Shows
The Perfume Making PodcastDon’t Sell Yourself Short! Building a Perfume Business Without the Discount SpiralIt’s easy to think that the best way to stay ahead in business is by watching your competitors and lowering your prices when they do. But as Karen explains in this episode, that common fear-driven reaction often backfires. Responding to competition by undercutting your value can leave you overwhelmed, undervalued, and unsure of your direction.
Karen breaks down why “cheaper” is rarely the answer, how to build a business rooted in confidence and authenticity, and what it really takes to attract the right customers, whether you’re a perfumer or creative entrepreneur.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Do...
2025-12-0830 min
The Perfume Making PodcastYou’ve Made Soup! - How to Avoid a Muddy Fragrance“You’ve made soup!” is a phrase French perfume teachers often say to their students. In the world of fragrance, soup refers to a perfume that smells muddy, flat, or undefined. But what causes a scent to turn into “soup,” and how can you prevent it?
In this week’s episode, Karen breaks down the many ways a perfume can lose its clarity and character, often through well-intentioned choices that seem right at first. Tune in to learn the common pitfalls.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
One easy way to achieve a muddy scent is by consta...
2025-11-1034 min
The Perfume Making PodcastRaw Notes - What I Learned from Bruce SpringsteenKaren recently went to the cinema, something she doesn’t do very often. However, on this one-off trip to see the new Bruce Springsteen film, something resonated with her. We often chase perfection, either from our own standards or from what we assume others expect from us, but sometimes, the real beauty lies in imperfection. In this week's episode, Karen is here to talk about how the thing you create might be more successful if you just let go and be true to yourself.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
One of the main storylines of the new Springsteen film is...
2025-11-0318 min
The Perfume Making PodcastThe Evolution of Musk - Part 2Following on from last week's show on the history of Musk, Karen is here to tell you all about the synthetic musks. First developed by accident in the 1930s, synthetic musks have evolved through many different variations, each one advancing from what has come before. In this episode, Karen gives you a full and comprehensive overview of the history of synthetic musk, how they changed the perfume industry, and the musks that you should have in your toolbox.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Nitro Musks were the first synthetic musks, discovered in the late 1880s by accident. Karen gives y...
2025-10-2740 min
The Perfume Making PodcastThe Evolution of Musk - Part 1This week, Karen is introducing the first in a two-part series on musk. Musk started life as one of the most prestigious materials in the world of perfumery and was often associated with nobility and power. However, over the years, it has constantly evolved and, today, is seen as one of the most common and well-known materials in all of perfumery. In this episode, Karen takes you on a journey from the beginnings of musk to its place in the modern-day world and how it has shaped both perfumery and culture over hundreds of years.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
2025-10-2039 min
The Perfume Making PodcastSoapy, Sparkling, Strange - A Journey Through AldehydesAfter last week’s episode on Chanel No. 5 and its revolutionary use of aldehydes, Karen is going to delve deeper into this fragrance family and its role in the world of perfume. Whilst most people associate aldehydes with Chanel and, in domestic use, soap, there are many different types of aldehydes that produce various fragrances. So, if you want to know your aliphatics from your aromatics, then this is the episode for you.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Whilst organic in their chemistry, aldehydes are synthetic in fragrance. However, natural aldehydes are starting to appear. Karen details the availability of...
2025-10-1330 min
The Perfume Making PodcastDecoding Aldehydes - The Chemistry of Chanel No. 5Over the years, Karen has received countless questions about one fragrance family in particular: aldehydes. They often leave people puzzled about what they are and how they’re used in perfumery. In this episode, Karen breaks down the fragrance family that sparked a true revolution in the perfume industry. Focusing on Chanel No. 5, the impact it made, and its groundbreaking use of aldehydes, this show explores what aldehydes are, and why they matter.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Coco Chanel lived a very interesting and, at times, controversial life. But, as Karen explains, it was her li...
2025-10-0621 min
The Perfume Making PodcastSynthetic Scents - The Risks of AI in PerfumeryLast week, in one of Karen’s classes, a student was surprised to learn that some information she had received from ChatGPT was inaccurate. With AI becoming increasingly common in perfume making - from formulations to safety advice - this week, Karen is offering an overview of how AI fits into the world of fragrance, where it can be helpful, where it falls short, and how you can get the most out of this ever-evolving tool.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
How exactly do models like ChatGPT work? Where do they get their information from, and ho...
2025-09-2935 min
The Perfume Making PodcastWhen Chemistry Meets Creativity - A Beginner’s Guide to Synthetic Perfume MaterialsKaren often hears from people who work exclusively with natural materials in their fragrances but are beginning to notice the limitations, whether it’s their blends smelling too much like aromatherapy products or lacking longevity. If you want to move past these challenges and create fragrances that compare to commercial ones, the key is to incorporate synthetics. In this episode, Karen will share her recommendations for ten synthetic materials to add to your toolkit that will elevate your perfume creations to the next level.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Hedione is a synthetic material that closely resembles jasmine, but sm...
2025-09-2239 min
The Perfume Making PodcastEau de What? - Demystifying Perfume ConcentrationsThis week, Karen is tackling a question she's asked all the time, especially by those transitioning from aromatherapy to natural perfumery: “What’s the deal with concentration levels for leave-on and rinse-off products?” It’s a topic surrounded by myths, often fueled by social media posts or 'how-to' guides, and the conflicting advice out there only adds to the confusion. That’s why, in this week’s episode, Karen will set the record straight and share everything you need to know about concentration, so you can step confidently into the world of natural perfumery.
KEY TAKEAWAY...
2025-09-1525 min
The Perfume Making PodcastThe Art of Weaving Time - Crafting Order from ChaosAfter a well-deserved break, which was extended by a week, Karen is back. During her time off she took part in ‘Hampshire Open Studios’, a scheme where artists across Hampshire open up their workshops to the public. Karen decided to run a pop-up perfume bar and actually learned a lot. She also had a lot of downtime and was able to reflect on its importance. So, in this week's episode, Karen is sharing her learnings from both these events and her overall message of creating a healthy work life balance.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Karen is u...
2025-09-0836 min
The Perfume Making PodcastRest - The Most Underrated NoteAfter 110 episodes, week in, week out, on top of 3 ongoing courses, authoring her latest book, a family trip to France, and a family wedding in Spain, Karen has decided to take a well-earned break over August. That’s why, in this week’s brief episode, Karen is talking about the importance of stepping back and taking some time to let life happen. From following up on projects that you’ve promised yourself you’d do for months, to just taking a little time to experiment for yourself, Karen is going to do it all this August, without doing anything.
2025-07-2822 min
The Perfume Making PodcastThe Tincture Trap - Why Tinctures Often Fall FlatThis week Karen is addressing a question she gets asked all the time regarding the use of tinctures in perfumery. The short answer to this question is that tinctures don’t work. But, with so many people using this process, there has to be something to it, doesn’t there? In this episode, Karen gives you a comprehensive lesson on tinctures from early history to the way they behave in perfumes, and even how the sperm whale plays a part in the whole process, so that you too can become an expert on tinctures and their usage.
KEY...
2025-07-2127 min
The Perfume Making PodcastToo Much of a Good Smell - The Myth of Longevity in PerfumeryThis week on the show, Karen is finally addressing an issue that has been annoying her for years - the obsession with extreme longevity of a fragrance. There is a theory that the longer a perfume lasts, the more desirable and worthwhile it is - but Karen is calling that a myth. In this week's episode, Karen is here to explain that just because something doesn't last, that doesn’t mean it’s bad. Instead, she argues
that perfume is meant to be savoured in personal moments—it's something for yourself, not for others. The real challenge lies in how to...
2025-07-1419 min
The Perfume Making PodcastThe Architecture of Aroma - Structuring Floral FragrancesKaren has a new live course coming up, on the 7th of July, and in this episode she wants to explore two things that link into that live course - Floral Fragrances and Structure. Working with florals, without experience, can be an overwhelming task that often leads to disappointing results as florals are dense materials that fight with each other if you don’t know how to mix them. But, when you get florals right, they can lead to some of the most rewarding results in all of perfume making. In this episode, Karen gives a brief overview of th...
2025-07-0726 minThe Perfume Making PodcastReflections of 30 Years - Things I Would Tell My Younger SelfInspired by a recent chat with her social media manager, and the realisation that she is approaching thirty years in the perfume business, Karen has decided to take a look back and ponder on the thing that she would tell her younger self if the opportunity arose. When you’re new to anything, whether it be a perfume business or not, you are also naive. Only with time, failure and growth can we realise the mistakes we have made in the past. In this episode, Karen looks back at her career and imparts her wisdom upon you, from learning to...
2025-06-3031 minThe Perfume Making PodcastLessons That Last Part 4 - Building a Brand Without Breaking the BankTo date, my new mini-series has very much been focused on the creation of your fragrances. However, once it’s created, it becomes the time to put it out into the big wide world. But, how do you achieve it if you’re a small independent perfume maker and you don’t have the marketing budget or resources of a big company? Whether you know it or not, you’re also carrying an expectation that you’ll put your product on the internet and people will flock to buy it. In this episode, I give you the reality of both: what...
2025-06-2336 min
The Perfume Making PodcastLessons That Last Part 3 - How to Structure a ScentA problem that most of Karen’s students inevitably face is how to structure a scent. Once they learn the perfume pyramid, top, middle and base notes, they assume that they have learned all they need to know…but they haven’t. The problems arise when synthetic materials are introduced as the perfume pyramid is not the best model for them. In this episode, Karen is going to break down when the pyramid structure works and when you should seek alternative solutions, and, she’s also going to share her tried and tested method when working with synthetics. KEY TAKE...
2025-06-1627 min
The Perfume Making PodcastLessons That Last Part 2 - Learning MaterialsAfter taking a slight detour to the Rose Retreat last week, Karen is back with her ‘Lessons that Last’ mini-series, and this week she is taking a look at the process and importance of learning materials. The most important, but also time-consuming aspect of perfume making is learning materials, because without knowing how they smell, interact with each other and react to the skin, you simply can’t make fragrances. There are so many materials the task of learning them inside out can appear to be impossible. But fear not, it is possible, and Karen is here to share all the...
2025-06-0939 min
The Perfume Making PodcastRose Overdose - My Week at The Rose RetreatKaren has just returned from a trip to Bulgaria where she attended the Rose Retreat by Rose Overdose. In this week’s episode, she is here to give you a debrief on the whole experience. From visiting rose fields to witnessing the distillation process and even stopping off at a local winery to sample the vino, Karen enjoyed the complete Rose Retreat experience. So, if you’ve ever wanted to attend, but don’t know what to expect, sit back and enjoy this episode as Karen takes you on an all encompassing tour of the Rose Retreat. KEY TAKEA...
2025-06-0239 min
The Perfume Making PodcastBranding 101 - An Interview with Fiona Humberstone, The Brand StylistThis week Karen is joined by Fiona Humberstone, also known as ‘The Brand Stylist’. Fiona has worked with clients ranging from tiny artisan brands to large country estates, as well as being a published author and course facilitator. With a lifetime of experience, it’s safe to say that what Fiona doesn’t know about branding isn’t worth knowing. In this interview with Karen, Fiona gives an insightful crash course on everything from what to consider when creating your branding to how to separate your personal tastes from the needs of your brand. KEY TAKEAWAYS When creati...
2025-05-2659 min
The Perfume Making Podcast100 Episodes Later… Lessons That LastWhen Karen started this podcast, she expected to do no more than 20 episodes that would address the most common questions she receives. However, things took a turn and here we are at episode 100. To celebrate this landmark, Karen isn’t going to do the usual and look back at the show’s highlights, instead she is beginning a brand new mini-series based on things that still hold true after 100 shows. KEY TAKEAWAYS With so many tutorials, tiktok accounts and influencers out there, “How do I know if I’m doing this right?” is still a question that Karen...
2025-05-1926 min
The Perfume Making PodcastYou Don’t Have to Break the Bank - Starting a Perfume Brand on a Realistic BudgetThis week Karen is addressing a question she is asked all the time on social media and through email - “I’m obsessed with perfume and I want to start my own brand, but I don't have the money to invest…can you help me for free?” Well, the answer is yes and no. In this episode, Karen breaks down the hard truths of starting a perfume brand, and whilst you can’t do it for free, it doesn't have to cost the world. Covering what you can start with, what you can do for free and where you need to be...
2025-05-1236 min
The Perfume Making PodcastThe Democratisation of Scent - Perfume in the Digital AgeThis week on the show, Karen is joined by Thomas Dunckley AKA The Candy Perfume Boy, 6 time Jasmine award winner, writer, trainer and industry consultant. After taking a step away from the industry Thomas has returned with a new mission and a new branding - ‘Making Scents Make Sense’. Thomas’ mission is to cut through the snobbery and gatekeeping traditionally associated with the perfume industry in an attempt to make it more accessible to more people. In this interview with Karen, Thomas breaks down his mission, his manifesto and how, piece by piece, the influencers and bloggers are making the fr...
2025-05-0552 min
The Perfume Making PodcastFrom Day Job to Dream Job - Why it’s Never Too Late to Follow Your DreamsThis week Karen is joined by Artisan Perfumery Mastermind alumni Gabrielle Durand, the founder of natural fragrance brand ‘On the Nose’ perfumes. After a long career in the corporate world of HR, Gabrielle decided to take a leap of faith and follow her lifelong dream of being a perfumer. Changing your career late in life can be a very daunting prospect, but Gabrielle was determined to succeed. In this inspirational interview with Karen, Gabrielle takes us, step by step, on her journey from day job to dream job. KEY TAKEAWAYS Gabrielle had a long and successful caree...
2025-04-2848 min
The Perfume Making PodcastFrom Scroll to Sold - Mastering Social Media for Brand GrowthThis week Karen is joined by Kate Beavis, a social media strategist and content expert. Kate has been working with Karen since 2018 on her social media presence to make her brand feel authentic and not overwhelming. And, after Karen’s initial reluctance to use social media, Kate has shown her the many benefits that can come from embracing your online presence. In this interview, Kate spills the many secrets, tips and tricks she has learned over the years, from which social media platform you should use to how to drive engagement with your posts, so that you can grow yo...
2025-04-211h 38
The Perfume Making PodcastA Nose for the Niche - Crafting a Unique Fragrance VoiceThe world of indie perfumes has become extremely crowded, leading people to wonder if there is space for their product in a marketplace full to the brim. And, that is the question Karen is here to address this week. Entering any marketplace as a beginner can feel daunting, but facing one that is over-saturated and full of high end brands posing as independent can easily be enough to give you second thoughts. However, in this week's episode, Karen is here to tell you that you have nothing to fear and, there is space for you, as long as you...
2025-04-1437 min
The Perfume Making PodcastSuccess Doesn’t Have a Deadline - The Importance of Moving at Your Own RhythmLast week Karen took the time to reflect but, as most of us do after we have a brief rest bite, she now feels the pressure to act with urgency creeping up on her. So, what happens when ambition and energy are at complete odds? The pressure we place on ourselves to be instantly successful, coupled with the pressure from society, is very real and can cause us to doubt our every move. However, the one thing that society doesn't teach us is that success is subjective. In this week's episode, Karen is here to tell you that you’re...
2025-04-0729 min
The Perfume Making PodcastThe Art of Stopping - A Moment to ReflectKaren has just returned from a four week trip around Australia where she attended a family wedding and spent time catching up with old friends. However, what struck her unexpectedly, was what she discovered about herself, and her creative process, once she actually stopped and got off the hamster wheel. On this week’s episode, Karen shares both her travel experiences and what they revealed to her in the larger scheme of things, once she had time to look back and reflect. KEY TAKEAWAYS Karen spent some time catching up with old friends in Australia. However, whe...
2025-03-3146 min
The Perfume Making PodcastThe Emotional Palette - Using Colour to Connect with ConsumersThis week Karen is joined on the show by Karen Haller, an expert in behavioural colour psychology and author of ‘The Little Book of Colour’, to discuss how colour shapes our experience of scent. The first thing any consumer sees when they interact with your product is the colours, and whether you mean it or not, the consumer will have an emotional response to that colour. In this fascinating interview, Karen shares her vast knowledge on the use of colour, how it makes us feel and behave and how you can use colour to maximum effect to influence your cust...
2025-03-241h 11
The Perfume Making PodcastThe Essence of Roses - From Harvest to HeartThis week Karen is talking to Silvia Yonkova, founder of Rose Overdose, a company that grows roses and produces stunning fragrances from them. But, on top of this, Silva also hosts a yearly ‘Rose Retreat’ where budding perfumers can experience what it’s like to harvest roses and work with organic materials. In this interview with Karen, Silvia shares her family's rich history with roses, what inspired her to move into the world of perfumery and gives details of her not-to-be-missed retreat. KEY TAKEAWAYS Silvia grew up in a family of rose growers. However, when sh...
2025-03-1753 min
The Perfume Making PodcastExperience of a Lifetime - An Interview With Pia Long Part 2Following on from last week’s episode, Karen is once again joined by Pia Long for part 2 of her interview. In this second part, Pia gets into the passionate side of her career. As she explains to Karen, she has long been an outspoken advocate for regulation reform and fragrance compliance. She explains her views to Karen, and how her work and advocacy led her to be the recipient of unexpected recognition. KEY TAKEAWAYS In 2024 Pia received the ‘Septimus Piesse Visionary Award’ from the Institute of Art and Olfiction for her advocacy work around regulations, she explai...
2025-03-101h 00
The Perfume Making PodcastExperience of a Lifetime - An Interview With Pia Long Part 1This week Karen is delivering the first of a two-part interview with Pia Long, head perfumer at Olfiction. Pia has worked in almost all areas of the perfume industry from sales and marketing to product development and quality control. She has, to use a cliche, seen and done it all. In the first part of this interview, Pia goes into depth about her incredible journey from student to master and talks with Karen about the changes she has seen in the industry over the years that give her hope that the budding perfumers of today may not have to...
2025-03-031h 04
The Perfume Making PodcastBack to Basics Part 4 - Why The Fragrance Journal is the Best Tool You’re Not UsingThis week marks the final episode in Karen’s back to basics mini series, and as a special treat, she is focusing on something that often gets overlooked - fragrance journaling. Although many people don’t have one, a fragrance journal is a key tool to helping you progress as a perfumer. Whether its notes on your formulation or mood boards for inspiration, your journal should be your personal bible for your perfume making journey. In this episode, Karen breaks down why you should have one, what to put in it and how you can then use that information to t...
2025-02-2430 min
The Perfume Making PodcastBack to Basics Part 3 - The Importance of Having an Efficient WorkspaceKaren is back for part three of her ‘Back to Basics’ mini series and this week she is taking a look at how to set up your workspace so you can create perfume safely and efficiently. When we start something new, diving in and trying everything at once is exciting and refreshing, but without proper preparation and organisation this way of working can lead to headaches down the road. In this episode Karen is here to explain not only how to organise your workspace, but why it is essential to do it in a safe and organised manner so that...
2025-02-1742 min
The Perfume Making PodcastBack to Basics Part 2 - A Beginner's Guide to Perfume FormulationKaren’s ‘back to basics’ mini-series continues this week with part two, which takes a look at ‘Formulation’. Formulation is, as Karen says, “The reason you are here.” It is the very essence of perfume making, but it is also an area that most beginners rush into and, by doing so, make a number of costly, but easily avoidable, mistakes. In this episode, Karen breaks down the basics of formulation, guides you through the process of creating stunning formulas and goes into detail on the most common mistakes so that you can avoid them and formulate with ease. KEY TAKEAWAYS...
2025-02-1045 min
The Perfume Making PodcastBack to Basics Part 1 - Selecting the Right MaterialsThis week Karen is introducing a new mini series that will be looking back at the basics of creating your own fragrances. In this first part Karen is tackling the topic of selecting the right materials. With so many options out there, material selection can be an overwhelming task for first-timers. But Karen is here to guide you through everything from synthetics or naturals to choosing the right supplier and how to store your materials so that you can begin your perfume making journey today. KEY TAKEAWAYS There’s a trap that most first-time perfumers fall int...
2025-02-031h 00
The Perfume Making PodcastA Strong Base - Why Alcohol is the Best Place to StartThis week, Karen is going all the way back to a fundamental topic for those starting their journey in perfumery - “Why alcohol based perfumes are the best starting point for beginners.” Alcohol, as a base material, often gets overlooked and has many false narratives surrounding it. But, it is actually the best place to start your perfume journey. In this episode, Karen is here to explain what makes alcohol so unique and debunk all those myths surrounding it so that you can start your perfume making journey with ease. KEY TAKEAWAYS Alcohol evaporates very quickly. Most...
2025-01-2742 min
The Perfume Making PodcastNext Steps - How You Can Grow Your Brand with ConfidenceKaren recently received an email from a listener that posed an interesting question…”Should I keep my business doing what is already working or should I branch out and try something new?” Stepping into a new world can be daunting and can leave you second guessing if you’ve made the right choice, however, there is a way to do this and minimise your risk. This week, Karen is here to explain how you can expand your business into new and exciting avenues without losing what you have built and how you can grow your brand with confidence. KEY TAKEAW...
2025-01-2031 min
The Perfume Making PodcastFragrance 2.0 - The Integration of Technology and ScentOn this week's show Karen is joined by a leader in the tech world of fragrance, Camila Thomas. Founder of Air Parfum, a device that allows you to test multiple fragrance without sensory overwhelm, WikiParfum, a digital encyclopedia of fragrance, and ScentXP, a platform that bridges the gap behind online and in-store scent discovery. In this interview with Karen, Camila explains how technology and AI are revolutionising the consumer experience in the fragrance sector, why an open attitude to tech will benefit everybody and how sight is the new smell. KEY TAKEAWAYS When Camila, who...
2025-01-1351 min
The Perfume Making PodcastReflections for Growth - Learning From 2024 to Build a Better 2025Happy New Year and welcome to the first episode of 2025. Before bursting into the new year with a host of new content, Karen is here to deliver an interactive episode that will allow you to look back and reflect on 2024. Whilst you may not think you achieved much last year, Karen is here to offer you some prompts and advice that might just make you think different. And, once you’ve completed your recap of 2024 Karen will walk you through how these observations can help make 2025 a year to remember. KEY TAKEAWAYS Before Karen tak...
2025-01-0634 min
The Perfume Making PodcastScent Shift Part 3 - The Smell of Success - Creating Habits with ScentThis week marks the third and final part of Karen’s mini series on her scent shift programme. This time of year we all make promises to ourselves about how the next twelve months will be different but, as we all know, these promises never last. The reason they never last is that we always fail to create new habits, which are the key to lasting change. Karen is here to help. In this episode, she explains how to use scent to form and sustain positive habits so that 2025 can be the year of change for you in more wa...
2024-12-1639 min
The Perfume Making PodcastScent Shift Part 2 - Creating Emotional Anchors With ScentWelcome to part two of this mini series inspired by Karen’s ‘Scent Shift’ programme, which looks at how scent can be a tool for meditation and wellbeing. This week, Karen is looking at how to create emotional anchors with scent. Emotional anchors are an incredibly powerful tool that can be harnessed to bring about positive changes to all aspects of your life. But, how do they work, when can you use them and how do you create them? Karen answers all these questions and more so that you can start creating your own emotional anchors today. KEY TAK...
2024-12-0931 min
The Perfume Making PodcastScent Shift Part 1 - How Fragrance Influences EmotionsThis week’s episode marks the first in a series of shows inspired by Karen’s ‘Scent Shift’ programme, which looks at how scent can be a tool for meditation and wellbeing. In this first part, Karen is looking specifically at how fragrance interacts with our brains to influence our emotions. Drawing from the evidence based research, Karen explains not only how this happens, but why. And, teaches you how to utilize this incredible power of scent to your advantage to live a healthier and calmer life. KEY TAKEAWAYS Why does the smell of perfume, or anythi...
2024-12-0222 min
The Perfume Making PodcastBeyond the Scroll - The Positive Impact of Social Media on Your BusinessAfter receiving a couple of emails from people who were reluctant to join Karen’s online workshops because they were to be hosted on Facebook, Karen has been inspired to produce an episode on social media. Whilst social media is ever present in our lives and can be seen to have negative effects on our health and wellbeing, if you use it correctly, it can be an extremely powerful tool for business. In this episode, Karen gives a full overview of social media, its many platforms, the areas to be wary of and how you can leverage it to ge...
2024-11-1137 min
The Perfume Making PodcastReframing Your Thoughts and Fears - How a Mindset Change Can Take You to the Next LevelRunning a successful perfume business doesn’t just require someone who can blend materials to create a sweet scent, or someone who can market effectively. A truly successful perfume business also requires someone with the right mindset. That’s why, this week on the show, Karen is taking a break from regular programming and presenting an interactive episode designed to change your mindset. With exercises on planning your future, overcoming fears and stepping into the unknown, this episode will give you the tools to be successful and elevate your journey as a perfumer to the next level. KEY T...
2024-11-0435 min
The Perfume Making PodcastSlow and Steady Wins the Race - Why Rushing Will Only End in DisasterKaren recently received an email asking for her advice on launching a perfume brand. However, the author of the email had only given themselves a 6 month deadline to get everything ready to launch. Karen’s instant reaction - “This is not enough time.” Perfume making is not just a science, it’s an art. And, like all art, it can’t be rushed. In this episode, Karen doubles down on the importance of taking your time to get where you want to go and explains the process and procedures for making sure you do it right. KEY TAKEAWAYS...
2024-10-2828 min
The Perfume Making PodcastIt Takes Time - Growing Your Brand Piece by Piece with Liz GrechThis week Karen is joined by Liz Grech, an alumni of Karen’s Artisan Perfumery Mastermind course and founder of Olentium, a perfume brand based in Malta. Liz started her career as a journalist before the birth of her son unexpectedly moved her into the world of fragrance. In this interview with Karen, she discusses her career trajectory, how it takes time to find your voice, what you can do as an indie brand to compete with the big boys and how it felt to be a finalist at the Art & Olfaction Awards in 2024. KEY TAK...
2024-10-2157 min
The Perfume Making PodcastThe Time is Now - When to Take Aligned ActionThis week on the show, Karen is taking a break from regular programming and presenting you all with a diary-style episode after spending the last week thinking about staying in alignment with your actions, not just in business, but in life. In this episode Karen covers what it means to stay true to your values and creative goals, the importance of avoiding the shoulds, and her top tips for achieving a work-life balance so that you can stay in perfect alignment. KEY TAKEAWAYS What does it mean to take aligned action? From her experience, Ka...
2024-10-1441 min
The Perfume Making PodcastAn Introduction to Fragrance Families - Part 5 FougereThis week marks the fourth and final part of Karen’s mini-series on fragrance families. And, she’s ending the series with one of the most important families - Fougere. Created over a century ago, Fougere has had an immense impact on the perfume industry, from its pioneering use of synthetics to its worldwide appeal with the launch of ‘Brut’. In this episode, Karen tells you all you need to know about Fougere, from why it's lasted so long, the key ingredients, and how to make your Fougere fragrance. KEY TAKEAWAYS Karen gives a detailed overview...
2024-10-0741 min
The Perfume Making PodcastAn Introduction to Fragrance Families - Part 4 AmberContinuing her deep dive into fragrance families, this week sees Karen delving into the world of Amber fragrances. Known for their warmth, richness, and versatility, amber fragrances have remained incredibly popular from their inception in ancient Egypt to the modern day. Unique in their makeup and with an incredible number of variations, there is a lot to learn about amber fragrances. In this episode, Karen covers everything you need to know to get started on the road to understanding the wonderful world of amber. KEY TAKEAWAYS Amber fragrances are unique in that they are ac...
2024-09-3040 min
The Perfume Making PodcastAn Introduction to Fragrance Families - Part 3 ChypreKaren is continuing her in-depth look at different fragrance families. This week, she’s taking a look at the misunderstood Chypre family. Created in 1917, the chypre family of fragrances has never been considered the best or most popular but has stood the test of time, and the family continues to grow with new subcategories being added year on year. In this episode, Karen details everything you need to know about this family of fragrances and explains why you might benefit from creating your very own chypre fragrance. KEY TAKEAWAYS The chypre fragrance was first cre...
2024-09-2337 min
The Perfume Making PodcastAn Introduction to Fragrance Families - Part 2 FloralThis week Karen is continuing her series on fragrance families, looking at floral families. The largest and most varied family in fragrance production, florals have stood the test of time and are as popular today as they ever were. From key notes to the difference between soliflore and floral bouquets and a breakdown of some of the most popular notes, Karen covers everything you need to know about this famous family, and also, why they are so popular. KEY TAKEAWAYS Florals are among the most popular fragrances in the world of perfume. Karen details the reasons b...
2024-09-1643 min
The Perfume Making PodcastAn Introduction to Fragrance Families - Part 1 CitrusThis week Karen is starting a new mini series, looking at each of different fragrance families. And, to start, she’s looking at one of her personal favorites, Citrus. In this jam packed show Karen covers what materials go into a citrus fragrance, the right notes to add to make your scent last longer, key regulations to understand and the interesting history of citrus fragrances. And, on top of all of that, Karen also breaks down her step by step guide to help you create your very first citrus fragrance. KEY TAKEAWAYS What materials go into a c...
2024-09-0943 min
The Perfume Making PodcastCustomers are Waiting - Selling Your Products on Amazon with Kelly ColmanThis week Karen is joined by Kelly Colman, an award winning product expert. After developing and selling her own cosmetics products, Kelly now helps other entrepreneurs find their niche and sell their products on Amazon. Surprisingly, most people don’t consider the possibility of selling on Amazon for various reasons, such as the high levels of competition or fear or altering the perception of their brand. However, as Kelly explains in this episode, there are masses of customers already on the platform waiting to buy your products, and she’s about to share with you the secrets to accessing them...
2024-09-021h 16
The Perfume Making Podcast2+2=4 - Perfume Math Made EasyGet 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 You've got your materials measured out, you’ve made your accords, but now you wan...
2024-08-1220 min
The Perfume Making PodcastOvercoming Overwhelm - Where, When and How to Start Perfume MakingThis 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 tackl...
2024-08-0541 min
The Perfume Making PodcastEye of the Beholder - How You Can Create a World Class Visual Brand on a BudgetThis week on the show Karen is joined by Natalie Napoleon, a world renowned visual branding strategist and product photographer with over 25 years of experience. An expert at creating strong, unique visuals for brands, Natalie is always asked by indie brands “How can I compete with the big companies?” Luckily, that’s where Natalie’s passion lies. In this interview with Karen, Natalie is going to reveal her deepest secrets so that you, and your brand, can stand out and stand tall next to the giants of the industry. KEY TAKEAWAYS Most small companies don’t hav...
2024-07-0156 min
The Perfume Making PodcastNothing to Lose, Everything to Gain - Jumping Head First into the World of Perfumery with Liz MooresThis week on the show Karen is joined by Liz Moores, founder of Papillon Perfumery. When Liz started her brand she was taking a huge gamble. Self-taught, inexperienced and jumping into an already heavily populated marketplace, Liz’s view was “I’ve got nothing to lose.” If her venture didn’t work out, she was prepared to sell her initial batch of fragrances at a car boot sale to recoup her investment. However, after some early positive reviews, Liz found great success and her brand has grown from strength to strength. In this interview with Karen, Liz details her unique app...
2024-06-241h 07
The Perfume Making PodcastThe Master of Scent - The Life and Work of Jean CarlesThis 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 ‘Je...
2024-06-1730 min
The Perfume Making PodcastThe Beginners Challenge - 8 Challenges You Will Certainly Face and How to Overcome ThemKaren 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...
2024-06-1046 min
The Perfume Making PodcastA Leap of Faith: Why Following Your Dreams is the Most Rewarding Thing You Can DoThis 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 wi...
2024-05-2052 min
The Perfume Making PodcastMindfulness and Meditation: How Internal Exploration Enhances Creativity in Perfume MakingKaren 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 Karen breaks down the science behind mindfulness and creativity, how we...
2024-05-1344 min
The Perfume Making PodcastPiloting Success: Navigating the Launch of Your Product with Karen's 7 Essential TipsThis 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 TAK...
2024-04-2945 min
The Perfume Making PodcastScents of Success: Crafting Your Fragrance Product Range with KarenThis 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 Karen outlines the critical role of fragrance in product development and why you should have a...
2024-04-1521 min
The Perfume Making PodcastCrafting Exclusivity: The Art and Business of Bespoke PerfumesOn 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 Karen explains the skills that you can acquire from learning the p...
2024-04-0835 min
The Perfume Making PodcastFrom Industrial Engineering to Artisan Perfumery with Marbella PerfumesThis 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 Moving from industrial engineering to perfumery isn’t something a lot of people do. Helida shares her story of this incredible transition. Helida talks about her first steps into the world of perfumery, how h...
2024-04-0149 min
The Perfume Making PodcastThe Scent of Success: How to Confidently Price Your Perfume CreationsThis 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 Karen talks about the basic factors...
2024-03-2525 min
The Perfume Making PodcastBeyond the Drop: Mastering Precision in Perfume MeasurementsThis 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 Karen talks about measuring materials using drops and the problems most people don’t reali...
2024-03-1126 min
The Perfume Making PodcastThe Scent of Controversy: The Unethical Practices of Dupes and CopycatsThis 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 What exactly is a dupe and why are they created? Karen explains. Karen talks about why dupes and copycat scents are not just bad for the perfume industry but are bad practice for perfumers. Karen breaks down the process companies go through to create scents based on...
2024-03-0426 min
The Perfume Making PodcastScented Science: Exploring Synthetic Materials in PerfumeryThis 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 Karen gives an in depth history of ambroxian and how this material opened the door to a new world of perfume making. Karen talks about iso E super, its development and how and why it became the f...
2024-02-1938 min
The Perfume Making PodcastThe Perfumer's Palette: Crafting with Bergamot, Rose, Jasmine, and SandalwoodOver 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 Karen gives a brief history of each of the classic ingredients and shares some surprising facts about each one. Karen discusses the individual scent profiles of each ingredient and the...
2024-02-1231 min
The Perfume Making PodcastThe Commonplace Book: When, Why and How To Use ItThis 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 Karen gives a brief history of the commonplace book, how they have evolved with the intr...
2024-02-0519 min
The Perfume Making PodcastScented Symphony: Balancing Art and Science in Perfume MakingPerfume 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 One of the questions new perfume makers ask themselves is; “Is this the correct ingredient for my fragrance?” Karen explains how this is not as simple a question as it first appears. Karen talks about the safety...
2024-01-2923 min
The Perfume Making PodcastMaking the Most of 2024 - Part 2This 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 What is the one big thing? Karen breaks down what this question actually means and why it’s important to approach it logically and not think too far ahead and end up crea...
2024-01-1525 min
The Perfume Making PodcastMaking the Most of 2024Welcome 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 Karen talks about her ‘word of the year’ and the process of having one and checking back on it at regular intervals can help you get b...
2024-01-0829 min
The Perfume Making PodcastDeepening Your Self-Care Routine with the Power of ScentThis 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 Karen discusses aromatherapy, its history, its benefits and how it enhances physiological and psychological well being. Different scents can be used to trigger different emotional states. Karen goes into detail about...
2023-12-1843 min
The Perfume Making PodcastRoom Fragrances: How to Set the Mood in Any SpaceThis 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 Karen talks about the science and research surrounding different scents and how they evoke different moods and emotions and how you can use this know...
2023-12-0438 min
The Perfume Making PodcastWhy You Shouldn't Use Fragrance Oils In Your PerfumesThis 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 Karen breaks down what fragrance oils are, what they are co...
2023-11-2720 min
The Perfume Making PodcastShould You Make Your Own Perfume?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 Karen discusses the importance of knowing what you want to focus on when starting your own brand. Is it the business side or is it...
2023-11-2033 min
The Perfume Making PodcastAn Education in Fragrance with Lorna MckayThis 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 Lorna talks about her journey in the fragrance industry from becoming fascinated in the psychology of retail to becoming an international buyer to setting up Liberty pe...
2023-11-1355 min
The Perfume Making PodcastStarting A Perfume BusinessThis 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 Karen lays out the things you need to think about before you even make your first bat...
2023-11-0634 min
The Perfume Making PodcastFragrance FamiliesThis 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 Karen breaks down the various different systems and classifications used by different organisations in the perfume industry to identify fragrance families. Karen talks about gender identity in the fragrance industry, how it has evolved over time and ho...
2023-10-3041 min
The Perfume Making PodcastAll About MindsetThis 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 Karen talks about the importance of approaching perfume-making with a beginner's mindset. Not just at the start of you...
2023-10-2321 min
The Perfume Making PodcastWhy I Quit my Job for Perfume: Alumni Interview with Lizzie BrooksThis 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 Lizzie talks about her journey from...
2023-10-1646 min
The Perfume Making PodcastHow and Why to Create a Scent StoryThis 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 Karen talks about how and why creating a story for your scent should be the very first thing that you do. Karen breaks down the elements you...
2023-10-0922 min
The Perfume Making PodcastAsk Karen Anything!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 Karen talks about the importance of mindset and how she values a positive mindset and determination over any other skill you can learn regarding fragrance. Karen of...
2023-10-0248 min
The Perfume Making PodcastGetting Started in the Fragrance Industry: Tips and InsightsThis 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 There are so many more careers in the fragrance industry than a perfumer. Karen breaks down the structure of the indus...
2023-09-2550 min
The Perfume Making PodcastExploring the World of Alcohol-Free Perfumes: A Deep Dive Into Oil-Based FragrancesThis 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 Oil based perfumes are scents that are made without an alcohol base, but not necessarily with an oil base. Karen talks about the advantages of making an oil based perfume over an alcohol based perfume, such as the effects on the skin. Karen talks about the differences in making an oil base...
2023-09-1829 min
The Perfume Making PodcastNavigating Safety Regulations: Selling Perfumes and Fragranced ProductsThis 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 Karen talks about the 3 key safety regulations. Is your product a cosmetic? What product is your scent going to be in? What country are you selling it in? Karen talks about the importance of the E...
2023-09-1134 min
The Perfume Making PodcastPalette Naturals: Creating Natural Fragrances Made Easy With Miriam VareldzisThis 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 Miriam talks about her journey in the cosmetics industry from working summer jobs in department stores to studying architecture to a chance meeting with a family friend that set her on her path to success. Karen and Miriam share a...
2023-09-041h 19
The Perfume Making PodcastAromatic Alchemy: Harnessing Scent's Power to Transform Mind and MoodThis 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 The psychology of scent is a key aspect in t...
2023-08-2833 min
The Perfume Making PodcastMastering the Art of Long-Lasting PerfumesThis 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 Karen explains the difficulty with making a perfume with both diffusion and longevity and gives you some tips on how you can achieve this...
2023-08-2124 min
The Perfume Making PodcastThe Building Blocks of Scent: Delving into the Creation of Perfume AccordsThis week on the Perfume Making Podcast Karen talks about perfume accords. But what exactly is an accord? How are they made? Why are they made? And what makes them integral to perfume making? Karen answers all these questions and gives you a detailed insight into the world of accords so that you can make headway in your perfume making journey. KEY TAKEAWAYS An accord is a blend of two or more materials that when combined together create a new scent that is completely new. Karen explains that the best way to create a fra...
2023-07-2428 min
The Perfume Making PodcastThe Great Perfume Debate: Natural vs. Synthetic Materials UnveiledThis week on the Perfume Making Podcast, Karen enters into the debate around natural versus synthetic materials. At first glance, most people would assume that using natural materials is the preferred method of perfume making for the consumer and the company. However, as Karen explains, the answer to this question is not black and white, there are advantages to both types of material. KEY TAKEAWAYS Although most people will say that they prefer perfumes with natural ingredients over those with synthetics, they are often shocked to discover that they’re favorite scents contain more synt...
2023-07-1728 min
The Perfume Making PodcastPerfume Making 101: What Materials to Buy and Where to Get ThemJoin Karen Gilbert in this captivating episode of the Perfume Making podcast as she unveils the secrets to getting started in the world of perfumery. Discover the must-have perfumery materials and uncover the best sources to acquire them. Karen expertly navigates the complexities of fragrance materials, guiding you through the selection process based on your desired scent profiles. Gain valuable insights on incorporating both natural and synthetic materials to unleash your creativity without limitations. As an added bonus, Karen generously provides a downloadable getting started guide, complete with clickable links to trusted suppliers. Don't miss out on this invaluable...
2023-07-0551 min
The Perfume Making PodcastSetting Up Your Home Perfume Making StudioJoin Karen in this week's episode as she delves into the captivating world of crafting your very own fragrances from the comfort of your own home. Discover the secrets to getting started without breaking the bank, as Karen shares valuable insights on the essential equipment and materials necessary for this aromatic endeavor. Whether you're a passionate hobbyist or aspiring entrepreneur, Karen emphasizes the importance of tailoring your supplies to suit your fragrance-making goals. Tune in to the next episode, where Gilbert will take the reins and delve into his recommended perfume materials kit. KEY TAKEAWAYS
2023-07-0532 min
The Perfume Making PodcastDemystifying Perfume Making: What Goes Into Your Fragrance?In this episode of the Perfume Making podcast, host Karen Gilbert provides a brief history of perfume making, from its use as a religious and healing tool in ancient times to the modern-day fragrance industry. Karen aims to demystify the process of perfume making and the ingredients used in fragrances, helping listeners to either create their own fragrances or be more knowledgeable when selecting perfumes to purchase. Whether listeners are interested in the history of perfume or the science behind its creation, this episode offers a wealth of information and insight. KEY TAKEAWAYS Karen G...
2023-07-0543 min
The Perfume Making PodcastThe Art of Perfume Making: A Beginner's GuideIn the first episode of the Perfume Making Podcast, Karen Gilbert introduces the podcast and shares her passion for demystifying the process of making perfume. While future episodes will focus on the technical aspects of creating fragrances, this episode is dedicated to exploring the reasons why listeners should consider making their own perfumes. Karen highlights the joy of working with scents and the opportunity to create unique fragrances for personal use or even for a business. She encourages listeners at all stages of their perfume-making journey to reflect on their reasons for pursuing this creative endeavour.
2023-07-0527 min
The Student Fitness Experts PodcastEpisode 12: Word artist/ storyteller/ published author/ musician founder/ Director of Creative Learning Place Inc. Karan GoldenKaren Golden Show Notes “Don’t worry so much about the race because it’s not important. What really is important is living in the moment and finding the positivity in life right now.” The purpose of the Student Fitness Experts Podcast series is to empower and educate anyone that works with kids, in a way that benefits the whole child to become successful, strong, and empowered young adults. In this episode of the SFE Podcast, Karen Gilbert, alongside her co-host, Farah Zweig, interviewed Karen Golden, a professional storyteller, arts educator and community activist. With...
2020-10-1341 min