Marc Chaya: The Mind Behind Maison Francis Kurkdjian Perfumes
From a young dreamer in Beirut to the CEO of a prestigious fragrance house, Marc Chaya story is one of passion and creativity.
In the heart of Paris, a quiet revolution has been taking place in the world of perfumery. Leading this transformation is Marc Chaya, the CEO and co-founder of Maison Francis Kurkdjian (MFK).
Approaching its 15th anniversary, MFK represents the extraordinary fusion of creativity, perfumery craftsmanship, and the shared vision of its founders.
Traditionally, the perfume industry has been driven by marketing strategies, focusing on concepts, bottle design, and branding, often overshadowing the essence of the fragrances themselves. Chaya wanted to change that.
"We wanted to give perfumers the freedom to express their vision with creativity," Chaya explained.
This is the essence of Maison Francis Kurkdjian, a brand that provides a platform for Francis Kurkdjian, one of the greatest living perfumers, to showcase his artistic talent in creating scents.
Originally from Beirut, Lebanon, Chaya initially aspired to become an architect or designer. However, his father influence steered him towards a business-oriented path. He studied economics and achieved success in his career at Ernst & Young, eventually becoming a leader in global telecommunications markets at the age of 32.
Despite his achievements, Chaya felt that something was missing.
"EY lacked creativity and the freedom of entrepreneurship," he admitted.
He yearned for a creative outlet and the opportunity to build something from scratch. When he met Kurkdjian, he found a kindred spirit who shared a similar creative void. Together, they embarked on a shared adventure, combining Chaya strategic and organizational skills with Kurkdjian artistic brilliance.
The result was Maison Francis Kurkdjian, a unique blend of business acumen and artistic genius. For Chaya, working at MFK is not just a career step; it the story of a lifetime.
"When I see how my teams have grown with the business and how everything we do brings joy to our customers, it brings a lot of joy and responsibility," he shared.
MFK takes pride in its creative drive, dedication to exceptional craftsmanship, and commitment to delivering an outstanding customer experience.
The creative process at MFK begins with an inspiration, such as a mood or a name, and evolves through a dialogue between Chaya and Kurkdjian.
"I act as a sounding board and either acknowledge or challenge him," Chaya revealed.
This creative collaboration results in the development of unique scents, like Petit Matin, inspired by the early morning ambiance of Paris, or Baccarat Rouge 540, evoking a sense of mystery and elegance.
Chaya advocates for fragrance wardrobing, encouraging individuals to choose different scents that align with their personality, mood, or occasion.
"For me, perfume is like choosing an outfit, like sharing a part of myself with others," he explained.
As Maison Francis Kurkdjian approaches its 15th anniversary, Chaya aims for further expansion, with the vision of creating one of the most exquisite fragrance houses in Paris.
The goal is to build a brand where luxury is defined by the extraordinary fusion of creativity and craftsmanship, offering customers an artistic and uplifting journey.
"I believe life is a journey, and within that journey, you can change your mind and evolve as long as you work hard and acquire skills," Chaya shared.
His own journey, from a dreamer in Beirut to the CEO of a luxury fragrance house, exemplifies this belief.