Love is in the air

A chance encounter with the one and only Sondra Love is tantamount to stumbling upon a vibrantly hued, exceptionally melodic, rare bird. A Sondra sighting leaves onlookers instantly enchanted by her powerful, purposeful, poised presence and undeniable steel magnolia-esque charm. She exudes an aura of wisdom so pervasive, it’s a struggle to resist the temptation to follow her around with a notebook, jotting down her every brilliant observation.

This distinctive presence, combined with her innate understanding of the art of making an impression, has paved the way for her extraordinary life and legendary career. A consummate innovator in fashion, hosiery, cosmetics and fragrance, Love was also the creator and “nose” of Michael Jordan’s inaugural record-breaking cologne.

A lifelong fragrance enthusiast, Love’s journey began on her family farm in Bowling Green, Ky. She vividly recalls basking in the farm’s quiet serenity, simple joys, and of course, the aromas – especially those emitted from the rose garden her father planted for her mother.

After college, Love went full steam ahead to follow her passions. Says Love, “You are always rich if you have passion for what you’re doing.” Crediting her mother with her renowned taste, she initially pursued all things fashion in retail. She was then offered a position at Donna Karan Legwear, where she made vast improvements in product function and comfort.

After her stint in hosiery, Love honed her cosmetics chops, quickly becoming an expert by surrounding herself with passionate staff members who possessed their own expertise. Among Love’s countless accomplishments over the next several years was building a 60,000-square-foot warehouse (with no such previous experience), developing innovative cosmetics and fragrances for industry behemoths, and of course, conceiving Michael Jordan’s signature fragrance.

“Space Jam,” a huge hit at the time, and its soundtrack tune, “I Believe I Can Fly,” were the basis of Love’s industry-transforming concept. She observed a great need for kids to have an accessible connection to a worthy role model like Jordan. So many boys from lower-income families couldn’t afford Air Jordans. However, Love’s $23 fragrance enabled them to believe that “they too could touch the sky or make a dunk shot like Michael Jordan.”

Love and Jordan promoted their product on The Oprah Winfrey Show and The David Letterman Show, among many others, and broke all fragrance sales records. Every minute detail of Love’s creation, from fragrance notes, to the unparalleled bottle designs, to creative marketing and distribution, were given painstaking consideration. The project in its entirety remains unlike anything the fragrance industry has witnessed before or since.

After her astounding success, Love was profiled in a variety of prominent publications and was the recipient of the fragrance industry’s most prestigious awards. Today, she resides on the south end of our island and savors her daily beach walks. Much like the Kentucky farm of her childhood, Love has again found a peaceful haven to enjoy the simple things — this time, on Amelia Island.

1. Why Amelia Island?

“My father visited Amelia Island in the 1980s and decided to purchase a condo on the beach. He had only been to the island five times, but saw the potential. Eventually, the ocean came calling, and I decided to make the condo my home. This is where I want to enjoy and grow for the rest of my life, and I grow each day. Life is simple here.”

1. What’s your favorite feature about Fernandina?

“I go for my daily beach walks and sometimes I don’t see another person on the beach. I often feel like I’m on my own private island, and I treat it with respect. I appreciate the ambiance, beauty and closeness to nature on our island – these are gifts we all take for granted. I love the reflection of the moon at night, and I love seeing the footprints of the turtles as they make their path to the beach.”

1. What are your top spots on the island?

“Certainly, the beach, and there are so many wonderful people here. I also enjoy supporting the small businesses downtown.” Love’s favorite eateries are David’s, Joe’s Second Street Bistro, Lagniappe, Le Clos and Fantastic Fudge.

1. What are your favorite beauty tips for women?

“Take care of your skin from head to toe. Start the day with SPF. Love who you are as a person. When you take care of yourself, you can pretty much do anything.”

1. What philosophies do you live by?

“Be impeccable with your word. Be the best you can be every day. Take nothing for granted.”

1. What advice do you have for folks working towards a dream career?

“Make an effort to be kind to at least one person every day. It makes a huge impact. Maybe they’ll be kind to another person. And always have good manners.”