meet Maya Njie, the London-based perfumer who transforms cherished memories into scent. Grounded in her Swedish and Gambian heritage, Maya's journey as a perfumer began with a desire to explore scent as a unique form of expression. While studying Surface Design at the University of the Arts in London, she worked with photography and pattern, initially expressing herself visually. Drawn to scent as a way to add depth to her artistic work, Maya began experimenting with fragrance blending on her own. Self-taught through books, online resources, and personal experimentation, she eventually launched her brand in 2016. Each of her perfumes tells a deeply personal story, often inspired by family photographs from the 1960s.
How did your journey as a perfumer begin, and what has shaped it along the way?
My journey as a perfumer began with a desire to explore scent as a unique form of expression, grounded in my Swedish and Gambian heritage. While studying Surface Design at the University of the Arts in London, I worked with photography and pattern, which initially allowed me to express myself visually. I became drawn to scent as a way to add depth to my artistic work, experimenting with fragrance blending on my own. I’m proud to be marking ten years in business soon, and even with much still to learn, I’m enjoying every step of this journey.
What emotions or memories do you hope to capture in your creations?
In my fragrances, I aim to evoke feelings of familiarity, comfort, and a sense of place. Initially, each of my scents was inspired by a blend of Scandinavian and West African influences, such as the earthy woods of Sweden in Nordic Cedar or the tropical greenery in Tropica. Over time, my inspirations have broadened, and now my work is shaped by a mix of sensory experiences, emotions, and surroundings. My goal is for each fragrance to invite the wearer into a familiar yet intriguing space where they can create their own connections and associations.
As an artist who works primarily with scent, what is your relationship to our other senses?
While scent is my main medium, my background in visual art shapes my approach to fragrance. When crafting a scent, I visualize colors, textures, and sounds that might accompany it. For instance, woody notes might feel textured and grounding, while lighter, citrusy notes might evoke brightness and clarity, almost like music or vibrant colors. I often incorporate photography as a visual narrative to complement each fragrance, adding another layer to the experience. Scent, to me, is never isolated—it is woven with visuals, colors, and even rhythm, creating a multi-sensory story for the wearer to immerse themselves in.
How do the landscapes, textures, and cultures that surround you find their way into your practice?
The landscapes, textures, and cultures that surround me are central to my creative practice. Growing up in Sweden and experiencing Gambia gave me a unique blend of sensory influences, from the woody stillness of Scandinavian forests to the earthy, spicy warmth of West Africa. These places hold distinct textures, sounds, and scents that inspire my work—like Sweden’s calmness and natural expanses or Gambia’s vibrant, lively atmosphere. Living in London has added another dimension, exposing me to the diversity of cultures and perspectives that shape this city. Each fragrance I create draws on these landscapes and cultural layers, capturing the textures and emotions of these environments in a way that feels personal yet universal.
What is the story of your perfume Vanilj?
Vanilj is inspired by my Scandinavian heritage, particularly the use of cardamom and vanilla as a popular combination in any household. It is inspired by my uncle and auntie on their wedding day; the colours and mood match the scent perfectly. I call it a “Scandinavian gourmand,” with a sweetness that’s grounded by earthy and woody notes evocative of Swedish nature. For me, it evokes warmth, comfort, and the simple pleasures of home. During fall and winter, I often layer Vanilj with Tobak to add depth with its tobacco and leather facet. It feels both nostalgic and addictive, inviting yet understated—like an intimate embrace. Vanilj represents the softer, sweeter side of my collection while still retaining the depth and complexity that runs through all my fragrances.
discover the perfume in our discovery set:
As an artist who works primarily with scent, what is your relationship to our other senses?
While scent is my main medium, my background in visual art shapes my approach to fragrance. When crafting a scent, I visualize colors, textures, and sounds that might accompany it. For instance, woody notes might feel textured and grounding, while lighter, citrusy notes might evoke brightness and clarity, almost like music or vibrant colors. I often incorporate photography as a visual narrative to complement each fragrance, adding another layer to the experience. Scent, to me, is never isolated—it is woven with visuals, colors, and even rhythm, creating a multi-sensory story for the wearer to immerse themselves in.
How do the landscapes, textures, and cultures that surround you find their way into your practice?
The landscapes, textures, and cultures that surround me are central to my creative practice. Growing up in Sweden and experiencing Gambia gave me a unique blend of sensory influences, from the woody stillness of Scandinavian forests to the earthy, spicy warmth of West Africa. These places hold distinct textures, sounds, and scents that inspire my work—like Sweden’s calmness and natural expanses or Gambia’s vibrant, lively atmosphere. Living in London has added another dimension, exposing me to the diversity of cultures and perspectives that shape this city. Each fragrance I create draws on these landscapes and cultural layers, capturing the textures and emotions of these environments in a way that feels personal yet universal.
What is the story of your perfume Vanilj?
Vanilj is inspired by my Scandinavian heritage, particularly the use of cardamom and vanilla as a popular combination in any household. It is inspired by my uncle and auntie on their wedding day; the colours and mood match the scent perfectly. I call it a “Scandinavian gourmand,” with a sweetness that’s grounded by earthy and woody notes evocative of Swedish nature. For me, it evokes warmth, comfort, and the simple pleasures of home. During fall and winter, I often layer Vanilj with Tobak to add depth with its tobacco and leather facet. It feels both nostalgic and addictive, inviting yet understated—like an intimate embrace. Vanilj represents the softer, sweeter side of my collection while still retaining the depth and complexity that runs through all my fragrances.
