In Syria, a new wave of entrepreneurship is taking root, driven by women who are turning their homes into production hubs for natural perfumes. Tapping into the country’s rich history of fragrance making, these founders are blending traditional skills with economic necessity to create businesses that rely on locally sourced ingredients and cater to a growing market for authentic products.
Quick Facts
- Women-led businesses reviving a traditional industry.
- Products based on local, natural ingredients.
- Exhibitions and bazaars are primary sales channels.
From Passion to Production
This movement is built on individual passion. Ramia Romieh, one of the women leading this charge, began her journey in the Damascus countryside, inspired by the iconic Damask rose. “My project started at home, based on distilling aromatic plants to produce rose water, in addition to hair and skin care products,” she explained.
Romieh attributes the success of her products to their natural and safe components, which preserve the authenticity and quality of the fragrance. She didn’t stop at production. After taking courses in gift arrangement, she focused on creating attractive packaging, especially for younger customers. This allowed her to expand her business to include custom gifts for weddings and graduations. For Romieh, participating in local exhibitions and bazaars was a critical step for gaining experience and introducing customers to her brand.
The Craft of Composition
While passion is the starting point, the craft requires deep technical knowledge. Safaa al-Qaiqi, another entrepreneur in the space, views perfume making as a cumulative journey of trial and error. She learned the basics from her family before refining her skills through practical training with specialists.
Al-Qaiqi noted that perfume making relies on core components: high-quality essential oils, specialized perfume alcohol, and distilled water. These are mixed in precise ratios to ensure the fragrance’s stability and quality. “Self-development is an essential element in this field, by following the latest techniques and learning from the experiences of others,” al-Qaiqi stated. Like Romieh, she found that exhibitions helped her exchange expertise and open up new marketing opportunities to grow her project.
Reviving a Historical Legacy
This entrepreneurial trend is not emerging in a vacuum. Syria has a deep-rooted history in perfumery, with cities like Damascus being major centers for producing natural scents for centuries. The Damask rose and jasmine have long been essential ingredients for rose water and aromatic oils.
Today, what might have once been a home-based hobby is transforming into a productive craft. These women-led ventures are contributing to their economic empowerment while reviving a cultural heritage in a modern style that meets the demands of the local market.
About Syria’s Natural Perfume Revival
Syria’s Natural Perfume Revival is a grassroots movement of women entrepreneurs who are establishing home-based businesses to produce natural fragrances and beauty products. Leveraging the country’s historical expertise in perfumery and using local botanicals like the Damask rose, these ventures represent a blend of cultural preservation and economic empowerment. They primarily reach customers through direct sales at local exhibitions and bazaars.
Source: SANA
