MAKS & ME — MOMENTS, MEMORIES, MOODS, BOTTLED
EGW LUXURY MAGAZINE | WINTER 2025 - 2026
FEATURE | THE ART OF LIFE
By Monica Lofstrom
“Fragrance isn’t just a finishing touch — it’s a portal, a mood, a memory, a way to express who you are without saying a word.”
There are brands that sell scent — and then there are those that tell stories through it. On the southern coast of Wollongong, Australia, Nataša Manojlović has created one such story: Maks & Me — a brand named for the greatest muse of all, her young son, Maks. What began as a heartfelt candle studio has evolved into something more intimate, more personal — a collection of signature perfumes that capture the essence of life itself: moments, memories, and moods — bottled.
Born from a lifelong fascination with scent, Maks & Me was never meant to be a business of convenience. It was born from craft, from curiosity, and from the quiet hours of motherhood — when the world slows down enough for imagination to take form. “Fragrance has always been my language of creativity,” says Nataša. “There’s something deeply fulfilling about blending, pouring, testing — watching an emotion become real through scent.”
THE EVOLUTION OF A VISION
From hand-poured vegan candles and space mists, the brand has blossomed into a full sensory experience — culminating in the release of Chapter One Eau de Parfum Collection.
Each fragrance represents a facet of being: lightness, intention, sensuality. Together, they form a trilogy of self-expression — a scent wardrobe for every mood.
Monday Muse is fresh and crisp — the scent of beginnings. Bright citrus, pink pepper, and white musk blend into something that feels both familiar and new — like a crisp white shirt slightly undone.
Like a Cloud is soft, gourmand, and dreamlike — notes of pear, lavender, and vanilla orchid suspended in air. It’s the fragrance of quiet days and slow mornings; of bare skin and linen sheets; of the spaces between thoughts.
After Hours is the whisper of a secret. Cherry and bitter almond meet vetiver and rose — sultry, smoky, and just a little mischievous. It’s silk and leather, the city at night, the sound of laughter that lingers.
Each perfume is vegan, cruelty-free, and crafted with care, bottled in clear glass atomisers designed for everyday ritual. Small enough to carry, strong enough to remember.
A MAKER’S HAND, A MOTHER’S HEART
Behind the brand’s serene aesthetic lies an authentic story of resilience and artistry. Nataša handcrafts every candle, mist, and perfume in her Wollongong studio, balancing her work with the joyful chaos of motherhood.
“Everything I make carries a piece of me,” she says. “I want our products to encourage moments of calm in your daily rituals — to create a mood, a vibe, a feeling. Whether it’s lighting a candle after a long day or choosing a scent before stepping into the world, I want people to feel grounded, elevated, and connected to themselves.”
Each product in the Maks & Me line is built on a foundation of intention and sustainability — 100% vegan soy wax, ethically sourced fragrances, and eco-friendly packaging. There’s no excess, no filler, only essence.
The brand’s visual identity — earthy, moody, minimal — mirrors its soul: raw and refined. Every flicker of a candle becomes a small act of presence, a reminder that scent is emotion made visible.
THE ART OF SCENT AS STORY
To experience Maks & Me is to understand that fragrance is more than adornment — it’s communication. Each scent acts as a sensory journal, translating fleeting emotions into something tangible. It’s the perfume of memory — a way of holding time still for just a moment longer.
“Mood, memory, and identity,” says Nataša. “That’s what I create from. These are scents that move with you — from the quiet moments at home to the boldness of night.”
In this evolution from candlelight to couture perfume, Nataša has distilled something rare: not just fragrance, but feeling. She has bottled the art of living with awareness — and in doing so, given us the language to feel it too.
DISCOVER MAKS & ME
Website: www.maksandme.com.au
Instagram: @maksandme_official
Featured Scents:
Like a Cloud — Gourmand Fruity Floral: Pear, Lavender, Coconut, Vanilla Orchid, Musk
Monday Muse — Clean Citrus Woody: Lemon, Pink Pepper, Jasmine, White Musk, Amber
After Hours — Amber Woody Floral: Cherry, Almond, Turkish Rose, Vetiver, Sandalwood
Made in Wollongong, NSW | 100% Vegan & Cruelty-Free | Handcrafted in Australia
