Scent and Sleep: A Conversation with The Olfactory's Micki Chau

Rest is a ritual. It's shaped by every sensory detail from the feel of organic cotton sheets to the scent that lingers in the air. In collaboration with Calgary-based perfumer Micki Chau, founder of The Olfactory, we created our bespoke, 100% natural Black Sheep linen spray. Crafted to reflect our shared commitment to natural materials and sustainable practices, these signature scents are designed to support your nightly wind-down and elevate the experience of sleep.

We spoke with Micki to learn more about her approach to natural perfumery, her process behind our custom scent, and the mood-altering power of plant-based fragrance.

Can you tell us a bit about your background and how you created The Olfactory.

I’ve been interested in natural products since I was a teen. I always felt in tune with my body and knew early on that mainstream perfumes and personal care products weren’t right for me. That awareness, paired with a degree in Renewable Resource Management, deepened my interest in sustainability and working with natural materials.

While working in corporate roles, I started making natural fragrances as gifts for friends and family. Eventually, I launched a simple website and took the business full time in 2018. Since then, I’ve connected with an incredible community of small business owners including Christian from Black Sheep. We first met in 2017 when I was still moonlighting The Olfactory and shopping for my own mattress.

Can you share the story behind the creation of our custom linen spray fragrance?

This was such a fun collaboration. We explored a wide range of ideas, from Canadian evergreen oils to cocoa and lush florals, searching for something that felt elevated yet comforting. The Black Sheep team brought so much inspiration and were completely committed to keeping the formula 100% natural, which is my specialty.

Working with botanicals is complex. Unlike synthetics, you can’t always recreate specific scent profiles. But the benefit is the emotional and physiological support natural ingredients can provide. The final blend is warm, fresh, and uplifting. It works to enhance both rest and mood.

How do you approach scent creation to evoke mood or atmosphere?

My process is rooted in emotion. I begin with the feeling I want to convey and follow my instinct to the first botanical. Then I consider when and how it will be used—what room it will live in, what time of day it’s applied, and how it will support the person using it.

For Black Sheep, we wanted a scent that felt like a soft citrus-vanilla cloud. One that makes you look forward to bedtime. In the morning, it becomes a gentle cue to step out into your day. This type of emotional storytelling is what drives my work.

How do natural botanicals support sleep and well-being?

Plant oils can prompt chemical responses in the body that support relaxation. By layering a scent into a nightly habit. Say, spritzing your pillow before journaling - you begin to associate that aroma with winding down. It’s a small yet powerful ritual that signals it’s time to rest.

What sustainability practices guide your work?

As a Black Sheep customer myself, I understand their commitment to quality and sustainability. My practice aligns closely: no synthetic or “safe” fragrance oils, no botanicals that contribute to deforestation or over-harvesting, and minimal plastic packaging. I also work with Canadian suppliers, many of them local and women-owned.

What do you hope people experience when using the linen spray?

I hope it becomes a ritual - a small moment of calm. Whether it’s a signal that sleep is near or a refreshing start to your morning, scent can be a beautiful anchor. My goal is to make your bed feel like a space you genuinely want to return to.

Are there any emerging trends in natural perfumery that inspire you?

I’m encouraged by the growing awareness of how conventional fragrances impact health and the environment. There’s a shift happening, and it’s exciting to see people becoming more intentional with the products they use.

I’m also exploring more luxe botanical blends, particularly rich florals, as I work toward launching a petite line of perfumes. And I love collaborating with like-minded brands and spaces that share my values.

Discover the power of scent.

Our signature linen spray, created in partnership with The Olfactory, is a natural extension of our philosophy: thoughtful materials, intentional design, and rituals that support well-being.

Micki's custom creations are available in limited quantities and select scents in our Calgary and Toronto showrooms and online.

Explore more from Micki at The Olfactory.