Vanilla. A word that’s been unfairly reduced to “basic,” “safe,” and “predictable.” But if you’ve ever encountered the real vanilla orchid — Vanilla planifolia — you’ll know there’s nothing ordinary about it. It’s a flower of wild decadence. A plant that demands patience, reverence, and craft. And when used in perfumery the way it’s meant to be — in its true, natural form — vanilla becomes unforgettable. What Is the Vanilla Orchid? Vanilla planifolia is a tropical climbing orchid, native to parts of Central America and cultivated today in places like Madagascar, Tahiti, and Sri Lanka. It’s the only orchid that bears fruit — the precious vanilla pod — which, after a long curing process, develops that warm, intoxicating scent we associate with vanilla. But the flower itself? Pale green-yellow. Ephemeral. And each one must be hand-pollinated during its single-day bloom to eventually produce the pods. That level of intimacy and human connection is part of what makes true v...
“Niche” has become a buzzword in the perfume world. It’s used to describe everything from indie brands to mass-produced lines with a slightly offbeat twist. But what does niche really mean — and more importantly, what makes a fragrance truly niche? At Candy Bulsara , this question sits at the heart of everything we create. So let’s unpack it. It Starts with Intent, Not Scale Niche doesn’t mean “small brand” or “less available.” It means intentional . A niche fragrance isn’t made to appeal to everyone — it’s made to speak deeply to someone . It’s personal, focused, and often unconcerned with trends. It asks: What if we made something no one else dared to? And then does exactly that. A Commitment to Originality A niche perfume doesn’t follow formulas. It doesn’t try to replicate a bestseller or make the next big hit. It tells a story — one you likely haven’t heard before. Sometimes that story is strange. Sometimes it’s sensual. Sometimes it’s challenging. But it’s always...