Lance Avery Morgan
Photography courtesy of Cultus Artem
In a world awash with generic fragrances and flashy beauty trends, San Antonio resident Holly Tupper stands as a true artisan, a master alchemist redefining luxury through her bespoke company, Cultus Artem, according to our own Curated Texan’s Lance Avery Morgan. Translating to “the cultivation of art,” her brand is more than a name—it’s a philosophy that imbues every drop of her creations with a narrative of precision, passion, and authenticity. “As an artist, one of my abiding interests and themes in my own work whether jewelry, fashion, perfume, art or anything I have created has the element of the appreciation of what is clearly ‘made by hand’,” shares Holly Tupper.
Tupper is the creative director and founder of the art-forward house Cultus Artem: the independent, luxury jewelry, fragrance, and skincare brand, originally established in Singapore in 1989 and rebranded as Cultus Artem in 2015, now based in San Antonio. Tupper’s creative journey started with jewelry thirty years ago, expanding to developing a fragrance collection fifteen years ago and more recently adding a capsule skincare collection. Creating the Cultus Artem house has given voice to Tupper’s creative process which connects these three collections as an expression of the art of adornment.
The Artist Behind the Alchemy
A woman who lives and breathes artistry, Tupper has a background as rich as the fragrances she creates, Tupper’s journey from studying art and design to helming one of the most exclusive fragrance and skincare houses is nothing short of inspiring. For her, art isn’t confined to a canvas. She wanted to create something that people could live with, wear, and feel—a sensory experience that tells a story.
Cultivating the Extraordinary
Cultus Artem is not your average luxury brand. It is a universe where modern minimalism meets timeless craftsmanship. Each perfume is hand-poured in small batches, every skincare product meticulously formulated using the finest natural ingredients. Tupper’s creations are informed by a deep respect for the environment and a belief in the power of ritual.
In a boutique tucked away in the Alamo City—though her reach is global—she conjures her olfactory masterpieces. The fragrances are complex yet subtle, like a whispered secret you can’t forget. Ilex, with its darkly seductive notes, feels like stepping into an enchanted forest at twilight. Meanwhile, Amara, fresh and uplifting, is like a sunlit morning in the Mediterranean.
She wants each scent to evoke an emotion, a memory, because fragrance is deeply personal; it’s the invisible thread that connects us to moments and feelings.
The Power of Ritual
Cultus Artem extends beyond perfumes. Tupper’s skincare line is an ode to slow beauty—luxurious, thoughtful, and rooted in the art of self-care. Every jar and bottle feel like a treasure, encouraging users to pause and savor the act of caring for themselves. It’s about cultivating moments of peace and indulgence in a fast-paced world. Indeed, her products reflect her philosophy: no shortcuts, no compromises, just pure, unadulterated luxury. Tupper’s unwavering dedication to quality has garnered her a devoted following, from discerning beauty connoisseurs to celebrities who swear by her bespoke creations.
“My approach to fragrance is inspired by the way I have approached jewelry design. I spend time contemplating the structure, form, and color of gemstones- their wholeness and their potential sculptural relation to others. These gems are amongst the most precious raw materials produced by nature. As a craftsman, I seek to reveal the beauty and unique character of the gems and present them in a new light. Likewise, I use individual fragrance ingredients to evoke personal experiences and present them anew while reflecting my own insights as an artist.”
Her latest creation comes in a porcelain vessel ($350) with refillable candles ($85). Unlike any other, the Cultus Artem hand-painted vessel is a multi-functional and unique piece of art to bring into the home, serving as the perfect luxurious gift for the ones you love…or the ones who have everything. Aside from creating a home for the refillable Cultus Artem candles (which come in three scents), this ceramic vessel is the perfect vase, jewelry catch-all, and display item…let your imagination guide you, recommends Holly Tupper. You can find more here.
A Legacy of Cultivation
For Holly Tupper, Cultus Artem is more than a brand; it’s a legacy. Each product is a love letter to craftsmanship, a celebration of the senses, and a testament to the idea that true luxury lies in the details. In a sea of mass production, Cultus Artem stands as a beacon of individuality. With her unparalleled artistry and unwavering commitment to excellence, Holly Tupper reminds us that beauty is not just something you wear—it’s something you live. So, the next time you catch a whiff of something extraordinary, it might just be Holly Tupper’s Cultus Artem, whispering its story to the world.
The products are available at Lin Marche and The Tiny Finch in San Antonio, Grange Hall in Dallas and CultusArtem.com.
