Distinctive experience by SposiamoVi – Carthusia

Carthusia interview

At SposiamoVi we aim to offer our clients sheer excellence, which is why we choose our partners so carefully. Amongst these meticulously chosen partners is Carthusia; an exclusive perfume and cosmetics producer on the small island of Capri, Italy. What started out as a small family business in 1948 has grown into numerous stores all over the world.

We caught up with Virginia Ruocco, marketing manager for Carthusia and one of the most successful women on Capri, and asked her some questions about this scented realm.

First, thanks for taking time out to speak with us! Would you tell us a little bit more about yourself?

Buongiorno, my name is Virginia and I am the marketing and product development manager for Carthusia I profumi di Capri, one of the smallest perfume factories in the world.

Where do you live?

In Capri!

What do you miss more about Capri when you’re abroad?

I miss the island sea breeze when I’m away from home.

What’s the secret to concocting a good perfume?

Hours and hours of mixing and matching.

What’s your favourite scent?

I adore ‘Essence of the Park’.

Carthusia has strong ties to Capri. How is the company’s production influenced by that?

Our production is totally influenced by our surroundings. In fact, all our fragrances are based on the unique scents found in Capri’s environment, plants and flowers.

Carthusia has expanded on the centuries-old formula, developing the perfume culture further throughout the decades. What can you tell us about the evolution of perfume production?

Our perfume production has evolved from handmade to machine made. Now we can produce more quantities than ever before in less time. However, the final process of wrapping and packaging is still done by hand.

As a marketing expert, on a scale from 1 to 10 how important is packaging in your business?

We have always been extremely detail oriented. In that regard, packaging comes in at 10!

According to Carthusia’s production, which scent would be regarded as the perfume of the year?

Without a doubt, the revival of ‘Gelsomini di Capri’.

At a recent event we organised, we included one of your amazing perfumes in the welcome basket and the guests were over the moon for it. We understand that you also offer a personalised service for wedding favours and gifts, can you tell us more about that?

Sure! When a couple chooses our personalised service, we wrap each item individually with a special label and elegant tag, which includes the hand-written names of the couple.

Scents and perfumes in a wedding can also be used to entertain guests. When did you start to offer perfume bar service? Do you find that people like to create their own fragrances, and how does that work?

We offered perfume bar service for the first time about seven years ago, during an Indian wedding here in Capri. It’s fascinating to see how people try to match different fragrances, but it’s not the easiest task in the world!

In most cases your two favourite fragrances cannot be combined successfully. That usually spells disaster! However, we do our best to find an aromatic compromise.

Nowadays having a beard and/or moustache is very trendy amongst men, and grooms especially put a lot of effort into finding just the right beauty product. What’s your best seller?

The shaving soap bowl encased in olive wood and accompanying after shave.

 Home fragrances are also very popular today. Do you think these scents can also be used for an event? What value can they add and where would you recommend using them?

A lot of couples choose to include a room diffuser or a scented candle in their wedding gift bags, because they think these are easier to gift than a small bottle of perfume.

Additionally, some couples also ask to have the same fragrance included amongst the decorations.

If you were to recommend the most authentic and stylish restaurant, with the best quality food, which one would you suggest?

‘Paolino’, under the lemon trees. In my opinion, they have the best Totani & Patate in the world.

What is the number one accessory ladies can’t go without in Capri?

A coloured silk scarf.

What is the most entertaining and fun activity you would recommend in Capri?

Going out one night to Taverna Anema & Core, and dancing and singing on the tables!

Which panoramic spot is absolutely not to be missed?

The island at 360° from the Mount Solaro.

Where can you buy the best sandals in Capri?

@Canfora in Via Camerelle, they have been crafting sandals since Jackie Kennedy began frequenting Capri on holiday! They still have photographs of her creating her own sandals.