Name: Ilsa Manning
Age: 39
Title: Mama, Fragrance Aficionado, Founder of Ilsa Fragrances, Writer, Supporter of Others
Married/Single: Married (to an Englishman!)
Kids: Two gorgeous brown eyed, curly haired toddlers.
City you live in: Phoenix
A typical day in my life includes…
laughing with my daughters, evaluating scents, designing products, engaging on social media, encouraging others to believe they can do and be anything they dream…and, at the end of the day, relaxing with my husband.
I was born…
in Phoenix (one of the few)!
My favorite thing about Arizona…
all the magnificent mountains, the vibrant blue skies, the smell of orange blossoms in February, and the beautiful, ever-present sunshine.
I’m listening to…
The Wiggles. Unless I catch a break, then it’s the Moana soundtrack.
My family…
is my inspiration. My daughters inspire me every day to believe in myself and my husband is my backbone and support!
If I could have dinner with anyone, it would be…
my grandmothers. They were each incredibly strong and intelligent women – I would love to have one last chance to chat with them about their lives and learn whatever I could from them to help me in my life!
One thing I cannot live without…
coffee. Definitely coffee. Always coffee. Unless there’s sparkling water…
When I was younger, I wanted to be…
a writer. And I am now!
I’m inspired by…
my family, my friends and all the amazing women I’ve met since founding Ilsa Fragrances.
The one person who motivates me is…
actually two people – my daughters. They changed my outlook on life and it’s because of them I founded Ilsa Fragrances.
If I could change anything in the world, it would be…
to make the world a safer place for women, so my daughters, and every daughter, can face the world without fear.
The perfect day would be…
a bicycle ride on the canal with my family and pseudo-coyote of a dog, brunch with good friends, reading in the sunshine followed by a power nap, bbq and time outside with family and friends for dinner, and finishing it all with a chat and a whisky under the stars.
My first job was…
the ever-so-glamorous Kenny Rogers Roasters. Anyone remember that place?!
My favorite escape…
reading. I love my paperback and hard cover books, but my kindle allows me to secretly read while everyone else sleeps!
My life…
is beautifully chaotic and I wouldn’t change it for the world.
I’m currently working on…
a children’s book and the second fine fragrance in the Infinite Collection, Infinite No 2.
Always…
brush your teeth. My dad’s a dentist – I can’t help it!
Never…
say never because inevitably you’ll end up doing whatever you said you’d never do!
Favorite Quote…
“Why fit in when you were born to stand out?” -Dr. Seuss
Biggest Dream…
I’m a Francophile at heart. I studied French, and, in my twenties, lived outside of Paris, so my biggest dream is to own a flat in Paris and live the Parisienne lifestyle! I can taste the baguette now…
My Pet Peeve(s)…
a sink stacked with dirty dishes from the night before. Grr.
