Top Note | Vol. 3 — The Weight of Grace
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The Top Note | Vol. 3 — The Weight of Grace
Community · Luxury · Art · Perfume
Welcome back to The Top Note — The Taliaferro’s weekly fragrance journal that connects scent, artistry, and culture through storytelling and community. In this issue, we reflect on legacy, the evolution of scent, and the quiet strength of Cicely Tyson.
Opening Note
I’ve held on tight.
I’ve also let go.
I’ve done my best.
I’ve also not done anything at all.
I’ve carried burdens.
I’ve also been one.
I ponder upon these sorts of things as I sit on the edge of my bed — blue light providing light for me as I find a place for my thoughts to rest. No one knows that today I was given the opportunity to carry a burden — one that had carried burdens for others.
As the other five men and I hoist her vessel into the air, I feel the weight. I feel the weight. I feel the weight. I feel the weight.
The weight of one who was qualified by God to carry the weight of her people — into her roles.
Excerpt from “I’ve Done My Best” by HT
Featured Fragrance: Cicely
Dedicated to: Cicely Tyson
Who knew that a chance encounter — serving as a pallbearer and funeral attendant at the late, great actress’s funeral — would become a source of inspiration for our Black Excellence Collection? That special moment impacted me in more ways than one, further cementing my commitment to advancing Black progress within the fragrance industry.
This scent is inspired by our interpretation of Cicely Tyson taking a peaceful stroll along the beach of her parents’ island home in the West Indies — graceful, grounded, and timeless.
Client Spotlight
“I’m enjoying reading her autobiography Just As I Am and also enjoying this scent named after her. It is a beautiful bright floral scent that smells refreshing and clean with notes of musk, mandarin, sea spray, citrus, fruits, and jasmine.”
— Candy a.k.a. @icandeeeee
The Blend: How Your Scent Profile Evolves with Time
Just like our taste in music or fashion, our scent preferences evolve as we do. When we’re younger, we often gravitate toward lighter, fresher fragrances — bright citrus, clean musks, and airy woods that feel casual and effortless. As we mature, our palate deepens. We begin to appreciate the warmth of amber, the confidence of oud, and the richness of resins or spice.
This shift isn’t just about age — it’s about experience. Each chapter of life refines what we find appealing, meaningful, or memorable. Fragrance becomes less about “smelling good” and more about feeling understood.
Your scent journey is personal — evolving as you do.
Community Connection
Black Fragrance Association Awards Grant to House of Iyrah
A meaningful moment for Black creators in fragrance — the Black Fragrance Association (BFA) recently awarded its first official grant to House of Iyrah during a special proof-of-concept dinner hosted in collaboration with @brwnsugarbabe.
“SO excited to finally share a little piece of our hearts with you. Last night was the first official ‘proof-of-concept’ dinner for the @blackfragranceassociation (BFA), hosted in collaboration with @brwnsugarbabe. We’ve been quietly building this dream and working behind the scenes, but last night was a beautiful step into the light. It was surreal to see so many incredible Black women gathered together, celebrating and awarding our first grant to the @houseofiyrah. BFA isn’t just for women; it’s for all Black people in fragrance who deserve to shine. We’re beyond thrilled for what’s to come and can’t wait to share this journey with you all. Here’s to the beginning of something truly special!”
— @heykd11, Co-Founder of BFA
This milestone represents a powerful step forward in celebrating and advancing Black excellence within the fragrance industry — a reminder that creativity and community grow stronger when opportunity meets vision.
Closing Note
“The moment anyone tries to demean or degrade you in any way, you have to know how great you are. Nobody would bother to beat you down if you were not a threat.”
— Cicely Tyson
May her legacy continue to inspire grace, purpose, and quiet strength in every dream we pursue.
— The Taliaferro Family