Spotlight on a philanthropic mom who turned a passion into another way to raise money and awareness—and encourages her kids to do the same
Underserved kids are getting an education in the arts. Single parent families are finding financial assistance and friendship. A mom with a sick child helps find a cure. Inner city children are building pride in their community. All in part thanks to one mom who understands how much giving back makes a difference—and she does every day, at home, with her family and through her new business.
Serial philanthropist and mom Sheba Grobstein always took a creative approach to her fundraising plans and was constantly tapped by others to help their goals match hers in success. It did not take long for her to realize that instead of only helping friends, there was a way to further her own efforts by pairing her socially responsible ideals with a childhood passion and an entrepreneurial idea. Truly Yours Parfums, and its first scent, Reisa, was born.
Sheba has been a fine fragrance aficionado from early on, “If there was a superlative in my high school yearbook for best smelling, it would have been me,” she says and had long dreamed of one day creating her own. With the drive of parlaying her fragrance success into further fundraising triumph, Sheba set out to work with the best in the industry including bottle and package designers, fragrance houses and perfumers.
Along with the journey of education and exploration about how to create a luxe indie perfume, Sheba also wanted to ensure that her company was built on a philanthropic platform, giving back to her local community as well as those on a national and international was important to her. “My family’s passion for philanthropy and desire to do as much as we can to make this world a better place needed to play a fundamental role in my company,” she explains. “I was inspired to create a niche fragrance that exemplifies a new definition of luxury while empowering people as well as promoting individuality, inner strength and generosity for the woman who wears it. It was my dream to blend these worlds together and unite them into a single purpose.”
Based in Los Angeles, the perfume—a citrusy floral blend anchored with a hint of woodsy on-trend oud that comes in an all-natural perfume oil and an eau de parfum—explains Sheba is French inspired, Los Angeles created. Important also to Sheba was that every piece of her perfume’s puzzle was made in the USA. And every step of the way has been meticulously planned to position Reisa as a success in order to be profitable for the four charities she has chosen to share with: The fragrance launched last fall at New York Fashion Week and since then has received rave reviews by the press and social influencers. “All the better to raise awareness and sales, so that we can continue to give back,” says Sheba.
Sheba shares her devotion to giving back with her family—her husband, son and daughter after whom the parfum is named. In fact her daughter, Reisa, was just recognized by President Obama for dedication and achievement of community service hours. All told it’s a lesson and a fragrance which we will cherish for ourselves and our daughters—not just because we love the scent (we do!) but also because of the message it sends…and delivers.
