Our story

Since he was a boy, Nathaniel Settineri understood the power of fragrance to awaken memories and provoke profound emotions. “The scent of lavender, which lined the long driveway to my grandparents’ house, immediately transports me back to my childhood. It gives me the feeling of comfort and warmth. Whenever I smell lavender, I think of home.” The desire to explore the alchemy of scent inspired Nathaniel to develop a niche fragrance brand when he was only 25.

A complete juxtaposition to his working life as a construction engineer, Inque was inspired by Nathaniel’s wide-ranging travels — an ongoing journey driven by curiosity and a restless longing to understand the world. “The role of fragrance for me is a sensory interpretation of life. Ultimately, scent distils our emotional connection to our surroundings and our universe.”

It is safe to say that Hamid Merati- Kashani is dedicated to his work, “24 hours a day, seven days a week.” The “think client” mindset reflects his commitment in everything he does.

Born in Germany to an Iranian father and a German mother, Hamid was raised in Isfahan, Iran, until the end of the revolution in 1979. Hamid’s love for Iran “comes from the heart”, and he defines himself as “Iranian in education, and German in organization.” His family and friends worked together distilling rose oil, and he has poignant memories of growing up amongst the fields of roses. Hamid’s behavior and path in life have always been dictated by a strong set of family values. Honesty, respect, infinite esteem for the wisdom of elders, generosity and integrity areall key values for him. He is profoundly attentive to those around him, always quick to share and be sociable. He says that “the most important thing is to have enough on the table morning, noon and night. If you have more than you need, share, give.”

Hamid started his career in Germany in 1982 as a trainee perfumer. In 1995 he moved to Firmenich Germany and worked there for 7 years before deciding to go to Brazil in 2003 to explore new territories. He travelled a lot in Latin America, and then in 2009 he moved to Geneva. When Firmenich sent Hamid to Dubai in 2010, the office was at its very early stage. Today, Hamid is surrounded by over 100 colleagues.
“The Middle East has developed its own olfactive culture,” he says. “Perfume is at its heart. There is a beautiful, different relationship with raw materials.” His strength is his contact and connection with the clients, and the trust they put in him. This is what led him to become a renowned perfumer internationally. Hamid’s best support comes from his wife, and he is very proud to share the same passion with his daughter who wants to become a perfumer, as well. As a child, he wanted to be a pilot so he could head off to other countries at any given moment. Now a talented perfumer, his thirst for creating emotions remains unquenched.

“Every memory recalls a perfume.” Coralie Spicher is a sensitive soul, with a curious, playful nature. Born in Geneva, Switzerland, she discovered her passion for fragrance after receiving her first perfume on her twelfth birthday. That first scent transported her into a magical, emotional world that has become her playground. After beginning her studies in biochemistry at the University of Geneva, she discovered the Ecole Supérieure du Parfum and moved to Paris, France, to complete her Masters. With a first professional experience at Firmenich in Geneva in chromatography, she joined the Firmenich Fine Fragrance perfumery school in 2018. Coralie finds inspiration in everyday life: places, people, architecture, artwork, food, ceremonies, experiences. “I enjoy watching the customs of people, either here or during my travels, the way they cook, dress and speak, their values and the smells they encounter each day. I find this exchange both interesting and enriching, and so very precious in helping me create perfumes that touch them.”

Always inquisitive, Coralie continually questions herself. “I learn every day, all the time.’” Her patience, resilience, perseverance and curiosity, coupled with hard work, help her transfer authentic emotions in her olfactive creations. Coralie never forgets why she began her journey with fragrance, and this empowers her to push forward, exploring new territories with a balanceof strength and sensitivity.