There’s a perfumery in Charlotte that will help you find your signature scent
Are you searching for a signature scent? Do you need some whimsy and perhaps a little magic in your life? Look no further than Sorce, an artisan-owned perfumery in Charlotte’s Elizabeth neighborhood.
I recently stopped in because I’m on my own perfume journey. I’ve been wanting to find a perfume that reflects my personality; a scent that’s synonymous with my presence. Plus, I love a good hidden gem. From where to find the best gas station eats, to spots in Charlotte that give out branded matchbooks, I’d say I have my finger, not necessarily on the pulse, but certainly on a pulse.
With that in mind, I visited Sorce — not once but twice. Here was my experience.
Perfume as wearable art
According to Sorce’s website, founder Caitlin Hayes views perfume as a form of “wearable art and self-expression.” Hayes is a self-taught perfumer with a penchant for vanillas, fruits and gourmands.
Sorce first opened in 2022 under the name “Sorcellerie Apothecary.” The original title reflected Hayes’ desire to create fantasy-inspired perfumes that felt like magic or sorcery.
In 2024, Hayes changed the name to the shortened version it is today. “Sors,” the root of “Sorce,” is the Latin word for fate or destiny. Sorce is also a reference to the many artisan-owned perfumes you can “source” while visiting the store.
The website also claims that all of Sorce’s perfumes are formulated in small batches in Charlotte and then hand bottled.
The store is small, independently run and smells oh-so good.
My experience
Sorce is nestled off of East Seventh Street in an unassuming, yet undeniably charming building. Inside, the forest green walls, soft, cozy lighting and vintage decor only add to the element of whimsy.
There are butterflies and dried flowers adorning various surfaces, antique cabinets holding the fragrances, candelabras and old telephones and, of course, a plethora of one-of-a-kind smells.
Source is undeniably dreamy.
Sorce’s signature perfumes only add to the fairytale. Each bottle is tied neatly with a ribbon with names like “Moon Magic,” a musky gourmand, or “English Major,” an earthy fragrance that smells like nostalgia and library books.
While Sorce does have a large selection of its own signature scents, the store also carries a variety of other small, artisan brands including Pineward, Paraphrase Perfume and Deconstructing Eden.
Originally, I went in looking for a gourmand scent that felt warm, sweet and perhaps slightly masculine. I tend to fall in love with notes of vanilla, tobacco, amber and vetiver. But I let my nose be my guide. What I found pleasantly surprised me.
I picked up a perfume oil with a NSFW name (sorry, mom) called “F—ery.” It’s a fruity spiced amber with notes of luxardo cherries, caramelized sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, sandalwood, tobacco absolute, smoke, night air and clean sheets.
Now, full disclosure: I don’t usually love the scent of cherries. I think cherry can lean somewhat artificial or even medicinal. Not this one. It’s intoxicating, lightly sweet and it lingers for hours. I’ve received countless “you smell so good” compliments while wearing it.
Obviously, I had to go back.
My second time in, I was drawn to a sweet vanilla perfume oil called “In Dreams and Fairytales.” The scent also comes in pistachio, strawberry, rosewater, blueberry and passionfruit. It’s a sweet gourmand — think baked meringue and vanilla bean.
Both of the oils are perfect for layering with other scents, which I do regularly.
The cashiers, or “perfume fairies” as they’re referred to, were knowledgeable when it came to all things olfactive. Both times I visited they offered recommendations and thoughtful opinions, and I even left with a sample of the blueberry version of “In Dreams and Fairytales,” which is fruity and delicious.
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Final thoughts
If you’re looking for a signature scent, definitely check out Sorce. It’s an enchanting retreat in the heart of Elizabeth where you can find one-of-a-kind fragrances and just a little bit of whimsy.
Sorce
Location: 2123 E 7th St, Charlotte, NC 28204
Instagram: @shopsorce
This story was originally published March 27, 2026 at 5:00 AM.
