Through a dark-hued perspective - transversing the remedial trek of Herman Ma. We explore the profound impact that combining black and fragrance had on his life.
BLACK FADES means the fading of black, brings brightness. The brand creates enigmatic and unfathomable memories through extraordinary scents with minimalist design. Olfactory leads us to have better beauty of mindfulness, to bring unprecedented scents of experiences and memories to your life journey.
Cover Image by Joshua Lee
Photography by Alison Choi, BLACKFADES, and Joshua Lee
"Black" is a state of mind and a process. It can be a challenging experience for the subconscious, yet also bring comfort to the mind. It can leave you feeling lost, yet also free your long-dormant spirit.
This documentary introduces us to Herman Ma, the founder of BLACK FADES where we explore the profound impact that combining black and fragrance had on his life.
For Herman, the colour "Black" was once a reminder of painful memories and carried his suffering. He felt lost and hopeless on life's journey. After dedicating himself to creating and developing aroma self-care products, Black became a source of peace for him. Drawing most of his creative inspirations from religion and philosophy, he hopes that users can understand his messages through fragrance - wanting them to reach a spiritual practice state to calm their inner anxiety and heal their souls.
Herman aimed to create a line of self-healing products that would mend themselves over time and share their renewal process with others to aid them physically or mentally. He encourages them to live in the present moment and hopes to nurture a fresh perspective on life. Comparable to the journey of self-improvement and a flickering candle, from igniting a flame to welcoming radiance and sensing optimism, he reminds us that we are never alone and that recovery is possible.
Herman's story shows how the power of scent can transform lives by awakening the senses and unlocking inner strength. Through BLACK FADES, he shares this transformative gift with the world.
Image by BLACKFADES
Image by Joshua Lee
Image by Alison Choi
“BLACKFADES means the fading of black, brings brightness. Our culture is full of darkness with light. The darkness is part of our life, a backdrop for the stars at night, the space between what humans know. There is always a way of reminding people of the light you have given.”
Could you please begin by introduce yourself to our readers?
Herman Ma: I am Herman, the founder of BLACKFADES. My passion lies in the creation of spiritual wellness fragrances.
I have been studying art since high school, which has allowed me to explore various art forms such as craftsmanship, interior design, music, graphic design, and performance art. After graduating from high school, I pursued an undergraduate degree in interior design in the United States. [However] I withdrew from the program during my third year because I realised that the nature and the ultimate goal of interior design did not align with my personal artistic aspirations.
After leaving the undergraduate program, I worked in the Fashion & Perfumery industry in Hong Kong as a sales advisor, marketer, and PR specialist. While working, I continued my studies and completed a Master's Degree in Design Innovation and Business. I am grateful that I pursued this creative degree because it helped me develop my creative thinking skills and taught me how to effectively communicate with the public. Additionally, it equipped me with the tools to improve relationships among individuals.
Whether it's your product line, fashion style, or accessories, they are all based on a black color theme. Do you think that black best reflects your inner world?
HM: I am drawn to the colour of the universe, Black. The Big Bang, the mystery, the solidarity.
When I was 17, I experienced some emotional trauma. I felt depressed, anxious, and isolated, as if I have lost control and that my world was falling apart. [At that time] my inner world was black, it carried my pain, my sorrow, and there was not a light that could bring me out from this darkness. [Eventually] as I grew older, I started to see colour again, observing those around and I began to let go, open up my mind, and began accepting myself.
What industry did you previously work in? What moment do you see as the most pivotal turning point in your life/career?
HM: I used to think of myself as a bit of a weirdo, someone who was a little out of step with the norm.
From a young age, I had wanted to start my own business, but I was not sure what kind of business would be sustainable. After quitting an interior design course, I went to Australia and worked as a farmer during a working holiday. It was there that I discovered an interest in scents. A friend suggested that I explore the perfumery industry, which is where I landed my first job in sales within the luxury fashion industry.
Working in fashion taught me how to create and promote products, with new series launching every season, and in a fast-changing market that kept me on my toes. I also have experience working with both local and international perfumery brands, such as LeLabo and BeCandle, where I gained knowledge in perfumery, craftsmanship, and marketing. These experiences have prepared me for creating and promoting my candle and skincare line.
Image by Joshua Lee
BLACKFADES has collaborated with multiple brands in the past year. What do you consider before reaching out and establishing a collaboration?
HM: One of the most important factors to us is ensuring that our values and goals align with those of our potential collaborators. Our goal is to raise awareness of our mission and vision.
One of our most unforgettable collaborations was with Hong Kong artist Kendy Suen last year. Together, we created a collection called Mou4. Kendy provided her own Chinese calligraphy artwork for the container, while Blackfades researched, developed the scents, and cast the candles to fill it. The name Mou4 (無) represents infinite space, which can be anything possible, while black is the sum of all colours.
The Chinese word "Mou4" translates to "nothing" and is based on the quote by the Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu, "When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be. When I let go of what I have, I receive what I need.”
We share a mutual interest in exploring the mysteries of the universe and delving into ancient Chinese philosophy. By working together, we can exchange and broaden our knowledge. This is the true spirit of collaboration.
How should a product designer or brand founder approach the challenges presented by the social environment and the post-epidemic era?
HM: Launching a brand during this time can be risky, but it also presents a great opportunity. With more and more people struggling with mental health issues, there is a growing trend towards self-love and self-acceptance. While running a business is challenging, staying true to your values and having faith is crucial, as people will appreciate your authenticity.
Image by BLACKFADES
Image by BLACKFADES
Image by BLACKFADES
What inspired you to create your own line of self-care products? What is the objective of your product line?
HM: I always perceived myself as being quite peculiar. I always felt out of place, and out of character [even now]. I am very hands-on and I lose myself in this process, it's very therapeutic.
I am really into focusing on things that improve my overall well-being these days. Making stuff at home or studio with natural ingredients, like essential oils and fresh herbs, helps me unwind and boost my mood. It's been a great way for me to practice a little self-care and work on managing stress and sadness in a chill, relaxed way.
Scents are miraculous. They can heal you, they can trigger memories and this is the core of BLACKFADES. I wanted to create a self-healing line, and share my journey to recovery to others, either physically or mentally, and encourage them to live in the moment.
What does "BLACKFADES" mean? How do you want users to interpret it and What kind of attitude towards life do you hope to convey through the brand?
HM: Black can symbolise fear. It can be very intimidating but is also a symbol of vulnerability and empathy. [With BLACKFADES] we wanted to introduce a different attitude towards life. We see similarities between the journey of self-healing and burning a candle - from igniting a flame to embracing the light and feeling hopeful, we wanted to remind ourselves that we are never alone and that you can recovery awaits us.
Image by Alison Choi
What has inspired you the most during your creative journey? Who or what was the source of that inspiration?
HM: I think that everyone can teach us something and serve as a source of inspiration. Personally, I see creation as a means of expressing my thoughts and experiences.
Can you tell us a bit more about what you’re working on right now? Is it a new product, series, collaboration, or fragrance?
HM: I am working on a new classic fragrance named BUN2. This series commemorates BLACKFADES' first-year anniversary and serves as a reminder of my original goal when starting the brand. I aim to stimulate users' sensory cells through the varying levels of aroma in the BUN2 series, encouraging them to reconnect with their roots within the scent experience, bravely confront their once-familiar selves, and start anew.
What is your daily routine when you get to work?
HM:
Have breakfast at home.
Check on factory production and paperwork.
Have lunch by either shopping or walking around the market to conduct research.
In the evening, take some me-time, enjoy a glass of wine, and work on creative projects.
“You do not need to drown the darkness with light. You do not need to replace negativity with positivity. You bring the darkness to the light. Before you move forward, meet your true-self where you are at and try to understand.
We create enigmatic and unfathomable memories through extraordinary scents with minimalist design. Olfactory leads us to have better beauty of mindfulness, to bring unprecedented scents of experiences and memories to your life journey.
Our artworks are handcrafted in small batches with high-quality. We strive to create each with care by using raw ingredients, fine fragrances and essential oil all around the world, and crafted vessels and lids.” - BLACKFADES
Image by Alison Choi
Image by Alison Choi
BLACK FADES means the fading of black, brings brightness.
The brand creates enigmatic and unfathomable memories through extraordinary scents with minimalist design. Olfactory leads us to have better beauty of mindfulness, to bring unprecedented scents of experiences and memories to your life journey.
Learn more about the brand:
Instagram: @blackfades.co
Facebook: BLACKFADES
Website: blackfades.com
Retail: BLACK SPACE Harbour City
Kiosk 18 on Level 2, Gateway Arcade, Harbour City,
Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong
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