The Story Behind the OLEADA x Veronique Gabai Collaboration

 

My journey with Veronique Gabai began unexpectedly. A dear friend in New York gifted me Veronique’s Goldie Highlighter, and I was instantly captivated by the subtle yet radiant shine. She told me the brand was led by a strong woman, just like me, and described it as "Sunshine for the soul." Little did I know then how much Veronique and I were kindred spirits.

Fast forward to this year, I attended a country club event where I discovered her fragrances. While I wouldn’t call myself a perfume expert, I’ve always believed in the power of scent to connect, uplift, and express personality. Veronique’s fragrances were different—instant beauty with layers of depth and storytelling.

 

Having grown up with commercial scents like Miss Dior (a cherished gift from my grandfather at 16), I eventually gravitated toward niche perfumes like Atelier Cologne and L’Artisan Parfumeur for their complexity. But Veronique’s creations transcend even those—they’re profoundly layered, almost alive. The secret? Natural ingredients. As Veronique explained, “Our fragrances are composed with a very high concentration of natural ingredients. They connect you to nature, offering depth and evolution that synthetics simply can’t replicate.”

For me, fragrance has always been a mini escape—a way to pause, de-stress, and bring a sense of joy and lightness to my workday. It’s a little luxury that reminds me to breathe, recharge, and show up as my best self.

 

The Layers of Scent, Style, and History

 

While visiting Grasse, the perfume capital of the world, for a perfume-making experience, I stumbled upon a remarkable piece of history. The connection between perfume and leather goods is a story of luxury and artistry that dates back to the 16th century. In Grasse, artisans revolutionized leather craftsmanship by infusing gloves with delicate fragrances to mask the scent of tanning. This innovation gained prominence when Catherine de’ Medici introduced perfumed gloves to the French court, establishing them as symbols of refinement. By the 18th century, Marie Antoinette elevated this tradition, commissioning bespoke scented leather gloves that blended opulence with personal expression.

 

This story resonated deeply as I explored the parallels between Veronique’s work and OLEADA’s mission. As Veronique explained the art behind her fragrances:

"In fact, the final ingredient is your skin—it’s what makes the fragrance truly bloom."

Her words reminded me of how we design our bags at OLEADA—not just as objects, but as extensions of the women who carry them. Like a fine fragrance, a thoughtfully crafted bag reflects its owner’s individuality and aspirations.

A Shared Vision: WorkStyle as Self-Expression

 

At OLEADA, we believe a woman’s workstyle is an extension of her personal identity. Your work bag isn’t just an accessory; it’s a reflection of your strengths, values, and authenticity. That’s why we’ve created tools like our WorkBag Quiz—to help women discover their ideal bag that supports both their professional ambitions and personal lifestyles.

When I spoke with Veronique Gabai, it became clear that we share a similar philosophy. Veronique embodies the Masterful Multitasker, yet she champions the art of monotasking—fully immersing yourself in work when working and in play when relaxing. This thoughtful approach to balance is essential, especially for entrepreneurs navigating high-pressure environments. Without proper rest, decision fatigue sets in, leading to burnout and poor choices. Sometimes, the most powerful thing we can do is pause, reflect, and recharge. It’s during these moments that creativity and clarity emerges. Striking this balance isn’t just about productivity; it’s about building a sustainable rhythm for success.Entrepreneurship is not a sprint; it’s a marathon—a long journey of resilience, growth, and purpose.

 

Sur La Plage: A Vacation in a Bottle

 

When Veronique selected Sur La Plage for me, I knew it was the perfect fit. Its name, meaning "On the Beach," says it all. With notes of orange blossom, magnolia, jasmine, tuberose, pink pepper, and cedarwood, the fragrance captures the essence of bare skin under the sun, refreshed by salty waters and balmy air. It’s truly “vacation in a bottle.”

For me, the scent evokes comfort and nostalgia—it takes me back to my home in Hong Kong and reminds me of carefree days by the sea. It’s a reminder that no matter how busy life gets, we all deserve a moment of respite.