Mona Maine de Biran brings a uniquely diverse background to the world of fragrance. Born in 1969 with Spanish and Italian roots, she first built a career as an international model and gained wider recognition after winning Star Search in 1995. Her professional journey then spanned multiple industries, including entertainment, real estate, publishing, and tech sales at companies such as Oracle and ADP.

Her true calling, however, emerged through her passion for storytelling and scent. In 2018, she co-founded KIERIN NYC with her husband Didier Maine de Biran. As an outsider to the traditional perfume industry, she views her unconventional path as a strength. Fluent in several languages and influenced by philosophy—particularly through her ancestor François Maine de Biran—she brings a thoughtful, global perspective to her creative work.

Working closely with perfumer Mathieu Nardin, she helps shape fragrances that go beyond composition to tell authentic stories. She describes her role as one of co-creation and refinement, ensuring each scent aligns with the brand’s narrative vision.

At the core of her work is a commitment to inclusivity and conscious creation. KIERIN NYC produces gender-neutral, vegan, and cruelty-free fragrances designed to inspire rather than define. For Maine de Biran, scent is a form of self-expression that adapts to mood, identity, and individuality.

Her creative process often begins with real-life experiences in New York City. She translates these moments into fragrances using moodboards and multisensory storytelling, focusing on authenticity rather than idealized or celebrity-driven narratives.

One of her standout creations, Santal Park, captures the feeling of a hidden rooftop garden in the middle of a bustling city. Creamy sandalwood and earthy oakmoss form the base, complemented by soft floral notes of gardenia and the warm spice of saffron. The result is a versatile fragrance that balances urban energy with natural calm.

Beyond individual fragrances, Maine de Biran is helping to reshape the industry. She champions clean formulations, inclusive branding, and direct-to-consumer innovation. The brand’s visual identity—drawing from pop art and graffiti—reflects her appreciation for urban culture and contemporary creativity.

By offering high-quality niche fragrances at accessible prices, she contributes to the democratization of luxury perfumery. Her vision positions scent as a universal connector—capable of evoking emotion, inspiring individuality, and bringing people together in a modern, meaningful way.