Sunshine State of Mind
Summer Q&A with Audrey Gruss

As we approach the last month of summer, we sat down with Audrey Gruss, the woman behind Hope Fragrances. In addition to reconnecting with friends and advancing her philanthropic work, she maintains her “sunshine state of mind” by surrounding herself with her favorite flowers and scents.

What is your favorite summer destination and why?

I love going to my house and gardens in Southampton, NY. I also like to be in the city a few days each week. Many people are away in the summer and one of the best things is that restaurants, theaters and museums are not as crowded. I love popping into an art gallery or museum that I haven’t been able to see during the year.

What are the things you can’t do without this season?

I enjoy going to outdoor vegetable stands in the Hamptons, and bringing home the freshest-grown produce for summer lunches and dinners. And sometimes, I buy fresh flowers to place around the house.

This season, what flowers do you use to grace your home?

I’m fortunate enough to have my own cutting garden, and grow some very special flowers, like lisianthus, dahlias and a variety of beautifully colored roses. I also enjoy using potted plants to create a very natural country look. You’ll see lavender and wild flowers on the console right at the entrance. I place pots of Selaginella all over the living room, dining room and hallways. It has such a pretty and soft look with its feathery mossy green. I also like to cut my roses and arrange them in ceramic vases.

Any upcoming events you are excited about?

I am always excited about our Race of hope in Southampton! It is a wonderful event that is a 5k (3.1 miles) around Lake Agawam on Sunday morning, August 7, 2022, at 8:30 am. We have participants from experienced runners to walkers and people who simply want to take an energetic stroll in a beautiful country environment. This is our 7th year, and I urge you to participate. We expect 700 runners and walkers, and it is a real happening!

Do you have any tips for maintaining good mental health during summer?

There are 4 pillars of maintaining good mental health, and maintaining good physical health is part of it. The 4 pillars are 1-good nutrition, 2-enough sleep, 3-appropriate exercise 4-mindfulness or meditation. Check out the link below for more information.

What did you enjoy the most during your recent travels?

I had the good fortune to spend some time in Europe this summer and especially enjoyed seeing friends that I hadn’t seen during the 2 years of the pandemic. It felt so good to reconnect and catch up. Social interactions is one of the most natural and healthy activities for human beings.

You have just celebrated another birthday! What are the things that have kept you engaged and excited about your philanthropic work? AGE IS JUST A NUMBER! IT IS SO IMPORTANT TO MAINTAIN YOUR PHYSICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH.

I’m a very energetic, upbeat person, and have a real passion for curing depression and the mental health issues that keep millions of people worldwide from having fulfilling lives. As long as I can get up in the morning and have my usual energy, I will stay involved in our amazing foundation, the Hope for Depression Research Foundation, and totally engaged in making a difference in the area of mental health. I also believe it is important to be interested and involved in a variety of interests, and I am excited about the various cultural institutions where I am a Board member, such as Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts in NY and the Norton Museum in West Palm Beach. From art to mental health, and everything in between, it certainly keeps me busy!

Do you have a signature scent for summer?

My signature scents for summer are, of course, the three Hope fragrances – the iconic original Hope, Hope Sport and Hope Night. I so enjoy using them at different times during the day…and night.

From the minute I get up and put on my exercise clothes, I spray on a little Hope Sport, and it energizes me to have a great workout. I am in love with the original Hope with its beautiful blend of four white flowers. It is the absolute perfect scent for summer lunch, picnics or any summer fun! Hope Night is a wonderful addition to the Hope family of fragrances. Its unexpected blend of vanilla, plum, vetiver and more, is intoxicating. I wear it every night and enjoy the positive reaction that I get from people.

All net profits from Hope Fragrances go to depression research.