Another fragrance house that has fully embraced the beauty of oud while telling a remarkable story is NEJMA. In this blog, we explore the origins of the brand and discover why its fragrances continue to captivate lovers of oriental perfumery around the world.

The Story Behind NEJMA

Marie-Lise Bischoff, founder of NEJMA, grew up just a short distance from Grasse, the world-renowned perfume capital of France. Surrounded by fragrance from an early age, she developed a deep appreciation for perfumery. At the same time, she was fascinated by the stars that illuminated the skies above nearby Nice, the Mediterranean city where she spent her childhood.

Her grandmother affectionately called her Nejma, an Arabic word meaning “star,” a nickname that would later become the foundation of an extraordinary fragrance house.

During a journey through the Middle East, Marie-Lise encountered an ancient Arab legend that immediately captured her imagination. The heroine of the story was named Nejma—a woman of incomparable beauty and charm. Feeling an instant connection to both the name and the character, Marie-Lise drew inspiration from the tale to create her brand.

The story tells of Nejma, a woman whose fate was marked by hardship. Captured and traded as a slave, she eventually attracted the attention of an Arab prince, who was enchanted by her beauty, spirit, and the natural fragrance that seemed to surround her. Together they had seven daughters, each blessed with her own distinct personality and character.

As the daughters grew older, they each created a fragrance in honour of their beloved mother. Every perfume reflected a different aspect of Nejma’s personality, resulting in seven unique creations. The precious ingredient that unites these fragrances is oud—the mysterious, luxurious, and deeply oriental material that forms the soul of the collection. The first three fragrances feature particularly prominent oud compositions, highlighting the ingredient in its richest and most traditional form.

The Collections

NEJMA is composed of two distinctive collections.

The original Classic Collection, housed in elegant black and gold bottles, is directly inspired by the legend of Nejma and her seven daughters. Each fragrance is numbered from one to seven, representing one of the daughters and her interpretation of their mother’s beauty and character.

The perfumes vary significantly in style and personality. Nejma 1 opens with spicy notes of thyme, rose berries, and saffron, supported by a floral heart of Bulgarian rose. Nejma 3 is often regarded as a classic rose-and-oud composition, combining two of oriental perfumery’s most iconic ingredients. Among the collection, Nejma 7 has become a particular favourite, blending sparkling citrus fruits and neroli with indulgent notes of cocoa and coconut for a vibrant and addictive signature.

Alongside the Classic Collection, NEJMA also offers a second range presented in sophisticated white and gold bottles. While these fragrances place less emphasis on oud, they retain the richness, warmth, and sensuality that define the house, offering a softer interpretation of oriental perfumery.

Through its combination of storytelling, craftsmanship, and the timeless beauty of oud, NEJMA has created a collection that feels both luxurious and deeply personal. It is a fragrance journey inspired by legend, guided by emotion, and brought to life through scent.