Juan M. Perez
Juan M. Pérez Feliciano grew up surrounded by the lush botanicals of Puerto Rico, where his obsession with plants predates any interest in fragrance. A horticulturist by training, he pursued professional studies in plant sciences before a college chemistry class first exposed him to synthesizing aromatic compounds. That moment redirected everything. Self-taught in perfumery, Pérez Feliciano launched The Exotic Island Perfumer in 2012, channeling decades of botanical knowledge into scent. His work has since appeared with EnVoyage Perfumes, Zoologist, and Renier, and he co-founded Terra Mater Perfumes. What sets him apart is simple: he understands plants the way few perfumers do, having grown and studied them since childhood. That grounding shapes every composition, bringing an almost scientific intimacy to his use of natural materials.
The hits
Notable creations
The signature
How Juan composes
Pérez Feliciano favors compositions with strong botanical architecture. His work often centers on floral and herbal elements, drawing from his deep knowledge of plant materials accumulated since childhood. He has a particular affinity for Mexican and Caribbean botanical traditions, visible in creations like Flor Azteca. His style balances accessibility with complexity, producing fragrances that feel rooted in nature yet reveal unexpected depth. The Dragonfly release for Zoologist showcases his ability to render aquatic and green notes with botanical precision, while his work with Terra Mater continues exploring earthier, plant-forward territory.
Philosophy
What drives Juan
For Pérez Feliciano, perfumery begins with the garden. He approaches fragrance as an extension of his horticultural practice, building compositions from a place of genuine botanical understanding rather than theoretical knowledge. He values the authenticity of plant-derived materials and finds inspiration in exploring how familiar ingredients can be transformed through unexpected combinations. His creative process honors tradition while remaining curious, always asking what new territory familiar materials might unlock. The natural world remains his compass.
The houses