110 SE 28th Ave, Portland, OR 97214, USA
For those in Oregon seeking a truly unique sensory experience, look no further than OLO Fragrance in Portland. While the name might initially suggest a clothing store, OLO Fragrance is, in fact, a celebrated local perfumery, creating distinctive scents that have garnered a loyal following both within Portland and beyond. This isn't your typical department store fragrance counter; OLO offers an intimate, artisanal approach to perfume, focusing on handcrafted blends that evoke a sense of comfort, ease, and individuality.
Founded in 2009 by self-taught perfumer Heather Sielaff, OLO Fragrance has cultivated a reputation for its commitment to quality and unique olfactory narratives. Each fragrance is hand-blended and bottled in-house, ensuring a personal touch and consistent excellence. The brand's philosophy centers on creating scents that are not just beautiful but also deeply evocative, inspiring moments of connection with nature, reflection, or simply a feeling of well-being. For Portland locals, OLO Fragrance represents a chance to support a creative, independent business that contributes to the city's vibrant artisan scene, offering something truly special that you won't find just anywhere.
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OLO Fragrance is conveniently situated in Portland at 234 NE 28th Ave, Portland, OR 97232, USA. This address places it in a dynamic and accessible part of the city's east side. The neighborhood around NE 28th Ave is known for its eclectic mix of local businesses, eateries, and boutiques, making it a destination for those exploring Portland's unique character.
For Portland residents, reaching OLO Fragrance is relatively straightforward. The area is well-served by TriMet public transportation, with several bus lines operating nearby, allowing for easy access from various parts of the city. If you prefer to drive, street parking is typically available in the vicinity, though it’s always a good idea to factor in a little extra time for parking, especially during peak hours, as is common in bustling urban neighborhoods. The location's ease of access makes it a convenient stop for locals looking to discover their next signature scent.
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OLO Fragrance specializes in the creation and sale of high-quality, handcrafted perfumes. Their offerings are focused on providing a unique aromatic experience:
- Artisanal Perfume Oils: The core of OLO Fragrance's offerings are their carefully crafted perfume oils. These oil-based fragrances are known for their longevity and how they meld with individual body chemistry. Each scent is a unique blend, often designed to evoke specific moods or natural elements.
- Wide Selection of Unique Scents: OLO boasts a diverse range of fragrances, with evocative names like "Dark Wave," "Lightning Paw," "Palo Santo," "Arboreta," "Cedar & Rose," and "Erastus." This variety ensures that visitors can explore many options and find a scent that truly resonates with them.
- Unisex Fragrances: A significant highlight of OLO's collection is that most, if not all, of their fragrances lean towards a unisex appeal. This inclusivity is deeply appreciated by customers who prefer scents that aren't strictly categorized as traditionally masculine or feminine.
- Sample Offerings: For those new to the brand or looking to explore multiple scents before committing to a full size, OLO often provides samples. This allows customers to test the fragrances on their skin and see how they develop over time, ensuring a satisfying purchase.
- Online Ordering and Shipping: While the physical store offers a personalized experience, OLO Fragrance also provides an online platform where customers, including those outside of Portland or unable to visit the studio frequently, can purchase their full range of perfumes and samples. They offer free shipping for orders over $45 within the US.
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OLO Fragrance stands out in the crowded world of perfumes due to several distinctive features and highlights:
- Hand-Blended and Bottled In-House: Every OLO fragrance is meticulously hand-blended and bottled right in Heather Sielaff's Portland studio. This artisanal approach ensures quality control and imbues each product with a personal touch, a stark contrast to mass-produced perfumes.
- Commitment to Natural Ingredients: OLO Fragrance blends primarily use fractionated coconut oil, essential oils, key accords, and absolutes. While synthetics are used sparingly, there's a strong emphasis on natural ingredients, appealing to customers who prioritize clean and natural products.
- Uniquely Evocative Scent Profiles: OLO's perfumes are celebrated for their complex and comforting aromas. Customers frequently praise scents like "Dark Wave" for its captivating qualities and the overall feeling of ease and comfort the fragrances provide. The scents are often described as "real and picturesque," designed to transport the wearer.
- Fair Pricing for High Quality: Despite the artisanal nature and high quality of their ingredients, customers consistently note that OLO's prices feel "very fair and honestly amazing." This value proposition makes luxury fragrance accessible to a broader audience.
- Rollerball Application: Most OLO scents are available as rollerball oils. This format is not only convenient for application and portability but also, as noted by customers, contributes to the longevity of the fragrance on the skin and makes them ideal for layering different scents.
- Strong Local Following and Influencer Interest: OLO Fragrance has garnered significant appreciation from local customers and has even attracted the attention of popular influencers, a testament to the brand's unique appeal and quality.
- Focus on Mood and Experience: The brand goes beyond just creating pleasant smells; each fragrance is intended to evoke a particular mood or experience, drawing inspiration from moments like "the elation of experiencing nature, the contentment of reading a good book, a long talk with a close friend." This storytelling aspect enriches the customer's connection to the product.
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While specific, ongoing promotions are not always publicly advertised, OLO Fragrance, like many independent businesses, may offer various incentives for its customers. For Portland locals interested in discovering or replenishing their OLO collection, here are ways to stay informed about potential promotions:
- Check Their Official Website: The OLO Fragrance website is the primary source for product listings and may announce any current sales, new releases, or seasonal discounts. They also offer free shipping on US orders over $45.
- Follow Their Instagram Profile: As noted on their website, store hours can fluctuate, and the most up-to-date information, including potential pop-up events, limited-time offers, or special opening days, is often shared on their Instagram. Following their social media is a great way to stay connected.
- Sign up for Their Newsletter: If available, signing up for the OLO Fragrance newsletter is an excellent way to receive direct updates about exclusive promotions, new product launches, or any subscriber-only deals.
- Look for Sample Offers: As evidenced by customer reviews, OLO is known to include extra samples with orders. While not a direct promotion, this generous practice allows customers to discover new scents they might otherwise not have tried.
Given their artisanal nature, OLO Fragrance might also participate in local Portland events, craft fairs, or holiday markets, which could present opportunities for special pricing or unique offerings.
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For Oregon residents eager to experience the unique fragrances of OLO, here's how to get in touch:
Address: 234 NE 28th Ave, Portland, OR 97232, USA
Phone: (503) 970-1173 (also listed as +1 503-970-1173)
It is highly recommended to check their official website, www.olofragrance.com, for the most current information regarding store hours, as these can fluctuate. Their website also provides comprehensive details on their fragrance collection, ingredients, and online ordering options, allowing customers to explore their offerings even before visiting the physical location.
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For Portland locals, OLO Fragrance offers a compelling alternative to mainstream perfumes, providing a truly artisanal and personal scent experience. This is a brand deeply rooted in the creative spirit of Portland, with each fragrance hand-blended by Heather Sielaff in her local studio. This dedication to craftsmanship and quality resonates strongly with Oregonians who appreciate supporting local, independent businesses.
The consistent praise from customers highlights several reasons why OLO Fragrance is a perfect fit for the local community. The "captivating" and "comforting" nature of their scents, like the popular "Dark Wave," speaks to a desire for fragrances that do more than just smell good—they create a feeling. The fact that most of their fragrances are proudly unisex is a significant draw in a city that values inclusivity and breaking traditional norms. Furthermore, the "fair and honestly amazing" pricing, especially for the high quality of natural ingredients and the artisanal process, makes OLO's luxury accessible.
Customers also appreciate the longevity of the rollerball oil perfumes and their suitability for layering, allowing for personal customization. While some wish for more extensive opening hours, the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with reviewers willing to give a "5-star review" because the quality and price are simply too good to pass up. OLO Fragrance isn't just selling perfume; it's offering a unique piece of Portland's creative landscape, a chance to infuse your daily life with unique, comforting aromas crafted with care and intention right here in your community.