We're back in Portland, Oregon, catching up with perfumer Heather Sielaff of OLO Fragrance, which she runs with her husband, Jonathan. Inspired by the moments of daily life and hand-blended on site, OLO's fragrances are like works of art that invite us to get wonderfully lost in a sensory experience. 

What had originally started as a hobby during her time in the wellness field quickly blossomed into something bigger, leading Heather to officially launch OLO in 2009. Since then, OLO’s captivating scents
have enchanted fans far and wide. We caught up with Heather in OLO’s bright and inviting shop to see what
the chic perfumer keeps in her Black Nume Oval Shoulder.

Hey Heather! Thanks for having us in your beautiful store—it’s so nice to see you again, and chat about
your Tsuchiya Bag!

First off: Is the Black Nume Oval Shoulder your work bag, or everyday bag? When do you use your bag?

It’s more of a work or evening bag for me. I tend to use it when I'm meeting with a client, or know I have a social engagement after work. I always take it with me when I travel because it’s very versatile, working well with both a casual or more dressed up outfit.

How does this bag relate to your personality or work?

I appreciate simple elegance with attention to detail—I enjoy understated but well-crafted items. The Nume Oval Shoulder is all those things!

What’s in your bag? Can we have a peek?

I usually have my sunglasses, phone, wallet, pen and keys, no matter what. My phone is very old but I won't get a new one until this one stops working, lol! I have a Dries Van Noten refillable lipstick. The case is pretty and I can change the color of lipstick whenever I want to.

I also always have Sasawashi all-purpose Kumazasa Balm. I use it when it's cold and my hands or lips get a little dry. I was traveling recently so I brought tissues and tea just in case.

Then I have extra stickers of one of our cats, Baby Rita. She has more friends than I do! We had stickers made so those that want may see her any time. I bought cat toys on my way home from work so there was one left in the bag. I don't normally carry cat toys around with me unless I know I'll be visiting a friend with a cat. A few pieces of bergamot candy. And an OLO fragrance, of course!

If someone found your bag and looked inside, what impression would they get?

They would probably be confused as to why someone has such a quality bag with such an old phone! And maybe wonder about the cat stickers and toys. I assume they would think the bag belongs to a cat lady who likes nice things. A fair assumption.

What’s the most important item you carry in your bag?

Keys and phone. I can't do anything without them.

What’s the strangest item you’ve carried in your bag?

Definitely the cat stickers of my own cat. Who does that?