Now that October is here and Autumn is in full swing, we had the opportunity to sit down with Audrey Gruss to reflect on the past eventful months and what she is looking forward to in the season ahead.
1. How was your summer?
This summer was so wonderful, with some time in Europe and some time here in Southampton. That combination of being in an old-world environment with a return to the energy of New York works as a creative inspiration for me. Relaxing summer weekend days and summer dinners in the outdoors provide the essence of summer that I always look forward to.
2. What’s new at Hope?
We’re very excited that Neiman Marcus’ online store will be carrying the Hope Fragrance Collection this holiday season. They are a luxury, quality fashion-oriented retailer who values excellent products for their discerning customers.
Neiman Marcus represents a height of fashion awareness and a knowledge of their luxury customer. That sensibility is carried through in all the products they present to their equally aware consumer. Neiman Marcus has excelled at this for a long time and in a very consistent manner. We are thrilled to be part of their product line-up. We’ll be introducing the Hope Night scented candle this season and it will be a perfect gift for the holidays. Stay tuned.
3. Why did you create the Hope Night Scented Candle?
The Hope Night franchise is our best-selling line. It really resonates with our customers, many of whom have actually contacted us asking for additional products. We were surprised at how much communication we received both praising the fragrance and wanting more variations of it.
Hope Night Scented Candle works beautifully in the home in many ways. The sophisticated and multi-layered scent is an exquisite blend of vanilla, amber, patchouli, with notes of plum and two lovely white flowers –Gardenia and Lily-of-the-Valley. Its depth and richness fills any room with a delicious warmth. It not only feels relaxing, but also has a layered release of scents that are sensual and soothing. The fragrance is utterly romantic!
4. What is the general state of mental health right now?
Since the beginning of the pandemic, the increase of depression and its related mood disorders has never been higher. At the height of the pandemic, research showed that one-third of Americans struggled with either depression or anxiety. The major concern is that there are not enough trained professionals to deal with the need for mental health treatment today.
Hope for Depression Research Foundation (HDRF) has a dual mission to raise awareness and reduce the stigma about mental illness, so that more people who need it will get help. Equally important is our advanced research program that funds leading neuroscientists who work in collaboration, to find the newest potential antidepressants. We are currently in clinical trials with a very promising compound that is being tested in the United States. We have high hopes for this potential new category of antidepressants.
5. What are your top three Hope products this fall?
Every single one of our Hope products has a special place in my heart, of course. But there are 3 that I currently cannot do without!
HOPE NIGHT Body Butter
At the end of summer and the beginning of fall, there is nothing more healing or moisturizing than this amazing product. It transforms your skin from that dry, sun-strained skin to a smooth, moisturized look. Its coconut oil and shea butter ingredients work their magic! There is no better way to prepare your skin for all of your new fall clothes than by indulging it with Hope Night Body Butter.
HOPE SPORT
A crisp, fresh scent that combines two white flowers with a layer of green scent, like the scent of the air on grass after a gentle rain. This is the perfect casual fragrance to wear from the minute you put on your exercise clothes to energize you for your daily errands or work. Its crisp freshness stays on for hours as you go about your day. Hope Sport comes in 2 sizes!
HOPE (ORIGINAL)
I wear Hope (Original) every day and don’t leave home without it! It is my gorgeous signature scent, and it never fails to elicit comments from those around me. I absolutely love it and think it sets a standard for white florals in the field.
6. What are you most looking forward to this season?
Audrey Gruss (on the right) and Aly Raisman, former US Olympian and 2022 HDRF honoree
After my family, the greatest passion in my life is Hope for Depression Research Foundation or HDRF. I’m looking forward to our upcoming Hope Luncheon Seminar on November 14th at the Plaza ballroom in New York. 350 of New York’s most philanthropic and knowledgeable people come together to hear about depression and its related mood disorders. This year, the specific subject is “Resilience”. We will be honoring a major celebrity figure who has been very open about their struggle with depression and who has helped reduce the stigma of depression and mental illness with every media acknowledgement.
There can be no general health without good mental health. We at HDRF are doing everything in our power to help develop new antidepressants that will work for those who sorely need them. After our Hope Luncheon in New York, I am looking forward to our fantastic Race of Hope in Palm Beach in February. Last year, over 1000 runners and walkers participated and it was an amazing happening full of positive energy.
And for a bit of fun, I am looking forward to a vintage car trip with my husband in New England to see the leaves turn. I love the change in the seasons and seeing foliage in the Fall is a must!
Wishing you a hopeful Autumn and the positive outlook to do all the things you are excited about for this coming season.
With Love and Hope,
Audrey Gruss
