Jono Bornstein

Jono Bornstein grew up in New Rochelle, New York, just outside New York City. He trained in formal perfumery, studying the classics of modern perfumery note by note alongside chemistry, marketing, and law. The curriculum covered both fine fragrances and functional perfumery for products like shampoos and candles. After working in collaborative studio settings where briefs often steered toward safe, commercially proven directions, Bornstein moved into independent work. The shift from sharing creative decisions with a team to working alone was difficult for him; he genuinely enjoys the collaborative process. He launched his own house to have full control over his creative output, navigating the practical and logistical challenges of starting a fragrance brand from scratch. Parfumo credits him with 31 perfumes, and his work centers on Americana folk traditions rather than the oud and musky floral trends dominating contemporary niche perfumery.