Ernesto Sanchez Bujanda’s path into perfumery did not follow the traditional routes of Grasse or ISIPCA. Born in Venezuela and educated as an industrial engineer in the United States, he discovered that his analytical background aligned naturally with the precision required in fragrance creation. His early fascination with scent began at the age of ten with Jean Marie Farina by Roger & Gallet, while his mother’s exclusive use of Diorissimo by Dior introduced him to the foundations of classical perfumery.

At the age of 21, he moved to New York City with the intention of becoming a makeup artist, immersing himself in the high-end beauty, fashion, and fragrance industries. This experience proved invaluable when he relocated to Miami Beach in 2005, where he opened a specialized perfumery focused on rare European niche brands. Through this venture, he was able to study hundreds of fragrances and develop a deep understanding of the evolving niche market from both a commercial and creative perspective.

Inspired by his life partner Ryan York, Bujanda eventually transitioned into creating his own fragrances. He launched YeYe Fragrances in 2007 with home scents before expanding into personal fragrances in 2015. Together with York, he co-founded YeYe Parfums in Santa Barbara, California, establishing an independent artisanal house where each fragrance is handcrafted from concept to bottling, with a strong focus on high-quality raw materials and gender-neutral compositions.

Bujanda’s approach to perfumery reflects a balance between engineering discipline and artistic expression, influenced by philosophy, literature, and the natural environment. His fragrances are inspired by the landscapes of Santa Barbara’s “American Riviera,” drawing from its mild climate and scenic beauty to create compositions that feel both natural and refined.

Equus N°8, inspired by a horseback ride through the mountains of Hawaii’s Big Island, demonstrates his ability to translate powerful experiences into complex woody-spicy fragrances, featuring prominent notes of clove, saffron, and smoky accords. His versatility is further expressed in creations such as Sentiers de Comètes, a floral-oriental composition that combines citrus, white flowers, and a warm amber-musky base to evoke the luminous trail of a comet.

In Golden Aura, he showcases his mastery of woody-floral compositions, blending Italian bergamot with creamy osmanthus and sandalwood, while Y.O.R.K. N°7 reflects a more minimalist approach, balancing fresh grapefruit and mint with powdery iris and modern Iso E Super to create a refined everyday fragrance.

Bujanda’s commitment to quality extends to sourcing exceptional raw materials from around the world, from Madagascar vanilla to region-specific ingredients. His philosophy of merging European and American perfumery traditions while maintaining artisanal craftsmanship positions YeYe Parfums as a distinctive voice within the independent fragrance scene. His creations are often described as timeless, classic, and enigmatic, reflecting both technical precision and artistic depth.