Scent, Space & Storytelling: An Interview with Myriam Shemtov, Founder of Mensō

Scent has the power to transform space, evoke memory, and shape our emotions. At Mensō, founder Myriam Shemtov has built a brand that goes beyond fragrance, using scent as a tool for storytelling, mindfulness, and creating a sense of home.

In this exclusive interview, Shemtov shares how scent, space, and ritual are intertwined, and how we can all use fragrance to declutter our minds, set intentions, and create our own sanctuary.

Mensō is rooted in the idea that scent is more than just fragrance — it’s a form of storytelling and grounding. How did your personal journey across Africa, France, and now Hong Kong shape this philosophy?

The thing about moving is that you always experience a bit of uprooting, and you have to plant new roots in a new environment, be it a friendly one or a hostile one. That’s why it’s so important to find ways to always feel at home, wherever I go.

Each place, country, and city is unique, and my experiences in each have shaped my life and the person I am today. In the same way, fragrances shape our stories — emotions and memories that stay with us even years later.

You’ve described lighting a candle as an act of intention. Can you share a personal ritual or memory that influenced the way you approach scent and space?

I always light a candle when I come home from work, after cleaning a room, or before starting a specific task. For me, it sets the tone for what the day or evening will look like — whether it will be productive or relaxed. It marks either the beginning of something or the end of something else.

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The idea of decluttering as a way to create mental and emotional space is central to Mensō. What inspired you to connect home organisation with scent, and how do you think fragrance plays a role in shaping our emotional environments?

As a child, my mother always told us to make our beds and tidy our rooms before going to school. At the time, I found it tiresome, but I still remember the satisfaction of coming back to a clean, clutter-free room and how much headspace it gave me to study properly.

Later, I realised how unfocused and unproductive I would be if my environment was messy. My thoughts would be scattered, I’d feel uncreative and lazy — until I tidied up.

Scent always affects the part of our brain associated with emotions, memories, and even taste. That’s why it plays such a big role in shaping our environments and behaviour. Certain notes make us feel relaxed, others energised — it’s all about how we use scent to create an atmosphere.

Many people are looking to reset and create a sense of calm in their homes. What advice would you give to someone who wants to build a more intentional space using scent?

First, think about whether you want your space to have a consistent scent year-round or if you prefer different scents for different seasons or moods.

If you have a small apartment, like most people in Hong Kong, consider what you primarily use your space for — whether it’s sleeping, working, or relaxing — and choose scents that enhance that feeling.

Use different scent diffusion methods — reed diffusers, candles, room sprays — to make sure the scent lingers throughout the day. It’s a beautiful feeling to come back to a great-smelling home at the end of a long day.

Chinese New Year is often associated with renewal and tradition. How does Mensō reinterpret these rituals in a modern way while still honouring their deeper meaning?

Every ritual tells a story — whether it’s about the origin of the ritual itself or how it has been implemented, lived, passed down, or reimagined. We always start with the story to give a voice to the scent.

Mensō’s candles are designed to evoke feelings of safety and serenity. What specific elements — whether in ingredients, design, or philosophy — help achieve that sense of grounding?

Our candles are made with high-quality, all-natural hemp and coconut wax to provide a safe and clean burn throughout their lifespan. The colour and material of our glass jars were carefully chosen to foster serenity and durability — we wanted to create a timeless product that serves our needs.

Sustainability and ethical sourcing are huge conversations in the fragrance world. How does Mensō ensure that its candles are both luxurious and responsible?

Creating safe and sustainable products is at the core of Mensō’s mission. We carefully select each ingredient and material to ensure that our products are eco-friendly, reusable, and recyclable.

If you could distill the essence of your travels into a single scent — one that captures the spirit of movement, home, and self-discovery — what would it smell like?

Ooh, that’s a difficult question! This could result in dozens of combinations. But if I had to choose, I’d say it would smell like fresh ylang ylang, black pepper, and frankincense on a sunny beach.

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What’s next for Mensō? Are there any new scent collections or concepts you’re excited to introduce?

Absolutely! We are currently working on a new concept — think landscaping, but for scents. We’re also introducing new fragrance diffusers and home decor objects.

Finally, Mensō invites people to create their own sanctuary through scent. If you could describe your own sanctuary in three words, what would they be?

Cosy, intimate, eclectic.

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