Since 2009, Roses for Autism has provided career training for transition age students with Autism at the Pinchbeck Farm in Guilford by growing and selling fresh cut flowers. Now the nonprofit is adding to its product line with the launch of its signature Ardent Rose perfume.
 
“We believe that all people—like roses—blossom when given proper support and are recognized for their unique qualities,” said Michelle Ouimette, managing director of Roses For Autism and Ability Beyond. “In order to further fund our efforts, we were looking to create a non-perishable product that aligned with our core offerings.”
 
Enter Dr. Robert Bedoukian, a member of the board of directors for Ability Beyond, the parent organization of Roses for Autism. He is also the president of Bedoukian Research Inc. in Danbury, a flavor and fragrance company.  Bedoukian saw the potential in creating a perfume from the farm’s extremely fragrant Lavande rose. Unlike roses imported from other countries that have been bred to last longer at the expense of their scent, roses grown at the Roses for Autism farm are still wonderfully aromatic. 
 
Bedoukian sponsored the full development of the perfume by international fragrance producer Robertet Incorporated.  The result is a clean and crisp combination of Lavande rose, Magnolia, Geranium, Sandalwood, Musk, and White Amber. Ardent Rose Eau de Parfum Spray is available at the farm’s Guilford Retail Store and on their website.
 
In honor of all mothers who sacrifice so much for their children to succeed, Ardent Rose is available for the promotional price of $39.99 from now until Mother’s Day. After May 8th, the regular price is $60 per bottle.
 
According to the organization, Ardent Rose is the only fragrance in the perfume industry created specifically for a charitable cause. Revenue generated by sales of the perfume will support ongoing growing operations at the Roses for Autism greenhouse, the development of a Sensory Garden, and the expansion of their scholarship program.  The organization has helped over 100 individuals with Autism and would like to expand their scholarship program in order to help even more people achieve meaningful employment and personal success.
 
“The perfume will hopefully lead to the creation of related products like soap and lotion in the future “explains Ouimette. “A gift line offers our employees more business learning opportunities about retail and wholesale sales, product marketing, and e-commerce activities.”
 
The brand was created by The Design Spot in New York City. Glynn Eppy, president, was closely involved in the project.  Ouimette, Rahman Ansari with Bedoukian Research Inc. and the team from the Design Spot worked to develop the brand concept and name.  They wanted something simple, modern and elegant. Ouimette conceived the name Ardent Rose as she felt it very much represented the history of Roses For Autism as well as individuals and families impacted by Autism.  
 
The perfume is manufactured and packaged at FMI—Fragrance Manufacturing Inc.— Allentown, PA.