Adrian Fernandes is the founder and owner of Willow Fragrance, a Calgary-based company crafting handcrafted solid fragrances as a practical, portable alternative to traditional spray colognes and perfumes. The idea grew out of Adrian’s own frustration — as someone with an active lifestyle built around the gym and soccer, lugging around glass cologne bottles just didn’t make sense.
What is your business called and what does it do?
Willow Fragrance is a Canadian company that creates handcrafted solid fragrances as an alternative to traditional spray colognes and perfumes. Our fragrances are portable, travel-friendly, and designed for everyday use.
Every order is assembled by hand in Calgary, Alberta.
What made you want to do this work?
I’ve always enjoyed fragrance, but as someone with an active lifestyle that includes the gym and soccer, I found traditional cologne bottles inconvenient to carry around. While researching alternatives, I discovered solid fragrances and became fascinated by the concept. What started as curiosity eventually grew into a passion for creating a product that combined practicality, craftsmanship, and natural ingredients.
What problem did you want to solve with the business?
I wanted to create a fragrance that fits naturally into everyday life. Traditional sprays can be bulky, prone to spills, and sometimes overpowering. I also wanted to develop a product that was gentle on the skin, especially for people with sensitivities like my wife, while being mindful of the environment. Today, Willow Fragrance uses certified organic ingredients, glue-free packaging, and biodegradable inks to provide a more portable and sustainable alternative to traditional fragrance.
Who are your clientele/demographics?
Willow Fragrance appeals to people with active lifestyles who want a fragrance that fits naturally into their day. Our customers include professionals, travellers, gym-goers, and gift shoppers looking for a convenient and portable alternative to traditional fragrance. We also work with customers seeking wedding favours and corporate gifts.
How does your business make money? How does it work?
Willow Fragrance sells handcrafted solid fragrances directly to customers through our website and Etsy shop. Each fragrance is produced in small batches, and every order is assembled and shipped by hand from Calgary, Alberta. In addition to individual customers, we also work with weddings, gift buyers, and corporate event inquiries. Our focus is on creating high-quality, portable fragrances that fit naturally into everyday life.
Where in the city can we find your profession?
Willow Fragrance is proudly based in Calgary, Alberta. Much of our work happens behind the scenes, where products are assembled, packaged, and shipped directly to customers.
Every package is still assembled by hand by me. When business travel takes me away, my wife steps in to help keep operations running.
What is the best question a prospective customer could ask a member of your profession when comparing services? Give the answer as well.
Question: Why choose solid fragrance over traditional spray cologne or perfume?
Answer: Solid fragrance allows for precise application without bulky bottles, spills, or overpowering scents. You control exactly how much you apply, and it travels easily whether you’re heading to work, the gym, or on vacation.
What is the best part about what you do? What is the worst part?
The best part is hearing from customers who have made Willow Fragrance part of their daily routine or have gifted it to family and friends. Building something from the ground up and seeing people enjoy it is incredibly rewarding. We’ve also had opportunities to support our community through initiatives such as Nurses’ Week, which is especially meaningful since my wife is a nurse.
The hardest part is wearing many hats as a small business owner. On any given day, you’re responsible for product development, packaging, shipping, customer service, and marketing. Balancing growth while maintaining quality is an ongoing challenge, but it’s also part of what makes entrepreneurship rewarding.
What is your favourite joke about your own profession?
People often ask if I work from home. I usually tell them, “Yes, although my kitchen table might disagree.”
Where can we follow you?
Website | Instagram | Facebook | Etsy
PAY IT FORWARD: What is another local business that you love?
One local business I really appreciate is YYC Cycle. Health and fitness have always been an important part of my life, and fitness played a role in inspiring Willow Fragrance in the first place. My wife has been a member of YYC Cycle since its early days, and we’ve always admired the strong community they have built around health, wellness, and personal growth. Calgary has an incredible small business community, and it’s always rewarding to support local businesses that make a positive impact.
