At Sage + Sound, we believe intimacy is a vital part of wellness — and few brands capture that idea more beautifully than Noén. Founded by Natalie Mankarious and Marisa Goldstein, co-creators with interdisciplinary backgrounds and a shared passion for culture and connection, Noén was born from honest conversations about dating in New York and the disconnect between physical experiences and emotional aftercare: Insert Afterplay Oil. Designed like a fragrance you’d want to leave out on your nightstand, Noén's signature oil is 99% organic, Cleopatra-inspired, and now available at Sage + Sound.
How did Noén begin?
We met while working at the same consulting company and discussed our dating experiences in New York. Natalie had moved from Australia and was experiencing the challenges of dating, while Marisa was exploring dating women. We realized a lack of meaningful intimacy and aftercare in modern dating experiences.
What does your brand name mean?
Our name comes from ancient roots - in Coptic Egyptian, it means "to tremble," and in ancient Greek, "to think." This reflects our core philosophy of connecting mind and body and showing that intimacy isn't just physical but also deeply mental and emotional.
How would you describe your brand's mission?
We're an intimacy company focused on expanding moments of intimacy into everyday life. We don't see a distinction between sex and general existence - we want to bring pleasure and eroticism into daily experiences, making intimacy feel more natural and integrated.
What makes your product different from other sexual wellness brands?
We're intentional about design. We wanted to create something like a beautiful perfume bottle, something you'd be proud to display on your shelf. Our Afterplay Oil is 99% organic, made in New York, and sourced worldwide. We're not about bright pink, overtly sexual products but quiet luxury and thoughtful design.
What inspired the product's ingredients?
We were inspired by ancient rituals, particularly that of Cleopatra. We use natural, anti-inflammatory ingredients that have been used for centuries. The Blue Lotus in our oil is an aphrodisiac that helps people feel transformative and sexy throughout their day.
Future plans?
We’re expanding our product line with items that sit at the intersection of sensuality and beauty, made for all moments, not just the bedroom. Our magazine continues to explore intimacy in all its forms, with our second issue launching this June, centered around intimacy and food. We're also activating in the community through events like our Sensual Figure Drawing Series. Ultimately, our goal is to keep creating products and experiences that feel elevated, intentional, and deeply meaningful.
At Sage + Sound, we always like to hear what wellness means to people from all walks of life. So, how do you approach wellness?
We believe wellness isn't rigid. Some days you might have a full routine, other days you might not. It's about being kind to yourself and understanding that wellness looks different every day. For us, it's about being conscious and intentional with our time, body, and relationships.
