In 2012, Josh Meyer founded a perfume house in Portland, Oregon that would completely redefine how we think about fragrance. Together with co-founder and creative director Ashod Simonian, he created Imaginary Authors - a brand where each scent is presented as a novel by a fictional author, complete with compelling backstories and book-like packaging.

Meyer's journey from real estate to perfumery was driven by his passions for literature, music, cigars, whiskey, and haute cuisine. These diverse influences shaped his unique approach to scent creation. The Imaginary Authors concept emerged when Meyer sought design help from Simonian, who suggested the revolutionary idea of linking fragrances to fictional books and authors.

Operating from their Nashville Fragrance House, the brand handcrafts each product with meticulous attention to detail. Portland's vibrant creative culture and Meyer's childhood memories of the Southern California coast infuse his creations with a distinctive Pacific Northwest sensibility. The brand has evolved from a small indie operation to an internationally recognized perfume house with a devoted cult following.

The philosophy behind Imaginary Authors centers on the belief that fragrances should be like books - meant to inspire and potentially change the course of one's personal story. This literary vision, combined with a commitment to creativity, love, and joy, sets the brand apart in the niche perfumery landscape. Their mission to "conjure and create memories" through innovative fragrances and creative storytelling has resonated with fragrance enthusiasts worldwide.

The heart of Imaginary Authors lies in its extraordinary fragrance creations, each telling a unique olfactory story. Memoirs of a Trespasser stands as one of the brand's most beloved offerings, masterfully blending smoky guaiac wood with vanilla and oak barrel accords to create a warm, resinous composition that captivates from first spray to final dry-down.

Cape Heartache showcases Meyer's talent for unexpected combinations, pairing Douglas fir and pine resin with sweet strawberry notes in a woody composition that defies conventional categorization. The collaboration with Portland-based Salt & Straw ice cream company produced A Whiff of Waffle Cone, a photorealistic gourmand featuring salted caramel and vanilla that literally smells good enough to eat.

More daring creations include Bull's Blood, an animalic fragrance combining black musk with Spanish rose and tobacco, and A City on Fire, which captures the essence of smoke and urban decay through burnt match and cade juniper accords. The Soft Lawn demonstrates the brand's innovation with its unique "tennis ball" accord paired with grapefruit and linden blossom.

Meyer is renowned for his unconventional note combinations and conceptual accords like "mountain fog," "hot cement," and "burning leaves." He employs a harmonious blend of essential oils, absolutes, isolated molecules, and safe synthetics. All fragrances are vegan-friendly, free of parabens and phthalates, and never tested on animals.

Imaginary Authors positions itself as "everyman's luxury," offering accessible entry into artistic perfumery without compromising on quality or creativity. The 50ml Eau de Parfum bottles retail for approximately $110, providing an attractive price point that bridges the gap between niche and commercial fragrances. This positioning makes the brand appealing to both newcomers to artistic perfumery and seasoned collectors.

The target audience consists of creative individuals who appreciate fragrance as art and storytelling. The unisex fragrances appeal to anyone seeking unique olfactory experiences beyond mainstream offerings. The brand has particularly resonated with younger fragrance enthusiasts and those drawn to indie culture and artistic expression.

Distribution channels include the brand's website and carefully selected retailers across the US, Canada, and internationally. Boutiques like Twisted Lily in Brooklyn, Perfume Lounge, and Lore Perfumery stock the line, ensuring availability for serious fragrance enthusiasts. The brand also offers discovery sets and individual samples, aligning perfectly with the modern consumer's desire to test before committing to full-size purchases.

This sampling approach reflects the brand's understanding that fragrance is deeply personal. The "Short Story Collection" discovery set allows customers to explore multiple scents in an elegantly packaged format that resembles a book. This attention to presentation and customer experience reinforces the literary concept while providing practical value.

With international recognition as an "admired indie perfume line" and "cult favorite" status, Imaginary Authors has established itself as an innovative force in niche perfumery. The brand's commitment to sustainability, social justice, and creating inclusive worlds resonates with conscious consumers seeking brands that align with their values.