Dawn Spencer Hurwitz is as much known in Perfumeland for her broad collection of beautiful creations as she is for her warm personality.
Based in Boulder, Colorado, she is a prolific creator. Her numerous scents are have found fans all across the globe.
Aside from the success of her excellent perfumes, it is the fact that Dawn has such a warm and approachable personality that has undoubtedly contributed to her being among the most beloved and important indie perfumers today.
Let’s see more of Dawn’s personal side today in the questionnaire…
A good day starts with… a smile and a snuggle from my boy.
I’d never leave the house without… a notebook and a pen.
I always feel good when… I have expressed myself through an art form.
My favorite thing in the world is… chocolate and maybe coffee… and maybe wine, too.
The next thing I want to buy is… an easel for Xander.
The place I always come back to is… Venice.
My personal style is… eclectic.
My favorite perfume… there is no favorite perfume that is bottled but my favorite smell is Edwin.
When I travel, I… crave as much comfort as possible.
To relax I need… softness.
I like to gift people with… sensuous fragrance.
When I have a bad day, I… eat chocolate.
I find my inspiration… everywhere.
Something I would never want to miss… Xander’s birthday.
My last mistake was… staying up too late. Again.
In my fridge there is always… Christmas ale.
On my nightstand I keep… sognare venezia.
The perfect weekend starts with… pancakes and coffee.
My role model is… Edmond Roudnitska.
Something I always want to be asked in questionnaires like this is… what is my measure of success?
It might sound kind of strange, but to me the greatest worldly success would be to have a private driver. On a more spiritual note, success is to me is to have made an impact on the art form. I strive to create great perfumes; to truly make works of art. If in the end my work has spoken to others (impacted the audience) and to have even expanded the art form, I will feel as though I have succeeded.
I can totally relate to Dawns answers, comfort, chocolate and baby boys – those things dominate my life too.
Here are my DSH reviews: Mata Hari :: Virdian and Celadon :: Italian Splendor Collection I :: Italian Splendor Collection II :: Italian Splendor Collection III :: Mini Reviews :: Pandora
The line is huge and diverse: so have you explored it yet? What is your favorite?
Olfactoria's Travels 
A pity she didn’t asnwer her own question, I would have loved to know the answer (“What is my measure of success?”)
I asked her to, of course, but she was very busy, so she didn’t get back to me… maybe she’ll chime in today…
Thats exactly what I was gonna say. Please tell us Dawn 🙂
She just did! 🙂
I like her measure of success 🙂 As an artist myself, I can relate.
I would love to try some of her perfumes very soon!!!
I hope you get the chance to try some, Arline!
I already knew Dawn is a wonderful person and your questionnaire just proved it. Plus, one of her favourite things in the world is wine – which is always a great sign. 😉
Lol, it is! 🙂
I am huge fan of Dawn and my favourite scent of her collection is still Cafe Noir, for about 15 years now!
Cheers
Safran
Isn’t it great that despite adding many new things, she keeps old favorites in the line-up too!
Haha, I am with her on the perils of staying up late and on the chocolate refuge front.
Fave perfume of Dawn’s – hands down – is Cimabue. I may have to buy another bottle when it’s done, which is imminent.
Cimabue is so good, I completely understand your need to replenish.
It’s always a treat when there’s a new People in Perfumeland post.
Dawn saying she feels good when she expresses herself through an art form is very interesting and makes perfect sense.
Self-soothing with chocolate makes perfect sense too 🙂
I agree completely. *reaches for a piece of chocolate*
I really enjoy this series. Dawn has such a prolific collection that I haven’t sampled nearly as much as I’d like, but her Inner Sanctum is hands down my favorite dark, incense rose. It’s a staple in the winter and I hope she makes it forever!
Inner Sanctum – what a great name for a perfume!
Glad you enjoy the series, ringthing!
What a wonderful interview format! Now I must learn more about Dawn’s perfume line…off I go to research! Thanks so much.
There is a lot to find, enjoy!
I’m not as familiar with Dawn’s work as I probably should be, but I certainly have enjoyed the few perfumes of hers I’ve sampled – Bancha Extreme being exceptionally good. It was fun to get a glimpse of her personality through your interview, Birgit. And it doesn’t sound at all strange to me that her vision of the greatest worldly success would be to have a personal driver. 🙂
I agree, a personal driver would be ideal! 🙂
I’d vote for a personal chef 😉
I have one! (The husband!) 😉
Well… In this sense I have a driver ;-p
See, happiness is a question of perspective! 😉