JMG Lifestyle Interviews Kim Spadaro "Scents of Adventure"
Visionary alchemist and entrepreneur Kim Spadaro, creator of Spadaro House Of Fragrances, has turned her wanderlust into real life adventures, jet-setting the globe for inspiration…transporting memories and stories into the most sensual line of exotic perfumes. These journeys are reflected in her beautiful collection of fragrances. Spadaro is more than perfume, it’s a lifestyle.
PHOTOGRAPHER: JOHN ALLEN PHILLIPS @JOHNALLENPHLLIPSPHOTOMODEL: KIM SPADARO @KIMSPADAROSTYLIST: ALI LEVINE @ALILEVINEDESIGNWWW.ALILEVINE.COM
What scent reminds you of your childhood? I was raised in North Florida, and summers spent with family in Charleston, South Carolina. The beauty of being on a sprawling farm full of colorful produce and flowers is where I was felt my first inspiration in creating. Waking up in the country with the scent of morning dew and freshly cut grass veiling the air. I love the smell of citrus, eucalyptus and incense. I was surrounded by this growing up with a mother that was deeply grounded and loved beautiful scents in our home. Together we would create beauty concoctions and candles by experimenting with fragrances like citrus and floral essence straight from the back yard. She opened my eyes to aromatherapy and the connection of all my senses.
Have you always been an adventurer or is your wanderlust a discovery you made along the way? As a young girl, I would lie on the grass and look up to the sky and watch the jets flying so high, leaving their white trail. It was always so romantic to me. I would create stories in my head and fantasize of whom was on the flight and where they were going. I knew, I just knew I needed to see the world.
What’s your favorite place on Earth to eat? I love to be outdoors to see, smell, feel… Al fresco dining under a full moon with dimly lit twinkling lights… on a mountain top in Bali, or a hillside over looking the sea. Italy’s coast, Japan or Santorini. I’m not all very special.
What’s your favorite place on Earth to love? Ha. Well if referring to romance, I have to say the most magical time, my favorite place of falling in love is Paris. There is something so special about the aura that you feel here. Although I have met wonderful people in all cultures around the world, feeling love in this picturesque 19th century cityscape tops anything that I have experienced. My beloved Saint Tropez on warm summer nights, sipping decadent wines with a lover is a close second.
What place on Earth do you have the most spiritual connection? Japan. The kindness of the people embraced me, spiritually, I was connected to the universe in every sense.
If you had to stay in one place and never leave where would it be? It would be impossible. My thirst to explore the world is too great.
Unbelievably, in 2014, you were diagnosed with a brain tumor that was affecting your olfactory system before debilitating seizures prompted critical brain surgery. Was there a point when you thought you would lose your sense of smell forever? Yes. I was very frightened of loosing BOTH, sense of smell and taste. But I also had a very positive attitude and didn’t let the fear consume me. Instead I started thinking of ways to make life work if that loss would have happened. Fortunately, I gained it back after surgery and is now sharper and stronger than ever, both smell and taste.
If you could never smell again, what would be the scent you missed most? The scent of my children. They are the center of my heart at all times. They are the world to me. The deepest love you can feel and you know their uniqueness and their scent.
What is the Spadaro foundation? I created this in honor of my mother and those whom selflessly inspired me to pursue this vision I have. Creating a brand that is beautifully soulful, promotes peace and love and acceptance of all. I give a percentage of the yearly sales to my foundation, then reach out to charities I find are in need.
Can you tell us about your most recent trip to Bali and some of the inspiration for your fifth fragrance? I did not plan to develop a fragrance in Bali, this was a time for me to be alone and reflect after having a 25-year marriage end. Leaving the Middle East after two days of intense meetings, I took this time to embrace solitude and reflection. When I walked off the plane, I was overwhelmed by the feeling in the air, intoxicating and grounding. Incense offerings, spirituality of temples unites cultures in this majestic land. I felt the minute I met the people of Bali, this would be the start of a beautiful story in the making, a sacred scent.
If you could give someone one piece of advice on overcoming obstacles and fulfilling their dreams, what would it be? Overcoming obstacles, you need to find something to look forward to. For example, the end result of overcoming the situation or problem and how you learn and grow from it. Meditation helps me tremendously when I am facing something that I am not sure how to handle. Advice from other is good as long as you do not let it define your intuition. By meditating, you can become better connected with the inner voice that will guide you.
Look 1 Nude Jumpsuit/ head shot: Naked Wardrobe @ nakedwardrobe www.nakedwardrobe.com Hoops: Twisted Silver @twistedsilver www.twistedsilver.com
Look 2: Sweater: Rag and Bone @ragandbone www.rag-bone.com
Look 3: Denim shirt: Etienne Marcel Denim @ etienne_marcel www.etiennemarceldenim.com Necklace: Sterling Forever @sterlingforever www.sterlingforever.com
Look 4: Jumpsuit: Maximalistla Maximalistlalve Clothing @revolve_clothingco www.revolveclothing.com
