Kalyna is a modern perfume house built around clarity, craftsmanship, and a sense of quiet strength. Each scent is made in France using a clean, considered approach that reflects the brand’s roots and its commitment to transparency. The name carries personal and cultural meaning, deriving inspiration from their Ukrainian heritage. With a focus on thoughtful formulation and fragrances that feel both refined and expressive, Kalyna is shaping a new perspective on luxury perfume.

Below, founder Kalyna shares the story behind the brand, clean perfumes, and what’s next.

1. Tell me about Kalyna. What inspired the name?

Kalyna is a non-toxic, clean perfume brand crafted in small batches in France. Our products are vegan, cruelty-free, and made with safe, high-quality ingredients, without ever compromising the true luxury perfume experience. The name is inspired by our Ukrainian heritage. Kalyna is more than a word, it’s a symbol of resilience, love, and the timeless strength of nature. The name comes from a plant called the viburnum opulus (also known as the guelder rose) which holds deep cultural meaning in Ukraine. It survives the harshest conditions and still blooms beautifully, symbolizing endurance, rebirth, and legacy. That same strength lives in every woman who wears our perfume.

2. What is the LAUNE (mood) of Kalyna?

The mood of Kalyna is soft yet bold, confident, feminine, and authentic. It’s about being unapologetically yourself and standing out naturally. Just as every scent evolves uniquely on each person, we celebrate individuality. Our mission is to amplify who you already are, not mask it.

3. What inspires you?

Women inspire me, especially the ones who were told no a thousand times and kept going anyway. The ones who didn’t conform to expectations, but instead carved their own path. This brand is for every woman who ever felt like she didn’t fit in, who felt she had to shrink herself to be accepted. Kalyna is a reminder that your uniqueness is your power.

4. What does the creative process look like? How did you get interested in creating perfume?

This has been three years in the making. I didn’t want to rush the process, finding the right facility and the right partners was everything. Even as a kid, I smelled everything (as strange as it sounds). Scent has always been a form of magic to me. A portal to emotion, memory, and identity. I wanted to create fragrances that captured that feeling, while staying true to clean beauty standards. Creating a perfume that is both luxurious and non-toxic wasn’t the easiest route, but it was the only one I was willing to take.

5. Ingredient transparency is central to Kalyna’s identity. How do you approach this, and why is it so important to your brand?

A lot of perfumes on the market rely on toxic alcohols, unnecessary additives, and questionable synthetics. I never wanted to claim “clean” unless it was genuinely true. We use organic sugarcane alcohol, safe synthetics where needed, and clean ingredients that stay transparent from start to finish. Creating a natural-leaning perfume is harder, but honesty matters the most to me. I would never sell something I don’t use or believe in myself.

6. Do you have a favorite perfume? How do you choose your scents and names?

My favorite scent changes all the time, but right now I’m obsessed with Midnight Obsession. I’m sure in a few months it’ll be something new! I wanted to create a range that truly had something for everyone: bold, sweet, soft, warm, fresh, subtle. Once each scent came to life, its name just came to me naturally. They each have their own personality, I just listened.

7. What’s next for Kalyna?

We’re constantly growing, refining, and evolving. Right now, we’re focused on perfecting our formulas, introducing new scents, and creating something truly unique that you can’t find everywhere. Big things are coming and we’re so excited for what’s ahead!

Rapid Fire:

1. Describe your style in three words.

Effortless, comfy, modern.

2. AM or PM skincare?

PM skincare always! Pro tip- don't wash your face in the morning, you're literally just drying out your skin, ESPECIALLY in the winter.

3. What’s one product you could not live without?

Egyptian magic face cream, trust me it's a game changer.

4. If you could only wear one designer for the rest of your life, who would it be?

Honestly, I’m not huge on designer clothes. I love to treat myself, but I don't live and breathe designer clothing. I’ve found that a lot of the clothes are not even very high quality (don’t come for me). However I will say, I LOVE a Prada shoe.

5. Early mornings or sleeping in?

I used to hate early mornings in my early twenties, but now owning a business I love waking up early. I feel so much more productive and it really helps set the tone for the day.

6. Favorite place?

The beach.

7. Favorite drinks spot in NYC?

Ten 11 Bar

8. Favorite restaurant in NYC?

Carbone

9. Dream collab?

That's a hard one, but I’d probably have to say Well People. I love their products and love what they stand for!

10. Favorite brand?

True Botanicals

11. Favorite style icon?

Mairlyn Monroe