How I Became a Perfumer Podcast

What happens when the romance of perfume meets the reality of child labor? In this episode, Tanya speaks with BBC producer Natasha Cox , director of Perfume’s Dark Secret — a documentary uncovering the supply chain behind Egyptian jasmine and the hidden cost of luxury fragrance. We cover: • What 3 weeks in the jasmine fields revealed • Why audits and “tick-box” ethics don’t protect workers • How p...

How do you talk about smell and taste — clearly, creatively, and professionally? In this episode, Tanya speaks with Paige Crist and Jenna Troyli , co-founders of Noted Communications , about how to find your voice in the Flavor & Fragrance industry. We cover:  • Why so many roles in F&F are misunderstood — even by our own families  • What it really means to be “fluent in flavor & fragr...

What if the next fragrance powerhouse wasn’t born from heritage, but from code, curiosity, and a clean slate? In this episode, Tanya Mironova sits down with Alex Wiltschko , CEO of Osmo and a fragrance house Generation — companies on a mission to digitize scent and rethink the future of fragrance from the ground up. They talk about: What Givaudan or IFF might do if they were founded in 2025 How br...

In this episode we’re joined by the brilliant perfumer Jérôme Di Marino , whose career has taken him from early dreams of becoming an artist to mastering the technical and emotional world of fine fragrance. From Givaudan to Givenchy, Takasago to MANE — Jérôme’s journey proves that the creative path is rarely linear… and never boring. 📚 Mentioned in the episode: • Le Monde de Sophie by Jostein Gaa...

Learning a new skill is challenging, but relearning —especially in the art of perfumery—presents its own unique hurdles. Caroline Leclerc transitioned from classical perfumery to embracing a naturals-only palette. In this episode, we not only explore how she recreates scents like oceanic breezes without traditional synthetics such as Calone, but also talk about continuous self-challenge and growth...

In this episode, Dr. Matthias Vey unveils the truth about IFRA's role in the fragrance industry. Often seen as just a regulatory body, IFRA plays a much bigger role in shaping the future of perfumery, ensuring safety, and fostering innovation. By the end of this conversation, you might not only gain a newfound appreciation for IFRA — you may even find yourself considering a career there one d...

In this episode, we explore the creative journey of Camille Leguay , a perfumer, educator at Cinquieme Sens and founder of her own brand. Camille’s work spans collaborations like Wood Jasmin for BDK Parfums and her signature line of fragrances. We talk about luck, workshops for kids, pine trees and similarities between perfumery and diplomacy. Book Inspirations from Camille: Perfume: The Story of...

For the first time on our podcast, we dive into the entrepreneurial journey of a brand owner who not only helms the creative vision but also owns the manufacturing facility. Meet Mark Crames, the innovative founder of Demeter Fragrance Library. Mark brings a distinct business model to the fragrance industry, contrasting sharply with many traditional brands. Book Inspirations from Mark: The Great G...

Ever wanted to be a librarian? How about a Scent Librarian? Meet Hanna Lambert, who had this unique title at Scentmate, part of the dsm-Firmenich group. In this episode, Hanna shares her journey of work, dedication, and empathy — and why she recently stepped away for something even more important to her. Explore more about Hanna and the Scentmate project: Scentmate Project: Visit Here Connect with...

Who is a Fabric and Home Care Perfumer? Meet William Levi-Valle, who holds this title at MANE, one of the global leaders in fragrance and flavor. William shares his journey, including choosing educational paths and career opportunities, and (we particularly like this) embracing international moves. He also discusses the importance of maintaining a business mindset in his role. And remember, don’t...

It's time to look at the mindset of perfumers who choose to work independently. Ilias Kakis answers Tanya's questions, providing insights into his 'whys', way of working and more. In this episode, you can also find out why modern ambergris is contaminated with plastic (yes, you read that right). Knowledge is freedom — choose for yourself how you want to look at it. Explore more...

We asked Jenna about all the details of the biggest perfumery wedding (as she calls the World Perfumery Congress). From inclusion to why she wore black (yes, it's still a wedding). More details in the episode. EPISODE LINKS: Previous Episode: Perfumer & Flavorist and the World Perfumery Congress with Jenna Troyli Perfumer&Flavorist+ Website: Visit here World Perfumery Congress (WPC):...

When an expert and educator like Karen Gilbert shares her expertise in mentoring and business creation, you can expect one of the best fragrance-related conversations to unfold. This is a truly special episode, and we hope you enjoy it as much as we have. Please make sure to check the links, including The Perfume Making Podcast which Karen hosts. She has inspired thousands of students to explore t...

Join us as we delve into the nosy, artsy, and hippy world of Isabelle Gellé, from discovering her fragrant ancestry to founding the Perfumery Art School UK. In today's episode, Isabelle will share: How discovering her legacy has influenced Isabelle's creative future. Why she sees nature as the ultimate teacher for crafting scents. Turning her calling into one of the major online educatio...

Ever curious about what an Oral Care Flavorist does? Do they only focus on flavors, or do scents play a part too? How do you even get into that field? Join us as Solène Cauvin Wirz from Givaudan breaks it all down and sheds light on her unique career. In this episode, Solène also shares some solid career advice based on her own journey: 1) Cherish what you loved as a kid—it might just point you to...

Welcome back to our podcast! Today, we're thrilled to sit down with Andrea Albertino, who is not only a senior flavorist at Esarom in Austria but also the Honorary President of the British Society of Flavorists. Andrea brings a blend of professional expertise and personal passion (fruit, you will understand later) to our discussion.  Check Out These Links for More: British Society of Flavoris...

Are you curious about the world of fragrance marketing? Ever wonder how real-world experience can trump classroom learning? Join us as we dive into a conversation with Vicki Last, a Fragrance Marketing Specialist at Carvansons, a global perfume and fragrance manufacturer. Vicki's Career pieces of advice from the episode: 1) Embrace Field Learning : Vicki highlights the value of gaining hands-...

After more than 12 years in the fragrance industry, where she served in various roles at International Flavors & Fragrances (IFF), Franziska Josteit founded her high-end perfume brand, "Luisa Jo - Wild Perfumery." Here are some key pieces of career advice she shares in this episode: Talk to strangers : Discussions on a train can open up new industries to you. Study foreign languages...

Perfumer&Flavorist+ is a multifaceted media platform that not only provides updates on the Flavor and Fragrance Industry but also democratizes information within the field. In this exciting episode, managing editor Jenna Troyli shares insights into her journey, the role of P&F+, and highlights the upcoming World Perfumery Congress. Whether you're a professional, journalist, or student...

In this episode, we explore the intersection of fragrance and artificial intelligence with Milan Pavlovic, a software engineer and fragrance enthusiast who founded Scentalytics. This startup has garnered attention in recent months for its work in utilizing data analytics and AI to redefine the norms of the fragrance industry. EPISODE LINKS: Try AI Perfume Creator Scentalytics Website Milan’s Profi...

Meet Liam R. Findlay, consultant at AromaPrime, where the science of scent meets the magic of storytelling. Founded over 50 years ago, AromaPrime has been dedicated to bringing themed smells to venues of all sizes. Today, as the use of scent as part of a multisensory experience becomes more common, Liam shares how fragrance can add another dimension to guests' experiences. EPISODE LINKS: • Ar...

In this episode, Hana Tisserand, co-founder and director of operations and communications at the Tisserand Institute, offers her guidance on navigating the world of aromatherapy. She shares tips on safe use of essential oils, providing insights into what to do and what to avoid for optimal well-being. EPISODE LINKS: • Tisserand Institute Website: https://tisserandinstitute.org BOOKS: • "Essen...

Our guest, Mike O'Shaughnessy, a Senior Lecturer in Graphic Design and Illustration at Liverpool School of Arts, shares insights into a unique project developed in collaboration with the prison education provider Novus. Over the past years, they conducted olfactory storytelling workshops in UK prisons. Join us as Mike explores the complex world of scent within this environment, revealing both...

Professor Michael Leon, with over 35 years of research at the University of California Irvine, delves into the close connection between smells and memory. Discover the potential of olfactory enrichment in combatting dementia and improving other health conditions. EPISODE LINKS: • Michael’s Blog: https://stopmemoryloss.com • Memory Air Device: https://learn.memoryair.com • ResearchGate: https://www...

Join Daniel and Tanya as they dive into the lively scene of the Nordic Organic Fair on this special episode. Does the fair, with 450 companies participating, live up to Tanya's olfactory expectations? Check the Fair Website: https://www.nordicorganicexpo.com Links to explore (in order of appeal):  Checking safety of your beauty products: https://incibeauty.com/en   NATRUE association: https:/...