Not sure if you guys are aware of this, but if you use foaming handsoap.... Did you know that it's only 20% soap and 80% water. Total scam for the money. So it occurred to me to refill the last one I bought and add a fragrance to it. Obviously I didn't want to use something expensive, but I wanted something fresh, clean and citrusy since it's for my kitchen. I went with 2 cups of water, a half cup of Ms. Myers Lemon verbena and 40 sprays of Artisan Blue by JV. Now I saved a bunch of money and have a signature hand soap lol!

I always thought Naxos would be my first Xerjoff pick up but when i saw this at a great price i said “nuh-uh”. So here it is. Stuffs stronger in the bottle than the sample. And luckily it suits my skin chem. I love how they put effort into little things and details. Love when a company puts effort into things like this. To me its a sign of appreciation and valuing their customers. Unlike some other brands (cough cough Bond no.9 cough). Usually i chuck boxes in the bin but ill be keeping this.

I started my latest and revisited fragrance journey with Middle Eastern dupes, influenced by hype and the belief that cheaper options offered better value and possibly the same ingredients for less. At the time, I thought I was making smart choices. Looking back, it had an unexpected impact. Working in transportation, where income depends on clients, I chose not to settle. Instead, I set a goal, worked harder, gained more clients, and eventually tripled my business so I could afford the niche and artisan fragrances I truly wanted. What began as buying cheaper fragrances became a motivation to improve my situation. It pushed me to grow rather than convince myself I didn’t want better quality. That’s why I share my journey—not just to explain clone, designer, niche, and artisan houses, but to encourage others to set goals, work toward them, and put themselves in a position to enjoy what they truly want. There’s nothing wrong with starting with clones or staying within your budget. But don’t let hype or circumstances limit your ambitions. Set goals, improve your situation, and reward yourself when you achieve them. This applies beyond fragrances. What we want can motivate us to build better businesses, improve finances, get promotions, and grow personally. The goal isn’t just owning expensive bottles—it’s becoming someone who sets goals, achieves them, and enjoys the rewards without guilt.