We had the good fortune of connecting with Helida Dodd and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Helida, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I am originally from Nicaragua. I grew up on a farm, close to volcanoes and the Pacific Ocean, surrounded by trees, mountains, flowers, rivers, and creeks. My heart is in constant awe of the healing powers of nature.

Miami has been my home since I was 12. My background and upbringing have definitely shaped me into who I am today. My mom and grandmother were excellent cooks and they made our food daily from scratch. There was no cutting corners when it came to eating delicious meals, and I believe that translates into everything I do today.

Handcrafted things that are luxurious in their raw state are very important to me, and it permeates everything I do on a personal and business level. Marbella Perfumes is where “Nature Meets Luxury”. My goal is to create a natural perfume using only sustainable materials while helping small farming communities along the way.

What should our readers know about your business?
Marbella Perfumes started as a need for a beautiful fragrance that wasn’t an assault to my senses. I stopped wearing perfumes with my first pregnancy as morning sickness played tricks with my sense of smell.

Tired of buying perfumes and never finishing a bottle, I decided to take matters into my own hands. I wanted to create something with the highest quality ingredients I could find, all natural with a big caveat: “They HAD to be sustainable and NOT harm the environment”

Small batches, attention to detail, and sustainability in all aspects of my business are what make me most proud. I want to make my clients feel as if they are pampering themselves when they wear my perfume. I want them to stand out from the crowd and feel like they have finally found a bottle of perfume they love from start to finish.

My hope is to give them a gift of nature in a bottle.

After three years, the first fragrance is officially launching on July14th. The biggest lesson from this long journey was getting to know myself and really digging into what stops me and what propels me forward. It’s been a test of grit and perseverance to not let go of my dreams when the road got bumpy.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Dinner at Michael’s Genuine Food and Drinks, Dragonfly, and Cafe Pastis are a must. I’d make sure we go to our favorite breakfast places: Madruga and Delices de France. They can’t miss Miami’s influx of foods from South & Central America and the Caribbean: Croquetas from Joanna’s Marketplace, Tequeños and Pan de Bono from Tequeñomania, Brazilian Pao de Queixo from Brazil Mart, and Nicaraguan Churrasco and Gallopinto.

Bike rides to Fairchild Gardens, Pinecrest Gardens, and Matheson Hammocks are always on the list as well as visiting Deering Estate and kayaking on Biscayne Bay. On one of those days, lunch or dinner at Red Fish by Chef Adrianne.

For unique tourism in Miami, I’d take them on an airboat ride in the Everglades with a stop by Robert is Here for tropical fruits and smoothies.

They can’t leave without a couple of day trips to the beach, Miami Beach and Key Biscayne.

Finally, we’d sneak in a day trip to Key Largo, go on a glass bottom boat ride and have key lime pie at Mrs. Mac’s Kitchen.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My family has been instrumental in this long journey. The support of my husband is unparalleled! He is my #1 cheerleader. He is my sounding board and I am grateful to have him by my side encouraging me every step of the way.

My children are incredible supporters, and our dinner discussions are my greatest marketing think tank exercise. I start asking them what they think about a tag line, and we spend an hour throwing phrases around that are as crazy and fun as you could imagine.

Aside from my amazing family, I want to give a shoutout to my beautiful group of friends who have been my perfume testers and diehard supporters of my dreams. I also want to thank Mina Shah @minameetings. When I first met her, the perfume was still a daydream. Her incredible insight has been outstanding. Finally, I want to thank Magdalena Pire Schmidt @helloheron for all the knowledge she’s imparted to me in order to keep a true North and stay on course.

Website: www.marbellaperfumes.com

Instagram: @marbellaperfumes

Image Credits
@womenbymag @anakmorimoto @etcmarketingmiami

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutMiami is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.