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For me, change has manifested in many forms: emigrating from South Africa to the USA, moving to more than 35+ apartments in New York City (in over 45+ years) forging a career with major fragrance companies, marrying different husbands, discovering motherhood; shifting neighborhoods, becoming a fragrance expert and—as of 8 days ago —starting fresh in Sarasota. Yes, Sarasota! A city filled with culture, art, music, theatre, opera, and creativity… all my passions in one place.

Each transition carried uncertainty, but also opportunity. Over time, I realized that change isn’t about endings—it’s about evolution. It’s about embracing resilience, creativity, and the unknown with courage, excitement and positivity! Over the course of my amazing and exciting career I have relentlessly pursued the 6 P’s: Passion, Persistence, Perseverance, Purpose, Professionalism, Perfume

My entire career has been serendipitous! From my life as an actress at 10 years old in South Africa to emigrating to NY and starting a career in the cosmetic industry with executive positions at Elizabeth Arden, Lancôme and Tiffany & Co.—developing the first iconic Tiffany perfume; being retained to create fragrance brands by clients Burberry, Avon, Trish McEvoy and Oilily; becoming an expert witness in legal disputes; forming my company Scenterprises; opening my first custom perfume boutique The Scentarium; creating custom perfumes for A-list celebrities Jamie Foxx, Katie Holmes, Zendaya, Laurence Fishburne, Susan Sarandon; presenting corporate team-building events & scent dinners for Fortune 500 companies; and creating bespoke perfumes for thousands of clients; pivoting during the pandemic; writing my book The Power of Perfume; and helping hundreds of people regain their sense of smell during COVID; reopening my fabulous boutique on the Upper East Side, Sue Phillips Fragrance; presenting masterclasses for Coty Maison Orveda; all while continuing my love of acting with my weekly PAGES group, to writing my second book about the magic and mystery of fragrance and how I have helped hundreds of anosmia sufferers regain their olfactory sense—to be published soon in collaboration with a neuroscientist Dr. Mila Emerald.

I shall only be a plane ride away and am available to create and present multi-scent-sory events and speaking engagements in NYC and all over the country! I’m excited for this new change.

Check out the spectacular views I have from my apartment and new perfume boutique. Come and visit!

I’d love to hear: how has change shaped your own journey?

On August 12, fragrance lovers gathered for an unforgettable evening as Sue Phillips presented her second Masterclass for Coty Maison Orveda. The event, held from 6 PM to 8 PM, was an intimate celebration of scent, storytelling, and sophistication.

Guests were treated to the discovery of 14 exquisite perfumes, each carefully curated to take them on a sensory journey through Fragrance Through the Decades. With her signature passion and expertise, Phillips guided attendees into the fascinating world of perfumery—showing how fragrance not only defines eras in fashion and culture but also evokes personal memories and emotions.

The evening combined education, artistry, and elegance, leaving attendees inspired by the timeless connection between scent and self-expression. From learning the history of iconic fragrances to experiencing the unique personalities of each perfume, participants were immersed in an olfactory journey like no other.

The event concluded with shared discoveries and a deeper appreciation for the artistry of fragrance. The exclusive masterclass fostered a truly special atmosphere, leaving guests eagerly anticipating the next opportunity to learn from one of the industry’s most respected fragrance experts.

It was a spectacular weekend at Hamptons Fashion Week, where renowned fragrance expert Sue Phillips was honored with the prestigious Fragrance Icon Award.

Phillips expressed her joy and gratitude at being recognized among leading fashion innovators, stylists, and visionaries, calling the honor “a privilege I will cherish forever.”

For Phillips, fragrance has always been more than a luxury—it is an art, a memory, and an emotion captured in time. She emphasized the deep bond between fashion and fragrance, noting that while fashion expresses our outer selves, fragrance reflects the essence of who we are within.

In her remarks, she thanked the organizers of Hamptons Fashion Week, her fellow honorees, and the many creative luminaries who continue to inspire with beauty and vision. She also extended heartfelt appreciation to @princemariomax for his introduction, @dcgpublicrelations for their support, and to her family, friends, colleagues, and clients who have been part of her fragrant journey.

Watch the #HamptonsFashionWeek video here: https://www.instagram.com/p/DOJaOy0DaiS/

Everyone has a “Why.” The burning reason that keeps them going, even when the odds feel insurmountable. It’s the heartbeat behind the hustle, the fire behind the dream. For some, their Why is hidden deep within, waiting to be discovered. For others, it’s always been clear as day. For me, my Why has always been rooted in passion, purpose, persistence, perseverance and perhaps surprisingly—perfume.

The Scent of a Dream

Fragrance is more than a luxury. It’s a language. A whisper of who we are, who we’ve been, and who we want to become. I’ve always believed that scent carries memory, emotion, and identity—three things I’ve held onto as I’ve chased my dreams.

I created my fragrance company not just to make people smell good, but to make them feel something. I wanted to bottle confidence, inspiration, and beauty in a way that touched people’s lives. Every drop is a chapter in a story—my story, your story, our story.

Perfume is powerful. It lingers. And so do dreams when they’re born of passion and persistence.

From Stage Lights to Scents

Before there were bottles, there were scripts. My love for acting runs just as deep as my love for fragrance. Acting allowed me to step into different lives, to feel the pulse of humanity, and to understand emotion on a profound level. It trained me to listen, to feel, to observe, and most importantly, to persist.

Every audition taught me patience. Every rejection taught me resilience. Every performance reminded me why I started. That same fire that drove me to memorize monologues and rehearse scenes under flickering lights is the same fire that burns in my fragrance studio today.

Acting showed me who I was. Perfume gave me the courage to share it with the world.

The Birth of My Why

So what is my Why?

My Why is to inspire.

To remind others that no dream is too far, no story too small, no passion too peculiar.

I want to be the voice that whispers to someone when they’re ready to give up: “Don’t. Not yet.”

I want to create moments—through scent, story, and soul—that make people feel seen, heard, valued.

I believe in creating beauty with purpose.

Every fragrance I launch carries a piece of my journey, and every bottle is a message:

You matter. Your story matters. Your Why matters.

Passion: The Spark

When you’re passionate about something, it’s not work. It’s joy! . It’s a way of showing gratitude for the life you’ve been given.

My passion is fragrance and expression. It’s creating something out of nothing and knowing that it has the power to shift someone’s entire day. It’s telling stories through scent. It’s watching someone inhale one of my creations and say, “This reminds me of…” and knowing I’ve sparked a memory, a dream, a feeling.

I chase that moment. I live for that moment.

Purpose: The Anchor

Passion can ignite you, but purpose grounds you. Purpose gives your path direction. It’s not enough to love what you do—you must know why you’re doing it.

My purpose is to create legacy through artistry. To help others discover their strength, creativity, and resilience. To remind them they are worth fighting for, even when life gets hard. Especially when life gets hard.

Every bottle I design, every note I choose, is an extension of that purpose. My perfumes are love letters to the world, to dreamers, to believers.

Persistence: The Engine

Here’s the truth no one tells you about chasing a dream:

It will test you.

There will be days you want to quit. Days when the world feels like it’s shouting “No!” louder than your soul can say “Yes.”

But this is where your Why becomes your power.

I have failed. I have cried. I have heard “not yet” more times than I can count. But I have never given up.

Why?

Because I owe it to myself.

Because I owe it to that little girl who believed she could fly if she just ran fast enough.

Because I owe it to every person who might see my story and finally believe in their own.

Persistence doesn’t mean never falling. It means always rising.

Perfume: The Soul of My Story

Perfume is the soul I leave behind. A legacy you can feel with every breath.

Each fragrance I craft tells a tale:

• One of heartbreak and healing.
• One of dreams deferred and then delivered.
• One of boldness and vulnerability intertwined.
• One that creates memories and reminds us of loved ones alive and those who have passed; our first kiss, our significant other and beautiful (and maybe sad) childhood memories.

It’s not just about smelling good—it’s about feeling good. Feeling powerful. Feeling unforgettable. 

When you receive a compliment about the fragrance you wear it lifts your spirit it makes you stand up taller, smile more widely, and generates supreme happiness and confidence.

Perfume gave me a platform. It gave my creativity a canvas. It gave my voice a vessel.

Acting and Advocacy

As an actor, I step into other people’s shoes. As an entrepreneur, I invite people to step into mine.

I’ve learned that art—whether on screen or in scent—is about connection. It’s about making people feel. It’s about stirring something in the soul that says, “I’m not alone.”

That’s why I fuse acting and perfume together. Because both are storytelling. Both are art. Both are deeply, intrinsically human.

Sharing the Light

The world needs more dreamers.

But more than that, the world needs more doers.

People who don’t just wish, but work.

People who don’t just survive, but thrive.

If I can be a light for even one person—to inspire them to keep going, to find their Why, to believe in their own voice—then every sleepless night, every rejection, every sacrifice has been worth it.

You don’t need to have it all figured out. You just need to know why you’re starting.

So, What’s Your Why?

Maybe your Why is your children.

Maybe it’s freedom.

Maybe it’s art.

Maybe it’s healing, or hope, or proving that your scars made you stronger.

Whatever it is—find it.

And once you find it, honor it.

Let it guide you when the road gets dark. Let it remind you who you are when the world forgets.

Because your Why is your foundation.

And when the storm comes—and it will—it will be the reason you stand.

Final Words

My Why is perfume.

My Why is acting.

My Why is inspiring you to chase your dreams, even when they feel a thousand miles away.

I’m here to remind you that you are powerful, beautiful, and full of potential.

You are a masterpiece in progress.

And your Why is waiting for you to embrace it.

So inhale deeply. 

Sniff constantly.

Exhale fear.

And take the next step.

Remember …Perfume is the signature of your soul. 

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BIO

Sue Phillips is a globally recognized fragrance expert and Scentrepreneur (TM), celebrated for her innovative contributions to the perfume industry and her bespoke scent experiences. 

Born in Johannesburg, South Africa, Sue Phillips initially pursued a career in theater before transitioning into the fragrance world. Her journey began at Elizabeth Arden as National Training Director,  Lancôme as Marketing Director, eventually leading her to Tiffany & Co., where she served as Vice President of Marketing. At Tiffany, she developed and launched the company’s first fragrances: TIFFANY and TIFFANY for Men .   

In 1990, Phillips founded Scenterprises Inc., a fragrance consultancy that has crafted scents for prestigious brands like Burberry, Avon, and Trish McEvoy and Lancaster. Her expertise has also attracted a celebrity clientele, including Jamie Foxx, Katie Holmes, Zendaya, Susan Sarandon, and Laurence Fishburne .  

Phillips is the author of The Power of Perfume: How to Choose It, Wear It & Enjoy It!, a book that delves into the art and science of fragrance, offering readers insights into selecting and wearing scents that reflect their individuality . 

Beyond her work in perfumery, Phillips has contributed to academia as an Adjunct Professor at the Fashion Institute of Technology, where she taught Cosmetics and Fragrance Marketing . She is also known for her philanthropic efforts, particularly in raising awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s research, inspired by her mother’s battle with the disease .  And she has helped over 250 people regain the sense of smell from Covid Anosmia.

Today, Sue Phillips continues to innovate in the fragrance industry through her New York-based atelier, offering personalized scent experiences that empower individuals to express their unique identities through custom-made perfumes, and she still continues to act with theatre groups and has appeared in several Off-Broadway productions. Passion, Purpose, Persistence Perseverance & Perfumes are words she lives by!

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CONTACT: 

Sue Phillips

Info@suephillips.com

917-449-1134

www.suephillips.com

Instagram: 

@scentfullysue

@suephillipsfragrance

@Scenterprises 

@therealSuePhillips

Hashtags:

#thefirstladyofScent

#FragranceQueen 

#thefirstladyoffragrance

Sue Phillips, a fragrance visionary with over 40 years of experience, has redefined the art of perfumery by connecting scent with emotion, memory, and healing. Celebrated for creating iconic fragrances for brands like Tiffany & Co., Burberry, and Lancôme—and working with celebrities such as Zendaya and Jamie Foxx—Phillips transforms perfume into a deeply personal experience.

Her Upper East Side atelier offers bespoke scent creation, reflecting her belief that “perfume is the signature of your soul.” Phillips also authored The Power of Perfume, sharing her insights into scent’s emotional impact, with a second book underway in collaboration with neuroscientist Dr. Mila Emerald.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Phillips pioneered scent therapy to help those suffering from anosmia, earning national media attention and praise from both clients and medical professionals. Her innovative work helped hundreds reclaim their sense of smell and joy.

In 2022, she opened a flagship boutique in Manhattan, blending luxury, sustainability, and customization. Recognized by Forbes and LuxLife, Phillips remains committed to causes like Alzheimer’s research and environmental conservation.

From luxury to healing, Sue Phillips continues to elevate fragrance into a transformative, soulful experience—creating memories, drop by drop.

READ: https://www.morninghoney.com/p/sue-phillips-fragrance-visionary-redefining-scent-memory

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/rise-fragrance-reshaping-industry-jasmine-griffin-tskge/?trackingId=CbxwFLJURN68lrM3l%2FTo3g%3D%3D

A true curator of the invisible art, a perfume connoisseur possesses a refined nose and an intuitive understanding of scent. With an unmatched passion for fragrance, she deciphers each note-top, heart, and base-like a symphony of emotion. Whether discovering rare essences, analyzing the craftmanship behind iconic blends, or crafting signature scents, she lives in a world where memory, mood, and mystery dance in every bottle. Her talent? Turning scent into-story and chemistry into pure seduction.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jv3eU6Npzhk

Some people walk into a room, and you just know they’re special. They’ve got an energy, a presence—maybe even a signature scent that turns heads. Well, my guest on The Debbie Nigro Show for this special Women's History Month edition is exactly that kind of person. Meet Sue Phillips, the internationally acclaimed fragrance expert, scent therapist, and newly honored Global Women Peace Ambassador!

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/i-smell-a-winner-scent-guru-sue-phillips-named/id568867411?i=1000699287107

Sue Phillips: The Woman Who Bottled Memory and Magic

There are people who make fragrance.
And then there’s Sue Phillips—the woman who crafts identity in scent.

Step into her world and it’s like entering a modern alchemist’s studio, where crystal bottles line the walls like rare gems, and every note—from sultry amber to fresh bergamot—whispers a different kind of truth. She isn’t just creating perfume. She’s translating souls into scent, drop by drop, one client at a time.

Watch here: https://familybeautiful.com/sue-phillips-the-alchemist-of-scent-and-soul?fbclid=IwY2xjawJmAYFleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHmIRjVyRsc8afkr4RSP_5IL5EjCTlLiwSAsAinXc8hnlBqHSBPEsLOVGtjms_aem_OTcBj3luJJsR94tb6e4dEg

Sue Phillips, a fragrance expert, helps COVID-19 survivors recover their sense of smell by guiding them through a personalized journey of scent exploration. Using a variety of carefully selected fragrance notes, Phillips has aided individuals in rediscovering olfactory sensations, offering emotional and sensory breakthroughs. Her work combines fragrance expertise with a therapeutic approach, making a profound impact on those affected by anosmia.

https://people.com/health/perfumer-helps-covid-survivors-regain-sense-smell/

In this interview, we delve into the remarkable story of how Sue Phillips, the CEO of Scenterprises Inc, embarked on her path to success in the world of fragrance. Join us as Sue shares her experiences, notable accomplishments, leadership style, and the values that have guided her along the way. Discover what sets Scenterprises Inc apart from other companies, how Sue navigated the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, and her aspirations for the future. Get ready to be inspired by Sue’s journey as a CEO and her relentless pursuit of excellence in the fragrance industry.

Read more: https://magnateview.com/a-leaders-insight-an-interview-with-sue-phillips-ceo-of-scenterprises-inc/

Sue Phillips, founder and CEO of Scenterprises, agrees with this forecast, emphasizing that the holiday scent of 2024 will capture the warmth and coziness of the season, but with a refreshing twist that blends tradition with modern appeal.