The Story
Why it exists.
Olympic Orchids Artisan Perfumes began as a Pacific Northwest orchid nursery founded in 2010 by Dr. Ellen Covey, a botanist who brought rigorous plant science into the craft of perfumery. The brand operates in small batches with an emphasis on botanical fidelity and understated presentation. Dr. Covey's scientific background informs her approach: she studies the chemistry of flowering plants and translates that knowledge into fragrance compositions that stay close to their natural sources. Hamsa continues this tradition, drawing on a palette of resins, woods, and subtle fruit notes that reflect both botanical accuracy and a deep interest in ancient aromatic materials.
If this were a song
Community picks
From a Distance
Bette Midler
The Beginning
Olympic Orchids Artisan Perfumes began as a Pacific Northwest orchid nursery founded in 2010 by Dr. Ellen Covey, a botanist who brought rigorous plant science into the craft of perfumery. The brand operates in small batches with an emphasis on botanical fidelity and understated presentation. Dr. Covey's scientific background informs her approach: she studies the chemistry of flowering plants and translates that knowledge into fragrance compositions that stay close to their natural sources. Hamsa continues this tradition, drawing on a palette of resins, woods, and subtle fruit notes that reflect both botanical accuracy and a deep interest in ancient aromatic materials.
The note philosophy behind Hamsa reflects Dr. Covey's interest in aromatic materials with historical and ritualistic significance. Frankincense, myrrh, styrax, and oud have been used in sacred contexts across cultures for millennia, and Hamsa pairs these with the gentle sweetness of apricot and the bright aromatics of mastic or lentisque to create a bridge between the ancient and the approachable. The inclusion of guaiac wood and sandalwood grounds the composition in soft, creamy woods, while cognac and liquidambar add a warm, almost tactile richness. The result is a fragrance that feels deeply considered, where each material serves a purpose in building a cohesive, contemplative whole.
The Evolution
The journey of Hamsa begins without ceremony. Citron arrives and departs within minutes, a brief flash of citrus that barely registers before mastic and frankincense take hold. The heart is where Hamsa lives, expanding over hours into a layered blend of guaiac wood and sandalwood, with apricot threading a soft sweetness through the resinous density. Cognac and oud introduce a darker, smokier dimension, while styrax and liquidambar add balsamic warmth that clings to skin and fabric alike. There is no dramatic shift into a drydown; instead, the heart simply deepens, the woods grow earthier, and the resins settle into a quiet, persistent warmth that can last well beyond six hours on the skin.
Cultural Impact
Hamsa found its audience in the niche fragrance community through ÇaFleureBon's Project Talisman, which pairs fragrances with meaningful symbols and narratives. The hand motif attracted collectors drawn to its protective symbolism and its unusual balance of bright citrus-fruit with deep resins. It's a fragrance that appeals to those who want something with narrative weight, not just a pleasant smell, but a scent with something to say.
The House
United States · Est. 2010
Olympic Orchids Artisan Perfumes translates a Pacific Northwest orchid nursery into a niche perfume house. Founded by Dr. Ellen Covey, the brand produces small‑batch scents that reference the flora of the Olympic Peninsula. Each fragrance is formulated in‑house, using natural extracts whenever possible, and released under a modest catalogue that includes titles such as Golden Cattleya (2010) and Night Flyer (2020). The line appeals to collectors who value depth, development, and a personal touch over mass‑market polish.
If this were a song
Community picks
Hamsa sounds like the moment before incense burns down to ash, quiet, warm, with a slow build toward something inevitable. Mastic smoke curls through the air, frank incense adds a sacred quality, and apricot softens the edges just enough to feel Intimate rather than austere. The track should capture that transition from bright citrus to warm resin, the slow settle of something protective into the skin.
From a Distance
Bette Midler
