- Roja Dove Fragrance entrepreneur:
Company:Roja Dove Parfums
Web:rojaparfums.com
Roja Dove, born Roger Bird on September 25, 1956, in Sussex, South East England, stands as a highly revered British perfumer celebrated for his opulent and exclusive fragrances. His fascination with scents ignited in childhood, captivated by his mother’s perfume as she kissed him goodnight. As a teenager, he invested his savings in small perfume bottles, awestruck by their profound emotional impact.
Despite this early passion, Dove initially pursued a medical degree at the University of Cambridge. A pivotal moment arrived on his 21st birthday during a visit to the Guerlain Boutique in Paris, which forever altered his trajectory. Inspired by the world of perfumery, he began working at Joshua Taylor’s, a Cambridge department store, before leaving university to join the iconic French house Guerlain.
In 1981, Dove joined Guerlain’s Training and Public Relations Department, honing his professional expertise. During his near-20-year tenure, he made history as the first non-Guerlain family member and first non-French "nose" to create fragrances for the brand. He was later appointed Global Ambassador, dubbed the "Professeur de Parfum," a role that shaped his distinctive approach to perfume creation.
Following his departure from Guerlain, Dove founded RDPR Limited, a public relations firm in Brighton. In 2004, he opened the Roja Dove Haute Parfumerie on Harrods’ sixth floor in London. Designed as an exotic boudoir, the boutique showcased rare and exclusive scents from renowned brands.
Responding to customer demand for his own creations, Dove established Roja Parfums in 2011, debuting a trilogy representing female fragrance families:Enslaved(Oriental),Unspoken(Chypre), andScandal(Floral). These scents exemplified his meticulous attention to detail and commitment to premium ingredients.
As Roja Parfums gained acclaim, the brand expanded into candles and collaborations with luxury labels. His fragrances now grace prestigious department stores globally, worn by discerning clientele.
Beyond perfumery, Dove is a respected author and speaker. His books,The Essence of PerfumeandRoja Dove's Fragrance Guide, share his industry insights. He has lectured at institutions like The Barbican, The Science Museum, and the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, and participated in charity events.
Roja Dove’s innovative approach, inspirations, and brand narrative have cemented his status as an industry icon. Driven by unwavering dedication and passion, he continues to craft some of the world’s most exquisite and luxurious scents.
