M Gandarinho

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Meet The Maker - Southern Comforts

August 01, 2016 by Melissa Gandarinho

A couple months back, I made my first ever purchase from Southern Comforts (linked), not knowing what to expect. I went the opposite direction and bought the scrub and dry shampoo, instead of a perfume. I did get 2 samples of some Hamilton perfumes, but since I have so many perfumes from Harvey Prince, I didn't want to invest in a new brand. 

Well alas, I ended up caving and got 2 new perfumes for my collection. The limited edition one for Moonpie's birthday, and Kentucky Harvest. Moonpie's pin and perfume come out the 4th of this month at noon. I highly suggest picking this up, I can't stop smelling the perfume. But enough about that, let's get to know Allison, the lovely creator of this brand.


As most people know, Southern Comforts is an alcoholic beverage, is that where the name came from? And if not, tell us how it came about.

I wanted something related to the South. I'm from there, I do my academic research there, and it's a special region to me. I have a lot of olfactory memories of my time in the Southern states, and I knew from the start that I wanted to recreate some of those scents. When I was trying to think of a name, Southern Comforts popped into my head. It's catchy because most people know of the booze, and it also relates to my original theme! 

You make perfumes, scrubs, dry shampoo, body wash, shaving cream...you name it, you probably have it. Out of all of those, which one is the most difficult and which one is the easiest?

Making samples suuuucks. It's incredibly tedious and we have to make hundreds every month. As soon as we get settled in Indiana, I am hiring a student to just bust out a ton of them one day every month. Easiest is definitely roll-on fragrances. It's just squirting things into a bottle and capping it. Funny that the easiest and the hardest are so similar in nature.

You have an extensive amount of smell options, which is YOUR personal favorite and why?

Woof. That's like asking me to pick a favorite pet! Hmmmm. I wear Coat of Many Colors the most right now, but I always go back to Baby Cakes. I just love smelling like cake and flowers. 

How did you get into making handmade stuff?

I am one of those super type A people who just always has to be productive. I think it relates to having pretty severe anxiety. I've had a billion crafty hobbies over the years, and none ever stuck until I discovered perfumery. One day last spring I ordered some individual fragrance notes and started playing with them, and I just fell in love. 

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you live, and why?

Vietnam! We visited there for just over a month right before we got married, and we just fell in love with it. The food is amazing, it's so beautiful, and the people are wonderful. They make this fried bread topped with sesame seeds that's lightly sweet, and I have dreams about it still. 

What are 5 things on your bucket list?

Going to India, running a rescue for special needs pets, writing a book about food (not a cookbook, but something like The Omnivore's Dilemma), going to all of the Disney parks, and getting a tattoo of Dolly Parton from Nikko Hurtado.

You truly care about the animals, what made you be cruelty free and vegan?

I can't justify hurting animals for superficial reasons. It just isn't okay for me personally. I know not everyone feels that way, and I respect that each person has their own path, but I just want to avoid harming critters as much as possible. 

What are some of your favorite indie shops? 

I love this question! I am all about supporting my fellow creators! I love Darling Girl, Femme Fatale, and My Pretty Zombie for makeup. For wax tarts, Ten Digit Creations, Scoopable Wax, and The Bathing Garden. Darling Clandestine is an amazing perfumery with really unique, evocative scents. Humble Pride Glass makes cute blown glass items. Comet Vomit makes the best nail polish, and I'm not just saying that because I love the owner like a sister. Hmmmm, I am sure I am forgetting some... 

Do you think the Hamilton cast on Broadway would like and rock your products? Better yet, Hamilton himself?

Oh my gosh that would be amazing! I did really try to capture the actors' portrayals of the characters when making the line. I totally think Lin would rock Just You Wait, and I could definitely picture Leslie Odom Jr. in Wait For It. 

Lastly, what is something you'd tell yourself 5 years ago?

Get help. Untreated mental illness is no joke, and there are resources for those who need care but can't afford it.  


I've had the pleasure of getting to know Allison through the cruelty free/vegan community and I am so thankful. Southern Comfort Fragrances is Leaping Bunny approved, and Melissa approved. She also does custom perfumes, so if you want to come up with your own concoction, I highly recommend her. 

Allison has also offered the readers a coupon code of 15% off, CODE: MELISSA. This can be used whenever, no expiration date, but cannot be combined with any other coupons or during sales. 

Happy sniffing! 

August 01, 2016 /Melissa Gandarinho
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I have such a passion for reading, despite struggling with doing so lately.

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Skin Owl actually has these sweaters available to have you choose the words best describe you and I felt these suited me. Especially lately.

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@colourpopcosmetics Bambi on the lips
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@alimapure highlight in whisper, all over face and brow bone, inner corner
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@wetnwildbeauty concealer all over face
@cloveandhallow concealer under eyes
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If you're into the coolest LGBTQ, witchy, gender queer, Latina x stuff....go support this brand. You know how Mac, Colourpop, Wet N Wild and Urban Decay all have a shadow that changes from brown to green and purple all at the same time?

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@drpraegers burgers are my fav, but I also alternate with @aldiusa and @gardein.
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Pickles, lettuce, ketchup, avocado.
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This is definitely something I'll be incorporating more.

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As many of you know, smokeys and rainbows are my weakness, so to find a piece with both AND routille, was a gift from the gods. Literally.

I cant recommend smokey enough for grounding, for security, for stress and anxiety. It's the one I gravitate towards most and feel mediated from.

My favorite shop where this piece is from is @villagesilversmithrocks. I've kept the shop a secret for a while, but sharing the love. Tell them I sent you.
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#crystallove #crystals #crystal #smokey #smokeyquartz #routillatedquartz #quartz #rainbow #smokeyrainbow #crystalhealing #crystalgems #nature #natural #villasilversmith #vsrocks #spiritualwitch #spiritual #spirituality #spiritualhealing New year, new self love!

I've been really into my self the past couple months, whether it's because of my hair or doing my makeup every day.....who cares. I'm all about it.

What makes you feel super loved by YOU?! @fairygirl Earth on the lips
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@essencemakeup brow and lash mascaras
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@colourpopcosmetics Stole The Show hiigghhllight Today I went to the @acsbridalexpo and although it was a lot, it was refreshing to have everything all in one place. While my wedding isn't until next year, I'm trying to just get everything planned and out of the way.

I really liked this photo from this photographer (who I cant remember), but mostly I fell in love with this dress.

For me the dress and photography has been the hardest thing for me. As a photographer it's been a struggle finding someone I've fallen in love with within my budget.

When it comes to the dress, oh goodness today was eye opening. Dresses over $1000. No thank you. I just can't and won't justify it. Does anyone have any eco friendly options or recommendations?
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#bridalexpo #bride #njbride #wessingexpo #acsbridalexpo #acsbridal #acsbridalsweepstakes #weddingphotography #weddingdress #wedding #weddinginspo Are you ready for the first new moon?

This one comes with a partial solar eclipse. If you have intentions and resolutions, now's  the time to manifest the crap out of them!

I've already been feeling the strength of this eclipse, this morning had me so flustered, but I'm looking forward to the work it'll do to my intentions.

I'll share mine on a post soon. Till then, enjoy my peacock aka chalcopyrite.
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#spiritualwitch #spiritual #spiritualhealing #healing #chakras #peacock #chalcopyrite #teal #purple #rainbows #rockcrystal #crystals #crystal #cleanse #newmoon #energy #positivity #spiritualawakening #spirituality #crystallove #solareclipse #manifestation The only way to ever invite a new year, a new change, or to remove any negativity,  drama, and unwelcome energy.

Sometimes it's the little rituals that make all the difference. Like resetting and clearing out your closet and drawers, doing laundry, sitting down and setting intentions for the new year.

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Thanks for joining my Ted talk. Spent all day yesterday with a huge migraine, puking my brains out. Stomach bug or whatever it is, I couldn't eat anything.

I literally just sat by the toilet or in bed all day. I'm glad I'm better today. I needed food, since I couldn't hold anything yesterday and treated myself to @inspirationroll_morristown.

All the salty broth was what I needed.

Anyways, hears to starting the new year not puking.

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If you haven't been to @chickpeaandolive yet, you must. Their Phatty Melt is my favorite vegan burger in NY. Merry Christmas Eve. What are your plans today?

If you don't have plans RIGHT NOW, you should go read my q&a with the magical and down to earth lady behind @miakodanewyork!

I'm actually wearing my full moon leggings as I type this, and always have her bras on. I don't wear any other bra.

What are you hoping is under your tree this year? You guys seem to really like red lips and naked looks on me.

Also, thank you all so much for all the love on my engagement this year.

This year was a tough one, from getting laid off twice in one year, to being super depressed, broke and anxious all the time. I've begun opening up more about my issues and it feels like such a release.

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This candle from @dollymoobody has seriously been putting me in the spirit despite presents not being wrapped.

It smells like a straight up pine tree and I'm all about it! I need a back up innediately. Christmas all year round? Here for it. 💋🎄'Tis the season for red lips.

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Brows: @essencemakeup Brow Gel
Face: @cloveandhallow concealer and @wetnwildbeauty foundation
Highlighter: @milkmakeup in Lit (my #1)
Mascara: @essencemakeup Lash Princess
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I want to be real with everyone and anyone and ensure you know it's ok to be anxious during a time of happiness. Nothing is wrong with you, and one day you'll find someone who expects that very reaction from you.