Cheryl Gleason
Meet the founder
Cheryl Gleason
Trained perfumer, cosmetic and skincare formulator, and the person who designs every perfume bar Glitters & Grace builds.
Who is Cheryl Gleason?
Cheryl Gleason is a trained perfumer and cosmetic and skincare formulator, and the founder of Glitters & Grace. She studied perfumery under master perfumer and perfume educator Karen Gilbert and at the Institute for Art and Olfaction in Los Angeles, and has continued that training through workshops, classes and retreats around the world.
She personally composes the scent libraries used at every Glitters & Grace bar, formulates in the company's own lab in New Lenox, Illinois, and designs each installation — fragrance, linens, décor, bottles and signage. For large weddings and VIP activations she still oversees production herself.
In her own words
Two worlds I love deeply
I've spent my career blending two worlds I love deeply: the art of perfumery and the joy of unforgettable celebrations. After years of planning and hosting hundreds of weddings, children's parties and VIP events, I founded Glitters & Grace to bring something truly unique to the event world — a luxury, interactive perfume bar experience that feels personal, meaningful and beautifully designed.
As a perfumer and creative director, I personally design every custom perfume bar we create. From the fragrance curation to the linens, décor, bottles, signage and guest experience, every detail is intentionally crafted to match the tone, palette and energy of your event. For large weddings and VIP activations, I still oversee production myself to ensure the experience is flawless.
With thousands of suppliers around the world, I can source nearly anything — from bespoke crystal bottles to rare florals, custom signage, luxury linens and specialty décor. If you can dream it, I can bring it to life.
I'd love to help you design a perfume bar or event experience that feels elevated, intentional and unforgettable. Whether you're planning a wedding, a milestone celebration or a VIP activation, I'm here to guide you every step of the way.
With Grace,
Cherylcheryl@glittersandgrace.com · text 815‑296‑1657
Training
Where the expertise comes from
Most mobile fragrance activities are run from purchased kits by people with no formulation background. That is a legitimate business — it just isn't this one.
Studied under Karen Gilbert
Cheryl trained in perfumery under master perfumer and perfume educator Karen Gilbert.
Institute for Art and Olfaction
Further training at the Institute for Art and Olfaction in Los Angeles.
Workshops and retreats worldwide
Continued study through workshops, classes and retreats around the world, rather than a single certificate and a stop.
Cosmetic and skincare formulator
Not only fragrance. Cheryl also formulates the skincare, lip and bath products the company uses.
Composes the scent libraries herself
Every signature scent and every kid-friendly library is built by her, in her own lab, rather than bought in.
Formulated in New Lenox, Illinois
Materials are formulated and packed in the company's own lab, with ingredient information available on request.
It matters in a way that sounds small until you are standing at the table. A guest asks what is in the bottle, and the answer comes without anyone checking a box. And what people make has to actually smell good — otherwise it goes in a drawer.
Signature work
Signature wedding perfume bar designs
Three installations Cheryl designed and styled from the linens up.
Design gallery
Perfume bars Cheryl has designed
A curated look at custom perfume bars designed for weddings, children's celebrations and VIP events. Click any image to view it full size.
Want insider tips on weddings, parties, fragrance and design?
Cheryl writes The Perfume Note, a monthly fragrance journal with scent stories, behind-the-scenes artistry and planning advice.
Perfume Bar Design Gallery
A curated look at some of the custom perfume bars we’ve designed for weddings, children’s celebrations, and VIP events.
