A Passion for Perfume
The Perfume House was founded in the summer of 1984 by Chris & Christina Tsefalas, a charismatic couple with a lifelong passion for fragrance. The Perfume House is the culmination of their life’s work - an intimate retail shop like no other. With over 1,000 fine fragrances from around the world and more than 40 years of experience serving Portland, The Perfume House is a unique and truly special destination for any fragrance enthusiast.
Inspired by the inherent beauty of scent, Chris set off to explore the vast world of fragrance after finishing college and his service in the US Navy. Beginning his journey in Europe, he soon found a mentor in one of the world’s foremost authorities - 4711’s Dr. Walter Lauschner of Cologne, Germany. This mentorship fueled his passion for fragrance, and in just a few years, Chris found himself representing 8 of the world’s largest fragrance houses as an International Marketing Director. This role eventually took Chris back to the US permanently, allowing him to focus on imports and international distribution. One of his most notable partnerships during this time was with Oregon-based retailer Norm Thompson. Perhaps most importantly, however, was the effect this partnership had on Chris - it was at this time that he first experienced the joy of sharing fine fragrances with the public. These efforts culminated in the establishment of his own import company, Tamak, Inc., in the late 1970s.
For several years, Tamak, Inc. operated out of a nondescript house on the corner of Hawthorne and SE 33rd Avenue, quietly supplying local retailers with some of the world’s best perfumes, colognes, and other fragrant treasures. Then, in 1984, Chris took the final step in his long journey and decided to open the shop to the public, dubbing it ‘The Perfume House.’ Chris dedicated his shop to honoring the world’s great perfumers and providing a venue for the public to discover and enjoy the beauty of fine fragrance. Today, The Perfume House stands as a testament to the vision and efforts of Chris, Christina, and their family.
For Chris, the role of The Perfume House as a retail location was always accompanied by its role as a library or museum of fragrances - a place for enthusiasts and novices alike to gather and share in their passion for fragrance. In an increasingly fast-paced world, perfume can offer a moment of solace, akin to admiring a great work of art. The Perfume House offers visitors the opportunity to experience the magic and joy of fragrance without pressure or rushing. We strongly encourage sampling and wear-testing, as everyone’s skin chemistry is unique and will respond differently to each scent. The guests that walk through our door are not recommended scents simply to make a sale or follow an industry trend. Instead, we provide them with the opportunity to try any fragrances they wish to pursue for the sake of happiness, curiosity, and knowledge. We believe in fragrance enjoyment on a deeply personal and emotional level, and wish to help each person create memories that will last throughout their life.
Whether you’re finding the perfect gift, searching for your first full size bottle, or adding to an already-extensive collection, we can’t wait to meet you.
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In Memoriam
"Great fragrances capture a moment: an emotion, a feeling - pain and pleasure...a memory frozen in time, just waiting to be released." - Chris Tsefalas
Chris T. Tsefalas passed away peacefully on June 2, 2020, just two months before his 94th birthday. Generous, thoughtful, and exceedingly knowledgeable, he was often referred to as “The Nose” by those who knew him well. A wonderful family man, inspiring mentor, and incredible storyteller, his legacy lives on at The Perfume House.
