Heritage
A house, in its own words
John Biebel launched January Scent Project after years of work as a painter, musician, UX designer and contributor to fragrance forums. In 2015 he converted his studio space in Pawtucket into a makeshift laboratory, using basic equipment to formulate his first perfume, Smolderose. The scent debuted publicly in 2017 and quickly attracted a niche following among indie fragrance enthusiasts. Building on that momentum, Biebel released Burvuvu in 2018, a cedar‑centric composition that critics described as a study in wood. 2020 saw the arrival of Ojiim, a fragrance that explored mineral and aquatic notes, followed by two releases in 2021 – Attaupe and Gong – each expanding the brand’s tonal palette. By 2024 the line grew to include Northern Flicker, a scent inspired by the bird’s seasonal migrations. Throughout its evolution, the house has remained a solo operation, with Biebel handling formulation, testing and artistic direction. The brand’s growth has been documented in live‑stream sessions where Biebel demonstrates his testing process and engages directly with the community. While the label has not pursued mainstream retail channels, it maintains a steady output of limited editions, each announced through social media and niche fragrance platforms. January Scent Project treats perfume as an extension of personal expression. Biebel describes his work as the convergence of visual art, sound and scent, allowing each bottle to convey a mood that mirrors a painting or a musical phrase. The brand prioritises experimentation grounded in respect for traditional craft; ingredients are chosen for their narrative potential rather than trend appeal. Custom scent development follows a collaborative dialogue, where clients share memories or concepts that the perfumer then translates into aromatic form. This process reflects the founder’s belief that fragrance should be a dialogue between creator and wearer, not a one‑way broadcast. The label also values transparency, often sharing raw material lists and formulation notes with its audience. By keeping production small and hands‑on, the house maintains control over every stage, ensuring that each perfume remains true to its original artistic intent.