Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast The Perfume Making Podcast
| Titre | Date | Durée | |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Untold Power of Scent - How Fragrances Can Lead to Happiness and Wellbeing | 25 Aug 2024 | 01:14:02 | |
This week on the show, Karen is talking to Kyle Fearn of Redolescent Fragrances. Kyle created his first fragrance as a way to make an emotional connection with his boyfriend who was travelling across the world. This creation started Kyle on a journey of developing fragrances that would tell a story which people could integrate into their lives. Focusing on wellbeing and mental health, Kyle’s fragrances have had an incredibly positive impact on the lives of many. And, when his grandmother died, Kyle saw a unique opportunity to turn his grief into love through his most bold creation. KEY TAKEAWAYS
BEST MOMENTS “Perfume falls between art and science and the most interesting things happen between the intersection of the two.” “Historically, functional fragrances were laundry detergent and bathroom cleaners. But, they can be, and are, so much more now. They are powerful wellbeing tools.” “Smell forms an integral part of early memory structure. If utilised correctly, this can be a powerful tool to promote wellbeing.” EPISODE LINKS VALUABLE RESOURCES ABOUT THE GUEST Kyle Fearn is the perfume maker and owner of Redolescent. Kyle has a degree in chemistry from the University of Cambridge, where he found his passion at the intersection of science and art. His mission? To tell stories through scent. Alongside fragrance, Kyle finds joy in pottery and onstage performances. He lives in the midlands with his husband and two dogs. Redolescent stems from the idea that scents possess the power to weave stories and rekindle memories. Kyle envisioned fragrances that resonated deeply, serving as companions throughout your day and accompanying pivotal moments in life. He also saw the potential to use fragrance as a platform to discuss other topics, such as mental health. Kyle’s desire to bridge the gap between fragrance and emotional connection gave rise to Redolescent. ABOUT THE HOST Fragrance expert, author, teacher and speaker; Karen Gilbert runs courses in the UK and online which demystify the secretive world of perfumery in a fun and interactive way. Karen has inspired thousands of students to explore their olfactory sense and create their own personalised fragrances. With extensive product development experience in both the commercial perfumery and the organic skincare industry, Karen is able to offer a unique insight into creating natural and mixed media fragrances for fine fragrance, room scents and skincare/bodycare products using commercial perfumery techniques. Karen is also a certified meditation teacher and has a passion for helping people to create daily rituals that integrate scent with other modalities to shift state and increase your sense of wellbeing. CONTACT DETAILS | |||
| A Holistic Message - Blending Marketing, PR and Wellbeing with Ana Kaplan | 19 Aug 2024 | 01:08:29 | |
On this week's show, I'm joined by Ana Kaplan of Kaplan Communications, a PR company that works with beauty and holistic companies. Ana worked for a large PR company but increasingly felt like they didn’t match her values. So, during COVID-19, she took the brave move of leaving them behind and setting up her own company that has the unique approach of blending PR and marketing with holistic wellbeing. In this interview with Karen, Ana discusses the importance of creating stories, the all-important ‘hook’ and the crucial difference between PR and Marketing.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
BEST MOMENTS “When things feel natural and fluid, that’s how you know it’s meant for you.” “Are your goals coming from a place of ego or from alignment of where we want to be in the world?” “When you're writing a PR story make sure you’ve done your research on who you are sending it to, don’t just cut and paste.” EPISODE LINKS Website: https://www.kaplan-communications.com/about VALUABLE RESOURCES ABOUT THE GUEST Ana Kaplan is a PR specialist focused on supporting wellbeing and beauty brands; she is also a yin yoga practitioner. Ana holds space for healing yin yoga sessions incorporating galactic reiki to re-calibrate the nervous system as one melts into a deep meditative relaxed state. When she works with clients, Ana harnesses an intuitive edge to deliver valuable and recognised results. By working in alignment through her bespoke PR services, she is able to share her knowledge for all to benefit from her unique and effective PR philosophy. ABOUT THE HOST Fragrance expert, author, teacher and speaker; Karen Gilbert runs courses in the UK and online which demystify the secretive world of perfumery in a fun and interactive way. Karen has inspired thousands of students to explore their olfactory sense and create their own personalised fragrances. With extensive product development experience in both the commercial perfumery and the organic skincare industry, Karen is able to offer a unique insight into creating natural and mixed media fragrances for fine fragrance, room scents and skincare/bodycare products using commercial perfumery techniques. Karen is also a certified meditation teacher and has a passion for helping people to create daily rituals that integrate scent with other modalities to shift state and increase your sense of wellbeing. CONTACT DETAILS | |||
| The Master of Scent - The Life and Work of Jean Carles | 16 Jun 2024 | 00:30:01 | |
This week on the show Karen is giving a history lesson on the life and work of Jean Carles. Founder of the first ever perfumery school, today known as the Givaudan, and the father of the most influential method of perfume making, his influence is still felt far and wide in the perfume industry today. Jean Carles lived an incredible life, created some of the industries most iconic scents and influenced some of the great perfumes of all time. In this episode, Karen takes you through his life's work and gives you a valuable insight into the now legendary ‘Jean Carles Method.’ KEY TAKEAWAYS
BEST MOMENTS “The Jean Carles method of creating accords is a meticulous and structured approach that will provide a deep understanding of how different materials blend together.” “Jean Carles’ systematic approach to perfumery and his innovative techniques remain influential in guiding both new and seasoned perfumers in their craft.” “It’s recommended to learn the Jean Carles method but it is also essential for you to learn and adjust based on the materials that you are using and the type of fragrance you are creating.”
EPISODE LINKS VALUABLE RESOURCES ABOUT THE HOST Fragrance expert, author, teacher and speaker; Karen Gilbert runs courses in the UK and online which demystify the secretive world of perfumery in a fun and interactive way. Karen has inspired thousands of students to explore their olfactory sense and create their own personalised fragrances. With extensive product development experience in both the commercial perfumery and the organic skincare industry, Karen is able to offer a unique insight into creating natural and mixed media fragrances for fine fragrance, room scents and skincare/bodycare products using commercial perfumery techniques. Karen is also a certified meditation teacher and has a passion for helping people to create daily rituals that integrate scent with other modalities to shift state and increase your sense of wellbeing. CONTACT DETAILS | |||
| The Beginners Challenge - 8 Challenges You Will Certainly Face and How to Overcome Them | 09 Jun 2024 | 00:46:01 | |
Karen is in the process of writing a new book on the many challenges that await those who want to create perfumes or set up their own perfume business. Inspired by this, Karen has decided to go over eight of the most crucial points in this week's episode. Looking at some of the myths of the perfume industry, such as a need for a chemistry degree or the need for industry validation, as well as the huge amount of knowledge you must learn, time management and imposter syndrome, Karen separates fact from fiction and shares her invaluable tips on how to overcome the beginners challenges. KEY TAKEAWAYS
BEST MOMENTS “Focus on your craft and your unique journey. Remember, that many renowned perfumers have succeeded without the industry stamp of approval.” “Fragrance creation is deeply personal, it’s like creating a piece of art. When someone criticises your work it can feel like a personal rejection.” “Feel the fear and do it anyway.”
EPISODE LINKE VALUABLE RESOURCES ABOUT THE HOST Fragrance expert, author, teacher and speaker; Karen Gilbert runs courses in the UK and online which demystify the secretive world of perfumery in a fun and interactive way. Karen has inspired thousands of students to explore their olfactory sense and create their own personalised fragrances. With extensive product development experience in both the commercial perfumery and the organic skincare industry, Karen is able to offer a unique insight into creating natural and mixed media fragrances for fine fragrance, room scents and skincare/bodycare products using commercial perfumery techniques. Karen is also a certified meditation teacher and has a passion for helping people to create daily rituals that integrate scent with other modalities to shift state and increase your sense of wellbeing. CONTACT DETAILS | |||
| Keep Moving Forward - How To Get Where You Want To Go with Earl Williams | 02 Jun 2024 | 01:10:45 | |
This week on the show Karen is joined by one of her Artisan perfumery mastermind alumni, Earl Williams, founder of ESW Perfume Bar. Through Earl’s unique business he creates bespoke scents for private clients as well as hosting pop up perfume bars at public and private events. But what really sets Earl apart is his determination and drive to keep moving forward no matter how many times the chips are stacked against him. In this interview with Karen, Earl shares his journey which will inspire you to keep moving forward and keep learning so that tomorrow, your dreams can come true. KEY TAKEAWAYS
BEST MOMENTS “Before you put something out into the world, make sure you’re ready. You’ll achieve nothing if you rush the process.” “Something that feels difficult today will feel easy tomorrow if you just keep learning and growing.” “If you don’t take the opportunities when they are presented to you, you’ll never move forward.”
EPISODE LINKS VALUABLE RESOURCES ABOUT THE HOST Fragrance expert, author, teacher and speaker; Karen Gilbert runs courses in the UK and online which demystify the secretive world of perfumery in a fun and interactive way. Karen has inspired thousands of students to explore their olfactory sense and create their own personalised fragrances. With extensive product development experience in both the commercial perfumery and the organic skincare industry, Karen is able to offer a unique insight into creating natural and mixed media fragrances for fine fragrance, room scents and skincare/bodycare products using commercial perfumery techniques. Karen is also a certified meditation teacher and has a passion for helping people to create daily rituals that integrate scent with other modalities to shift state and increase your sense of wellbeing. CONTACT DETAILS | |||
| Saved From Extinction - How Quintis took Sandalwood from endangered to sustainable. | 26 May 2024 | 00:47:05 | |
As regular listeners will know, one of Karen’s favorite materials is sandalwood, that’s why she’s genuinely excited to welcome Sophie and Vanessa from Quintis on the show this week. Certain varieties of sandalwood become endangered over the years, so, 30 years ago, Quintis decided to create new plantations so that sandalwood could thrive. In this interview with Karen, the ladies talk about all things sandalwood from the therapeutic benefits, the growing and harvesting procedures and why, with the right approach, sandalwood will never be endangered again. KEY TAKEAWAYS
BEST MOMENTS “Sandalwood has the same effect on the brain as meditation. It has the ability to calm you and reduce anxiety.” “You have to make sure you are honest with your clients so they can be honest with their customers.” “Sandalwood has an incredible ability to adapt to the other ingredients it blends with to give a wide range of scents.”
EPISODE LINKS VALUABLE RESOURCES ABOUT THE HOST Fragrance expert, author, teacher and speaker; Karen Gilbert runs courses in the UK and online which demystify the secretive world of perfumery in a fun and interactive way. Karen has inspired thousands of students to explore their olfactory sense and create their own personalised fragrances. With extensive product development experience in both the commercial perfumery and the organic skincare industry, Karen is able to offer a unique insight into creating natural and mixed media fragrances for fine fragrance, room scents and skincare/bodycare products using commercial perfumery techniques. Karen is also a certified meditation teacher and has a passion for helping people to create daily rituals that integrate scent with other modalities to shift state and increase your sense of wellbeing. CONTACT DETAILS | |||
| A Leap of Faith: Why Following Your Dreams is the Most Rewarding Thing You Can Do | 19 May 2024 | 00:52:10 | |
This week on the show Karen is joined by one of her Artisan Perfumery Mastermind Alumni, Nicole Brannan. Nicole has had a lifelong passion for fragrance and perfume which started when she was gifted a perfume making kit as a child. After a life of working in other creative areas, her passion for perfume never died but, it was during covid, when she found herself at a crossroads, that she decided to attend Karen’s class, and her life changed forever. In this interview with Karen, Nicole gives a detailed account of her journey over the last 3 years and will inspire you to do what she did….follow your dream. KEY TAKEAWAYS
BEST MOMENTS “Being creative is not only fun, but it releases positive endorphins which helps to reduce stress and make you feel better.” “If you’re thinking about doing something, just go for it. If you have time to put barriers up, you’ll find a reason not to do it.” “Start small, test your market, test your audience. That's the best way to grow anything.”
VALUABLE RESOURCES EPISODE LINKS: ABOUT THE HOST Fragrance expert, author, teacher and speaker; Karen Gilbert runs courses in the UK and online which demystify the secretive world of perfumery in a fun and interactive way. Karen has inspired thousands of students to explore their olfactory sense and create their own personalised fragrances. With extensive product development experience in both the commercial perfumery and the organic skincare industry, Karen is able to offer a unique insight into creating natural and mixed media fragrances for fine fragrance, room scents and skincare/bodycare products using commercial perfumery techniques. Karen is also a certified meditation teacher and has a passion for helping people to create daily rituals that integrate scent with other modalities to shift state and increase your sense of wellbeing. CONTACT DETAILS | |||
| Mindfulness and Meditation: How Internal Exploration Enhances Creativity in Perfume Making | 12 May 2024 | 00:43:18 | |
Karen is away on a yoga retreat this week and it has got her thinking about how important it is to incorporate mindfulness practices into perfume making. In this episode, Karen explains how adopting mindfulness practices can open up new avenues for creativity and expression in your work, as well as improve your mental and physical health. Sharing techniques tailored for perfume makers, Karen is here to guide you into the world of mindfulness practices so that you can achieve your full potential. KEY TAKEAWAYS
BEST MOMENTS “Mindfulness practices help calm the mind, clear mental clutter and improve our focus.” “By integrating mindfulness practices to your routine, you’re going to significantly enhance your ability to work with and understand a variety of different scented materials.” “It’s too easy to get to the end of the day and think that you haven’t achieved anything, but if you spend even a few minutes reflecting, you’ll be amazed and what you realise.”
VALUABLE RESOURCES EPISODE LINKS ABOUT THE HOST Fragrance expert, author, teacher and speaker; Karen Gilbert runs courses in the UK and online which demystify the secretive world of perfumery in a fun and interactive way. Karen has inspired thousands of students to explore their olfactory sense and create their own personalised fragrances. With extensive product development experience in both the commercial perfumery and the organic skincare industry, Karen is able to offer a unique insight into creating natural and mixed media fragrances for fine fragrance, room scents and skincare/bodycare products using commercial perfumery techniques. Karen is also a certified meditation teacher and has a passion for helping people to create daily rituals that integrate scent with other modalities to shift state and increase your sense of wellbeing. CONTACT DETAILS | |||
| From Artists to Artisans - How a Former Actor and Former Musician Launched an Online Fragrance Store for Artisan Brands. | 05 May 2024 | 00:47:39 | |
This week Karen is joined by Josh and Samuel from Fiole, an online fragrance store for artisan brands. Having had previous careers in the entertainment world, the boys both drifted into the world of perfume and instantly fell in love with it. Four years ago they joined forces and launched Fiole, an online store with a difference. In this interview with Karen, they discuss their unique approach to online shopping, how they are mastering Tik-Tok to leverage their brand and the power of being independent. KEY TAKEAWAYS
BEST MOMENTS “When you’re in a store the fragrance is doing the talking, but when you’re online, it’s packaging, images, ingredients.” “Tik-Tok is a great platform for education which ultimately drives customers to your website.” “Fragrances aren’t niche in terms of personal taste, they’re only niche in terms of availability.”
EPISODE LINKS VALUABLE RESOURCES ABOUT THE HOST Fragrance expert, author, teacher and speaker; Karen Gilbert runs courses in the UK and online which demystify the secretive world of perfumery in a fun and interactive way. Karen has inspired thousands of students to explore their olfactory sense and create their own personalised fragrances. With extensive product development experience in both the commercial perfumery and the organic skincare industry, Karen is able to offer a unique insight into creating natural and mixed media fragrances for fine fragrance, room scents and skincare/bodycare products using commercial perfumery techniques. Karen is also a certified meditation teacher and has a passion for helping people to create daily rituals that integrate scent with other modalities to shift state and increase your sense of wellbeing. CONTACT DETAILS | |||
| Piloting Success: Navigating the Launch of Your Product with Karen's 7 Essential Tips | 28 Apr 2024 | 00:44:57 | |
This week on the show Karen is looking at the importance of running a pilot launch of your product. Launching your product with a full scale production into the market without knowing what to expect can be disastrous. But, Karen is here to help you avoid this major pitfall by sharing her 7 top tips on how to orchestrate a successful pilot and get your launch right the first time. From market research to understanding your goal to finding your ideal customer, it’s all covered in this episode so that you can hit the ground running. KEY TAKEAWAYS
BEST MOMENTS “The perfume market is vast. To stand out, it’s not just about having a great product, it’s about understanding your audience and understanding there's a demand for your unique scent.” “Do you know who you're really trying to sell to? It’s so important to identify your dream customer.” “A small scale launch can act as a test to gather customer feedback without the full financial risk of a large inventory.”
EPISODE LINK VALUABLE RESOURCES ABOUT THE HOST Fragrance expert, author, teacher and speaker; Karen Gilbert runs courses in the UK and online which demystify the secretive world of perfumery in a fun and interactive way. Karen has inspired thousands of students to explore their olfactory sense and create their own personalised fragrances. With extensive product development experience in both the commercial perfumery and the organic skincare industry, Karen is able to offer a unique insight into creating natural and mixed media fragrances for fine fragrance, room scents and skincare/bodycare products using commercial perfumery techniques. Karen is also a certified meditation teacher and has a passion for helping people to create daily rituals that integrate scent with other modalities to shift state and increase your sense of wellbeing. CONTACT DETAILS | |||
| Crafting Essence: The Art of Natural Perfumery with Daniela Carrasco of Linen Tutu | 21 Apr 2024 | 00:59:19 | |
This week Karen is joined by Daniela Carrasco, an alumni of Karen’s Perfumery Mastermind course and founder of her own perfume brand, Linen Tutu, a 100% natural fragrance brand. In this interview, Daniela shares her fascinating take on both the production of her fragrances and her branding and marketing. By using only natural materials, having total transparency with her customers and using visual and audio art in her own unique way, Daniela has created a company that feels new, fresh and exciting and is producing exquisite products. KEY TAKEAWAYS
BEST MOMENTS “Most people wear a fragrance for themselves, not for other people.” “Everyone has a right to know what materials are in the perfumes they are wearing.” “There is more than one way to communicate the message of your fragrance. Music, film and photography can all contribute to creating the story you want to tell.”
EPISODE LINKS VALUABLE RESOURCES ABOUT THE HOST Fragrance expert, author, teacher and speaker; Karen Gilbert runs courses in the UK and online which demystify the secretive world of perfumery in a fun and interactive way. Karen has inspired thousands of students to explore their olfactory sense and create their own personalised fragrances. With extensive product development experience in both the commercial perfumery and the organic skincare industry, Karen is able to offer a unique insight into creating natural and mixed media fragrances for fine fragrance, room scents and skincare/bodycare products using commercial perfumery techniques. Karen is also a certified meditation teacher and has a passion for helping people to create daily rituals that integrate scent with other modalities to shift state and increase your sense of wellbeing. CONTACT DETAILS | |||
| Scents of Success: Crafting Your Fragrance Product Range with Karen | 14 Apr 2024 | 00:20:39 | |
This week on the show Karen is covering the topic of creating a fragrance product range. When you make a range of products with the same branding there are so many important factors to consider, such as what materials to use, how different products interact to different scents and how to create and maintain consistency across the range. Karen gives you all the information you need to get started in planning and creating your very own fragrance product range. KEY TAKEAWAYS
BEST MOMENTS “Scent is key. It’s not just about how it smells, but the message it conveys to the customer.” “When you’re building a product range, consistency is key.” “Each type of product interacts with scent in a new way.” EPISODE LINKS Creating Fragrance for Skincare Products Course VALUABLE RESOURCES
ABOUT THE HOST Fragrance expert, author, teacher and speaker; Karen Gilbert runs courses in the UK and online which demystify the secretive world of perfumery in a fun and interactive way. Karen has inspired thousands of students to explore their olfactory sense and create their own personalised fragrances. With extensive product development experience in both the commercial perfumery and the organic skincare industry, Karen is able to offer a unique insight into creating natural and mixed media fragrances for fine fragrance, room scents and skincare/bodycare products using commercial perfumery techniques. Karen is also a certified meditation teacher and has a passion for helping people to create daily rituals that integrate scent with other modalities to shift state and increase your sense of wellbeing. CONTACT DETAILS | |||
| 2+2=4 - Perfume Math Made Easy | 11 Aug 2024 | 00:20:11 | |
Get your calculators, beakers and bottles ready because this week Karen is tackling the often talked about subject of perfume math, or more simply, the basic calculations involved in creating and scaling up perfume formulations. The idea of perfume math can fill most first timers with dread, especially when considering ratios, scaling up and concentration equations. But, Miss. Gilbert is here to give you the easiest math lesson of your life as she once and for all simplifies perfume math. KEY TAKEAWAYS
BEST MOMENTS “There’s a misconception that you have to be a math genius to make perfume.” “With practice, focus and the right tools you can master these skills without becoming a math expert.” “A well balanced ratio ensures that fragrance components work together harmoniously.” EPISODE LINKS Perfume Calculations Spreadsheet - Use Coupon Code to get this for free: PODCAST-FS VALUABLE RESOURCES ABOUT THE HOST Fragrance expert, author, teacher and speaker; Karen Gilbert runs courses in the UK and online which demystify the secretive world of perfumery in a fun and interactive way. Karen has inspired thousands of students to explore their olfactory sense and create their own personalised fragrances. With extensive product development experience in both the commercial perfumery and the organic skincare industry, Karen is able to offer a unique insight into creating natural and mixed media fragrances for fine fragrance, room scents and skincare/bodycare products using commercial perfumery techniques. Karen is also a certified meditation teacher and has a passion for helping people to create daily rituals that integrate scent with other modalities to shift state and increase your sense of wellbeing. CONTACT DETAILS | |||
| Crafting Exclusivity: The Art and Business of Bespoke Perfumes | 07 Apr 2024 | 00:35:12 | |
On this week's show, Karen is delving into the topic of bespoke perfumes, which are individual fragrances that cater to the specific preferences of an individual or company. But, there is so much more to them than that. Karen takes a deep dive into the subject, covering the different types of bespoke perfumes, the challenges you will face when creating them, how to make them and who buys them and the vital skills you can acquire by learning how to make bespoke perfumes. KEY TAKEAWAYS
BEST MOMENTS “We live in a world where there is so much choice and accessibility that it is only natural for people to look for something that really stands out.” “The fragrances we wear are a form of self expression, they’re a way to tell the world who we are. Bespoke perfumes offer exclusivity and personalisation in a world that is flooded with options.” “Clear communication is key to creating bespoke fragrances. What smells one way to one person may smell different to another, so create a common language.”
EPISODE LINKS VALUABLE RESOURCES ABOUT THE HOST Fragrance expert, author, teacher and speaker; Karen Gilbert runs courses in the UK and online which demystify the secretive world of perfumery in a fun and interactive way. Karen has inspired thousands of students to explore their olfactory sense and create their own personalised fragrances. With extensive product development experience in both the commercial perfumery and the organic skincare industry, Karen is able to offer a unique insight into creating natural and mixed media fragrances for fine fragrance, room scents and skincare/bodycare products using commercial perfumery techniques. Karen is also a certified meditation teacher and has a passion for helping people to create daily rituals that integrate scent with other modalities to shift state and increase your sense of wellbeing. CONTACT DETAILS | |||
| From Industrial Engineering to Artisan Perfumery with Marbella Perfumes | 31 Mar 2024 | 00:48:49 | |
This week Karen is talking to Helida Dodd from Marbella Perfumes. Helida is an alumni of Karen’s artisan Perfumery Mastermind course and an industrial engineer turned artisan perfumer. In this talk with Karen, Helida shares why she took the leap into the world of perfumery, how she learned an entirely new profession and the challenges she faced along the way. KEY TAKEAWAYS
BEST MOMENTS “Before every perfume formula there is a story, and that is the fascinating unknown aspect of perfumery.” “People say that age gives you wisdom, but launching into entrepreneurship is what really gives you wisdom.” “A perfumer smells a perfume the same way a musician hears a symphony, not by hearing the whole piece, but by hearing the individual notes.”
EPISODE LINKS VALUABLE RESOURCES ABOUT THE HOST Fragrance expert, author, teacher and speaker; Karen Gilbert runs courses in the UK and online which demystify the secretive world of perfumery in a fun and interactive way. Karen has inspired thousands of students to explore their olfactory sense and create their own personalised fragrances. With extensive product development experience in both the commercial perfumery and the organic skincare industry, Karen is able to offer a unique insight into creating natural and mixed media fragrances for fine fragrance, room scents and skincare/bodycare products using commercial perfumery techniques. Karen is also a certified meditation teacher and has a passion for helping people to create daily rituals that integrate scent with other modalities to shift state and increase your sense of wellbeing. CONTACT DETAILS | |||
| The Scent of Success: How to Confidently Price Your Perfume Creations | 25 Mar 2024 | 00:24:54 | |
This week on the show Karen is delving into the subject of pricing your perfume. Pricing is something that may seem straightforward, but is in fact an area that most people fall down on. So how do you put a price on your work? Are you falling into the trap of simply adding the cost of your materials to your time and creating your price point from there? And, are you even aware of some of the factors that you should be considering to make up your price? KEY TAKEAWAYS
BEST MOMENTS “Pricing isn’t just about numbers, it’s about value, perception and your position in the market.” “Through thoughtful pricing you can communicate the worth of your creations, aligning your products with the audience that will cherish them the most.” “Strategic promotions or limited time offers can create a sense of urgency and attract new customers without diluting your brand's luxury status.”
EPISODE LINKS VALUABLE RESOURCES
ABOUT THE HOST Fragrance expert, author, teacher and speaker; Karen Gilbert runs courses in the UK and online which demystify the secretive world of perfumery in a fun and interactive way. Karen has inspired thousands of students to explore their olfactory sense and create their own personalised fragrances. With extensive product development experience in both the commercial perfumery and the organic skincare industry, Karen is able to offer a unique insight into creating natural and mixed media fragrances for fine fragrance, room scents and skincare/bodycare products using commercial perfumery techniques. Karen is also a certified meditation teacher and has a passion for helping people to create daily rituals that integrate scent with other modalities to shift state and increase your sense of wellbeing. CONTACT DETAILS | |||
| Scented Stories: From Broken Bottles to Bespoke Bases with Jamie Frater | 18 Mar 2024 | 01:16:59 | |
This week on the show Karen is joined by Jamie Frater of Frater Works, a company that creates and sells perfume materials and bases. When Jamie bought a bottle of vintage perfume on ebay, that arrived broken, he became fascinated with the scent and how it was created. This led him into a journey of discovery and the realisation that some perfume bases are no longer manufactured. He decided to put this right and set about recreating them. He then launched ‘Frater Works’, a company that creates classic bases with a modern twist as well as curating the best perfume materials for the indie perfumer. KEY TAKEAWAYS
BEST MOMENTS “Running your own business is a lot of hard work and a lot of learning, but it’s worth it for the love you get.” “The incredible thing about perfume is that every smell transports you to a time or place in your past that evokes wonderful emotions.” “It’s important to bring something of yourself to the fragrances you make.”
EPISODE LINKS VALUABLE RESOURCES ABOUT THE HOST Fragrance expert, author, teacher and speaker; Karen Gilbert runs courses in the UK and online which demystify the secretive world of perfumery in a fun and interactive way. Karen has inspired thousands of students to explore their olfactory sense and create their own personalised fragrances. With extensive product development experience in both the commercial perfumery and the organic skincare industry, Karen is able to offer a unique insight into creating natural and mixed media fragrances for fine fragrance, room scents and skincare/bodycare products using commercial perfumery techniques. Karen is also a certified meditation teacher and has a passion for helping people to create daily rituals that integrate scent with other modalities to shift state and increase your sense of wellbeing. CONTACT DETAILS | |||
| Beyond the Drop: Mastering Precision in Perfume Measurements | 11 Mar 2024 | 00:25:21 | |
This week Karen is taking a look at the importance of precision when measuring out perfume materials. Most people that are new to perfume making measure in drops or milliliters, but this can lead to all kinds of problems with consistency and accuracy. The tried and tested method is using scales. In this episode, Karen explains in depth why scales are the way forward and how, by embracing them and using them correctly, you will become a superior perfume maker. KEY TAKEAWAYS
BEST MOMENTS “If you've created a fragrance you love and you want to make more of it, you need to understand, with precision, how to measure materials.” “Perfume making is as much as science as it is an art and getting consistent results means being able to replicate your process exactly.” “In the delicate balance of perfume making inconsistencies can be the difference between a fragrance that works and one that totally misses the mark.”
EPISODE LINKS
VALUABLE RESOURCES
ABOUT THE HOST Fragrance expert, author, teacher and speaker; Karen Gilbert runs courses in the UK and online which demystify the secretive world of perfumery in a fun and interactive way. Karen has inspired thousands of students to explore their olfactory sense and create their own personalised fragrances. With extensive product development experience in both the commercial perfumery and the organic skincare industry, Karen is able to offer a unique insight into creating natural and mixed media fragrances for fine fragrance, room scents and skincare/bodycare products using commercial perfumery techniques. Karen is also a certified meditation teacher and has a passion for helping people to create daily rituals that integrate scent with other modalities to shift state and increase your sense of wellbeing. CONTACT DETAILS | |||
| The Scent of Controversy: The Unethical Practices of Dupes and Copycats | 04 Mar 2024 | 00:26:09 | |
This week Karen is taking a look at the phenomenon of dupes, copycats and designer inspired scents. But what really is a dupe, why and how are they created and, most importantly, why are they bad not just for the perfume industry but for the essence of perfumery. KEY TAKEAWAYS
BEST MOMENTS “Perfumery is an art form, an expression of emotion. To replicate somebody else's fragrance is to overlook the essence of what makes perfumery so special.” “When we buy an original scent we’re supporting the art and artist behind it, we’re acknowledging the journey from inspiration to creation.” “By understanding classic perfume, aspiring perfumers can decode the magic behind particular scent combinations that have stood the test of time.”
VALUABLE RESOURCES ABOUT THE HOST Fragrance expert, author, teacher and speaker; Karen Gilbert runs courses in the UK and online which demystify the secretive world of perfumery in a fun and interactive way. Karen has inspired thousands of students to explore their olfactory sense and create their own personalised fragrances. With extensive product development experience in both the commercial perfumery and the organic skincare industry, Karen is able to offer a unique insight into creating natural and mixed media fragrances for fine fragrance, room scents and skincare/bodycare products using commercial perfumery techniques. Karen is also a certified meditation teacher and has a passion for helping people to create daily rituals that integrate scent with other modalities to shift state and increase your sense of wellbeing. CONTACT DETAILS | |||
| Exploring Natural Perfumery with Gandha Temple | 26 Feb 2024 | 00:35:57 | |
This week on the show Karen is joined by one of her Artisan Perfumery Mastermind Alumni, Delphine Fant. A French native, Delphine moved to Australia when she was 18 and now runs her own perfume brand, Gandha Temple, as well as running workshops for residents of her hometown. In this chat with Karen, Delphine talks about her inspirations, her journey and her secrets to success. KEY TAKEAWAYS
BEST MOMENTS “Once you have an understanding of who you are selling to, you can build your branding around that idea, and making it beautiful is key.” “Never stop learning. There is always room for growth, no matter how far you’ve come.” “The best way to learn a skill is to teach it to other people.”
EPISODE LINKS VALUABLE RESOURCES
ABOUT THE HOST Fragrance expert, author, teacher and speaker; Karen Gilbert runs courses in the UK and online which demystify the secretive world of perfumery in a fun and interactive way. Karen has inspired thousands of students to explore their olfactory sense and create their own personalised fragrances. With extensive product development experience in both the commercial perfumery and the organic skincare industry, Karen is able to offer a unique insight into creating natural and mixed media fragrances for fine fragrance, room scents and skincare/bodycare products using commercial perfumery techniques. Karen is also a certified meditation teacher and has a passion for helping people to create daily rituals that integrate scent with other modalities to shift state and increase your sense of wellbeing. CONTACT DETAILS | |||
| Scented Science: Exploring Synthetic Materials in Perfumery | 19 Feb 2024 | 00:37:41 | |
This week, Karen is continuing on from the previous episode by looking at the main materials that have made an impact in modern perfumery. Focusing on the synthetics ambroxan, hedione, iso E super and calone, Karen goes into depth about their evolution, role in modern perfumery and how you can use them to create beautiful smelling scents. KEY TAKEAWAYS
BEST MOMENTS “When you’re working in the perfume industry, sometimes you have to step outside of your own preferences and look at what the customer wants.” “The strength of using synthetics is not just using them, but weaving them into your scent profile.”
VALUABLE RESOURCES
VALUABLE RESOURCES
ABOUT THE HOST Fragrance expert, author, teacher and speaker; Karen Gilbert runs courses in the UK and online which demystify the secretive world of perfumery in a fun and interactive way. Karen has inspired thousands of students to explore their olfactory sense and create their own personalised fragrances. With extensive product development experience in both the commercial perfumery and the organic skincare industry, Karen is able to offer a unique insight into creating natural and mixed media fragrances for fine fragrance, room scents and skincare/bodycare products using commercial perfumery techniques. Karen is also a certified meditation teacher and has a passion for helping people to create daily rituals that integrate scent with other modalities to shift state and increase your sense of wellbeing.
CONTACT DETAILS | |||
| The Perfumer's Palette: Crafting with Bergamot, Rose, Jasmine, and Sandalwood | 12 Feb 2024 | 00:30:36 | |
Over the next two weeks, Karen is taking a deep dive into the materials that are used in perfumery and how to get started. This week Karen will be focusing on classic ingredients, Bergamot, Rose, Jasmine and Sandalwood. Looking at their history, usage and famous fragrances that use these ingredients, Karen gives you everything you need to start your journey into mastering these classic ingredients. KEY TAKEAWAYS
BEST MOMENTS “Each ingredient is a character in the story of your fragrance.” “understanding the application of materials is going to give you an insight into how you can use them in your formulations.” “Whilst the essence of these ingredients is timeless, their potential in scent creation is limitless.”
VALUABLE RESOURCES ABOUT THE HOST Fragrance expert, author, teacher and speaker; Karen Gilbert runs courses in the UK and online which demystify the secretive world of perfumery in a fun and interactive way. Karen has inspired thousands of students to explore their olfactory sense and create their own personalised fragrances. With extensive product development experience in both the commercial perfumery and the organic skincare industry, Karen is able to offer a unique insight into creating natural and mixed media fragrances for fine fragrance, room scents and skincare/bodycare products using commercial perfumery techniques. Karen is also a certified meditation teacher and has a passion for helping people to create daily rituals that integrate scent with other modalities to shift state and increase your sense of wellbeing. CONTACT DETAILS | |||
| The Commonplace Book: When, Why and How To Use It | 05 Feb 2024 | 00:18:33 | |
This week Karen is talking about the concept of a ‘Commonplace Book’, which is a personal journal used to collect knowledge, discoveries and ideas. Karen breaks down how applying this concept to perfume making can really help you grow and learn as a perfume maker. Sharing her top tips, recommendations for equipment and everything you need to include in your book, Karen leaves no stone unturned so that you can get ahead and begin your very own book today. KEY TAKEAWAYS
BEST MOMENTS “Perfume making isn’t just about creating a pleasant scent, it’s about mastering the science behind it.” “There’s no right or wrong way to fill in your commonplace book, it’s your personal space for exploration and creativity.” “Make it a habit to regularly update your book. Consistency is the key to success.”
EPISODE LINKS VALUABLE RESOURCES ABOUT THE HOST Fragrance expert, author, teacher and speaker; Karen Gilbert runs courses in the UK and online which demystify the secretive world of perfumery in a fun and interactive way. Karen has inspired thousands of students to explore their olfactory sense and create their own personalised fragrances. With extensive product development experience in both the commercial perfumery and the organic skincare industry, Karen is able to offer a unique insight into creating natural and mixed media fragrances for fine fragrance, room scents and skincare/bodycare products using commercial perfumery techniques. Karen is also a certified meditation teacher and has a passion for helping people to create daily rituals that integrate scent with other modalities to shift state and increase your sense of wellbeing. CONTACT DETAILS | |||
| Overcoming Overwhelm - Where, When and How to Start Perfume Making | 04 Aug 2024 | 00:41:11 | |
This week’s show is inspired by a question Karen received from one of her listeners - “Can you give me your top tips on how to overcome the overwhelm of starting perfume making?” This is a problem that most first timers encounter. That initial adrenaline rush of creating something new can easily be dampened when you start to dive into the world of perfume making and see just how big it is. But fear not, Karen is here to guide you through her top tips, from starting small to building a support network, so that you can tackle the art of perfume making and become a master. KEY TAKEAWAYS
BEST MOMENTS “The main thing that is going to make your career is consistent progress. Never stop moving forward.” “Every mistake you make is an opportunity to improve your skills.” “Engaging in continuous learning is a great way to combat fear." VALUABLE RESOURCES ABOUT THE HOST Fragrance expert, author, teacher and speaker; Karen Gilbert runs courses in the UK and online which demystify the secretive world of perfumery in a fun and interactive way. Karen has inspired thousands of students to explore their olfactory sense and create their own personalised fragrances. With extensive product development experience in both the commercial perfumery and the organic skincare industry, Karen is able to offer a unique insight into creating natural and mixed media fragrances for fine fragrance, room scents and skincare/bodycare products using commercial perfumery techniques. Karen is also a certified meditation teacher and has a passion for helping people to create daily rituals that integrate scent with other modalities to shift state and increase your sense of wellbeing. CONTACT DETAILS | |||
| Scented Symphony: Balancing Art and Science in Perfume Making | 29 Jan 2024 | 00:22:27 | |
Perfume making is a perfect balance between science and art. With that in mind, this week's show is all about balancing theoretical knowledge with practical skills when creating fragrances. Karen lays out which rules are set in stone, which are open to interpretation and how you can harness this knowledge to create stunning scents and further your career. KEY TAKEAWAYS
BEST MOMENTS “Mastering the art of perfumery is not just about learning the rules it’s also about when and where to adjust them.” “In the art of perfumery the lines are often blurred and the answer is not a simple black or white.” “Perfume making is where creativity meets science.” EPISODE LINKS VALUABLE RESOURCES ABOUT THE HOST Fragrance expert, author, teacher and speaker; Karen Gilbert runs courses in the UK and online which demystify the secretive world of perfumery in a fun and interactive way. Karen has inspired thousands of students to explore their olfactory sense and create their own personalised fragrances. With extensive product development experience in both the commercial perfumery and the organic skincare industry, Karen is able to offer a unique insight into creating natural and mixed media fragrances for fine fragrance, room scents and skincare/bodycare products using commercial perfumery techniques. Karen is also a certified meditation teacher and has a passion for helping people to create daily rituals that integrate scent with other modalities to shift state and increase your sense of wellbeing. CONTACT DETAILS | |||
| Artisan Branding and Perfume Alchemy with MISKEO | 22 Jan 2024 | 01:03:13 | |
This week on the show Karen is joined by MISKEO founder Marie-Pierre Blanchette. MISKEO is a small batch artisan perfume company founded by Marie after she re-evaluated her life during covid. In this interview, she shares the secrets of her creative approach, her tips to success and the joy she gets from TikTok. KEY TAKEAWAYS
BEST MOMENTS “I like to make scents that represent what my version of a badass woman is.” “Don’t get swayed by trends, create your own.” “You can be creative running a perfume business, but you have to remember that you’re still running a business.” EPISODE LINKS VALUABLE RESOURCES ABOUT THE HOST Fragrance expert, author, teacher and speaker; Karen Gilbert runs courses in the UK and online which demystify the secretive world of perfumery in a fun and interactive way. Karen has inspired thousands of students to explore their olfactory sense and create their own personalised fragrances. With extensive product development experience in both the commercial perfumery and the organic skincare industry, Karen is able to offer a unique insight into creating natural and mixed media fragrances for fine fragrance, room scents and skincare/bodycare products using commercial perfumery techniques. Karen is also a certified meditation teacher and has a passion for helping people to create daily rituals that integrate scent with other modalities to shift state and increase your sense of wellbeing. CONTACT DETAILS | |||
| Making the Most of 2024 - Part 2 | 15 Jan 2024 | 00:25:04 | |
This week Karen follows on from last week's episode around creating your vision for the year ahead. The questions Karen puts to you this week are ‘What is the one thing that would move everything else forward?” and “What does your 5 year, 1 year, 90 day and 30 day vision look like?” Full of practical tips, this episode will help set you up for a successful future. KEY TAKEAWAYS
BEST MOMENTS “You don’t need to do everything at once. Choose one thing and do it well before moving on to the next.” “We underestimate what we can achieve in 5 years, but we overestimate what we can achieve in 1 year.” “If you don’t know where you want to go, you’ll never know if you’ve got there.” EPISODE LINKS VALUABLE RESOURCES ABOUT THE HOST Fragrance expert, author, teacher and speaker; Karen Gilbert runs courses in the UK and online which demystify the secretive world of perfumery in a fun and interactive way. Karen has inspired thousands of students to explore their olfactory sense and create their own personalised fragrances. With extensive product development experience in both the commercial perfumery and the organic skincare industry, Karen is able to offer a unique insight into creating natural and mixed media fragrances for fine fragrance, room scents and skincare/bodycare products using commercial perfumery techniques. Karen is also a certified meditation teacher and has a passion for helping people to create daily rituals that integrate scent with other modalities to shift state and increase your sense of wellbeing. CONTACT DETAILS | |||
| Making the Most of 2024 | 08 Jan 2024 | 00:28:45 | |
Welcome to the first show of the New Year. The start of the year can be overwhelming with so many promises we make to ourselves and often break or forget within a few weeks. So, to help kickstart your year, Karen is here to share some nuggets of advice about how you can make lasting plans for your year, and your career, without putting too much pressure on yourself. KEY TAKEAWAYS
BEST MOMENTS “Taking your time and being precise can lead to something great.” “One of the things that is going to set you up for success is to learn everything you can yourself.” “Sometimes we create our vision based on what we feel is achievable for us, not on what we would love to do.” VALUABLE RESOURCES Mindset Magic Masterclass Online Course ABOUT THE HOST Fragrance expert, author, teacher and speaker; Karen Gilbert runs courses in the UK and online which demystify the secretive world of perfumery in a fun and interactive way. Karen has inspired thousands of students to explore their olfactory sense and create their own personalised fragrances. With extensive product development experience in both the commercial perfumery and the organic skincare industry, Karen is able to offer a unique insight into creating natural and mixed media fragrances for fine fragrance, room scents and skincare/bodycare products using commercial perfumery techniques. Karen is also a certified meditation teacher and has a passion for helping people to create daily rituals that integrate scent with other modalities to shift state and increase your sense of wellbeing. CONTACT DETAILS | |||
| Deepening Your Self-Care Routine with the Power of Scent | 18 Dec 2023 | 00:42:42 | |
This week Karen is taking a little bit of a side step from perfume making and talking about how you can incorporate scents into your daily rituals to enhance your self care. In this episode Karen covers how the strategic use of scent can transform your daily routines into moments of tranquility and care and how scents affect your mood and well being. KEY TAKEAWAYS
BEST MOMENTS “By choosing scents that align with our desired emotional state we can create a conducive environment for our needs.” “Experimenting with different scents and methods can help you transform your daily routine into something that is more mindful and pleasurable.” EPISODE LINKS VALUABLE RESOURCES ABOUT THE HOST Karen has inspired thousands of students to explore their olfactory sense and create their own personalised fragrances. With extensive product development experience in both the commercial perfumery and the organic skincare industry, Karen is able to offer a unique insight into creating natural and mixed media fragrances for fine fragrance, room scents and skincare/bodycare products using commercial perfumery techniques. Karen is also a certified meditation teacher and has a passion for helping people to create daily rituals that integrate scent with other modalities to shift state and increase your sense of wellbeing. | |||
| The Truth About Natural Skincare with Lorraine Dallmeier of Formula Botanica | 11 Dec 2023 | 00:45:21 | |
In this week's episode Karen is talking to Lorraine Dallmeier from Formula Botanica, the world's leading formulation school, who, to date, have taught twenty thousand students from 190 countries. This fascinating interview takes an indepth look at the natural skincare industry including topics such as trends in the organic skincare market, the emergence of biotech and whether or not AI could play a role in the future of the fragrance industry. KEY TAKEAWAYS
BEST MOMENTS “When you focus on the benefits rather than the negatives you position yourself as a thought leader.” “Go and create something that you think will change the world.” EPISODE LINKS www.formulabotanica.com/podcast www.formulabotanica.com/podcast-fragrance-natural-skincare VALUABLE RESOURCES ABOUT THE HOST Fragrance expert, author, teacher and speaker; Karen Gilbert runs courses in the UK and online which demystify the secretive world of perfumery in a fun and interactive way. Karen has inspired thousands of students to explore their olfactory sense and create their own personalised fragrances. With extensive product development experience in both the commercial perfumery and the organic skincare industry, Karen is able to offer a unique insight into creating natural and mixed media fragrances for fine fragrance, room scents and skincare/bodycare products using commercial perfumery techniques. Karen is also a certified meditation teacher and has a passion for helping people to create daily rituals that integrate scent with other modalities to shift state and increase your sense of wellbeing. CONTACT DETAILS | |||
| Room Fragrances: How to Set the Mood in Any Space | 04 Dec 2023 | 00:38:12 | |
This week on the podcast Karen is focusing on creating the perfect room fragrance. Covering a wide variety of topics including how scent can be used to create different moods in a room, matching the scent to the room itself, safety regulations for room fragrances and the commonly overlooked factors when creating a room scent, you’ll walk away from this episode an expert of creating the perfect room fragrance. KEY TAKEAWAYS
BEST MOMENTS “It’s not just about the scent, the packaging and marketing are equally important to communicate the message of what mood your scent will invoke.” “Your goal is to craft a scent that enriches spaces and elevates the experience of people that walk into those spaces.” VALUABLE RESOURCES ABOUT THE HOST Karen has inspired thousands of students to explore their olfactory sense and create their own personalised fragrances. With extensive product development experience in both the commercial perfumery and the organic skincare industry, Karen is able to offer a unique insight into creating natural and mixed media fragrances for fine fragrance, room scents and skincare/bodycare products using commercial perfumery techniques. Karen is also a certified meditation teacher and has a passion for helping people to create daily rituals that integrate scent with other modalities to shift state and increase your sense of wellbeing. | |||
| Why You Shouldn't Use Fragrance Oils In Your Perfumes | 27 Nov 2023 | 00:19:32 | |
This week on the show Karen is delving into fragrance oils and their role in perfumery. Most people begin their perfume making journey using fragrance oils, but what are fragrance oils? Why should you try to avoid using them, or why you might want to use them? How can they be harmful and what should you look out for should you choose to work with them? All this and more is covered in this episode so you can become an expert on fragrance oils. KEY TAKEAWAYS
BEST MOMENTS “Fragrance oils are not consistent, so if your perfume is based on a particular oil and then the formula changes, your product will suffer.” “If you are going to use fragrance oils, make sure they are compliant and safe for your intended use.” VALUABLE RESOURCES ABOUT THE HOST Karen has inspired thousands of students to explore their olfactory sense and create their own personalised fragrances. With extensive product development experience in both the commercial perfumery and the organic skincare industry, Karen is able to offer a unique insight into creating natural and mixed media fragrances for fine fragrance, room scents and skincare/bodycare products using commercial perfumery techniques. Karen is also a certified meditation teacher and has a passion for helping people to create daily rituals that integrate scent with other modalities to shift state and increase your sense of wellbeing. | |||
| Should You Make Your Own Perfume? | 20 Nov 2023 | 00:32:36 | |
This week on the show Karen answers a question that not many people ask themselves… “Should you make your own perfume or should you hire a perfumer?” When entering into perfume making the answer to this might seem obvious, but have you really considered all the pros and cons of each option? Karen breaks down the advantages and disadvantages of going solo so that you can make a more informed decision. KEY TAKEAWAYS
BEST MOMENTS “There is a lot of personal growth that comes with following your own creative endeavors, this is something you could lose if you’re not in control.” “The more experience you have the more you can offer to your clients.” EPISODE LINKS VALUABLE RESOURCES ABOUT THE HOST Karen has inspired thousands of students to explore their olfactory sense and create their own personalised fragrances. With extensive product development experience in both the commercial perfumery and the organic skincare industry, Karen is able to offer a unique insight into creating natural and mixed media fragrances for fine fragrance, room scents and skincare/bodycare products using commercial perfumery techniques. Karen is also a certified meditation teacher and has a passion for helping people to create daily rituals that integrate scent with other modalities to shift state and increase your sense of wellbeing. | |||
| An Education in Fragrance with Lorna Mckay | 13 Nov 2023 | 00:54:50 | |
This week on the show Karen is talking to industry veteran and founder of the Perfume Society, Lorna Mckay. In this wide ranging interview Lorna and Karen discuss the education of fragrance and how Lorna’s interest in that led her to form The Perfume Society, the future of the perfume industry, how AI might play a part in that and the importance of fragrance in your life. KEY TAKEAWAYS
BEST MOMENTS “Selling a fragrance through social media can be difficult, how do you get someone to smell the scent through a computer screen?” “Perfume is personal and expensive, so make sure you do your research and buy the right fragrance for you.” EPISODE LINKS VALUABLE RESOURCES Artisan Perfumery Mastermind: https://karengilbert.info/artisan-perfumery-mastermind ABOUT THE HOST Karen has inspired thousands of students to explore their olfactory sense and create their own personalised fragrances. With extensive product development experience in both the commercial perfumery and the organic skincare industry, Karen is able to offer a unique insight into creating natural and mixed media fragrances for fine fragrance, room scents and skincare/bodycare products using commercial perfumery techniques. Karen is also a certified meditation teacher and has a passion for helping people to create daily rituals that integrate scent with other modalities to shift state and increase your sense of wellbeing. | |||
| Triumph Over Adversity - Turning Life’s Challenges into Booming Businesses | 28 Jul 2024 | 00:55:56 | |
This week Karen is talking to Anne Onwusowulu, an alumni of Karen’s Artisan Perfume Mastermind course. Anne is the founder of fragrance company House of Purple Rose and, along with her husband John, runs a second company, the Skin and Hair Manufacturing Hub. However, both of Anne’s companies, and all the services they offer, were born out of personal tragedy or challenges she faced on her entrepreneurial journey. In this interview with Karen, Anne inspires as she details the way in which she took every challenge and turned it into an opportunity. KEY TAKEAWAYS
BEST MOMENTS “People don’t realise the high level of technical skill involved in creating skin care products with a scent.” “When creating a fragrance for skin care the goal is to keep it small so that the notes don’t clash.” “Everyone needs to take notice of regulations, it is the best thing you can do for your clients.” EPISODE LINKS House of Purple Rose Instagram Skin and Hair Manufacturing Hub Website Skin and Hair Manufacturing Hub Instagram Skin and Hair Manufacturing Hub YouTube VALUABLE RESOURCES ABOUT THE GUEST Anne Onwusowulu is a seasoned cosmetic chemist and perfumer with over a decade of experience in the beauty industry. She is the founder of the House of Purple Rose, a renowned skincare and home fragrance brand. In 2021, Anne and her husband launched the Skin and Hair Manufacturing Hub (SHMH), where she serves as the creative and scientific leader. Anne's extensive background as a cosmetic chemist, herbalist, and aromatherapist has enabled her to create successful products for independent brands. Her passion for discovering and blending the finest ingredients drives her work. Anne is dedicated to making high-quality beauty and home fragrance products accessible to everyone, leading pioneering changes in the industry. ABOUT THE HOST Fragrance expert, author, teacher and speaker; Karen Gilbert runs courses in the UK and online which demystify the secretive world of perfumery in a fun and interactive way. Karen has inspired thousands of students to explore their olfactory sense and create their own personalised fragrances. With extensive product development experience in both the commercial perfumery and the organic skincare industry, Karen is able to offer a unique insight into creating natural and mixed media fragrances for fine fragrance, room scents and skincare/bodycare products using commercial perfumery techniques. Karen is also a certified meditation teacher and has a passion for helping people to create daily rituals that integrate scent with other modalities to shift state and increase your sense of wellbeing. CONTACT DETAILS | |||
| Starting A Perfume Business | 06 Nov 2023 | 00:33:55 | |
This week Karen is talking about ‘Perfume Business.’ Most people dive straight into making their first perfume and then hope that someone will buy it. But the question they all overlook is “What will my business look like?”. In this episode Karen lays out the key steps to forming your business plan, including how to build a following, how to turn your followers into customers and when to start marketing. And, most importantly, why you should do this first. KEY TAKEAWAYS
BEST MOMENTS “Big money advertising and PR doesn’t guarantee sales.” “Connecting your brand on an emotional level with your customers will differentiate you from your competitors.” EPISODE LINKS VALUABLE RESOURCES ABOUT THE HOST With extensive product development experience in both the commercial perfumery and the organic skincare industry, Karen is able to offer a unique insight into creating natural and mixed media fragrances for fine fragrance, room scents and skincare/bodycare products using commercial perfumery techniques. Karen is also a certified meditation teacher and has a passion for helping people to create daily rituals that integrate scent with other modalities to shift state and increase your sense of wellbeing. | |||
| Fragrance Families | 30 Oct 2023 | 00:40:42 | |
This week on the show Karen is talking about ‘Fragrance Families’. Karen explains what fragrance families are, how the categorization of them differs from that of materials and why it is important knowledge for all perfume makers to have. Karen then goes on to give a breakdown of each family so that you can identify them with ease. KEY TAKEAWAYS
BEST MOMENTS “Try and step back from the advertising and marketing and the target gender and just smell the fragrance.” “The easier you make your choice for your customers, the more sales you are going to get.” EPISODE LINKS VALUABLE RESOURCES ABOUT THE HOST Karen has inspired thousands of students to explore their olfactory sense and create their own personalised fragrances. With extensive product development experience in both the commercial perfumery and the organic skincare industry, Karen is able to offer a unique insight into creating natural and mixed media fragrances for fine fragrance, room scents and skincare/bodycare products using commercial perfumery techniques. Karen is also a certified meditation teacher and has a passion for helping people to create daily rituals that integrate scent with other modalities to shift state and increase your sense of wellbeing. | |||
| All About Mindset | 22 Oct 2023 | 00:20:51 | |
This week on the show Karen is talking about one of the most overlooked elements in perfume making…Mindset. Whilst having technical knowledge and skill is extremely important, so is having the right mindset. In this episode, Karen breaks down the factors that contribute to your mindset, such as self-doubt, perfectionism, procrastination, and the psychology of perfume making. And, she shares tips and tricks on how you can overcome these barriers and reach your full potential. KEY TAKEAWAYS
BEST MOMENTS “Creating a fragrance is not just a technical process, it’s an art form that requires a unique mindset.” “A positive mindset can enhance the quality of your creative endeavours.” “Don’t let self-doubt paralyse you, instead, use it as a catalyst for growth.” VALUABLE RESOURCES Getting Started Guide: https://www.karengilbert.co.uk/podcast-getting-started-guide Artisan Perfumery Mastermind: https://karengilbert.info/artisan-perfumery-mastermind Mindset Magic Online Class: https://www.onlineperfumeschool.com/mindset-magic-masterclass-online-course/ ABOUT THE HOST Fragrance expert, author, teacher, and speaker; Karen Gilbert runs courses in the UK and online that demystify the secretive world of perfumery in a fun and interactive way. Karen has inspired thousands of students to explore their olfactory senses and create their own personalised fragrances. With extensive product development experience in both the commercial perfumery and the organic skincare industry, Karen is able to offer a unique insight into creating natural and mixed media fragrances for fine fragrance, room scents, and skincare/body care products using commercial perfumery techniques. Karen is also a certified meditation teacher and has a passion for helping people create daily rituals that integrate scent with other modalities to shift state and increase your sense of well-being. CONTACT DETAILS | |||
| Why I Quit my Job for Perfume: Alumni Interview with Lizzie Brooks | 16 Oct 2023 | 00:46:13 | |
This week Karen is joined by Lizzie Brooks. In 2020 Lizzie found herself at a crossroads in her life as she realised that she hated her career. She decided to take a leap and follow her lifelong dream of becoming a perfumer. She signed up for Karen’s Artisan Perfumery Mastermind course and hasn’t looked back. Her fragrance company launched this year with 3 perfumes now on the market. In this episode she shares her journey, her experiences and gives her top tips for people wishing to follow their dreams. KEY TAKEAWAYS
BEST MOMENTS “You don’t have to wait for everything to be perfect, but you do have to get to the point where you are comfortable with what you’re doing.” “Aren’t we lucky that we’ve got this little detector on our face and we can smell so many amazing things.” “You can study and learn as much as you want but unless you put your stuff out there, you’ll never know.” VALUABLE RESOURCES
ABOUT THE GUEST
Lizzie is a marketing professional turned perfumer. After joining my Artisan Perfumery Mastermind in 2020 after quitting a job she hated. Her brand Thursday Fragrance launched this year 2023 with 3 perfumes.
They are a small, independent, company based in Bristol, UK. And when we say ‘we’, we actually mean me, Lizzie. I handle almost all aspects of the business from creating fragrances to packing them, with some help from my friends and partner.
ABOUT THE HOST
Fragrance expert, author, teacher and speaker; Karen Gilbert runs courses in the UK and online which demystify the secretive world of perfumery in a fun and interactive way. Karen has inspired thousands of students to explore their olfactory sense and create their own personalised fragrances.
With extensive product development experience in both the commercial perfumery and the organic skincare industry, Karen is able to offer a unique insight into creating natural and mixed media fragrances for fine fragrance, room scents and skincare/bodycare products using commercial perfumery techniques. Karen is also a certified meditation teacher and has a passion for helping people to create daily rituals that integrate scent with other modalities to shift state and increase your sense of wellbeing.
CONTACT DETAILS | |||
| How and Why to Create a Scent Story | 08 Oct 2023 | 00:22:14 | |
This week on the show Karen is diving into the importance of creating a story for your fragrances. Not only does Karen consider this the single most important stage in perfume making, she also believes it is the most overlooked. So, what exactly is a ‘Scent Story?’How do you create one and how will it take your perfume-making to the next level? Find out in this episode. KEY TAKEAWAYS
BEST MOMENTS “Spending time planning and making a great story will shift your scent from a muddle to something magical.” “You’re creating a story without words when you’re creating a fragrance…a piece of art that evaporates into the air.” “If the fragrance is out of alignment with the perception of the product it will have a negative impact on the customer's experience.” VALUABLE RESOURCES October 9th-13th 2023 Free Scent Design Workshop The Scent Design Challenge Recording Getting Started Guide: https://www.karengilbert.co.uk/podcast-getting-started-guide Artisan Perfumery Mastermind: https://karengilbert.info/artisan-perfumery-mastermind ABOUT THE HOST Fragrance expert, author, teacher and speaker; Karen Gilbert runs courses in the UK and online which demystify the secretive world of perfumery in a fun and interactive way. Karen has inspired thousands of students to explore their olfactory sense and create their own personalised fragrances.
With extensive product development experience in both the commercial perfumery and the organic skincare industry, Karen is able to offer a unique insight into creating natural and mixed media fragrances for fine fragrance, room scents and skincare/bodycare products using commercial perfumery techniques. Karen is also a certified meditation teacher and has a passion for helping people to create daily rituals that integrate scent with other modalities to shift state and increase your sense of wellbeing.
CONTACT DETAILS
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| Ask Karen Anything! | 01 Oct 2023 | 00:47:30 | |
This week on the podcast Karen is giving her answers to a recent ‘Ask Me Anything’ session. Karen covers topics such as natural vs synthetic materials, how to reset your smell, how to diffuse oil perfumes, how to make your perfume last, where to source your raw materials and so much more. Get your notepad ready because Karen is about to give you a world of knowledge.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
BEST MOMENTS “The most important attribute you can have in perfume making is determination.” “The worst place to evaluate a perfume is in the place where you are manufacturing it.” “Oil perfumes and alcohol perfumes are very different and you should not try and get the same effect from one as you do from the other.”
VALUABLE RESOURCES Getting Started Guide: https://www.karengilbert.co.uk/podcast-getting-started-guide Artisan Perfumery Mastermind: https://karengilbert.info/artisan-perfumery-mastermind
ABOUT THE HOST Fragrance expert, author, teacher and speaker; Karen Gilbert runs courses in the UK and online which demystify the secretive world of perfumery in a fun and interactive way. Karen has inspired thousands of students to explore their olfactory sense and create their own personalised fragrances. With extensive product development experience in both the commercial perfumery and the organic skincare industry, Karen is able to offer a unique insight into creating natural and mixed media fragrances for fine fragrance, room scents and skincare/bodycare products using commercial perfumery techniques. Karen is also a certified meditation teacher and has a passion for helping people to create daily rituals that integrate scent with other modalities to shift state and increase your sense of wellbeing.
CONTACT DETAILS | |||
| Getting Started in the Fragrance Industry: Tips and Insights | 24 Sep 2023 | 00:49:56 | |
This week on the show Karen tackles the question she gets asked the most…How do you get into the fragrance industry? What a lot of people don’t realise though, is the fragrance industry has hundreds of potential careers, not just that of the perfumer. Karen breaks down the industry and the many roles within it so that you can have a better understanding and find the career that is right for you. KEY TAKEAWAYS
BEST MOMENTS VALUABLE RESOURCES ABOUT THE HOST | |||
| Exploring the World of Alcohol-Free Perfumes: A Deep Dive Into Oil-Based Fragrances | 17 Sep 2023 | 00:29:06 | |
This week on the show Karen is tackling the question “What is an oil perfume?” Covering this topic, Karen explores why would you want to create one? How they perform differently to alcohol based perfumes and what bases you can use to create them. KEY TAKEAWAYS
BEST MOMENTS VALUABLE RESOURCES ABOUT THE HOST | |||
| Navigating Safety Regulations: Selling Perfumes and Fragranced Products | 10 Sep 2023 | 00:33:37 | |
This week on the show Karen is taking a deep dive into what you need to do to make sure your products are safe to sell. Karen will cover all the rules and regulations you need to learn and understand as well as giving you an insight into the working methods of various regulating bodies in the perfume industry. KEY TAKEAWAYS
BEST MOMENTS VALUABLE RESOURCES ABOUT THE HOST | |||
| Palette Naturals: Creating Natural Fragrances Made Easy With Miriam Vareldzis | 03 Sep 2023 | 01:18:20 | |
This week Karen is joined on the show by industry expert and Palette Naturals founder Miriam Vareldzis. In this wide ranging interview Miriam talks about her 30+ year long journey in the fragrance industry from working in the heart of New York City to her eventual shift into perfumery and founding her successful company, Palette Naturals. KEY TAKEAWAYS
BEST MOMENTS VALUABLE RESOURCES ABOUT THE HOST | |||
| A Different Kind Of Magic - How Perfume Making is Magic in its Own Right | 21 Jul 2024 | 01:05:06 | |
This week on the show Karen is joined by Michael Paul from Day 3 Fragrances. From childhood Michael was fascinated by magic. Supported by his father, he became a professional magician and toured the world. However, he would always turn to his hobby of perfumery when he was stuck. In time he realised that magic and perfumery were one and the same. During COVID his ability to perform magic ceased, and so his daughter inspired him to start a new form of magic ...perfume making. KEY TAKEAWAYS
BEST MOMENTS “There’s something to be said for telling yourself to stop making excuses and to just start.” “Being able to tell the story of your perfume tells the customer so much more than if they just read the list of ingredients.” “Break the rules. But know them first.” VALUABLE RESOURCES ABOUT THE GUEST Michael Paul is a recipient of the prestigious Art and Olfaction Golden Pear award, and the creative force behind the viral new fragrance house, Day Three Fragrances. ABOUT THE HOST Fragrance expert, author, teacher and speaker; Karen Gilbert runs courses in the UK and online which demystify the secretive world of perfumery in a fun and interactive way. Karen has inspired thousands of students to explore their olfactory sense and create their own personalised fragrances. With extensive product development experience in both the commercial perfumery and the organic skincare industry, Karen is able to offer a unique insight into creating natural and mixed media fragrances for fine fragrance, room scents and skincare/bodycare products using commercial perfumery techniques. Karen is also a certified meditation teacher and has a passion for helping people to create daily rituals that integrate scent with other modalities to shift state and increase your sense of wellbeing. CONTACT DETAILS | |||
| Aromatic Alchemy: Harnessing Scent's Power to Transform Mind and Mood | 27 Aug 2023 | 00:33:01 | |
This week on the show Karen is taking a look at the science and psychology of scent and how we can use it to shift our state. One of the most overlooked elements of perfumery is the physiological properties of scents and how they can link to our memories to create wellbeing. In this fascinating episode Karen will explore the history and science behind this theory and give you some handy tools to use so that you can unlock the psychology of scent.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
BEST MOMENTS
“Scent is one of the most powerful tools to bypass our cognitive thought process and link us straight to our memories.” “A perfumer's job is not just about making a nice smell. It’s about linking scent with a marketing narrative and a customer's behavior.” “No matter how good the product is, if the scent doesn’t add up in our brains it will devalue the perception of the product's performance.”
VALUABLE RESOURCES
Referenced studies: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2493463/ https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080520110415.htm https://academic.oup.com/chemse/article/30/suppl_1/i250/270391
Other Mentions: https://www.karengilbert.co.uk/the-scent-shift https://www.karengilbert.co.uk/make-solid-perfume-recipe https://www.karengilbert.co.uk/solid-scents-for-wellbeing-masterclass
Getting Started Guide: https://www.karengilbert.co.uk/podcast-getting-started-guide
Artisan Perfumery Mastermind: https://karengilbert.info/artisan-perfumery-mastermind
ABOUT THE HOST Fragrance expert, author, teacher and speaker; Karen Gilbert runs courses in the UK and online which demystify the secretive world of perfumery in a fun and interactive way. Karen has inspired thousands of students to explore their olfactory sense and create their own personalised fragrances.
With extensive product development experience in both the commercial perfumery and the organic skincare industry, Karen is able to offer a unique insight into creating natural and mixed media fragrances for fine fragrance, room scents and skincare/bodycare products using commercial perfumery techniques. Karen is also a certified meditation teacher and has a passion for helping people to create daily rituals that integrate scent with other modalities to shift state and increase your sense of wellbeing.
CONTACT DETAILS | |||
| Mastering the Art of Long-Lasting Perfumes | 20 Aug 2023 | 00:23:50 | |
This week on the show Karen answers the million dollar question…How to make a Perfume Last? This is a question that has plagued both amateur and experienced perfumers alike, but is there an answer? Karen goes in depth into the various theories surrounding this question and some of the best practices and tips and hints she has picked up over the years to help her create lasting scents.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
BEST MOMENTS
“There is no magic ingredient that will make a perfume last all day.” “If you want someone to answer a question for you, make sure you ask a good question.” “Learn your materials and their properties before you start looking for shortcuts.”
VALUABLE RESOURCES
Getting Started Guide: https://www.karengilbert.co.uk/podcast-getting-started-guide Artisan Perfumery Mastermind: https://karengilbert.info/artisan-perfumery-mastermind
ABOUT THE HOST Fragrance expert, author, teacher and speaker; Karen Gilbert runs courses in the UK and online which demystify the secretive world of perfumery in a fun and interactive way. Karen has inspired thousands of students to explore their olfactory sense and create their own personalised fragrances. With extensive product development experience in both the commercial perfumery and the organic skincare industry, Karen is able to offer a unique insight into creating natural and mixed media fragrances for fine fragrance, room scents and skincare/bodycare products using commercial perfumery techniques. Karen is also a certified meditation teacher and has a passion for helping people to create daily rituals that integrate scent with other modalities to shift state and increase your sense of wellbeing.
CONTACT DETAILS | |||
| Alcohol in Perfume | 14 Aug 2023 | 00:25:14 | |
This week on the show Karen is talking about Perfumer's Alcohol. What exactly is perfumer’s alcohol? Why do we use it? What are the different types? Are there any substitute materials? And what is the best practice for using it? Karen answers all these questions and more to help you continue to grow in your perfume-making journey. KEY TAKEAWAYS
BEST MOMENTS “Don’t use methanol. Any alcohol that contains methanol is poisonous.” “If you’re not sure about the alcohol you are using, go to the supplier and ask.” “Alcohol does not have to be denatured for perfume making, but it has to be odourless.”
VALUABLE RESOURCES Getting Started Guide: https://www.karengilbert.co.uk/podcast-getting-started-guide Artisan Perfumery Mastermind: https://karengilbert.info/artisan-perfumery-mastermind Website: https://www.karengilbert.co.uk/ Make a Perfume Oil Masterclass: https://karengilbert.info/make-a-perfume-oil-masterclass ABOUT THE HOST Fragrance expert, author, teacher and speaker; Karen Gilbert runs courses in the UK and online which demystify the secretive world of perfumery in a fun and interactive way. Karen has inspired thousands of students to explore their olfactory sense and create their own personalised fragrances. With extensive product development experience in both the commercial perfumery and the organic skincare industry, Karen is able to offer a unique insight into creating natural and mixed media fragrances for fine fragrance, room scents and skincare/bodycare products using commercial perfumery techniques. Karen is also a certified meditation teacher and has a passion for helping people to create daily rituals that integrate scent with other modalities to shift state and increase your sense of wellbeing.
CONTACT DETAILS
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| Emotional Fragrance Design With Scott Moroschan | 07 Aug 2023 | 01:04:03 | |
This week on the show Karen is joined by perfumer Scott Moroschan. Scott had an unconventional start in the perfume industry but has now achieved great success and has branched out as an artist and creative entrepreneur. In this discussion with Karen he shares his insights into the world of perfume making, his techniques and tools and some of his unique methods of creating. KEY TAKEAWAYS
BEST MOMENTS ABOUT THE GUEST VALUABLE RESOURCES ABOUT THE HOST
CONTACT DETAILS | |||