Sue Phillips: A Fragrance Visionary Redefining Scent and Memory
For over 40 years, Sue Phillips has been a trailblazer in the world of fragrance, transforming it into an art form that connects deeply with emotions, memories and even healing. Recognized by Reuters as “an expert perfume [maker] with decades of experience,” Phillips’ illustrious career has made her a sought-after name among luxury brands and Hollywood elites alike. From creating iconic scents for Tiffany & Co., Burberry, and Lancôme to working with stars like Jamie Foxx, Zendaya and Katie Holmes, Phillips has consistently elevated fragrance into a deeply personal and transformative experience.
Her private atelier on Manhattan’s Upper East Side stands as a testament to her artistry, offering clients the rare opportunity to craft bespoke fragrances. The atelier embodies Phillips’ belief that “perfume is the signature of your soul,” allowing individuals to express their essence through scent. Her 2022 book, The Power of Perfume: How to Choose It, Wear It, and Enjoy It! delves into her vast experience, offering readers a glimpse into the secrets of scent creation and its profound connection to memory and emotion. She is currently working on a second book with neuroscientist Dr. Mila Emerald.
A Lifeline for COVID Survivors
The COVID-19 pandemic presented Phillips with a unique challenge — and an opportunity to innovate. With many suffering from anosmia (loss of smell), Phillips developed personalized scent therapy sessions to help individuals regain their olfactory senses. Her innovative approach captured national attention, with People Magazine praising her work for reconnecting survivors to "daily joys lost during the pandemic." Clients described the sessions as "transformative," and the medical community took notice, collaborating with Phillips to explore the therapeutic potential of scent further.
Phillips consulted with over 250 clients, some traveling internationally for her expertise. Her work became a beacon of hope, leading to features on Good Morning America, Inside Edition, and in the New York Post. By using fragrance as a tool for healing, Phillips not only restored the senses of many but also redefined how scent can impact lives.
A Legacy of Innovation and Sustainability
Phillips’ flagship fragrance boutique, opened in 2022, is a culmination of her vision. Nestled in Manhattan, it offers a luxurious setting where clients can design their signature scents, blending artistry with personalization. Alongside her commitment to bespoke fragrances, Phillips has embraced sustainability with eco-conscious packaging and travel-sized options, aligning her brand with modern values.
Her accolades include the LuxLife Global Excellence Award for Best Custom Perfume Creation USA in 2019 and Forbes Entrepreneur of the Year in 2022. Beyond her professional achievements, Phillips remains dedicated to causes like Alzheimer’s research, wildlife conservation, and anosmia therapy, reflecting her passion for making a positive impact.
The Power of Perfume
From creating signature scents for Hollywood stars to pioneering scent therapy, Sue Phillips has turned fragrance into a profound medium of expression and healing. Her enduring mission, as she eloquently puts it, is “to diffuse fragrance out of the bottle and create memorable experiences, drop by drop.” Whether inspiring through her book or collaborating with scientists to explore scent’s therapeutic potential, Phillips continues to shape the fragrance industry — and the lives of those touched by her work.
