StyleNest take five minutes with Miller Harris founder, Lyn Harris to find out her perfume secrets.

Mum, businesswomen and nose, Lyn Harris tells us the secrets to finding the perfect scent and how to become a successful businesswoman. From sharing her favourite scents to top tips on how to choose a gift, StyleNest find out the fragrance behind Britain’s most adored perfumer.

You have been in the perfume industry for 15 years. What first introduced you into the world of perfume?

I used to work in a fragrance shop in the holidays in the north where all the mill owners came from far and wide. It was the first shop to sell fine French Fragrance such as Guerlain, Chanel  & Patou.

What was the inspiration behind the branding of the fragrance?

The botanical print captures the true essence of the heritage of what I did. The colours are used to define the fragrances and bring a modern elegance. I wanted something that embodied the tradition of what I do as well as representing my unconventional style. They have an integral relationship with the fragrances and suggest a story to the customer, reinforcing the magic of the brand.

You have come a long way and achieved so much, personally and professionally. What has been your ultimate achievement? 

Miller Harris! And of course my son, Henri.

What is the creation process when you design a new fragrance? Do you take inspiration from your personal life, places, people and events?

I take inspiration from everything in my life: the flowers, the seasons, the earth, the fruits, the rain, the tree bark, the heat of the sun, people in the street, countries.

You create fragrance for the home and the body. Do you have a particular favourite area of fragrance you enjoy the most?

I love working on bespoke scents, my clients want their fragrance to tell a story that is meaningful and resonant, with ingredients that represent who they are. Working for an individual is far more demanding than creating for a brand, as people want more, and so they should! People are complex and want protection and this is what challenges me.

Can you give StyeNest any exciting inside news on any current or future projects you might be working on?

This year is busy. From September you should watch this space.

You are an inspirational business woman, what advice would you give to our readers who want to set up their own business?

Instinct is everything.

It must be hard to choose but do you have a particular favourite Miller Harris scent?

I created the range so that you can choose different scents to suit different seasons, occasions and moods, such that you build up a wardrobe of fragrances rather than being restricted to purely one. I love citron citron and then la pluie. I wear a lot.

Miller Harris aside, what are your other favourite fragrances and home scents?

I love many; Chanel no 5 and Jicky. And I always have a hanky with frankincense oil on it for when I’m feeling blue.

Buying a fragrance for someone else is always hard. What advice would you give our readers when choosing a fragrance for someone else?

Go by their skin and hair colour; an English rose is more suited to a delicate floral, whereas darker skin can hold a stronger scent, style is important too.

When you are not busy working, what do you enjoy doing to unwind?

Cooking and eating beautiful food with my family, love going to art galleries, walking in Regents Park, tennis and seeing friends.

What advice would you give to women when choosing a fragrance?

Always try it on your skin first, so with that initial feeling any doubt has moved away

What’s your motto?

Stay true to who you are and be you.

For more information visit www.millerharris.com.

For more interviews on fragrance experts, see StyleNest’s exclusive interview with Jo Malone.