Inspiring Conversations with Sanae Barber of SANAE intoxicants

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sanae Barber.

Hi Sanae, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My path into perfumery wasn’t built on a strategic, master plan—it was built on surrender, obsession, and by the grace of God. Early on, when I transitioned away from a career in advertising, I was searching for what was next. It wasn’t until I let go of what career I wanted to move into and simply allowed myself to explore what I was naturally interested in and actually doing already, that the magic happened. I found a passion for collecting rare oils the way some collect jewelrey or shoes. I loved working with natural, raw materials and the alchemy of scent. For me it was a process of translating emotion into storytelling, or like a musical composition by way of blending fragrance notes.

From those early experimental days, to collaborating with incredible artists, designing custom scents for major brands, and opening my first space in Los Feliz, the journey has always been about staying dedicated to the craft itself. I learned early on that when I keep my focus strictly on what I love to do—rather than worrying about the outcome—the right doors open naturally. People ask me how I get work or how people find me and the answer is, they just do. I actually wish I had a marketing plan or strategy, but that just hasn’t been how this perfume project has evolved.

Today, getting to where I am isn’t just a reflection of the work I’ve put into SANAE Intoxicants; it’s a reflection of the grace that has guided me and the deep anchor of my family, my spiritual beliefs, and loved ones I cherish. Sticking close to the people who truly ground and support me has allowed me to keep my heart in the work and navigate every evolution of this business with reverence.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
This journey has had its share of steep hills. The hardest and most valuable lesson I’ve learned is how to lean back into the work and let life take care of itself, especially when things don’t happen on my ideal timeline.Closing my retail store during COVID was a terrifying test of that mindset. I didn’t know what the future looked like, but I chose to focus entirely on what was within my control: making things, honing my skills, and elevating my craft. By taking it one step at a time and staying dedicated to what I loved and my loved ones, the energy shifted. That period of uncertainty actually expanded my reach, drawing in more private-label clients and ultimately opening the door to my current store, where I get to share my world with people globally. Staying dedicated when you can’t see the full picture is never easy, but focusing on the craft makes the ‘not knowing’ a place of creation rather than fear.

As you know, we’re big fans of SANAE intoxicants. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
SANAE Intoxicants is an independent, boutique fragrance house known for custom, niche scents inspired by the raw beauty of the natural world. I specialize in taking rare raw materials, hand-blending them myself, and turning them into an entire ecosystem of products—from personal perfumes to immersive home and lifestyle scents that curate and elevate spaces.

What sets us apart is simple: individuality. My fragrances don’t align with traditional, commercial scent profiles. They are non-traditional, evocative, and created with the belief that scent should alter your state of mind and bring a sense of something timeless and well crafted into your space.

I am exceptionally proud of the full line of products I’ve developed and expanded over the years, all while maintaining complete creative control over the formulation and production. Alongside my retail offerings, I’m known for my private-label and brand consultation work, offering a full end-to-end service—from initial scent creation to final packaging—for boutique brands and creative spaces. SANAE Intoxicants isn’t just perfume; it’s custom sensory design for how you live and feel.

What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I was a total daydreamer and nature child. I was a natural swimmer, spent every summer running around barefoot or in the water, daydreaming in the forest behind my house, and rode my bike all day. I loved animals, and I was constantly dancing or listening to music.

As a small child, I wasn’t particularly focused on academics, and looking back, it was likely because I was constantly sick with allergies, tonsillitis, and bronchitis, missing endless days of school. By high school, I became much more focused on my studies and began learning about holistic healing and alternative medicine. Subconsciously, I think that early focus on wellness and nature laid the blueprint for who I am today—and eventually guided me right into the world of natural perfumery.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.sanaeintoxicants.com/
• Instagram: sanaeintoxicants