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As a young child, Helena Kontos was enchanted with the wildflowers that grew on the grounds of her parent's summer home in Greece. She loved to collect their petals as well as lemon blossoms that grew in the nearby groves. She collected the petals in a bottle and suspended them in a well in her backyard. Months later, she retrieved the bottle and voila! She had created a magnificent perfume. After that experience, the delighted young lady made up her mind that one day she would go to America and make her own perfume.

Years later, Helena was able to fulfill part of her dream and came to America at age 15 with her family who emigrated to Chicago. She became a successful entrepreneur and designer of couture, and eventually opened a boutique on Michigan Avenue in Chicago, that is still bustling today. She often thought about creating a signature fragrance, as her childhood memory had been forgotten over the years.

Shortly after the death of her father, Helena had a dream, which she relates: "My father came to me in my sleep, it was so real that I sat upright in bed and I was shaking. He said to me, Helena, remember the backyard, remember the backyard". At first it made no sense, then suddenly it dawned on her: the cyclamen, the lemon blossoms, the well, she had her perfume.

Early that summer morning when she awoke, she phoned her cousin in Patras, Greece, and asked him to return to the family's summer home immediately. The grounds were in tact, and she instructed him to collect the fragrant petals. She requested that he ship them to her immediately and explained her revelation. The aroma was still fresh when she received the package, and Helena took the mixture to a knowledgeable friend who pointed her in the right direction, to the right "house" in France, the respected Givaudan-Roure, Inc. (The same house that created Elizabeth Taylor's perfume, White Diamonds!

Helena Kontos worked on the product formulation and modification along with the packaging design for three years prior to introducing it to the market. Finally the rich, provocative, enticing and seductive fragrance Contessa Helena Eau de Parfum was born.

Contessa, as she is referred to in the business, has manufactured and distributed the fragrance line on her own as well as designing couture clothing and managing her boutique for the past nine years. Contessa Helena has consistently been in the top 30 fragrances in the retail stores that carry the line, with minimal marketing support to aid in this ranking. The products speak for themselves. The line is a proven winner.

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Here are a few comments received from Contessa Helena customers. . .

. . . I no longer travel (thank goodness) but now I have not been able to find this fragrance anywhere in this area. Thank God for your website! I am totally out of my favorite fragrance and I am suffering from Contessa Helena withdrawl! There are no "12-step programs" for this type of addiction. LOL!!! - K Lanzotti, Springfield, IL

. . . Hello, I love your products! I used to use Estee Lauder, but then my son gave me a sample of your products. I have been in love with it ever since... for xmas I received the parfum, then the bath powder and the body lotion satinee'. I live 65 miles from Chicago in NW Indiana. I have been buying your products when I visit my son in Chicago, but now I can order online! I just wanted to tell you that your products are wonderful and I am so happy to be able to buy more products whenever I need them! - L. Ling, Chesterton, IN

I have been trying to find this special perfume at so many shops. . . I just never thought if I type your name in the computer it would come up so quick! I just want to say GREAT JOB! for this wonderful perfume that has me married for 1 year. - Hilda L.

I have been using Contessa fragrance for eight years and it is my signature fragrance. I have received so many compliments from men and women. I will be coming in to Chicago some time this week, and would like to confirm your store hours are 10:00 am to 6:30 pm, Monday through Saturday. - Gail G.

. . . I {am} interested to buy your product. After browsing your site, I like your product because your product has such a variety {of} items and {is} cheaper than others. I am an overseas customer from Indonesia. Thank you! - B. Jayadi

Hi there! I am writing to you from Hollywood. Why am I writing, you may be wondering? Well, I want to tell you what an ABSOLUTE SMASH your fragrance is! I am going to tell you in a Hollywood manner; I am going to write "Contessa Helena's" TV commercial! (at least the synopsis) Picture this:

A beautiful blonde woman visits the hair salon during her lunch break from work. After her hair is absolutely stunning, she smiles and sprays on Contessa Helena Parfum. On her way back to work, she parades through the building lobby, while we see bystanders turn their heads to admire her, and smell that wonderful scent. She walks to the elevator and enters. It is mirrored and we see her admire herself and nod in satisfaction. As the doors open, we see a well dressed, handsome gentleman approach the elevator. They make eye contact as they approach and smile politely. As he approaches, he looks at her and says "Wow!". Wanting to hear more from him, she stops and faces him and says, "You like my new hairstyle? He says "yes. of course, but what is that wonderful fragrance!" She looks at him a little puzzeled and says, "why it's CONTESSA HELENA FRAGRANCE". He tries to gather his thoughts and stammers, "Well. . . I . . . that perfume, WOW!" and shakes his head as he continues into the elevator. The girl watches as the elevator doors close. She sniffs her wrist and smiles in satisfaction as she continues her journey down the hall in a confident stride, ignoring a large mirror on the wall . . .

Now is that a commercial or is that a commercial! And the most incredible part of the whole thing is that it is based on fact! Yes, that blonde woman is me, and this really happened to me today. I felt I had to let you know! I am so fortunate that I discovered you! - J. J. Kahn

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