Field Notes

Honoring Hispanic Heritage Through Family and Fragrance

Hispanic Heritage Month is more than a moment on the calendar. It is a reminder to look back, to honor the people and stories that shaped us, and to carry those lessons forward. For me, it brings m...

Why I Chose 100% Natural Fragrance

n 2017, I began searching for a perfumer who believed in creating fragrances that were 100% natural. For me, fragrance was more than beauty—it was about feeling safe and comfortable in my own skin....

The Story Behind El Santo

When I first set out to make home fragrance in 2017, El Santo was the second scent I created. At the time, it was simply called No. 79. Its inspiration came from the ritual of burning Palo Santo, a...

Ten Years of Leland Francis

Reflections on August 18, 2015, and everything that’s followed August 18 will always be etched in my memory. It’s my dear friend Jared’s birthday, and it’s also the day in 2015 I introduced the wor...

A Note from Dillon: Sustainability Isn’t a Trend, It’s a Standard

At Leland Francis, sustainability has never been a buzzword. It’s been a core value from day one. In my own home, I do my best to avoid plastic. I often pay more for glass bottles or aluminum conta...

From Idea to Bar: La Reina Arrives

Three Years, Three Vendors, and One Beautiful Bar Some products take time, and this one took its time. We started developing the La Reina Bathing Bar in June 2022. I had a vision for a rich, nouris...

Pride Reflections

A personal note on faith, identity, compassion, and why giving back matters. Growing up in Oklahoma, most Sundays and Wednesdays were spent in church. My mom was very active in our non-denomination...

A Note From Dillon Peña: Reintroducing Myself

Before the makeup, the photo shoots, and the brand, there was a dream Hi, I’m Dillon Peña, founder of Leland Francis and a makeup artist. I grew up in Canute, a small rural community in western Ok...

In Honor of My Mother, Anita Peña

This May, I’m remembering my mother and raising awareness for melanoma. Mother’s Day just passed, and while it is a beautiful time to celebrate the women who raise us, love us, and shape us, it can...

La Reina: A Fragrance That Remembers

Inspired by the woman behind the name. La Reina is now available in Eau De Parfum, Candle, Room Spray, and Hand and Body Wash. La Reina means “The Queen.” It’s a tribute to my grandmother, Maria Re...