January Scent Project: Statement of Purpose

Updates to Statement of Purpose, 6 March, 2023

January Scent Project continues to embrace the values of inclusivity, diversity, and the multitude of voices that help to shape the broader conversation that is perfume and fragrance in the greater world. Part of that conversation means listening and listening carefully, as some voices are softer than others though their message could be just as important or more so than others. Alongside the democratization of voices (and hands, efforts, opportunity) is the need for voices not to be squashed, as too often happens in corners of the world where freedom of thought is, ironically, unthinkable.

Fragrance, fragrance making and wearing, are wonderful pursuits of emotive power and enablers of the imagination. This means that yet another media has become more widely available for us to express ourselves, convey stories and abstract sensations, communicate with each other. The further this media expands, the wider the edges of the pool expand as well. There is room for everyone.

Revisiting on 21 June, 2021

The first Statement of Purpose was established last summer - one of the most difficult summers for many of us, but one that also brought about remarkable change and recognition of existing cultural, economic, and social problems. Perfume, art, creative pursuits have not been immune to this arena; it’s important to revisit and think upon the Statement of Purpose again, a year on, to understand what it represents in light of our continued culture of disproportionate access based on color, gender, or orientation.

JSP continues to recognize the special problems that our communities face in representation, being heard and understood, being seen and being safe. We support these needs, these aspirations for rights and equal footing and access, and for fairness. Having Juneteenth as an acknowledged holiday adds an important dimension of reality - I believe days of memorial such as these serve a vital purpose in giving us an opportunity to pause, think, and act.

Thank you to all the people who continue to support each other as we find our footing again during recovery from the trying times of 2020, knowing full well that there are many problems that remain unsolved, but that we may now have an awareness that brings more light upon them. - John.

25 June, 2020

We have entered into a summer after a difficult spring, one which has been defined by extraordinary challenges (a pandemic, systemic violence against Black Americans,) and a polarized political atmosphere which prevents voices from coming together in unison. I’ve often let January Scent Project reside in a kind of abstract, artistic world by itself, untouched by “politics” of the day, but I realize that this cannot be the case in unprecedented times. As a business owner, with clients who are Black, Latino, Asian, Gay, Transgender, it’s vital to assure all of them, all of us, that we’re deeply valued. Your lives and well-being is of vital importance to me and my view of what a successful world is. Without the safety of each of you, none of us is safe. With that in mind, I’d like to iterate the important tenants of purpose behind this business.

January scent project makes fragrances, perfumes, and related creative ventures and art to be enjoyed by all, of all genders, ethnicities, sexual orientations, and cultural backgrounds.

We believe that Black Lives Matter, and support our Black brothers, sisters and friends in all ways possible.

We support opportunity for all.

We believe that the creation of perfume and fragrance involves many areas of study, education, and exposure, and we are actively involved in many opportunities to share information, teach, and create more opportunities to spread that information in such a way that diversity of experience encourages more and more people to become involved in fragrance as a means of expression.

We believe that there is always room to grow in our experience, and invite our friends, peers, colleagues, customers and any interested parties to engage in conversation with us about any of the topics raised here. We know that we can become still more informed about the many, many vital issues facing us today. Please contact John at info@januaryscent.com to keep the conversation going.

Thank you to all that have spoken to JSP at this time, and for the suggestions, support, and guidance as to how we might better serve our clients and community during such difficult times. Peace and power to you all. - John