Scent-sational newcomer sets up shop

Our park is smelling sweeter than ever, with Lord’s Fragrance having opened a showroom and production hub on the former Manor estate.

Founder and owner Sasha Lord has opened a shop in the historic Lodge, by the park’s north gates, where customers can sample Sasha’s travel-inspired scents, encapsulated in candles, diffusers, oils and room sprays. A mere 400m from the Lodge, the company has set up its production hub in Howbery’s Innovation Centre, aligning perfectly with the brand’s locally focused philosophy.

“Filling on site and supporting local suppliers is important to us,” explains Sasha. “Our ceramist is local, our printer is in Oxford and our packaging is made in the UK. Howbery is also close to my home, so I can even walk to work. The other reason we chose here is because we loved the unique space of the Lodge, which allows us to have a shop downstairs, office upstairs, and an outdoor space to relax in. Plus, Howbery is much more attractive than most business parks, with a lot of green space.”

Sasha’s mum, Val, is also based in the office at the Lodge, supporting Sasha with Lord’s while also running the Aroma Company. Sasha herself spent 12 years at the Aroma Company, developing scent marketing campaigns for retailers, before starting to plan for Lord’s during Covid.

“I was keen to develop my own scents, which differ from other brands, and package them in a vibrant way,” says Sasha. “The business has grown well – we sell a lot wholesale and have a strong online presence, but having a lovely showroom is invaluable as it’s important for customers to be able to smell our products.”

Howbery Park Estates Manager Donna Bowles commented. “We’re delighted to welcome a business embracing a local philosophy, as sustainability is at the heart of our ethos at Howbery. Our grounds are open to the general public to enjoy, so if you are popping to Lord’s and have some time to spare, please do have a wander and enjoy the other fragrances here – the wild and cultivated flowers, and tree blossom.”

The Lord’s shop is open 10-5.30 on workdays and one weekend per month. Sasha also organises events, generally at the weekend or in an evening, either at the Lodge or in conjunction with other local business. Find out more on the Lord’s Fragrance website.