Leaving home at age 13 for Cologne, Pinaud sought to become an apprentice in perfumery.

In 1830, he bought “A la Corbeille Fleurie”, a store located at 230 rue Saint Martin in Paris.

In 1852, he partnered with his friend, Emile Meyer, to found La Villette (a perfume factory) and opened four stores in the city.

Pinaud wanted to attract her attention, and as such, created a perfume named after her: “Bouquet de la Reine Victoria”.

As a result of this, Pinaud would become the official supplier to Queen Victoria, as well as Emperor Napoleon III.