The following is said to be the means of establishment for the San Antonio Perfume Company; as those of that city know, it is an historical legend acquaint with a Spanish Missionary, a Lady with a Secret, and a formula for the odorous luxuries that recall a Monk's desire…

ONCE UPON A TIME, as legends are apt to unfold, there was a much adored mistress who lived in the Spanish Governor’s Palace. This lady engaged in pilgrimages to the little church of the Mission San Francisco de la Espada. Alas, for this wife, such journeys were traveled only as permitted; and no more frequently than she dared request permission from her husband the Captain, for it was certainly not her piety that guided her to the Mission – her impelling desire to visit the little church was concealed. Nonetheless, her true motive was always right under her husband’s nose!

A FRANCISCAN FRIAR lived at the Mission and was believed to be as accomplished as he was devout; an expert of the botanical sciences. This monk was driven by his desire to recreate the celebratory floral arrangements for the Madonna he recalled from the Old World here at his Mission in a new land, where he could coax no carnation or iris or rose to bloom.

THE MONK HARNESSED THE POWER of the nearby Piedras Creek to express aromatic oils from native citrus plants cultivated on the Mission. He manufactured distillation techniques and, what is more, he submerged woody plants in casks filled with clear creek waters to dissolve and extract their aromatic properties. This fragrance of legend exists to this day as Flores de la Misión, for it laid the foundation for the San Antonio Perfume Company, and it continues to be crafted in San Antonio using limited quantity preparations to produce the quality fragrances that reflect the River City. And, just as then, our Company’s unique tradition continues – each perfume fragrance is blended, bottled, and boxed by hand in San Antonio, Texas.

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