Our Story | Encoded Garden

The answers were always in nature.

I just had to learn how to find them.

From Lockdown to Legacy

When the world went into lockdown, I found myself searching for something.. An outlet, a purpose, a way to turn solitude into creation. That search led me headfirst into the art of perfumery. What started as curiosity quickly became an obsession. Mixing… blending… experimenting! The thrill of combining raw ingredients, testing unconventional methods, and discovering new scent profiles ignited something in me. It became more than just a hobby.

As I refined my understanding of fragrance composition, I realized there was an opportunity staring me in the face. I wasn’t just creating scents for fun; I was uncovering new formulas that could be the foundation for my very own beard oil brand. I began documenting everything; notes, trials, failures, and successes with each step bringing me closer to something tangible.

One month later, my research took a major leap forward. My distillation unit arrived. It was no longer just about blending essential oils from other sources, I was going to create my own. With careful hands and meticulous attention to detail, I assembled the unit and prepared for my first experiment: distilling fresh flower.

And then… that smell.

The first batch of essential oil was unlike anything I had encountered before. It was earthy, rich, and complex. The experience was intoxicating, not just the scent itself, but the process. I was hooked. From that moment on, I began experimenting with distilling various flora, each trial yielding exciting new results. Before long, I had developed my first set of personal beard oils.

The Magic Elixir

Starting a business is never easy, but mine was built on more than just passion; it was built on purpose. I was driven to succeed, even when faced with some of the hardest moments of my life.

During this journey, I experienced devastating loss. My grandmother, Gloria McMurtry, passed away from cancer. It was a painful reality to endure, and I found myself struggling to stay motivated. I knew I needed time to grieve, but the weight of my vision pressed on me. This wasn’t just about inspiration anymore. I had to move forward no matter what.

I can still remember my last conversation with Baba, my grandmother. Her voice was soft yet filled with strength. Before we ended our call, she left me with one request:

"Make me a magic elixir."

At the time, I didn’t fully understand what she meant. Now, looking back, I wonder…

Was the Magic Elixir meant for her? Or was it meant for myself?

Failure Is Subjective

After everything I had built, I made a difficult decision: I cancelled my plans to start the beard oil business . On paper, it felt like a failure. It was an expensive lesson, both financially and emotionally. But in reality, it was a redirection. One that would lead me somewhere even more meaningful.

Through all my research, trials, and discoveries, I realized that what I truly loved was the process of learning and creating. I wasn’t just passionate about fragrance. I wanted to share that passion with others. I wanted to help aspiring perfumers navigate this intricate world. And so, a new vision was born.

I took my research notes, my experiences, and my knowledge, and I turned them into something bigger: The Modern Fragrance Community, which is now The Encoded Garden - Fragrance Lab.

Through YouTube, I began sharing content designed to educate and inspire others. People connected with the material. They resonated with the journey, the insights, and the discoveries. Before I knew it, I had built a community of like-minded individuals who were just as passionate about perfumery as I was.

What started as a personal journey had evolved into something greater. This wasn’t just about creating scents anymore.

Countless hours later, I didn’t just have an idea. I had a vision, a brand, and most importantly… a plan.

A plan to create.

A plan to educate.

A plan to expand.