Earlier this week I participated in the third Elements Showcase, a tradeshow for niche perfume. Believe it or not, it's actually the first of its kind in the US (in Europe there are several niche perfume shows every year). I like doing Elements because it's a chance for me to get out and meet the community. I love chatting with the other small lines and comparing notes, meeting perfumers at the big companies that are coming to take a peek at what us small guys are doing, talking to the bloggers and enthusiasts who support MCMC, and of course connecting with new shops!

I was really happy to get the last shot of (from left) Yosh, Oliver and Ineke. Yosh, founder of Yosh, was one of the first people I reached out to when I became interested in perfume. She was kind enough to have many a coffee date with me and coach me through those first few years as I decided to move to Grasse to study and eventually start my business. Oliver runs the natural men's skincare line Ursa Major along with his girlfriend Emily. We had the best time hanging out at the show and I'm hoping to visit them in Vermont soon, where they're based. Ineke is the founder of Ineke, and she and her husband Bill have been so kind to me, helping when I have some inevitably boring question about shipping or labeling.

After a whirlwind two days, I'm excited to get some rest!