Hello, and welcome!
My name is Arina Franzén; I am the founder and nose behind Dark Tales. My journey began with a deep passion for storytelling, fueled by my background in history and psychology. Originally a professional writer-biographer, I often found that words alone couldn’t fully capture the essence of my experiences. Whether it’s the scent of your first kiss or the memory of a trip to France, I wanted to find a way to relive these moments through scent.
With a keen sense of smell and a fascination for fragrances, I transitioned from writing to perfumery, starting as a self-taught perfumer in 2019. This path eventually led me to become certified by the Natural Perfume Academy. Thus, Dark Tales was born—a place where every perfume tells an olfactory story, transporting you to places beyond reality, be it an old library, a medieval abbey, or a deep forest.
Dark Tales is an alternative perfumery, inspired by dark history and gothic novels. Each scent is true to its name—if a perfume is called Old Library, it genuinely evokes the aroma of antique books. I am deeply committed to the art of handcrafted perfumery, ensuring that every product is meticulously prepared without the use of any machinery.
What began as a home-based hobby in Moscow in July 2019 quickly evolved. By October of that year, I had launched an Etsy shop, and by 2020, Dark Tales was officially registered. Our studio then moved to Uppsala, Sweden, where we expanded further and opened a new studio in 2022. In the summer of 2024, we proudly opened our boutique at Kungsgatan 66CB in Uppsala.
In 2023, I also launched a parallel brand, "Arina Franzén | Botanical Perfumery," offering a line of luxurious fragrances that focus solely on natural ingredients, embodying the essence of old-school traditional perfumery.
At Dark Tales, my husband, Tim Franzén, and I work together, dedicating ourselves to perfecting every detail of our creations. We cherish our customers and strive to make you feel like a valued friend. Our customer service is personal, and we aim to treat you just as we would want to be treated.
I hope you enjoy your journey with us!
Yours,
Arina
