- Sophia Grojsman Perfumer:
Company:IFF
Education: IFF
Web:iff.com
Sophia Grojsman is a visionary perfumer whose lifelong passion for flowers and botanical wonders ignited at an early age. Growing up in Belarus, she was captivated by the sensory tapestry of the natural world, spending childhood hours enraptured by the textures and aromas of blooming flora. When her family relocated to Poland, she pursued a Bachelor of Science in analytical inorganic chemistry, laying a scientific foundation for her future olfactory innovations.
In 1965, immigrating to the United States, she joined International Flavors & Fragrances Inc. as a lab assistant, mentored by legendary perfumers Josephine Catapano and Ernest Shiftan. Here, her creative prowess flourished, leading to the creation of iconic fragrances that defined eras: Yves Saint Laurent’sParis, Calvin Klein’sEternity for Women, and Lancôme’sTrésor.
Characterized by their sensual silkiness, Grojsman’s compositions evoke the velvety softness of flower petals while maintaining a bold, confident character. Her revolutionary approach shattered traditional perfumery conventions by allowing base notes to emerge prominently from the top accord, a vision that redefined olfactory structure. This avant-garde style—where depth and complexity unfurl from the first spritz—earns her comparison to "the Picasso of perfumery."
Beyond her professional legacy, Sophia exudes warmth and charisma. Her office features a collage of children’s photos from friends and colleagues, a testament to her maternal spirit. She nurtures young perfumers at IFF with the same dedication she pours into her craft, balancing artistic rigor with generosity.
Sophia Grojsman’s legacy lies not only in fragrances that transformed sensory expectations but in her ability to blend strength, innovation, and heart. Her creations, both progressive and breathtaking, remain a testament to how artistry and science can converge in a bottle—making her an enduring icon in the world of perfumery.
