March 08, 2024

Introducing a new up-and-coming brand, Atlantis, founded by Chris Paez! Chris weaves his personal passions of psychology and philosophy into his brand identity and just released his first fragrance, Gaia. While accomplishing so much on this journey, Chris shares the challenges and rewards of being a new small business owner living in Kansas, from Paraguay. Let's get to know him his brand a little more!
 
Meet Chris Paez, Founder of Atlantis! 

 

Q: How did you come up with the name Atlantis for your brand?

I do like philosophy, and I named Atlantis due to the philosopher Plato.

Q: You are from Paraguay and now live in Kansas. Can you tell us more how that came to be?

I came to Kansas to pursue my BBA degree, I had an opportunity in Kansas due to academic scholarships.

Gaia | AtlantisQ: Does any of your inspiration for fragrance creation come from Paraguay or Kansas?

I'm currently working on a new fragrance inspired by cowboys, specifically drawing inspiration from the culture of the Midwest. It's not necessarily tied to Kansas, but rather concentrates the essence of the Midwest lifestyle.

Q: You studied psychology in college. Did that have any influence Atlantis? The brand, the story or the first fragrance, Gaia? 

Absolutely, everything I've experienced in life has led me to where I am now. Psychology, in particular, has helped me understand my mood and develop my brand.

Q: How did your fragrance brand come to be, why did you start it?

Since childhood, I have always loved and appreciated the art of TV commercials, particularly fragrance commercials. I have always been surrounded by people involved in business. During college, I was also a member of a business club, and everyone seemed to have a business idea except for me. Feeling pressured by my environment to pursue something I was passionate about, I eventually started pitching my own idea. Winning business awards provided me with funding to enter the fragrance industry and gain a deeper understanding of it.

Q: When you were learning perfumery, did you teach yourself? Go to classes or have training?

I started watching YouTube videos, reading books, but they were not enough, so I attended a workshop/training in different places in the U.S.

Q: You worked with Rachel Latimer for the creation of Gaia. Can you tell us more about Rachel, how that came to be and how was the process for you?

Rachel is a master in her craft! I won an award at college, and the prize, I was able to attend a fragrance workshop in California. It was there that Rachel and I became partners.  

Q: Tell us about your inspiration and process behind your first fragrance, Gaia?

I started Gaia because I was inspired by Greek Mythology. Gaia, the head of the Greek mythological family, inspired my first product. The philosophy behind Gaia teaches me that perfection doesn't come instantly, but with the right attitude and mindset, anything is possible.

Gaia, like a mother, faced challenges but stayed strong, nurturing her predecessors and thriving.

Q: Your packaging is stunning and very elevated for a new brand. Did you design it yourself? What did you want it to convey to the buyer when they see it for the first time?

Yes, I designed by myself. I want to convey to people the art of fragrances.

Q: What future plans do you have for Atlantis? Will we see more fragrance launches soon?

I would love to see Atlantis as the best luxury brand of fragrances in the world, and I am working hard for that. By July we plan to have at least 2 new fragrances.

Gaia | AtlantisQ: As a new small business owner of fragrance company, what challenges are you facing?

My greatest challenge is being a foreigner in the U.S. It's tough not being able to secure a job to support my business and raise funds. Funding is crucial for advancing my plans. You might wonder why I don't just borrow money or get a loan. Well, financial institutions typically require collateral and proof of sales. As a startup and a foreigner, both of these are quite challenging to provide.

Q: In the same regard, what do you find to be rewarding?

My rewarding is my enjoyment in the game. Besides all challenges, I keep my mind fresh and enjoy the process, because I know at some point everything will come.

Q: Outside of Atlantis, what other creative outlets do you have?

I love creating new opportunities for people, I love listening to people when they dream big. I love spending time doing sports, they awaken my competitive.

 

 

Q: Where do you consider your happy place?

Anywhere where I feel that I am growing.

Q: What is your favorite word?

Box, box!

Q: What is your least favorite word?

Looser!

Q: What turns you on?

When someone tells me yes/no with confidence.

Q: What turns you off?

The “I will let you know” from your friends. That usually means no.

Q: What’s your favorite note?

Vanilla

Q: What’s your least favorite note?

Geranium

Q: What are you smelling right now?

Barbecue!

Q: If you could describe your brand in 3 words, what would they be?

Inspire your greatness!

Q: Is there anything else you want our readers to know?

Stay tuned on our future fragrances, we started from scratch and we deserve to achieve our goals.

Want to smell Gaia? Find it featured in our March 2024 Collection | New York City & Sunday Mornings!

Subscribe today!

 

Follow Atlantis on  Instagram!

Photo credits: Atlantis


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