Wendi Berger is the mompreneur behind Pour le Monde Parfums, a New York-based perfume company that creates 100 percent natural fragrances that give back. Currently only one of two companies with fragrances certified by the Natural Products Association (NPA), Pour le Monde leaves out petrochemicals, propylene glycol, phthalates, sulfates, formaldehyde, artificial dyes, parabens, mineral oil, synthetic alcohol, and chemical sunscreens from its products. Pour le Monde only uses distilled water, essential oils, natural isolates, and natural grain alcohol.
Additionally, 10 percent of net sales are donated to charity, with each fragrance in the collection benefiting a specific organization. At present, the company’s non-profit partners include the Multiple Sclerosis Society, Guiding Eyes for the Blind, and Cancer Support Community. Aside from bearing the NPA Natural Seal, which is the first and only natural certification in the US, Pour le Monde fragrances are certified by Vegan Action, PETA, the Leaping Bunny Program, and the Forest Stewardship Council.
A self-described “fragrance junkie,” Berger has loved perfumes since she was young. As a teenager, she collected fragrances and mixed them to make her own signature scent. After college, she joined Revlon and then moved into the fashion magazine publishing industry, eventually becoming a publisher. Throughout her career, she worked with major fragrance companies on their marketing and advertising campaigns and was invited to test and wear their latest products before they launched.
When Berger became pregnant, she learned that most fragrances are made with synthetics that may affect the immune and nervous systems. After failing to find pregnancy-safe perfumes, she stopped wearing fragrances for the first time since the fourth grade.
Following the birth of her son, Berger caught up with her friend Lisa, who has been living with multiple sclerosis for years. When she shared her natural fragrance plight, Lisa said, “Well, why don’t you make some?” That was the beginning of Pour le Monde Parfums. Today, the company has three natural eau de parfums that support non-profits and will be launching more in the future.
The Entrepreneur Review 