A Note from Jane
It is with much admiration that I introduce you to Leah Sohr, the incredible founder of Les Fumées - brand that blends scent, storytelling, and soul in the most beautiful way.
I’m proud to share her story with our Girl Gang. Take a moment to read more about Leah and the inspiration behind Les Fumées. Don’t forget to enter our Girl Gang Giveaway for your chance to win pieces from both of us!
xx Janie
Leah! Tell us all about you…where did you get your start? How did Les Fumées begin?
My career began in the world of luxury fashion, where I refined my sensibilities as a buyer and merchandiser, curating collections that told stories through texture, silhouette, and style. Over time, I found myself irresistibly drawn to the realm of fragrance—a world where emotion, memory, and identity converge in invisible yet powerful ways. For years now, I’ve immersed myself in the art and science of scent: blending, testing, and analyzing compositions that evoke both the familiar and the unexpected. Certain aromas have the uncanny ability to ground me, bringing a sense of clarity and calm. To me, the sense of smell is the most underappreciated of all. It’s the quietest, yet most profound. I’m deeply motivated by nostalgia; the past holds a kind of poetic weight for me, and I strive to capture its essence in everything I create.
Being a founder is full of highs and lows.
What’s been your “pinch-me” moment
so far?
so far?
For me, the ultimate “pinch-me” moments are when the intangible becomes real—when the vision I’ve held so closely begins to take form in the world. Creating a fragrance is an incredibly intimate and meticulous process; every note, every nuance is considered. So when I see the final product: beautifully bottled, thoughtfully presented, and resonating with others, it’s deeply moving. There’s something surreal about hearing someone say, “I’m wearing your scent.” It never loses its magic.
If Les Fumées had a muse - a living, breathing embodiment of the brand, who would she be?
If Les Fumées had a muse, she would be an independent woman with an unshakable sense of self, like Jane. Someone confident in her quiet strength and deeply in tune with her intuition. She moves through the world with intention, but never rigidity; there's a free-spiritedness to her, a kind of graceful defiance that allows her to evolve, adapt, and explore without ever losing her essence. She’s drawn to beauty that tells a story, to scent as a form of self-expression, and to moments of solitude as much as connection. She is the living embodiment of everything Les Fumées stands for. She is both grounded and elusive, timeless yet modern.
You are wearing the PROTECT coin. What drew you to this piece?
I'm wearing the Protect Original Pendant Coin, a piece that immediately spoke to me on a symbolic level. I was deeply drawn to the snake motif, not just for its visual allure, but for what it represents. Across cultures, the snake has long been a powerful emblem of wisdom, protection, and healing, qualities that resonate with me both personally and professionally. Within Les Fumées, just like Jane Win, the snake is a recurring symbol, embodying transformation, rebirth, and the continuous evolution of self. It serves as a quiet reminder that growth often comes through shedding old layers and embracing change with grace and resilience.
Quickfire Questions:
Signature scent - forever and always?
Les Fumee’s scent Muse, of course.
Signature scent - forever and always?
Les Fumee’s scent Muse, of course.
Go-to coffee (or tea) order?
A latte with whole milk.
A latte with whole milk.
Favorite place where you’ve smelled something unforgettable?
Our family farm where the scent of a smoky fire at night lingers into the morning rain. The mix of damp earth and charred wood is grounding, nostalgic, and unforgettable.
Our family farm where the scent of a smoky fire at night lingers into the morning rain. The mix of damp earth and charred wood is grounding, nostalgic, and unforgettable.
