My grandmother and I just so happened to be born on the same day of the year, a fact that kept us closely connected, no matter what our differences were in life. Every birthday, she would tell me how we were so lucky to be born during the week of “Builders and Dreamers,” a long line of pioneers and visionaries with birthdays during the second week of March. Politicians. Inventors. Artists. People from all walks of life who dared to look at the world differently, dedicating their lives to their passions. This was always followed with a story of a particular famous dreamer and how he or she helped change the course of history. Grandma would then give me a big hug and say “That’s why you should never be afraid to dream.” That these dreams would lead me to where I am supposed to be.
To an awkward little kid who, because of said awkwardness, generally felt like an outcast in most normal situations, these words were music to my ears. A green light to open the floodgates of my mind. I realize now that this was her way of teaching me self-confidence, even when faced with those who doubt. But beyond that, she was unwittingly opening a door to my brain that will never be closed again and introducing me to a road of endless possibilities. In a weird way, she introduced me to myself, and by doing so, set my creativity free.
I became an unapologetic dreamer.
And she was right. My dreams have made me who I am today. They led me to New York City, to my partner, to fragrance. They inspired me to open Charenton Macerations, create Christopher Street, and serve as an important source for so many of my conceptual ideas. And they continue to point me in the right direction in life. That is why every day I look forward to the next dream.
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