Interview with Michaela – Photographer & Creative Director
What’s the story behind how you discovered Maison d’Etto, and what drew you to shoot with the scent in Mallorca?
I first discovered Maison d’Etto through Brianna—we actually connected on LinkedIn! I was immediately intrigued by what she was creating. I loved that the brand had such intentionality behind it, and I was especially inspired by it being founded by a woman.
How did the fragrances inspire your creative process during the retreat?
I love engaging all five senses when I create—the visuals that catch my eye, the sensation of sunlight or breeze on the skin, the sounds of the environment, the taste of fresh fruit or tea, and of course, scent. Working with Maison d’Etto added a beautiful layer to the experience. I filled the villa with the candles and shared fragrance samples with the other attendees, creating a full sensory immersion—a true Maison d’Etto moment. To this day, certain MD fragrances instantly bring me back to Mallorca. It feels nostalgic, almost cinematic—like stepping into a memory on film.
Which scent did you connect with most during your travels—and why?
It’s so hard to choose, but Noisette was, and still is, my favorite. It feels clean, feminine, and romantic—almost like a gentle reminder to slow down and honor the beauty and mystery we hold as women. That trip, staying in a villa with so many incredible women from around the world, really helped me step into myself. It was the final summer of my twenties, and I couldn’t imagine spending it anywhere else. Noisette will always carry me back to that time.
How do you visually interpret scent through your photography?
Memory is everything with scent—and with photography. Both have the ability to transport you. I try to capture moments that feel nostalgic and dreamlike, so when you look at the image, you’re reminded of a place, a season, a fleeting feeling—the way a fragrance does when you smell it again years later.
Can you share a favorite image or moment from the retreat where the scent and setting aligned perfectly?
There was a small window right next to my bed with one of those old-fashioned frames that opened outward without a screen. Every morning, I’d swing it open and look out at the long driveway leading up to the villa. We were surrounded by farmland, and the driveway was lined with hundreds—maybe thousands—of tiny snails. To me, they felt like a reminder to slow down, to be patient, and to trust my own resilience during a time of great uncertainty. I’d light a Maison d’Etto candle during my morning routine, and between the fragrance, the stillness, and the view, it felt like I was living in a dream. It was a moment that reminded me of the beauty, sensuality, and magic life has to offer.
