Susanne's Story

Life After Breast Cancer

My journey to the fragrance world began as a blessing in disguise  in the form of breast cancer. I was diagnosed back in 2003, during a time in my life when I was completely wrapped up in a long, stressful career in the stock brokerage world. I was constantly travelling for work, missing many precious moments with my boys.

With my diagnosis, the world suddenly slowed down and felt much simpler. Time felt more finite. Every word, every smile, every tear became that much more precious. It forced me to stop and reevaluate the path I was on. It became the impetus for enormous change.

Oddly enough, I feel immensely blessed to have experienced such an awakening, to survive (and thrive) with a healthier attitude towards life. It was then that I chose to step into a whole new directionimmersing myself in a new career in fragrance with my dear friend Shelley Callaghan. There’s something so calming and lovely about finding a venture that forces me to stop and embrace this beautiful world we live in through the power of fragrance.

I also feel fortunate that through Antica Farmacista, we’re able to give back and help efforts towards breast cancer research, support and education. This year, we’re excited to launch our October collaboration with Seattle-based ceramics artist, and good family friend, Kelsey Malone of Busted Ceramics.

Our limited edition Bust Candles are truly one-of-a-kind and filled with our soy blend wax in our best-selling fragrances Prosecco and Daphne Flower. Each handcrafted piece is unique, just like every woman’s body and journey. A portion of the proceeds from every sale will go to support SHARE, a national nonprofit that supports, educates and empowers women affected by breast, ovarian and metastatic breast cancer.

Fragrance has truly been instrumental throughout my journey. It envelops the moments and experiences that enrich our lives, etching them into our memories to relive again and again. Surviving cancer has taught me that it’s in these moments where we find peace and resolution. As my favorite quote goes, “Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away."   —Susanne