[STYLE FILE]
FL MORRIS / FMORRIS@STARBULLETIN.COM
MimiBlossoms created by sisters Motoko, right, and Sachiko Tsutsumi, and their father Yoji Tsutsumi, are fragrance diffusers that can be worn as backings to any earrings or pins.
People have been using essential oils and aromatherapy in the home for years, with the scents working to calm rattled nerves or used as a quick pick-me-up, boosting one's energy before heading out the door. Tsutsumi family learns:
have diffuser, will travelThey were on the scent of a
breakthrough for fragrance wearersBy Nancy Arcayna
narcayna@starbulletin.comBut once you were out in the real world, the scent, along with those good feelings, could quickly dissipate.
Not any more. The Tsutsumi family developed a way to carry the scent of essential oils or perfumes anywhere you go, without a drop of it touching your skin or staining your clothes.
MimiBlossoms fragrance diffusers are designed to absorb scents and can be worn discreetly as an earring or pin back, on clothing, handbags or even in your hair.
The diffusers generally hold the scents for about three weeks, according to Sachiko Tsutsumi. Cologne and perfume may evaporate more quickly, she added.
FL MORRIS / FMORRIS@STARBULLETIN.COM
Kits start at $14.95, including backings and a glass dropper.
The idea evolved when Motoko Tsutsumi, Sachiko's sister, developed a skin allergy to fragrances.
"I'd get a rash every time I used perfume," said Motoko. She wanted to find something that would allow her to wear fragrances without the chemicals contacting her skin, some with a burning effect.
"In the beginning, I thought about dangle earrings. But everyone has different tastes, so Sachiko suggested the backings instead. That way, you can hide them and wear any style of earrings," added Motoko.
"We were talking with our father over dinner one night, and he decided to help us get the product manufactured," Sachiko said. "He liked the idea and made some samples, starting with pumice stone before he went back to Japan to research different materials," said Sachiko.
Yoji Tsutsumi, who lives in Japan, "is an inventor," Sachiko said, adding that he invented the double-deck automobile shipping container.
"It took about a year and a half to manufacture them (the diffusers)."
SOME FRAGRANCES can be overpowering when sprayed on the skin. Those who get a headache after wearing a fragrance for a period of time now have the option of removing the fragrance diffusers.
FL MORRIS / FMORRIS@STARBULLETIN.COM
MimiBlossoms fragrance diffusers created by sisters, Motoko, left, and Sachiko Tsutsumi.
"This way, if you think it's too strong, you can always remove them," Sachiko said. "And, you can bring several in your purse and change fragrances during the day."
The product is made of lightweight plastic and comes with a dropper that allows you to apply a scent to absorbent material contained within the plastic shell. The MimiBlossoms come in six colors, and each starter kit includes the dropper, minicup and decorative stickers.
"We are excited about MimiBlossoms," said Yoji. "My daughters' idea has materialized into a product that's both aesthetic and functional."
Stores: Mimi Blossoms are available at Shirokiya, Toys & Joys, Neo Plaza on Seaside Avenue and KiteBoarding96815 Finding the blossoms
Prices: A deluxe kit with two pairs of pin or earring backings costs $24.95; a starter kit one pair is $14.95; and individual pairs can be purchased for $8.95.
Web site: www.mimicute.com
E-mail: info@mimicute.com
Call: 383-3214 for more details.
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