostered influenced her approach to perfumery.

A Solid Educational Foundation

Michelle’s academic journey is a testament to her commitment to ambitions. From a young age, she mastered four languages, which are English, French, Spanish, and Italian, reflecting her multicultural background and preparing her for global fragrance journey.

After completing high school, Michelle pursued International Business and Management studies in Boston, graduating cum laude. To further refine her expertise, she trained at the prestigious Grasse Institute of Perfumery, an international school known for its rigorous curriculum in the art fragrance creation. This combination of business acumen and specialized training paved the way for her significant contributions to the family fragrance business.

Michelle’s love for travel has been a significant asset in her perfumery career. Her journeys worldwide have introduced her to exotic ingredients and natural elements that inspire her creations. “The charm of nature,” she says, “inspires me to use particular ingredients of exotic and, above all, natural origins.”

Professional Achievements and Roles

Since joining the family business in 2012, Michelle has risen to the role of R&D Director. In this capacity, she focuses on developing fragrances and advanced ingredients tailored for modern perfumers. Her work involves blending intuition with technical knowledge to predict positive interactions of raw materials.

One of her notable achievements includes her work with Petit Grain, an essential oil derived from bitter orange, a staple in Paraguayan perfumery. Her ability to draw from personal and professional experiences enables her to create highly innovative fragrances.

Michelle’s expertise and contributions to the fragrance industry have earned her membership in prestigious organizations such as the “Société Française des Parfumeurs” and the Women in Flavor and Fragrance Commerce Inc. These memberships underscore her status as a respected professional in the field.

Michelle’s Art of Perfumery

For Michelle, perfumery is more than a profession; it’s a form of expression and art. “My research allows me to express myself in the most interesting form of art,” she explains. “Perfumery makes me feel free.”

Her creative process is a confluence of extensive experience, client communication, and inspiration drawn from nature and her own imagination. Michelle thrives on the excitement of discovery and the endless possibilities each new ingredient brings to her compositions.

Traveling with her father, Anthony, has been a formative aspect of Michelle’s career. From visiting plantations and producers of essential oils to attending global conferences, these experiences have deeply influenced her approach to perfumery.

Michelle embodies a blend of traditional values and modern creativity. Her commitment to innovation and authenticity drives her to continuously reinvent herself and her work. Through her dedication to fragrance development, she strives to become increasingly authentic and true to her genuine self.

Lifelong Learning and Awareness

Michelle’s curiosity extends beyond perfumery. She actively engages in various interests, from yoga and multiethnic cuisine to modern art and architecture. Her keen awareness and appreciation of global trends, particularly in fashion and cosmetics, helps her in her creative process.

With a perspective akin to an impressionist painter, Michelle captures, collects, and assembles the suggestions provided by the world and nature. Her ability to synthesize these insights into her work makes her a dynamic and influential figure in the fragrance industry.