A Pioneering Journey of Female Entrepreneurship in Scottish Slow Perfumery

Bringing a unique perspective to the fragrance industry honed through decades of expertise in the whisky & beverage industry, Imogen Russon-Taylor stands as one of the visionary pioneers who believed in the beauty of Scottish botanicals and the potential of Scottish perfumery—a market that is flourishing particularly within international niche, artistic, and artisanal fragrance markets.

With a focus on slow fragrance, deeply rooted in her desire to preserve Scotland's enchanting scentscapes, Imogen sheds light on the rich history of Scottish botanicals and her journey in the fragrance industry, nurtured by female entrepreneurs alike.

Scottish Perfumery is becoming increasingly appreciated in the international niche market, with many new brands emerging. What strengths and innovations do you believe Scottish Perfumery brings to the industry?

It is so exciting that Scotland is now firmly on the map in the world of perfumery! Scotland has some of the most beautiful landscapes the world has to offer, this is certainly at the core of our inspiration for the Kingdom Scotland scents.

The country also has a pioneering history in the worlds of botany, exploration, technology, engineering, literature and politics, it is exciting to see this heritage turn to the world of fragrance.

Sustainability is also much higher up on the agenda in Scotland, for example, renewables generate almost all of Scotland’s electricity, mostly from our wind power. This focus on long-term sustainability is encouraged in all Scottish businesses from start-ups to multinational whisky companies and is a foundation of Kingdom Scotland’s products and business process.

Which Scottish botanicals do you find particularly fascinating within perfumery?

The drama and beauty of the natural world are at the very heart of Kingdom Scotland – from the creative start of a new fragrance; to the selection of ingredients; to the final scent reveal.

Kingdom Scotland is all about telling stories in scent and the majestic natural landscape is a constant source of inspiration.

We are very proud to have a partnership with The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE), which was established in 1670 and has a long unparalleled history of botanical adventure and protection. Scotland also has a long history in the world of apothecaries, the RBGE actually started life as a physic apothecary garden, healing nobility. I find the scented botanicals grown here with a medicinal aspect particularly fascinating - such as Artemisia Absinthium (Wormwood), Marigold (Calendula Officinalis), Geranium, and Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender). And, of course, the illuminating gorse. This bright yellow flower shrub covers many Scottish hills and paths and has that unmissable coconut aspect in summer.

How do the botanical richness and biodiversity of Scotland reflect in your fragrances?

Our fragrances are incredibly complex and each has over 35 aromatic ingredients or more.

Our Kingdom Botanica fragrance created in collaboration with the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh is what I would call botanical maximalism! It is an explosion of complex botanicals, florals and woods. Our profits go towards vital biodiversity research at the RBGE in the face of climate change, something we are very proud of.

With a professional background in the whisky industry, how did this experience inspire Kingdom Scotland’s fragrances?

I have worked for over 20 years in the world of Scotch whisky and I’m definitely inspired and influenced by the complex aromatic world of whisky.

My nose was trained in the drinks industry, which I think is quite different in the world of perfumery. I approach innovation in a different way, I use different expressions and language and I always try to deliver a ‘sense of place’ in my scents which is what whisky does so very well.

Can you tell us more about your ethos and approach to slow fragrance?

It can take decades to release a whisky-Kingdom Scotland has brought this slow influence of the time and patience required to craft and appreciate an extraordinary spirit in our perfume creation.

Slow fragrance, to me, is the meticulous art and craft of creating a complex and revealing scent, the patience, care, and restraint it requires, all takes time but is so worth it.

Slow fragrance is conscious and mindful, close to traditional methods as opposed to our fast and hectic lives.

Slow perfumes are conceived, created and appreciated differently. They require a sense of intelligence, awareness and contemplation to really enjoy and experience them.

As we celebrate International Women’s Day, could you share your journey as a female founder in the fragrance industry?

International Women’s Day is a day in the diary that helps me pause and reflect on where I have come.

It is a great opportunity to stop and find the space and time to reflect. I love my work in fragrance, and the creation of Kingdom Scotland is something I am very proud of.

It hasn’t all been easy, in fact, more of a rollercoaster ride, and there are always successes and challenges ahead. But, I am so glad to have found the courage to step out of the corporate world and create my own business with my values and creativity.

I am so grateful for my support network of fantastic family and friends, and also my business and entrepreneurial support networks. I started the Kingdom journey on the first cohort of the RBS Accelerator, in Edinburgh.

It was enlightening, and I still work and collaborate with them today. I also am part of the OurWhisky Foundation, which is a women in whisky mentorship programme, and that has been a great support. My business coach Poppy Delbridge is a force I couldn’t do without! I humbly thank all of them.

How do you foster support and collaboration among fellow female creatives and entrepreneurs in the fragrance community?

It is sometimes hard not being in London to find fellow female fragrance professionals, very much is focused on the South East of England.

However, COVID forced everyone to work so much more online, so I have managed to find a great network.

I now have a supportive network up here in Scotland and we help each other with sharing creatives and contacts.

Being part of The Fragrance Foundation UK is also a great support. It keeps me up to date, celebrates being part of a prolific industry and the Awards are great fun!

As a successful female entrepreneur, what advice would you give to aspiring women looking to break into the fragrance industry or start their own ventures?

Follow your passion: this is what will take you through the good and the bad. Be open to ideas, and different ways of doing things and network like mad.

Finally, we would love to conclude the interview by discovering one of your most cherished scent memories!

Climbing trees in ancient Caledonian forests on the west coast of Scotland in Spring as a child! The freshness of wildflowers and the sweetness of wild herbs, the sparkling light from the sun coming through the top canopy of leaves, every shade of green, and the earthly, mossy, bark of forest floor. This is a really strong memory for me and the inspiration for the Portal eau de parfum from our collection.