Meet Kate Dutton - not only is she our Head Perfumer here at PURA Botanicals, she is also our in-house lab Production Lead. This means that all of your PURA potions are freshly crafted and bottled by her capable and talented hands. On weekends, she guides clients through the process of creating their own bespoke perfume. Originally from Brisbane, Australia, Kate has been with PURA since July 2018. We caught up with Kate to chat more about her personality, passions, and to get a unique 'behind the scenes' glimpse of working at PURA through her eyes. 

Let's start simply  - what is your Zodiac sign?

Cancer.

How would you describe yourself in 5 words?

Kind, loyal, creative, playful, empathetic.

Why are PURA's values important to you?

It's really special to work somewhere that truly believes in embracing who you are and loving yourself. I'm a strong believer in the fact that if we lift each other up and empower the women around us, great things will happen. In my experience, PURA does this at every turn.

What is your favourite PURA potion(s) to make and why?

I LOVE the way the Overnight Garden Mask fills the lab with the most calming spa-like scent; it never fails to put me in a good mood. The Hyaluronic Ruby Serum is another favourite - dropping each ruby in by hand and filling each bottle with the most beautiful coloured serum while inhaling the citrusy rose scent - it always feels really special to make.

Ok, be honest, what's your least favourite potion to make and why?

Ahh, I would have to say Exotic Pink Coffee Dust. It's the most challenging potion to mix and fill and depending on the size of the batch, can take a full day or more to complete. As a consumer, I have always had a huge love for this potion and maybe even appreciate it a little more after discovering the hands-on labour that goes into it first hand!

What are your top 3 PURA potions to use in your daily self-care rituals?

Daily, I can't live without the Hyaluronic Ruby Serum & Ambrosia Beautifying Serum. The potion that puts the biggest smile on my face is the Cocoa Honeycream Mask - the scent is so indulgent and it makes my skin feel so incredibly soft. If I'm ever in need of some self-care this is the first thing I reach for!

A perfumer beholds rare knowledge that is often only found in France. Did you ever imagine yourself becoming a perfumer? What is the best part of creating someone's custom perfume? Anything that surprises you?

No, it was definitely not something I imagined, but I was so excited to learn when the opportunity came up! I have always loved and been intrigued by the power of scent memory. Learning about perfume and being able to create a custom scent for someone that will bring them back to this moment of time or the special occasion they choose to wear it is so magical.

I love the uniqueness of every individual perfume and coming along the journey with each client as they smell each individual scent. It often brings up memories they haven't talked about in years and it's as though they are sharing snaps of their lives with me as we create something that is so uniquely suited to them. It's such a special, one-of-a-kind experience.

We have very high standards at PURA for all product innovation and manufacturing. You know what goes into each product from start to finish. What's your favourite part of this process?

Honestly, I love it all! From starting out with an idea or goal and brainstorming the best way to bring that dream to life, adding each ingredient drop by drop until it's perfect, the feeling when the plan comes together, seeing the design and packaging come to life all the way to the launch! Witnessing a potion we have all worked so hard for going out the door, posted on social media, gaining rave reviews from clients when they get to try it is such an amazing feeling. The love and passion that goes into each step by all members of our team is always so inspiring.

What was the most memorable and exciting thing you have been a part of as PURA's Production Leader?

There's been a lot but I would have to say The Jilly Box - it was just an incredible experience from start to finish.

Dreaming up and creating PURA Fragrance No.1 (launching soon!) has been so much fun. I got to bring the skills I have developed in bespoke sessions into the lab and help create something really special. It's been incredible to work alongside Lane in making this come to life. It's so different from what we normally formulate and I'm extremely proud of how it has come together!

When do you feel most grounded and naturally beautiful from the inside out?

Sunshine has always had a way of recharging my soul and filling me with happiness- it fills my cup and grounds me whether it be while out in nature. Camping or exploring, soaking up some rays while drinking my coffee on a patio or following the sunbeams around my house, it will never fail to bring a wave of calmness and joy to my day.

What brings you joy at PURA, and in your personal life?

I love spending time in the kitchen. I grew up with a family that loves to cook and entertain and this definitely helped shape what I find joy in as an adult: family, friends and food! Some of my happiest times are in the kitchen with my partner, music playing and a glass of wine in hand, cooking up something for a date night in or friends. I was lucky to find a job that brings some of those feelings into my everyday work life - being in the lab always feels like I'm baking, the creativity that comes with formulating a new potion and the family-like feel of a small team.