Image Credit: Photo by Khanh Do on Unsplash

The Top Note | Vol. 26

Community · Luxury · Art · Perfume

Welcome back to The Top Note — your weekly fragrance letter sent every Thursday evening.

March 26, 2026

Opening Note

they opened

i can recall this time that
i came home from
work

simply to notice the
silent ministry
of the white and purple Hibiscus
plants near my living room window

i arrive home around 730pm
simply to see their hearts open
oops i mean
their petals opened
just slightly

preparing to close at night time draws
near

the bees are still visiting their
transparency
oops i mean openness

i think to myself
it's getting late and their petals are
starting to close

preparing themselves to be open
again the next day

i admire their vulnerability
opening themselves up to the
elements like that

allowing others to visit their hidden
beauty
for a time

a few hours go by
around 4

it's dark now
their petals are closed
ever so tightly

almost unnoticeable
i almost have to search for them again

their hidden beauty
masked from me

distinguishable only by the difference
in color to the other flora

nonetheless i observe their state

a few more hours go by

i am awakened by a gentle
knocking on the door of my spirit

my mind tells me to
check the door

the door planted by my living room
window

i pursue this knocking and en route
i am drawn to the Hibiscus
outside by my living room window

i notice their openness again

it's around 345am
but it's still dark outside

their petals are open again
but there is no sun in sight

it's dark outside

what are they sensing that my eyes
are unable to see

what has opened their hearts again
oops
i mean petals

what are they aware of
what are they preparing to receive

i always thought that it was the
radiance of the sun that drew their
petals open

but now i am seeing something
different

plants operating by faith

opening their petals to receive
the sunlight my eyes don't see

it's dark outside
but the Hibiscus
is light for me

showing me how
to share my heart with the world

showing me that indeed
it is better to give than receive.

— a well composed thought from yours truly HT

Featured Fragrance: Capture

Capture

Capture - Courtesy of Sir S. Roach - Guest at The Scented Social 2022

This is the mystery fragrance that was revealed at our last Scented Social gathering. All the fragrances in this collection have been named by guests of The Scented Social which is voted in by attending guests of the gathering.

This is the attendee's interpretative description and story of this fragrance in his own words:

"...The scent is captivating , when you walk pass someone it automatically captures them!!"

— Sir S. Roach, Guest at The Scented Social 2022

Main Notes: Bergamot, Violet, Lavender, Gardenia, Amber, Balsam

Client Spotlight

Way Better Than Anticipated

“I am accustomed to smelling samples before I purchase anything. Those reviews on the scents and the very detailed description of what I'm getting is very much on point. I absolutely love the smell and they are never overwhelming.”

— Crystal S.

The Blend — Hibiscus

Hibiscus is more than a beautiful flower — it carries history, culture, and flavor. The name “hibiscus” traces back through Latin and Greek origins, often associated with delicate beauty and bold presence.

One of the best ways to enjoy hibiscus is as tea — slightly tart, vibrant, and refreshing. Pair it with light snacks like fruit, honey pastries, or even dark chocolate to balance its natural brightness.

Much like fragrance, hibiscus teaches balance — bold, yet gentle.

Community Connection

A heartfelt thank you to those who continue to support our brand and products, and to those who consistently uplift and encourage Black-owned brands. We appreciate you — and we will keep going.

“You are that rare flower, one of a kind, once in a lifetime.”
— HT

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