The Perfume Making Podcast

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.

CONTACT DETAILS

This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

Raw Notes - What I Learned from Bruce Springsteen

Mon, 03 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0100

Karen 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 how the record he created sounded raw and unfinished, but how that sound added to the beauty of it. Karen describes how you can apply this working method to your perfume creation.
Karen tells the story of Mark Buxton and how creating an accord based on the markets of Marrakech ended up launching a perfume brand.
A lot of indie perfumers try to replicate the big commercial brands, but, as Karen points out, they are not your competition. Karen shares what really matters when creating your fragrances.

BEST MOMENTS

“Sometimes that raw first version might be exactly what it needs to be.”

“If you try to make something more commercial, you're in danger of moving away from what you set out to achieve.”

“Whatever the thing is that you create, if it expresses what you want it to express, that’s what it should be.”

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.

CONTACT DETAILS

This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

The Evolution of Musk - Part 2

Mon, 27 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0100

Following 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 you the history of this fascinating discovery and how it changed perfume-making.
In the 1930s, macrocyclic musks were developed as a safer and more elegant alternative to nitro musks. Karen details their history, the perfumes that pioneered them, and the impact they had.
Polycyclic musks were developed in the 1950s with the intention of being lower-cost and more commercial. Karen explains how they brought musk into the mainstream, including the Body Shop’s ‘White Musk’.
Due to biodegradability issues of polycyclic musk, alicyclic musks were developed in the 1970s. Karen explains why they were created and how they burst into popularity in the 1990s.

BEST MOMENTS

“Musks are often more of a feeling than they are a specific smell.”

“Musks change when they interact with other materials, so don’t just smell them on a strip, use them.”

“If you’ve ever smelt laundry and thought ‘that smells clean’, that’s a polycyclic musk.”

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.

CONTACT DETAILS

This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

The Evolution of Musk - Part 1

Sun, 19 Oct 2025 23:00:00 +0100

This 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

Musk has a long and fascinating history. Karen takes us through it from its origins in central Asia to its everyday use today.
Historically, musk was sourced from the glands of male deer; however, as the species became endangered, the material could no longer be sourced from the animal. In 1888, Albert Baur made a discovery that changed musk forever.
In the 1970s, a number of fragrances entered the market that changed musk to a much more accessible product. Karen explains how and why.
By the late 1980s, musk was mainstream, in large part due to the Body Shop’s ‘White Musk’. Karen breaks down how this shift affected the perfume industry and people’s perception of musk.

BEST MOMENTS

“Over the years, musk has gone from one of the most expensive materials you can buy to one of the most common synthetics in the world.”

“Musk moved from a sexy smell of desire to one of laundry and light, airiness.”

“Musk feeds that need we have for comfort, especially when the world outside is a much more intense and scary place.”

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.

CONTACT DETAILS

This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

Soapy, Sparkling, Strange - A Journey Through Aldehydes

Sun, 12 Oct 2025 23:00:00 +0100

After 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 these materials and what the future might hold.
Aliphatic aldehydes, the most well-known aldehydes, are complex in their makeup and cover a wide range of materials. Karen breaks down what they are, their uses, and in which products you will find them.
Aromatic aldehydes are soft, powdery, and sweet-smelling materials and do not resemble what most people associate with aldehydes. Karen shares some well-known fragrances that utilize them and explains how they can best serve you.
Green aldehydes are very herbal and are the ones that most people use when first experimenting with perfumery. But what do they smell like, and where can you find them?

BEST MOMENTS

“It’s important to smell these materials yourself. It’s impossible to build your own associations if you’re just reading off a list.”

“Aldehydes oxidise much quicker than most materials, they don’t last as long and can have chemical reactions within your fragrance.”

“If something smells inherently soapy, it’s not necessarily the smell, it’s because your brain has linked that smell to products that use a certain aldehyde.”

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Secret of Chanel No. 5: The Intimate History of the World's Most Famous Perfume

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.

CONTACT DETAILS

This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

Decoding Aldehydes - The Chemistry of Chanel No. 5

Sun, 05 Oct 2025 23:00:00 +0100

Over 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 life experiences that enabled her to create Chanel No. 5
Chanel No. 5 had an interesting early life, both as a product and as a formulation. Karen gives a brief history of this iconic fragrance.
Due to the success of Chanel No. 5, other perfume houses started to use aldehydes more aggressively. Karen shares an overview of the scents that it inspired.
Aldehydes also begin to be incorporated into other products, and in turn, bleed into daily life. Karen details just how prominent aldehydes are in day-to-day living.

BEST MOMENTS

“Coco Chanel was not considered mainstream, but her style created a shift in fashion and culture.”

“What we might think of modern today is going to be the old fashioned of the future.”

“Comparing fragrances of the same genre is an incredibly useful learning tool.”

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.

CONTACT DETAILS

This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

Synthetic Scents - The Risks of AI in Perfumery

Sun, 28 Sep 2025 23:00:00 +0100

Last 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 how do they differ from search engines? Karen explains it all.
Any answer you get from ChatGPT sounds 100% correct and authoritative. As Karen explains, not only is there a reason for this, but it’s also one of its major flaws.
A lot of the big perfume houses have been very vocal recently about incorporating AI into their formulation process. However, as Karen points out, it’s not in the same way that you might be using it.
However, despite its flaws, AI can be a very useful tool in some areas. Karen lays out some of the ways in which AI can help you.

BEST MOMENTS

“ChatGPT doesn’t evaluate credibility or cross-check sources to see what is accurate.”

“It isn’t just incorrect, it’s wrong with confidence.”

“If the AI models have been trained by mistakes on the internet, then you can start to understand where the mistakes are coming from.”

VALUABLE RESOURCES

G⁠etting Started Guide

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.

CONTACT DETAILS

This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

When Chemistry Meets Creativity - A Beginner’s Guide to Synthetic Perfume Materials

Sun, 21 Sep 2025 23:00:00 +0100

Karen 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 smells lighter. Karen gives you an overview of this material, which is impossible to overdose, and changed perfume history forever.
Musks are one of the biggest gaps when you’re only working with naturals and it is synthetic musks that give perfume longevity. There are so many synthetic musks that can solve this problem. Karen shares her recommendations for the best synthetic musks to use.
The ‘Heart of the Floral’ is a fragrance made up from a trio of materials, and one of them, muguet, is only available as a synthetic. However, there are a few variations. Karen breaks down the differences between them.
Sandalwood is a widely used material in perfumery, but if you want it to go all the way from the base to the top, you will have to rely on synthetics. Karen explains why and gives her recommendations for materials.

BEST MOMENTS

“Unless you start using synthetics, you're not going to learn how they work.”

“Synthetics don’t replace naturals, they enhance them.”

“There are so many synthetic materials out there that it can be overwhelming to explore them for the first time. But, with the right approach, understanding them can add a new dimension to your perfume making.”

VALUABLE RESOURCES

Perfume Making 101

Episodes on materials

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.

CONTACT DETAILS

This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

Eau de What? - Demystifying Perfume Concentrations

Sun, 14 Sep 2025 23:00:00 +0100

This 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 TAKEAWAYS

One of the biggest misconceptions around this topic is the idea that you can only use 1.5% for a leave-on product and 3% for a wash-off. Karen busts this myth and explains what numbers you should be aiming for.
Many people think that blending a scent for a room product is different from formulating perfume, but this could not be more wrong. Karen explains why the process is the same, but also points out some differences.
The key to getting the fragrance you want is understanding your materials, not hitting targets. Karen gives various examples of how different products are best served with different formulations.
Safety regulations also play a part when deciding upon the concentration of your materials. Karen shares a brief overview of this topic and provides you with valuable resources so you can understand this area fully.

BEST MOMENTS

“Fragrance is fragrance, regardless of what medium you dilute it into.”

“It’s not about the amount of fragrance that you can use in each different product category, it’s about the materials that you use in the formulation.”

“In higher end products, you have a much higher fragrance load, because people expect more performance from a more expensive product. ”

VALUABLE RESOURCES

Short Masterclasses

Spreadsheet Download

Episode 16 - Navigating Safety Regulations

Episode 58 Understanding MOCRA

Website

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.

CONTACT DETAILS

This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

The Art of Weaving Time - Crafting Order from Chaos

Sun, 07 Sep 2025 23:00:00 +0100

After 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 used to teaching people who want to learn about perfume. What she discovered with the pop-up bar is that most of the people visiting were there out of curiosity. She shares how you can adapt your offering to this type of customer.
One thing Karen noticed is that there was a huge inconsistency with the number of people who visited and the length of time they spent in the studio. She gives suggestions on how you can make the most of this.
Ideas come thick and fast when you're creative, and most times we feel the need to act on them straight away. However, this just leads to burnout. Karen gives her top tips on how to manage your ideas in a time-friendly manner.
On top of the ideas you generate for your business, there are also the creative projects that you want to do for yourself, which are equally important. Karen discusses how to make that all important ‘time for yourself.’

BEST MOMENTS

“If you’re considering doing a pop up, be clear about whether you’re there to entertain or educate.”

“The more you step away from your ‘day to day’ the more creative you become and the more ideas you have.”

“The idea of running your own business is to love what you do and really immerse yourself in it.”

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.

CONTACT DETAILS

This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

Rest - The Most Underrated Note

Sun, 27 Jul 2025 23:00:00 +0100

After 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.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Karen gives an overview of her new book and what you can expect from it, but also, how it builds on the work in her previous book.

Despite being a huge advocate for stepping away and doing something for yourself, Karen has realised recently that she hasn’t taken any ‘me time’. She talks about the importance of this time and what she plans to do with it this summer.

During her summer break, Karen is taking part in the ‘Hampshire Open Studios’ programme. She outlines what to expect, how to find her, and when you can visit.

For those of you who love to listen to the show week in, week out, don’t worry, Karen has you covered. She lays out her plan of how to keep you listening and entertained over August.

BEST MOMENTS

“Sometimes the best thing is to step back and let your senses recalibrate.”

“Take a break and take in the world. Try and smell what is around you. It doesn’t have to be about making perfume, it can be just about experiencing scent around you.”

VALUABLE RESOURCES

Hampshire Open Studios

Perfume Making 101

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.

CONTACT DETAILS

This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

The Tincture Trap - Why Tinctures Often Fall Flat

Sun, 20 Jul 2025 23:00:00 +0100

This 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 TAKEAWAYS

What exactly are tinctures, how do you create them, what is their role, and why do people seek to use them in perfumery? Karen gives a crash course on all things tincture.

Historically, tinctures were used in perfumery, and this is part of the reason most people still think they are a viable method today. However, Karen reveals the truth of the origin of tinctures.

From scents breaking down to the onset of mold, there's a lot that can go wrong with your perfumes when using tinctures. Karen gives an overview of the main problems and why they occur.

Ambergris is a material that does actually require tincturing. Karen explains why this material works with tincturing and how to get the best out of it.

BEST MOMENTS

“Originally, tinctures were used as a base and not as an absolute or essential oil.”

“The idea you can tincture any flower and get a usable material is a modern idea and it’s also not true.”

“Creating a structured, repeatable, well balanced fragrance will need materials that are stable and are not going to go off over time.”

VALUABLE RESOURCES

Perfume Making 101 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.

CONTACT DETAILS

This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

Too Much of a Good Smell - The Myth of Longevity in Perfumery

Sun, 13 Jul 2025 23:00:00 +0100

This 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 embrace this idea during the creative process without sacrificing your work.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Recently, consumers and perfumers have begun to confuse durability with quality. Karen breaks down why she thinks this is happening and why it is bad for the fragrance industry.

Karen explains why the beauty of a perfume is not in its longevity but in the smaller moments that make you realise why you’re wearing it in the first place.

When somebody makes a scent they love, but doesn’t last a long time, they try to add materials in a desperate attempt to create longevity. Karen explains why this never works and why it will destroy your scent.

Adding materials that fade away can be an invaluable tool to creating a unique scent. Karen explains why this is and how to achieve this.

BEST MOMENTS

“Perfume isn’t a marathon, it's a moment, an experience. Something that you enjoy whilst it’s happening.”

“The obsession with longevity is drowning out the subtle approach.”

“Don’t start with longevity as the goal. Start with the perfume you want to create.”

VALUABLE RESOURCES

Perfume Making 101 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.

CONTACT DETAILS

This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

The Architecture of Aroma - Structuring Floral Fragrances

Sun, 06 Jul 2025 23:00:00 +0100

Karen 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 the challenges you will face when working with florals, the methods you can use to overcome them and how, by signing up to her live course, you can become a master of working with florals.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Floral materials by their very nature are dense and heavy. This can lead to less than pleasing results the first time you work with them, which can be off putting. However, the answer, as Karen explains, is making sure you have a structure in place.

Despite popular belief, working with florals doesn’t just mean working with natural products. Karen explains how to mix naturals and synthetics to give your floral fragrances a structure that works.

A common mistake people make when working with florals is trying to ‘patch up’ a fragrance that doesn’t smell the way they were hoping. Karen talks about why this is a mistake and the importance of getting your heart accord correct to avoid this problem.

Karen gives a brief overview of the structure she teaches, why it works and what to expect from your fragrances once you’ve learned it through her live course.

BEST MOMENTS

“Once you create a solid fragrance structure, you’re going to be able to use that in every other fragrance type.”

“The issue isn’t the materials, it’s the space between them.”

“People often think that more florals equals better floral fragrance, but it doesn’t work like that.”

VALUABLE RESOURCES

Perfume Making 101 Waitlist

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.

CONTACT DETAILS

This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

Reflections of 30 Years - Things I Would Tell My Younger Self

Sun, 29 Jun 2025 23:00:00 +0100

Inspired 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 say no to being your authentic self, so that you don’t make the mistakes that befall so many.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

One of the biggest mistakes new businesses make, and one Karen did herself, is setting your price point lower than your competitors in the hope that it will win you more customers. Karen debunks this idea and tells you how to calculate a price that works for you and your customers.

When your business venture is new and exciting, work doesn’t feel like work and you find yourself working longer hours. However, as Karen learned that hard way, your energy is not unlimited. Karen explains why ‘sustainable’ isn’t just ideal, it’s the only way.

A lesson that Karen learned from her first ever business is one that still holds true today - “Build your business around your life, not the other way around.” Karen’s new business adopts this philosophy and she shares how different her life is because of it.

‘Be Who You Are’ - is one of the biggest lessons Karen has learnt. In her early days in business she tried to be the person she thought her direct audience wanted her to be, but this became exhausting.

BEST MOMENTS

“The clients who choose you, just because you’re cheap, are not the clients you want.”

“You do not need permission to call yourself a perfumer. If you’re doing that job, you’ve earned the right.”

“Being who you truly are is what attracts your most authentic customers.”

VALUABLE RESOURCES

Rose Fragrance Masterclass Wait List

Journal Prompts

Perfume Making 101 Waitlist

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.

CONTACT DETAILS

This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

Lessons That Last Part 4 - Building a Brand Without Breaking the Bank

Mon, 23 Jun 2025 16:11:00 +0100

To 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 is achievable with marketing within a small indie brand, and what you should expect, and why both of these things can be much bigger and more prosperous than you think.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

The reality versus the expectation of making your first social media post or putting out your first advert is huge. Karen explains what people subconsciously think will happen, what the reality of most situations are, why you’re not alone and what to expect.
In the absence of large budgets and a dedicated marketing team, it can feel like you’re in a David versus Goliath fight most days. However, as Karen explains, the real strengths of marketing lie elsewhere.
Artists do not always feel comfortable selling themselves. Talking about your own work can leave you feeling self conscious or even arrogant, but it is a crucial part of the process. Karen gives you some courage and some tips on how to sell yourself effectively.
All the marketing, sales, likes and comments on social media will never make you happy unless you know the answer to one very important question - “what does success look like to me?” Karen goes into depth on the importance of this point and how knowing the answer is the difference between real success and failure.

BEST MOMENTS

“The gap between the energy you put into the creation and the silence on your first social media post is where a lot of people spiral.”

“Your most important marketing tool is to have real clarity about what you're doing, why you’re creating, who it is for.”

“You can’t make someone buy something they don’t want. But you can share what you’ve created in a way that will connect with the right people.”

EPISODE LINKS

Rose Fragrance Masterclass Wait List

VALUABLE RESOURCES

Perfume Making 101 Wait List

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.

CONTACT DETAILS

This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

Lessons That Last Part 3 - How to Structure a Scent

Sun, 15 Jun 2025 23:00:00 +0100

A 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 TAKEAWAYS

What exactly is the ‘Pyramid Method’? How and why does it work? What is the structure? And how do you use it? Karen tells you all you need to know about this method.
In Karen’s ‘One Day Natural Perfume’ class she teaches a method based around creating accords. She discusses this method, why and how it works and why it is a perfect alternative to the ‘Pyramid Method’.
But once you’ve got your accords how do you work with them? Karen explains why accords are the best foundation of creating a scent, but why, once you’ve created them, you still have work to do.
Once you’ve got an understanding of the different methods of creating a scent, you are left with a question “Which is the right method to use?” Karen details the questions you have to consider when deciding on the right method for the fragrance you are creating.

BEST MOMENTS

“The perfume pyramid works brilliantly for natural perfume because volatility matters.”

“If you master creating great accords, you’re not going to be starting from scratch every time you make a perfume.”

“There isn’t a one-size-fits-all method for every fragrance you will make. They are all tools to help you.”

EPISODE LINKS

Rose Fragrance Masterclass Wait List

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.

CONTACT DETAILS

This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

Lessons That Last Part 2 - Learning Materials

Sun, 08 Jun 2025 23:00:00 +0100

After 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 tips and tricks you need to get through the materials phase without losing your mind.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Most people are faced with huge overwhelm when they first encounter materials, mainly when the realization hits them that the task of learning them is so much bigger than they expected. Karen breaks down why this overwhelm occurs and how best to manage it.
Your understanding of materials will change over time. With this in mind, Karen gives suggestions for how you might plan your learning and also how to make sure you keep going.
Another great way to reduce that overwhelm is to work in a space that feels good to you. Karen shares her top tips on creating the perfect workspace.
Creating a ritual, or as Karen says “Making it something you want to do as opposed to something on your to-do list”, can be a valuable tool to help ease the burden on learning materials. Karen gives some suggestions on how to implement this way of working.

BEST MOMENTS

“Materials are part of a building block of a fragrance. Some don’t smell great on their own. Some don’t click until you start to understand how they work.”

“You don’t have to master materials on day one, but you do have to keep going.”

“Learning materials is like learning a language, and the best way to learn a language is by using it.”

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.

CONTACT DETAILS

This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

Rose Overdose - My Week at The Rose Retreat

Sun, 01 Jun 2025 23:00:00 +0100

Karen 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 TAKEAWAYS

Karen’s first stop on her trip was the rose fields where she was lucky enough to see the roses in full bloom. She shares the interesting facts she learned about the rose family and the harvesting process.
Karen then visited a number of distilleries where she could see first hand the distillation process and how rose oil is extracted from the flowers.
Despite popular belief, rose oils are not always of a single origin. Karen shares what she learned about the oil creation process and the makeup of the final product.
Karen was also able to deliver one of her workshops during the retreat. She discusses the differences and similarities of delivering a workshop in this way.

BEST MOMENTS

“Naturals are reliant on weather, so they change year on year.”

“Roses come from the same botanical family as raspberries.”

“Roses are collected in plastic sacks as the plastic helps accelerate the fermentation process.”

ROSE MASTERCLASS: Click Here

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.

CONTACT DETAILS

This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

Branding 101 - An Interview with Fiona Humberstone, The Brand Stylist

Sun, 25 May 2025 23:00:00 +0100

This 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 creating a branding how do you merge the marketing and the authentic self? Fiona discusses the importance of being true to your values so that your product or company does not just become a soulless product of marketing.
Most people think branding is picking a colour scheme and nice font, but this couldn’t be further from reality. From mood boards to understating your why, Fiona breaks down what really goes into creating a brand.
What are the key considerations you must account for whilst creating branding specifically for a perfume business? Using the example of a recent client, Fiona talks you through them step by step.
The perfume industry has seen a huge shift post Covid with the phenomenal rise in the number of indie and artisan brands. However, these brands often don’t have the money to spend on fancy branding and marketing campaigns. Karen and Fiona discuss how to make the most of your budget, but also why you need to be realistic.

BEST MOMENTS

“Understanding what you do that is unique is really going to help you to create branding that holds your space.”

“It’s your business, but you are not your brand. So don’t think about choosing a brand you like, think about choosing a brand that works.”

“Do it once, do it properly and it will last you for a decade.”

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Brand Stylist Instagram

EPISODE LINKS

Free Branding course

Free Branding Tools

Branding Agency

Branding Agency Instagram

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.

CONTACT DETAILS

This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

100 Episodes Later… Lessons That Last

Mon, 19 May 2025 11:06:43 +0100

When 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 gets weekly. Karen explains how to silence all the noise and follow your own path.
Many people try to get to the end right at the start. But, developing your style is a process, sometimes that can take years. Karen details how to enjoy this journey and gives some tips on how to get the most out of it.
Something Karen still sees a lot of is people investing in materials, signing up to all the courses, making business plans and getting excited and then…nothing. So how do you get over that ‘all or nothing’ mindset to a place of consistency? Karen reveals all.
What all of the above points share is permission. The ability to give yourself permission to work the way you want and create the fragrances you want will be crucial to your success. Karen explains how you can do this.

BEST MOMENTS

“If your method gets you making perfume, it’s working.”

“Your signature style is going to reveal itself when you stop trying to invent it.”

“There is no one right rhythm. Just the one that keeps you connected to yourself and your work.”

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.

CONTACT DETAILS

This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

You Don’t Have to Break the Bank - Starting a Perfume Brand on a Realistic Budget

Sun, 11 May 2025 23:00:00 +0100

This 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 realistic Karen is here to share all her years of experience so you can get started on your dream project without breaking the bank.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Whilst you can learn for free, it does cost money to start a perfume brand, however, it might not be the amount you are thinking of. Karen discusses the importance of creating a budget and what are the non-negotiables.
Starting a new venture can be very exciting and most people have a tendency to do the fun parts first, but this can make you overlook the important parts. Karen explains the importance of setting out your process from the start and doing things in the right order.
With so many products available to create in the fragrance category, why would you choose perfume first? Despite its cost, and the learning curve involved, as Karen explains, it is the ideal first product to create.
You’ve got the fragrance, but now you need to sell it? From bottle sizes to packing designs, Karen gives her top tips on what that product launch should look like.

BEST MOMENTS

“If you’re selling to the public, your product has to be safe, stable, legal and professional.”

“Don’t confuse activity with progress.”

“Guessing can get very expensive, very quickly.”

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.

CONTACT DETAILS

This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

The Democratisation of Scent - Perfume in the Digital Age

Sun, 04 May 2025 23:00:00 +0100

This 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 fragrance industry accessible.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Despite most people's familiarity with blogging, in the grand scheme, it is still a relatively new medium. Karen and Thomas discuss how blogging was first perceived when it was adopted by the perfume industry and how it helped change the industry for the better.
Blogging opened the door to the influencers and influencer culture. Thomas discusses how influencers on TikTok and YouTube have helped transform the perfume industry without the need for all the knowledge that was being held by gatekeepers for so many years.
After suffering from burnout from having so many projects, Thomas took a step away from the perfume industry and his alter ego of The Candy Perfume Boy. However, when inspiration struck he made a comeback. He explains to Karen why he decided to come back and how he was determined to do it on his own terms.
“If you smell it, it’s there” - This is a phrase that Thomas wholeheartedly believes in. He explains to Karen the meaning he takes from it and how that meaning extends to other avenues of the fragrance industry, and, how it helps open the doors of the industry to anyone.

BEST MOMENTS

“The rise of influencer culture has stripped away most of the snobbery from the big brands.”

“Perfume marketing is gender specific, but fragrance doesn’t have gender.”

“In the past, the industry didn’t know what was happening outside the industry, but with the advent of influencers, that has changed.”

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Candy Perfume Boy Blog

EPISODE LINKS

Making Scents Make Sense

Thomas Dunckley Website

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.

CONTACT DETAILS

From Day Job to Dream Job - Why it’s Never Too Late to Follow Your Dreams

Sun, 27 Apr 2025 23:00:00 +0100

This 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 career in HR, however the bug to be a perfumer was one that hadn’t left her since childhood. She recounts to Karen how a chance encounter with online learning led her into her dream career at the tender age of 50.
Gabrielle started making perfumes as a test. Confident that she could make it into a business, it wasn’t until her friend and family started asking for refills that she realised other people were taking it seriously too. She explains to Karen how this spurred her on to take the leap into full time perfumery.
The lessons Gabrielle learned in the corporate world served her well when she launched her new perfume business. She details how she used her learnings to make sure her brand was ready to launch and how it allowed her to communicate her style and vision effectively.
A lot of people carry around the misconception that it’s too late to try something new. Gabrielle, who came to perfumery in her 50’s, explains to listeners why it’s never too late to make a change.

BEST MOMENTS

“It's not just about getting your product to a customer, it’s about making that experience valuable and memorable.”

“In a year, you’re going to be a year older and you’re still going to be questioning if you should make a change. So do it now.”

“It’s not just about getting the perfume right, it’s also about getting the packaging and design right.

VALUABLE RESOURCES

Perfume Business Launch Plan

Bespoke Perfumery Masterclass

On The Nose Perfumes Instagram

EPISODE LINKS

On The Nose Perfumes

Sniffing Out The Details blog

ABOUT THE GUEST

Gabrielle Durand is the founder of On The Nose Perfumes, a natural luxury brand for those who believe natural shouldn’t mean simple. A self-professed maximalist at heart, she creates complex, high-impact fragrances using only pure, natural materials - no shortcuts, no synthetics.
Her work blends craftsmanship, creativity, and a deep respect for nature to offer a new vision of what luxury perfumery can be.

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.

CONTACT DETAILS

From Scroll to Sold - Mastering Social Media for Brand Growth

Sun, 20 Apr 2025 23:00:00 +0100

This 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 your online presence and, ultimately, your brand.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

When Kate started working with Karen they both agreed that Karen’s social media profile was well below average, because she was making some of the most common mistakes. Kate breaks down what those mistakes are and how to avoid them.
With so many social media platforms these days it’s hard to know which ones to join. Do you pick one or join multiple? Kate explains her method for discovering which is the best platform for you.
For all its advantages, social media can be a difficult tool if you are looking to create direct sales of your product. Kate discusses how to overcome this hurdle and use the tools available to you to your advantage.
The idea of creating a new post every day for your social media feeds can be exhausting. However, repurposing old posts can be an invaluable solution to this problem. Kate shares how to repurpose your content and the benefits that can come from this.

BEST MOMENTS

“Most people only show up on social media when they have something to sell or have something personal to say. The trick is to get a mix of both.”

“Don’t chase perfectionism. Building a community is infinitely more important than having a perfect feed.”

“The aim of every post is to get your audience and other people to interact.”

VALUABLE RESOURCES

Free Journal Prompts + Audio Guide

EPISODE LINKS

The Indie Practice

Bossing Midlife

Kate's Instagram

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.

CONTACT DETAILS

A Nose for the Niche - Crafting a Unique Fragrance Voice

Sun, 13 Apr 2025 23:00:00 +0100

The 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 find your niche…

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Gatekeeping will tell you there is only one way to become a perfumer and if you don’t follow that path, you’re doomed to fail. However, Karen does not buy into this theory and explains how there are in fact many routes into the perfume industry.
A lot of people reverse engineer their product by looking for something that doesn’t exist in the marketplace and then creating a product to fit that space. But, as Karen explains, the real niche is already inside of you, you just have to find it.
But, how do you find that niche? Karen shares her personal journey on how she discovered hers and gives you some guidance on how you might find yours.
To help you find your place in the perfume world, Karen has created a set of journal prompts and an accompanying audio guide. She explains how they work and what you will achieve by using them.

BEST MOMENTS

“It’s not always the flashiest branding or fanciest bottle that creates lasting impact. What really cuts through the noise is the work that feels intentional.”

“What the world doesn’t need is more generic.”

“The thing that feels the most ‘you’ is often the thing that you have been dismissing as too weird or too impractical.”

EPISODE LINKS:

VALUABLE RESOURCES

Free Journal Prompts and Audio Guide

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.

CONTACT DETAILS

Success Doesn’t Have a Deadline - The Importance of Moving at Your Own Rhythm

Sun, 06 Apr 2025 23:00:00 +0100

Last 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 doing great, that you don’t have to conform, and shares with you the secrets to finding your own path.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

One common thought people have after a period of reflection is that you “have missed your moment”, which is only enhanced by the current culture of ‘early success is the best success’ However, Karen suggests that, if you pause and look, you might actually be exactly where you need to be.
Finding your own rhythm and way of working is the key to success. Karen shares some tips, and a valuable resource on how to find the working method that works for you.
Karen has discovered that the best working method for her is what she calls ‘Clarity and Flow.’ She explains what this means, how she achieves it and the benefits she receives from working this way.
As much as you can perfect your working methods by yourself, there is still one component that everyone needs…external help. Karen explains the importance of asking for help and suggests some places to look.

BEST MOMENTS

“You have to learn how to move forward differently with compassion and support in a way that works for you.”

“The truth is that most meaningful work takes time.”

“The path of creativity is not linear.”

“Rest is not a reward, it's a requirement.”

EPISODE LINKS

Mindset Course

VALUABLE RESOURCES

Terina Smith Recycling Artist Instagram

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.

CONTACT DETAILS

The Art of Stopping - A Moment to Reflect

Sun, 30 Mar 2025 23:00:00 +0100

Karen 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, when she was there she realised that the friendships had stood the test of time because of the similar career paths they had all taken. She reflects on this and explains the importance of ‘finding your tribe.’
One of Karen’s friends had recently moved back to Australia and was embarking on a new career, but was doubting herself. Karen talks about these transition phases and how it is easy to question if we have made the right choice, but shares tools that you can use to evaluate.
Karen’s next visit was to an artist friend that lives on a farm and uses discarded materials for her artwork. This led Karen to the realisation that we often fall into a trap of thinking we need a perfect plan and all the best tools to start creating, but, as she explains, you might just need what is already there.
One of the big things that Karen did when she was away was not work. But, she also found herself not checking social media or worrying about her regular day to day activities. She talks about how this enabled her inspiration to return as she was no longer pressured to create from the pressure of being on the hamster wheel.

BEST MOMENTS

“When we travel there are some really valuable insights that we can stumble upon.”

“We are allowed to evolve and we are allowed to do it in our own time.”

“There are infinite ways to live and create, find the one that works for you.”

EPISODE LINKS

🎧 Ready to reconnect with your creative clarity?
Grab my free journal prompts + private podcast here.

Miss Libby Rose

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Little Book of Colour

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.

CONTACT DETAILS

The Emotional Palette - Using Colour to Connect with Consumers

Mon, 24 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0100

This 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 customers and elevate your brand.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Karen tried a variety of careers before she arrived at colour psychology. She explains how an epiphany moment with a brown hat and teal feathers opened a whole new world to her.
Karen discusses how brands use colour, both its hue and saturation, to form consumers' preconceptions around the scent and taste of a product.
Whether we want to or not, we make assumptions on products as soon as we see the colours. Karen explains why this happens and the importance of aligning the colours of your brand to your product.
Karen outlines how you can use colour to add aspects to your branding that you might not otherwise be able to afford.

BEST MOMENTS

“One of the biggest myths of colour psychology is that all hues of the same colour give us the same response.”

“We see colour before anything else and colour is an emotion.”

“If your branding and ethos doesn’t align with your colours then your customers will be turned off.”

EPISODE LINKS

Karen Haller Website

Karen Haller Instagram

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.

CONTACT DETAILS

The Essence of Roses - From Harvest to Heart

Mon, 17 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0100

This 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 she was young she began to notice a huge difference between the roses her family grew and those available to the public. She explains how this set her on her journey to perfumery.
Synthetic rose materials are used in most perfume creations. Silvia explains why this is the case which leads the ladies into a discussion about the differences between natural and synthetic rose materials.
Silvia explains what happens at her rose retreats and how she aims to give visitors a different experience from the standard tourist one.
Despite her rich history with and love for roses, as Silvia explains to Karen, it was her desire to show the world that Bulgaria doesn’t just smell of roses that led her to perfume making.

BEST MOMENTS

“What makes the Bulgarian rose so unique is that it is unapologetic.”

“Don’t be in a rush to create your fragrances. Enjoy the journey and let the materials reveal themselves to you.”

“What you smell with synthetic rose materials is not what roses actually smell like. There is no comparison.”

EPISODE LINKS

Rose Overdose Website

Rose Overdose Retreat

Rose Overdose Instagram

VALUABLE RESOURCES

In-person class

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.

CONTACT DETAILS

Experience of a Lifetime - An Interview With Pia Long Part 2

Mon, 10 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0100

Following 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 explains to Karen the work behind the award.
Candle fragrances are one of the most challenging areas of perfumery. Pia explains why and gives a breakdown of the regulations involved.
Pia talks about the state of regulations in the fragrance trade today and why it is a perfect entry point for people looking to break into the industry.
Pia discusses her creative vision, the things that inspire her perfume making and the importance she places on having a story around her brand and scents.

BEST MOMENTS

“A lot of people don’t understand that a fragrance is a fragrance.”

“For the first time since IFRA was founded we’re seeing a shift toward regulations that are so overwhelming that people can’t cope.”

“We take time perfecting our products so that we do justice to them, not just as a novelty.”

EPISODE LINKS

Olfiction Website

VALUABLE RESOURCES

In-person class

ABOUT THE GUEST

Pia Long is a Finnish-born, UK-based perfumer working in Buckinghamshire at Olfiction, the fragrance lab she co-founded with Nick Gilbert in 2016. Her career in the industry spans four decades, during which she has created a multitude of perfumes and product fragrances. She is a member of the International Society of Perfumer Creators, a member of the British Society of Perfumers, on the Executive Board of IFRA UK and a recipient of the Septimus Piesse Visionary Award from the Institute of Art and Olfaction.

Some of her recent creations include fragrances for Eau de Boujee, Vallense, Zoologist, Beaufort, Lindsay April and Atrium.”

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.

CONTACT DETAILS

Experience of a Lifetime - An Interview With Pia Long Part 1

Mon, 03 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0100

This 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 journey the long, hard road she faced.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Pia breaks down her fascinating journey that led her from a language school in Finland to working in TV and film in London and how a very early mid-life crisis led her into the world of perfumery.
Karen and Pia discuss how the vast number of roles within the creative industry often teach you transferable skills that may not be instantly recognisable.
The ladies discuss how much the online community of perfumers has changed over the years and how, unlike when they both began, there is a world of knowledge and support at your fingertips.
Despite the advances in the accessibility to education and resources it still can be extremely difficult to break into the perfume industry. Karen and Pia discuss the concept of gatekeeping and what you can do to get past it.

BEST MOMENTS

“It's extremely difficult to break into the perfume industry, but if you have passion and determination it is possible.”

“The process itself should give you a kick, it shouldn't be about wanting to become famous or being known as a genius.”

“What most people don’t realise is that problem solving is very much a feature of the job when you’re a perfumer.”

VALUABLE RESOURCES

Fast Track Your perfume making with an in person class

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.

CONTACT DETAILS

Back to Basics Part 4 - Why The Fragrance Journal is the Best Tool You’re Not Using

Mon, 24 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0100

This 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 take your perfume making skills to the next level.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

A fragrance journal is an underused tool in perfume making, but Karen aims to change that as she explains the many invaluable reasons for having one.
What exactly do you write in a fragrance journal? Karen details the many wonderful and important pieces of information that should go into your journal to help you progress.
It’s not just notes that go into your journal. Karen explains how you can utilise digital technology to take your journal to the next level.
Once you’ve added information to your journal, then what? As Karen reveals, this is only half of the process, and, where the real learning starts.

BEST MOMENTS

“A journal helps you sharpen your skills and create perfumes with more confidence.”

“A journal means you're not relying on your own memory. It gives you a record of what works and what doesn’t.”

“If you regularly review your entries and apply what you have learnt, it will help you to become a better perfumer.

EPISODE LINKS

Master your materials

VALUABLE RESOURCES

Fast Track Your perfume making with an in person class

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.

CONTACT DETAILS

Back to Basics Part 3 - The Importance of Having an Efficient Workspace

Mon, 17 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0100

Karen 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 you can start your perfume making journey 100% prepared.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

When you first start making perfume it can be exciting and you can easily find yourself trying a hundred things at once. But, as Karen explains, there can be some drastic consequences to not handling your materials correctly.
From ventilation to goggles and surface cleaner to storage, Karen goes into detail on the basics you need to have a safe workspace.
Once you’ve got your workspace all set it is a good time to revisit dilution. Karen discusses how correct dilution practices can assist you in having efficient working practices.
When you’re in ‘flow’ it can be easy to make simple mistakes. Karen talks about the importance of labelling, not just your materials, but also your blends. And, what you should put on those labels.

BEST MOMENTS

“Getting into good safety habits from the get go is going to make your perfume making journey so much easier.”

“If you are selling your fragrances, or even just thinking about giving them to your friends and family, it is so important to understand basic safety rules.”

“Storage isn’t just about keeping your materials fresh, it’s about avoiding spillages and making sure your materials don’t oxidise.”

EPISODE LINKS

Master your materials

Set Up your Workspace

Make A Perfume Oil

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.

CONTACT DETAILS

Back to Basics Part 2 - A Beginner's Guide to Perfume Formulation

Mon, 10 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0100

Karen’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

A mistake a lot of beginners make is to throw their favourite materials together and expect a beautiful-smelling scent. However, as Karen explains, without a complete understanding of what each material will bring to the party, this will inevitably end in disaster.
Karen introduces the idea of scent mapping - a way to organise and guide your material selection. She discusses in detail how it works and how it can enable you to create solid formulations.
Less is often more when it comes to formulation. Karen gives her advice on how to avoid a very costly mistake - using too many conflicting materials.
What are the most common mistakes that beginners make when it comes to formulation? Karen goes over them in detail and gives you pointers on how to avoid them.

BEST MOMENTS

“There’s a temptation to throw together your favourite materials and hope that something magical will happen, but successful perfumes are not just about mixing materials that you love the smell of.”

“As you get comfortable with formulation it is easy to fall into a few common traps. Knowing what to watch out for is going to save you time.”

“Just because you’ve got something that smells great initially, doesn’t mean you have to stop. you can still tweak it.”

EPISODE LINKS

In Person Class

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.

CONTACT DETAILS

Back to Basics Part 1 - Selecting the Right Materials

Mon, 03 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0100

This 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 into, and that is buying any and all materials that you come across. Karen discusses how to set your own criteria for the materials you should buy.
Natural or Synthetic Materials? - a question that every first-time perfumer will find themselves asking. Karen breaks down the pros and cons of each.
Once you’ve selected your materials, where do you buy them from? As Karen stresses, it’s crucial to buy your materials from quality suppliers, and she tells you the things to look out for.
Now that you have your materials you have to store them correctly. Karen outlines the crucial dos and don’ts of material storage.

BEST MOMENTS

“When you start out, it’s important to choose materials that align with your creative vision.”

“Knowing your style is going to help you make more informed choices when selecting materials.”

“If you’re unsure about a certain material, buy a sample and experiment before buying in bulk.”

EPISODE LINKS

In Person Class

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.

CONTACT DETAILS

A Strong Base - Why Alcohol is the Best Place to Start

Mon, 27 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0100

This 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 people learn this and instantly assume it to be a negative. However, Karen explains why this property is a game changer for beginners.
How do your materials react to an alcohol base versus an oil base? Karen breaks down in detail the difference between the two.
Alcohol is a very volatile solvent. Karen explains how this property allows you to create scents with more complexity and depth.
There are many myths surrounding the use of alcohol in perfumery, such as “alcohol dries out the skin.” Karen is here to debunk those myths.

BEST MOMENTS

“Alcohol reveals the true nature of your materials clearly and cleanly.”

“If you have built your business around oil based scents, don’t abandon that entirely, you can introduce alcohol slowly.”

“Alcohol based perfumes are so much more versatile than oil based.”

EPISODE LINKS

In Person Classes

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.

CONTACT DETAILS

Next Steps - How You Can Grow Your Brand with Confidence

Mon, 20 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0100

Karen 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 TAKEAWAYS

Before you start introducing new ways of working, or even new product lines, take a long hard look at what you’re already doing. As Karen explains, if it’s working, there’s a reason for that, so look at how you can leverage that to support other parts of the business.
What are the best products to get started with when thinking about expansion? Karen details some of the easiest products to develop and gives you a warning about the ones to avoid.
Karen breaks down the principle of the ‘soft launch’ and how it can help you to test new products without the excessive time and expense of a full launch.
The fear of fear itself is often the very thing that holds us back from getting where we want to go. Karen discusses what that fear might actually be about and how to overcome it.

BEST MOMENTS

“There’s a lot of power in stability and it’s the smartest place to grow from.”

“Ultimately you want to gain the skills to design scents that truly represent your brand.”

“The biggest thing that can stop us getting where we want to go is 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.

CONTACT DETAILS

Fragrance 2.0 - The Integration of Technology and Scent

Mon, 13 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0100

On 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 had a background in the world of tech, entered the fragrance industry she identified a disconnect between the consumer and the product that she felt could be bridged with new technology. She explains to Karen how these initial discoveries started the journey that she is on today.
Most companies that develop new technology in the fragrance industry limit its use to their own fragrances. Karen and Camila discuss the importance of opening up our tech to the whole sector.
Wikiparfum, the digital encyclopedia that Camila developed, allows consumers to understand what fragrances will smell like without actually smelling them. Camila explains how the platform works.
Airparfum is a device that allows people to test multiple scents without overwhelming their senses. Camila explains how it was developed, how it works and why it revolutionises fragrance testing.

BEST MOMENTS

“Fragrance is a category that many people in marketing love, but very few understand.”

“The only way to make the right recommendation of a fragrance is to make it for the individual, independently, regardless of who makes the fragrance.”

“The ability to visualize a scent suddenly makes it a universal language.”

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.

CONTACT DETAILS

Reflections for Growth - Learning From 2024 to Build a Better 2025

Mon, 06 Jan 2025 01:00:00 +0100

Happy 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 takes a look back at 2024 she shares some titbits of what listeners can look forward to on the show in 2025 and some information on her upcoming courses.
Karen invites you to challenge yourself and write down the achievements you made during the last 12 months. Whilst they may appear to be small at first, writing them down may lead to a revelation.
What are your values? A question that not many of us think about. Karen encourages you to make a list of your values, look back at how you might have compromised on them in the past and how that can help you to be more aligned with them in the future.
Having looked back at last year, Karen sets you the task of taking what you have learned and setting your intentions for the next 12 months. Not sure what these can be? Don’t worry, Karen is on hand to offer some suggestions.

BEST MOMENTS

“The more you reflect, the more you will realise how far you have come.”

“We put so much pressure on ourselves with new year resolutions, why not try setting a new year's intention instead.”

“Sharing your goals makes them more real. Talk to your friends or your online community about the things you want to achieve.”

EPISODE LINKS

In Person Classes

VALUABLE RESOURCES

Scent Shift Programme

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.

CONTACT DETAILS

Scent Shift Part 3 - The Smell of Success - Creating Habits with Scent

Mon, 16 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0100

This 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 ways than one.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Having a positive mindset is great, as is acting on positive emotions, but real change comes about when we change our habits. Karen outlines why and how habits are the key to improvement.
Karen breaks down the science of habits, how we form them and how we stick to them, and explains how scent can accelerate and enhance this process.
Karen explains the practical steps you need to take in order to link a habit to a scent.
Just in case you’re struggling for inspiration, Karen gives you some examples of scents and the habits that they could be linked to.

BEST MOMENTS

“By linking a specific scent to a specific habit we create a natural cue that helps us move from intention into action.”

“Your brain automatically creates neurological shortcuts based on the scents in your life.”

“Scent can help you transform your habits from a chore into a natural part of your daily life.”

EPISODE LINKS

£50 off Coupon Code: SS-EB22

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.

CONTACT DETAILS

Scent Shift Part 2 - Creating Emotional Anchors With Scent

Mon, 09 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0100

Welcome 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 TAKEAWAYS

Emotional anchors are a powerful tool that can be used to help transport you into a desired emotional state. Karen breaks down the science of how and why they work.
You might already be using emotional anchors in your daily life without realising. Karen gives some examples of common emotional anchors and encourages you to be mindful of what is already on your radar.
Karen outlines her three step process to creating emotional anchors of your own.
Emotional anchors can help you in all aspects of life. Karen gives some real world examples of how they can help you.

BEST MOMENTS

“Emotional anchors are created by repeating a scent during emotionally meaningful moments.”

“Scent can not just shape your experiences but it can also provide emotional support.”

“Emotional anchors make you aware of how the power of scent affects your mindset.”

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.

CONTACT DETAILS

Scent Shift Part 1 - How Fragrance Influences Emotions

Mon, 02 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0100

This 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 anything for that matter, invoke an emotional response in us? Karen breaks down the science of why scent impacts us emotionally.
The correlation between scent and mood has been thoroughly researched and is backed up with evidence. Karen gives an overview of how certain scents can influence us emotionally.
We can use the ability of scent to evoke emotions to our benefit, as Karen explains how to ‘set an intention’ with a scent to positively influence your day.
In a similar way, we can also use scent to transition our mood or mindset, whether that be wanting to regain focus or to help us switch off after work. Karen explains how you can do this.

BEST MOMENTS

“The connection of scent and memory isn’t just anecdotal, it’s rooted in how our brains function.”

“Scent doesn’t just improve emotions, it can be used to enhance your focus during work, promote creativity or increase energy during workouts.”

“Consistency is key. The more you practice, the better you will become.”

EPISODE LINKS

The Scent Shift £50 off Coupon Code: SS-EB22

EBo Shower Steamers

VALUABLE RESOURCES

Foundations of Fragrance Collection

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.

CONTACT DETAILS

Black Friday Special - Foundations of Fragrance

Mon, 25 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Karen shares valuable insights on transitioning from experimentation to a more structured approach in perfumery. Karen discusses common challenges such as feeling overwhelmed by raw materials, creating balanced accords, and translating ideas into finished fragrances. She provides practical tips like simplifying your palette, starting small with accords, and focusing on fragrance structure and storytelling. Tune in to gain a fresh perspective on your fragrance creation journey and grab her special Black Friday offer: The Foundations of Fragrance Collection

KEY TAKEAWAYS

It's easy to feel stuck when you're trying to pull all of these pieces together by yourself, but it doesn't have to be that way.
Every successful perfumer has been where you are now. We all start out with the same basic challenges.
It's tempting to try everything, but without an understanding of the materials and the specific roles that different materials play, it's really easy to get completely lost or frustrated.
Successful perfumery does not happen by accident. It's not just about throwing materials together and hoping for the best. It's about having a clear process and the knowledge to guide your decisions along the way. And that is why I have put together the Foundations of Fragrance Collection.

BEST MOMENTS

“Every successful perfumer started where you are now.”

“Simplify your palette. Pick a few materials you are curious about and get to know them deeply.”

“Using a mind map, brainstorm or mood board is a great starting point to help you map out your fragrance.”

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.

CONTACT DETAILS

Scent as Story - How to Build a Brand that Captivates

Mon, 18 Nov 2024 01:00:00 +0100

This week on the show Karen is joined by Viola Levy, journalist, founder of branding agency ‘Smart, Beauty Creative” and host of the Smart Beauty podcast, a show for beauty business owners who are looking to hone their brand voice. Getting the story of your brand and your products right is essential, and can be the difference between success and failure. That’s why, in this interview, Viola and Karen cover all you need to know about transforming your business from a retailer to a storyteller.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Viola started her career as a journalist and found that a lot of the companies she was writing about were in the beauty sector. Whilst doing this work she noticed a gap in the market which, as she explains here, led her to set up her own company.
Karen and Viola discuss the incredible rise of indie brands over the last decade, what this means for consumers, but also, how the bigger designer brands have reacted to this growth.
As Karen often states, and Viola agrees, creating a story around your scents is the most important thing you can do in terms of marketing. Viola explains why this is a ‘non negotiable’ and gives her insights into how to make this effective.
Historically, brands have put all of their time and effort into creating a fragrance and then launched into the marketplace. However, as Viola explains, there is so much more value in bringing your customers along on the journey from day one.

BEST MOMENTS

“There’s so much choice out there now, and that’s a great thing. People like to change their perfume as often as they change their clothes.”

“Brands have to have an opinion and a voice, they need to show they’re passionate about more than just selling their products.”

“AI is a great tool, but it shouldn’t be in the driving seat. You’ll always need a human touch.”

EPISODE LINKS

Smart Beauty Website

Smart Beauty Podcast

Smart Beauty Instagram

Smart Beauty Linkedin

Smart Beauty Email

VALUABLE RESOURCES

ABOUT THE GUEST

Having worked in the beauty industry for over 15 years, Viola is an award-winning journalist, copywriter and brand consultant.

As an established writer, Viola has contributed to all sectors of the beauty world, with articles appearing in Vogue, Glamour, The Evening Standard, and Refinery29. In addition she has written copy for several major beauty brands and retailers, including Aromatherapy Associates, 111SKIN, Cult Beauty, Boots, By Terry, and Superdrug, and in 2019, she won a Fragrance Foundation Jasmine Award for Best Short Piece and was shortlisted for Best Social Engagement. She has also written global trend reports for major forecasting agency WGSN, focusing on how consumer needs and habits have changed since the global pandemic.

From her years of experience, Viola has seen the beauty world rapidly change over the past decade. The way brands speak to customers has evolved. It’s less about playing on women’s low self-esteem, inventing problems (and products to “solve” them) or peddling false promises and miracles in jars. It’s more about feeling better (not just by looking better), intelligent discussions and promoting inclusivity. Which is why she set up Smart Beauty Creative to create the next generation of forward-thinking, feminist brands, helping to pave the way for a new, diverse and more enlightened beauty 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.

CONTACT DETAILS

Beyond the Scroll - The Positive Impact of Social Media on Your Business

Mon, 11 Nov 2024 01:00:00 +0100

After 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 get the most out of it for your business.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

● Karen started her first business long before social media existed. For those of you unsure of how much social media has benefited small business marketing, Karen outlines the differences between then and now.

● Instagram, Facebook, X, TikTok, Youtube, Pinterest - There are so many social media platforms that could help you but, which one, or combination, is right for you? Karen breaks down the pros and cons of each.

● Despite some people’s objections to social media Karen continues to use Facebook to deliver her training courses. She outlines why she thinks it's a platform that works.

● Messaging apps like Telegram and WhatsApp are also considered social media. Karen details what these apps can do for your business and also their pros and cons.

BEST MOMENTS

“Social media is an incredible tool to help single person businesses reach millions of customers for pennies.”

“It’s essential that you look at social media as a business tool and not as a consumer space.”

“The best thing about social media - You don’t pay for advertising.”

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.

CONTACT DETAILS

Reframing Your Thoughts and Fears - How a Mindset Change Can Take You to the Next Level

Mon, 04 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0100

Running 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 TAKEAWAYS

Can any of us know what your future looks like? What if we could actually create the future we want for ourselves? Karen invites you to participate in an exercise that can help you create the future you want.
What are you afraid of? Lack of money? Time? Karen shares an exercise that encourages you to face your fear and, in doing so, may reveal that the thing you are afraid of is not what it first seems to be.
Nobody likes to fail, and we often partner failure with thoughts of quitting. However, as Karen explains, failure can be better than success for our long term growth. And, she shares an exercise for reframing your failures.
Stepping outside of our comfort zones is a daunting prospect, especially if we find ourselves in a place of relative success. Karen shares an exercise that will help you take a leap forward, and it’s not as scary as you first think.

BEST MOMENTS

“Let your vision be your anchor.”

“When we start to make progress it is often our fear of failure that can hold us back.”

“Our fears are there to keep us safe, but they can also keep us stuck, if we don’t acknowledge them.”

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Scent Design Challenge

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.

CONTACT DETAILS

Slow and Steady Wins the Race - Why Rushing Will Only End in Disaster

Mon, 28 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0100

Karen 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

It’s natural to want to jump to the end when starting your own business, after all, you want to start seeing the money coming in. But, as Karen explains, your role will change dramatically once your business is active so it is important to master one area before moving to the next.
Perfume making isn’t just about creativity, it’s about understanding the materials. Karen explains how this essential aspect of perfume making should not be rushed and the consequences if you do rush it.
When you launch into the perfume market, you compete with countless other brands. The one thing that can, and often does, set you apart is presenting a product made with care and attention. Karen explains how to do this without rushing.
Karen ends the episode by sharing her top tips on how to embrace and enjoy the process of perfume making, making sure you spend the right amount of time on the right things.

BEST MOMENTS

“The most important and enjoyable part of the perfume making journey is the learning and creating.”

“The more time you spend trying things out, the more confident you’re going to become as a perfume maker.”

“When you’ve taken the time to find your voice in your brand, it really shows in your work and that’s what will make you stand out.”

EPISODE LINKS

Deep Work - Cal Newport

The Artist's Way - Julia Cameron (Morning Pages)

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.

CONTACT DETAILS

It Takes Time - Growing Your Brand Piece by Piece with Liz Grech

Sun, 20 Oct 2024 23:00:00 +0100

This 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 TAKEAWAYS

Liz had a successful career in journalism. When her son was born she began to be interested in various skin care products and how they would affect a newborn. She explains to Karen how this eventually led her into the world of fragrance.
Coming from a journalistic background, Liz has a deep understanding of the importance of having a story to your fragrances. She describes to Karen how she uses classic literature, the seasons and her home in Malta to create these stories.
Olentium wasn’t Liz’s first iteration of her business. She explains to Karen how her brand and philosophy have changed over the years and how she finally found her groove.
One of the restrictions all indie brands face is access to certain materials and packaging as suppliers will not sell in small quantities. Karen and Liz discuss these challenges and some unique ways they have found to work around them.

BEST MOMENTS

“One of the best pieces of advice I can give is ‘know when to stop tinkering’.”

“Do what you can with social media, don’t think you have to be everywhere doing everything.”

“The people that have opted into your email list are the ones that have said ‘I’m interested.’, so don’t ignore them.”

EPISODE LINKS

Olentium Website

Olentium Instagram

VALUABLE RESOURCES

October 5 Day Scent Design Workshop

ABOUT THE GUEST

Anglo-Maltese Olentium founder Liz Grech started out in magazine journalism and digital communications. Pivoting interests over the past decade, Liz gained a diploma in organic cosmetic formulation before taking up perfumery, training both with Karen Gilbert and teaching herself through experimentation.

Liz uses a high percentage of botanicals in her mixed-media perfumes, drawing first on those ingredients native to the Mediterranean where she lives. She launched Olentium to merge her life-long passion for fragrance with her desire to capture the spirit and soul of the Mediterranean in scent stories. Her perfume Bal Baroque was a 2024 Finalist in the artisan category of the LA-based Institute of Art & Olfaction Awards.

Liz designs Olentium fragrances in her atelier-lab in a Maltese village house, and sells worldwide online as well as through a growing number of niche perfume stockists.

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.

CONTACT DETAILS

The Time is Now - When to Take Aligned Action

Sun, 13 Oct 2024 23:00:00 +0100

This 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, Karen discusses what this means to her and how you might be waiting for the right time when it’s now.
One of the best pieces of advice Karen received was to “Stay out of the shoulds.” But what does this mean? How can you do it? And, how can it impact your life?
A work-life balance is incredibly important, especially when you work in a creative industry and your job can also be your hobby. Karen talks about how she achieves this balance and how important it is to have one.
Karen has recently lost one of her close friends. As with any bereavement, this has put things into perspective. Karen shares her thoughts on the importance of finding what’s important and living life for the now.

BEST MOMENTS

“Trust your gut, start with where you are and what you’ve got. You can always make changes further down the road.”

“You are always going to get more opportunities, so don’t feel bad about the ones you turn down.”

“There is no perfect time, the time is now.”

EPISODE LINKS

VALUABLE RESOURCES

October 5 Day Scent Design Workshop

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.

CONTACT DETAILS

An Introduction to Fragrance Families - Part 5 Fougere

Mon, 07 Oct 2024 09:51:59 +0100

This 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 of the history of Fougere fragrances, from its initial creation in 1882 by Paul Parquet of Houbigant, its pioneering use of synthetics, and its impact over the decades.
What makes a Fougere a Fougere? Karen breaks down which notes make up the main accord, what qualities each of them adds to the fragrance, and what other materials can be added to enhance the fragrance.
One of the most famous examples of a Fougere fragrance is Brut. But, underneath the marketing and packaging, it is a quite feminine fragrance. Karen talks about the crucial role marketing plays in selling your fragrance.
Karen give a breakdown of some of the most famous Fougere fragrances and how they impacted the family and its evolution.

BEST MOMENTS

“The success of Fougere Royale showed that synthetics could enhance and expand what was possible in perfumery.”

“If you’re studying music, you go back and look at the roots to understand it properly. The same is true for perfume.”

“As long as you are creating safe perfumes there are no rules as to what a fragrance can be.”

EPISODE LINKS

Karen’s Book

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 personalised fragrances.

With extensive product development experience in both the commercial perfumery and the organic skincare industry, Karen can offer a unique insight into creating natural and mixed media fragrances for fine fragrance, room scents and skincare/bodycare products using commercial perfumery techniques.

CONTACT DETAILS

An Introduction to Fragrance Families - Part 4 Amber

Sun, 29 Sep 2024 23:00:00 +0100

Continuing 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 actually a blend of notes rather than a single ingredient. Karen details the long history of Amber fragrances and how they have significantly developed over generations.
Amber fragrances are known for their warm, comforting smell. But, what gives them this quality? Karen breaks down the various materials that make up a classic amber fragrance.
Amber fragrances date back to ancient Egypt, and there have been hundreds of influential fragrances made over the years. Karen gives details of some of the most influential and encourages you to test them for yourself.
Due to its widespread popularity, there are so many subcategories of amber fragrances. Karen gives an overview of the main subcategories so that you can begin to explore them for yourself.

BEST MOMENTS

“Amber fragrances are typically long-lasting because they focus on the base notes.”

“The strength of amber fragrances lies not only in its comforting quality but its ability to be rich and complex.”

“Niche brands have been incredibly influential in pushing the boundaries of what an amber fragrance can be.”

EPISODE LINKS

Karen’s Perfume Book

VALUABLE RESOURCES

Make a Natural Perfume Masterclass

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 personalized fragrances.

With extensive product development experience in both the commercial perfumery and the organic skincare industry, Karen can offer a unique insight into creating natural and mixed media fragrances for fine fragrances, 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 to create daily rituals that integrate scent with other modalities to shift state and increase their sense of well-being.

CONTACT DETAILS

An Introduction to Fragrance Families - Part 3 Chypre

Mon, 23 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0100

Karen 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 created in 1917 by Francois Coty, who was inspired by the island of Cyprus. What he didn’t know at the time was how influential it would be and all of the offshoots it would create, as Karen explains.
What exactly is a chypre fragrance and why are they so unique? Karen breaks down what notes go into a chypre fragrance and how they all work together.
Oakmoss is one of the main ingredients in chypre fragrances but, due to it causing allergies, its usage has been heavily restricted. Karen gives details on other materials that can be used to create an oakmoss scent.
There are numerous subcategories of chypre. Karen details the main subcategories, how to identify them, what materials go into them, and gives you some real-world examples that you can sample for yourself.

BEST MOMENTS

“The interplay between the fresh, floral and earthly elements are what makes a chypre so fascinating.”

“The thing that really defines a chypre is the fresh notes in the base.”

“If you’re looking to make a fragrance that stands out from the crowd, then a chypre fragrance could be the way forward.”

EPISODE LINKS

Exploring Aromachemicals Second Chance

Perfume Book

VALUABLE RESOURCES

Natural Isolates 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.

CONTACT DETAILS

An Introduction to Fragrance Families - Part 2 Floral

Sun, 15 Sep 2024 23:00:00 +0100

This 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 behind this and how synthetic materials help creators keep up with demand.
One category of floral fragrances are ‘Floral Bouquets’. This is a fragrance where no single scent stands out above the others. Karen explains the background to these scents and offers some examples for you to sample.
In the 80’s it was ‘White Florals’ that were popular among consumers. Karen breaks down exactly what a white floral is and some of the classic fragrances that were inspired by them.
Micheal Edward, and his fragrance wheel, categorise the subfamilies of florals and how they relate to each other in a unique way. Karen summarises his method and conclusions.

BEST MOMENTS

“Floral fragrances are the most expansive and versatile family in perfumery”

“Keep in mind that fragrance classification is a guide, not a rule.”

“Every floral note can have a unique part to play, whether they are used as part of a main focus or a complex blend.”

EPISODE LINKS

Make a Perfume Oil Masterclass

VALUABLE RESOURCES

Make a Citrus Fragrance 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.

CONTACT DETAILS

An Introduction to Fragrance Families - Part 1 Citrus

Sun, 08 Sep 2024 23:00:00 +0100

This 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 citrus fragrance to give it that bright and uplifting quality? Karen breaks down the best materials to achieve a citrus fragrance and gives some top tips on experimenting with different variations of notes.
Citrus notes will normally disappear on the skin within minutes, therefore, it is crucial to mix your fragrance with the right mid and base notes. Karen gives her recommendations for the best notes to make your fragrance last.
Making a citrus fragrance, like any fragrance, requires research. Karen breaks down the fascinating history of citrus fragrances and gives you recommendations of modern fragrances that you can sample and begin to learn from.
So, how do you actually make your own citrus fragrance? Karen explains the process step by step.

BEST MOMENTS

“A well balanced eau de cologne can’t just rely on citrus notes, otherwise it will last for 10 seconds on the skin.”

“The beauty of a citrus fragrance lies in its simplicity, but achieving that can be a complex task.”

“Just because you’re using natural materials doesn’t mean your product can be used by anyone, they are still packed full of allergens.”

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.

CONTACT DETAILS

Customers are Waiting - Selling Your Products on Amazon with Kelly Colman

Sun, 01 Sep 2024 23:00:00 +0100

This 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.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Kelly shares with Karen the details of her incredible career journey from dancer to salon owner to product developer and, finally, to where she is today.
So many people have developed products and are selling them online, but have never considered the possibility of selling on Amazon. Kelly breaks down what the first research steps are that people should consider before taking this leap.
Selling on Amazon isn’t as easy as just uploading your product and setting the price. There are hundreds of factors to consider, and most of these, people are unaware of. Kelly explains to Karen the basics of a sales strategy and how you can target the right customers.
With the excessive number of products already on Amazon, how do you stand out? Even with a perfect sales strategy you still have to differentiate yourself from the competition. Kelly shares her top tips on how to rise to the top.

BEST MOMENTS

“There’s a really big piece of cake online for sellers and it’s accessible to everyone.”

“People want perfection out of the gate, but if you haven’t done the research and it doesn’t sell, you’ve lost so much money and time.”

“Amazon isn’t just about selling, it is also a great tool to direct customers to your brand website.”

EPISODE LINKS

Kelly’s Instagram

Kelly’s Website

VALUABLE RESOURCES

ABOUT THE GUEST

Kelly Colman is the founder of New CID Cosmetics, a multi-award-winning brand she built from the ground up before selling it in 2018. An entrepreneur and industry expert, Kelly now runs One Winning Product, where she helps others create and launch successful products through Amazon and beyond. With a deep understanding of today’s fast-paced market, Kelly is passionate about empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs to turn their ideas into thriving businesses.

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.

CONTACT DETAILS

The Untold Power of Scent - How Fragrances Can Lead to Happiness and Wellbeing

Sun, 25 Aug 2024 23:00:00 +0100

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

During his time at university Kyle’s then boyfriend was moving to Japan to study. Determined to continue their special connection across the globe, Kyle was drawn to the idea of perfume. He explains to Karen how this idea led to the creation of his first fragrance and his future career.
Kyle was suffering from PTSD, having an average of 10 flashbacks a day. One day he climbed a mountain with his mother and, when he reached the summit, he was overcome with peace. He tells Karen how this inspired him to create scents that he hoped would create that sense of peace in others.
Toward the end of his life Kyle’s grandfather, David, was suffering with Alzheimer's. When his wife was taken into hospital David received a phone call to say she wouldn’t make it through the night. This led to Kyle creating his fragrance “What Time Will My Wife Die?” A fragrance designed to create a conversation around loss.
Karen and Kyle discuss the idea of using scent as a wellbeing tool and a functional fragrance and how choosing the right scent can vastly affect your mood and create a positive feeling within you.

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

Redolescent Website

Redolescent Instagram

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.

CONTACT DETAILS

A Holistic Message - Blending Marketing, PR and Wellbeing with Ana Kaplan

Mon, 19 Aug 2024 00:00:00 +0100

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

How do we know when a new venture is the right path to follow? Leading on from Ana sharing her story of how she began her company, we discuss the idea of following your heart and the green flags to look out for.
Ana moved from working for a large PR firm to setting up her own. She talks about the lessons she learned from the big firm and how they have shaped her philosophy on both her work and selecting the clients she chooses to work with.
What is the difference between PR and marketing? Ana explains, giving examples, so that you can organise and be efficient.
‘The Hook’ is one of the most important aspects of creating a piece of modern marketing. But what is a hook?, what makes a good one?, and how does the approach change for different types of media? Ana explains.

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
Yin Yoga: https://thepoweryogaco.com/hybrid-plugin/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kaplancommunications/
https://www.instagram.com/ana.stasia.maria/

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.
From a young age Ana has always been attracted to spirituality and helping people holistically. The benefits of practising yin yoga has created an awareness of a different quality of being which she weaves into her unique PR approach.

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.

CONTACT DETAILS

2+2=4 - Perfume Math Made Easy

Sun, 11 Aug 2024 23:00:00 +0100

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

You've got your materials measured out, you’ve made your accords, but now you want to scale up or reproduce that scent. This is the part of perfume making that can stump a lot of people. But, Karen has created a spreadsheet to help you. She breaks down what her spreadsheet can do and how to use it.
Understanding percentages is essential for creating safe and consistent perfumes. But it’s easy to become stuck when you want your perfume to smell great but also add up to 100%. Karen shares her insights on how to tackle this problem.
Getting the ratio of your materials correct is key to making sure your scents blend well, but it can be a daunting aspect to learn. Karen shares some of the many tools to help you understand ratios.
Complying with regulations and allergy needs requires complex calculations. But, as Karen explains, you might be worrying about something that isn’t essential to your production scale.

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

Episode on Diluting

Episode on Jean Carles

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.

CONTACT DETAILS

Overcoming Overwhelm - Where, When and How to Start Perfume Making

Sun, 04 Aug 2024 23:00:00 +0100

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

People can become easily seduced by the appeal of something new and exciting. Karen details what is actually happening to the chemicals in your brain during this time and how you can harness this to your benefit.
When you're in a structured environment like a classroom it can feel easy to create a scent, however, when you're back at home on your own you suddenly find yourself without a plan. Karen breaks down how to create a simple plan you can stick to to avoid getting lost in the process.
It’s natural to want to jump to the end and create your magnum opus at the first attempt. However, this will only lead to frustration. Karen explains why creating simple goals is key to the process of becoming a master.
One aspect that can cause great overwhelm is the state of your workspace. Karen talks about the importance of not just having a dedicated workspace but also having it organised and fluid so that it works for you.

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

House of Purple Rose Website

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.

CONTACT DETAILS

Triumph Over Adversity - Turning Life’s Challenges into Booming Businesses

Sun, 28 Jul 2024 23:00:00 +0100

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

When Anne moved into her new house she found that the open plan nature of it led the smells of food to drift all through the house. She wanted to overcome this problem and started to research candles and diffusers; what she found, however, led her to set up her company, House of the Purple Rose.
When Anne tragically lost her mother, the stress she experienced from this led her to have problems with her skin. Determined to do something about it she went from trying a multitude of different skin care products to launching her own range.
When Anne started House of the Purple Rose she found it impossible to source suppliers that would give her small quantities of materials, as most demanded orders in the thousands. Once again, Anne took this problem and saw an opportunity and formed the Skin and Hair Manufacturing Hub.
Another of the many services that Anne’s companies offer is to formulate a product for indie brands. She talks about this process and some of the brands she has helped to launch.

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

Day 3 Fragrances Instagram

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.

CONTACT DETAILS

A Different Kind Of Magic - How Perfume Making is Magic in its Own Right

Sun, 21 Jul 2024 23:00:00 +0100

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

During Covid Michael's ability to travel and perform magic shows was taken away from him. It was during this time that his daughter inspired him to take his perfume ‘hobby’ seriously. Michael talks about letting go of his fears and taking the leap into a new world.
From an early age, Michael was fascinated by magic. When he was stuck with a magic problem he would turn to perfumery as an escape. However, he soon realised that magic and perfumery shared many commonalities, some of which he discusses here.
Michael has no relationship with his biological mother. When he met his wife, her mother began to treat Michael as her own son, so touched by this Micheal created his first perfume in her honour. He tells the story of how this launched his company.
The rise in the number of artisan perfumers has led to a rise in the number of online reviewers, especially on youtube. Michael talks about the positives and negatives of this trend and how the customer always reacts differently to the reviewers.

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

Day 3 Fragrances

Michael Paul

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.

Before his transition into the perfume industry, Michael garnered acclaim as a world-renowned close up magician. Today, he uses the principles and philosophies learned from his time as a performer to shape his thoughts on the art of perfumery.
Thanks to his unique approach to creative perfumery, Michael Paul has been featured in "Profiles in American Perfumery", and was invited to speak at the 2024 Experimental Scent Summit in Portugal. This year, he was chosen to create a "Special Edition" perfume for the international ScentXplore fragrance convention in New York City, where he will also be a featured speaker.

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.

CONTACT DETAILS

Navigating MOCRA: Understanding the New Fragrance Industry Regulations with Jaclyn Bellomo

Sun, 14 Jul 2024 23:00:00 +0100

In this week's episode Karen is joined by Jaclyn Bellomo, a cosmetic industry professional with over a decade of experience in regulatory compliance. In the USA, up until now, the FDA has managed and maintained all fragrance industry regulations. However, the biggest overhaul in these regulations is about to occur with the introduction of MOCRA. But these new regulations don’t just impact companies selling from the USA, but also companies selling into the USA. So, what is MOCRA, why is it being implemented and what does it mean to you? Find out on this week's show

KEY TAKEAWAYS

An overhaul like this does not happen without a great need for it. Jaclyn breaks down where the gaps are in the current FDA regulations and how MOCRA will fill these in.
One of the major changes that will come with MOCRA is how the ‘responsible person’ protocol works. Jaclyn explains the new system and how it will apply to companies based both in and out of the US.
Jaclyn addresses the most significant changes to the new MOCRA system, adverse events. With examples, she breaks down what adverse events are and how these changes will affect you.
Safety substantiation is another aspect that will be given a complete overall with MOCRA, Jaclyn provides an in-depth overview of what the new system will look like.

BEST MOMENTS

“It's always a good idea to get feedback from your customers, but even more so now as you can use this feedback for evidence.”

“If you don’t comply with MOCRA, there are real world consequences.”

“If you have a small artisan brand, working from home, one of the new requirements is that you have a learning period.”

EPISODE LINKS

www.registrarcorp.com

KarenGilbert15 – code for your listeners to use to get 15% off our services

Jaclyns E-mail

VALUABLE RESOURCES

https://www.fragrancesoftheworld.com/AmericanLegends

ABOUT THE GUEST

Jaclyn Bellomo is a cosmetic industry professional with over a decade of experience in technical formulation, regulatory compliance, product development, and brand management. Jaclyn has spent the majority of her career in the private sector working with multinational brands, specializing in formulations for the beauty and personal care industry from concept to counter. Jaclyn is active on several committees across the industry that focus on education and compliance to ensure there is continued support for the cosmetic

industry. In addition, Jaclyn works closely with our Cosmetri Product Manager and cGMP software to help streamline R&D processes, update compliance, and support customers in improving their current working operations.

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.

CONTACT DETAILS

A World of Fragrances - A History of the Classification of Scent with Micheal Edwards

Sun, 07 Jul 2024 23:00:00 +0100

On this very special one year anniversary episode of the Perfume Making Podcast, Karen is joined by Micheal Edwards, author and founder of Fragrances of the World and author of "Fragrance Legends" and his latest book "American Legends"

Micheal, who has worked in the fragrance industry for over 4 decades is the creator of one of the first classification systems for commercial fragrances, which is still widely used today. Having classified more than 55,000 fragrances he is a walking, talking encyclopaedia of all things perfume. In this fascinating interview with Karen, Michael shares his life story, his philosophy to his work and an incredibly insightful history on the evolution of scent.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Historically, perfume brands described their scents differently, without a common language. Noticing this, Micheal set about creating a system that all brands could use. He outlines this process.
Michael's classification system began as a labour of love. However, concerned that the amount of work he was doing was not creating an income, he approached department stores with a copy of his guide. He tells the story of how this was the beginning of his incredible journey.
Due to the birth of the artisan & niche perfume industry the amount of scents released each year has risen from 300 to over 25,000. Micheal talks about the challenges his team has faced in continuing to classify these scents as the numbers rise.
Michael's in-depth knowledge of scent places him as an historian also. He gives an overview of scents from the 1800’s and how consumer trends today are being influenced by early creations.

BEST MOMENTS

“The problem with perfume is that it was fascinating, but frustrating until we created a universal language.”

“Women’s fragrances are described as romantic, men’s fragrances are described as macho. It’s total nonsense, but that is the way the industry likes it.”

“The problem with old classifications was that they were linear, there was no link between different notes. That needed to change.”

EPISODE LINKS

Wikiparfum

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.

CONTACT DETAILS

Eye of the Beholder - How You Can Create a World Class Visual Brand on a Budget

Mon, 01 Jul 2024 00:00:00 +0100

This 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 have the marketing budgets of the big hitters and this can create the perception that they can’t create impactful marketing campaigns. However, Natalie explains that money is not the boundary that people think it is and shares some tips on how you can create impactful images on a budget.
Why is visual branding so important? Natalie shares her 7 key points on why it is so, including the ability to create brand recognition and an emotional connection with your audience.
Creating a strong brand is so much more than just taking professional images. Natalie breaks down the elements that she delivers in her training course, such as how to build a consistent style, create a visual story and a repeatable system.
The number one mistake people make is getting the product right and then thinking about branding. Natalie and Karen discuss the importance of making sure your branding is in place from day one, how to evolve it and how to engage your customers in that journey.

BEST MOMENTS

“Regardless of the size of your company or the strength of your product, it’s your visual branding that sets you apart.”

“75% of consumers make judgements on a company's credibility based on their visual assets.”

“Images have what the written word doesn't - the ability to communicate complex ideas quickly and effectively.”

The Shot Vault Coupon Code: Enter PERFUME500 at checkout for $500 off

Natalie’s Instagram

VALUABLE RESOURCES

Papillon Perfumery Website

ABOUT THE GUEST

Natalie Napoleon is an in-demand marketing, advertising, and celebrity photographer who (over the span of her nearly 25 year career) has worked with people like Prince Albert of Monaco, Leslie Odom Jr., and Arnold Schwarzenegger and brands like Microsoft, Google, and OstomySecrets.

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.

CONTACT DETAILS

Nothing to Lose, Everything to Gain - Jumping Head First into the World of Perfumery with Liz Moores

Sun, 23 Jun 2024 23:00:00 +0100

This 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 approach to business and perfume making, how to deal with rumours and gossip and inspires you to take a leap of faith.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Like most perfumers, Liz was drawn into setting up her own business through her love of fragrance. After some initial high-praising reviews from bloggers, she was approached by retailers who wanted her perfume. She talks about how this early success has influenced her overall approach to business.
Setting up your own business can be daunting, but it can also give you incredible freedom. Liz talks about how she embraced that freedom with her marketing and creations and how ‘being naive’ enough to do this has led to her success.
In agreement with Karen, Liz believes that it is essential to have a strong story behind any scent you are creating. She details her process in creating stories and why, sometimes, it is essential to take a step back and not rush the process.
Karen and Liz discuss how the perfume industry has exploded over the last ten years as perfumery has turned from an artform to a consumer trend. How this has flooded the market with thousands of perfumes and how you can still stand out in the market if you have the right approach.

BEST MOMENTS

“Create fragrances that you love yourself, everything after that is a bonus.”

“If you don’t have a strong story all you’re doing is chucking materials together and there’s no guarantee that the process will work.”

“It is crucial, as an artisan perfumer, to forge strong relationships with your suppliers and customers. Your reputation is everything.”

EPISODE LINKS

Papillon Perfumery Instagram

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.

CONTACT DETAILS

The Master of Scent - The Life and Work of Jean Carles

Sun, 16 Jun 2024 23:00:00 +0100

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

Jean Carles had both a unique approach to creating perfumes and to teachings. He is the father of many iconic scents as well as the teacher of many prolific perfumeres. Karen details some of his greatest creations and influences.
Jean Carles developed a revolutionary method for perfume creation based on a systematic approach to understanding raw materials. Karen breaks down his method step by step.
His method for creating accords was also considered to be groundbreaking. Whilst complex, it is an incredible tool for you to understand. Karen gives an overview of his method and principles.
The final part of Jean Carles’ method is that of constructing a fragrance, it is known as the pyramid method, which is creating a fragrance with base notes, heart notes and top notes. Karen gives examples of this method and how to implement it.

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

Material Mastery

William Kaufman Book

The Jean Carles Method

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.

CONTACT DETAILS

The Beginners Challenge - 8 Challenges You Will Certainly Face and How to Overcome Them

Sun, 09 Jun 2024 23:00:00 +0100

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

As with most careers, perfumers seek validation from the wider industry, especially when starting out in their careers, and this lack of validation can make you feel like an outsider, however, Karen explains that validation does not equate to success.
When you step into a large industry like the fragrance industry it is natural to start out feeling like you’re not good enough. Karen talks about this and the bigger problem of imposter syndrome, and how you can overcome these feelings.
There are hundreds of materials that you can use to create your scents and the thought of learning and memorising them all can be a daunting one. However, Karen is here to reassure you that by working in artisan perfumery, you really don’t need to memorise all that knowledge from day one.
Time management is a huge challenge when you dive into a new career. Karen breaks down her top tips for achieving effective time management.

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

Mindset Magic

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.

CONTACT DETAILS

Keep Moving Forward - How To Get Where You Want To Go with Earl Williams

Sun, 02 Jun 2024 23:00:00 +0100

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

Earl details his journey in the fragrance industry and how his promising start was cut short by Covid but, instead of giving up, he decided to scale up.
When Earl launched his business he was sure that he was offering the right products to the right people but, this confidence only came after a lot of preparation work, a process he outlines here.
A chance meeting at an event led Earl to open his business into a new area. He discusses the way he approached this opportunity and why you should be open to exploring new avenues.
Having a unique business model is one thing but having your own style is what sets you apart. Earl talks about the journey he embarked upon to find his own unique style.

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

ESP PerfumeBar Website

ESP PerfumeBar Instagram

ESP PerfumeBar Tik Tok

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.

CONTACT DETAILS

Saved From Extinction - How Quintis took Sandalwood from endangered to sustainable.

Sun, 26 May 2024 23:00:00 +0100

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

As well as producing an incredible scent, sandalwood also has some amazing therapeutic benefits, such as anti-aging. Vanessa breaks down these benefits and the research behind them.
Vanessa outlines the history of sandalwood, its importance as an export for Australia and why, 30 years ago, Quintis decided to create plantations which, today, total over 4 million trees.
Sophie discusses the importance of having strong relationships with the team that grow and harvest the sandalwood and how this creates transparency and trust with their clients.
Sandalwood was once endangered and Quintis are determined to make sure that never happens again. Sophie discusses the company's approach to making sure that sandalwood will be sustainable for the future.

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

Quintis Website

Quintis Instagram

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.

CONTACT DETAILS

A Leap of Faith: Why Following Your Dreams is the Most Rewarding Thing You Can Do

Sun, 19 May 2024 23:00:00 +0100

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

Nicole recounts her journey which started with her beloved childhood perfume making kit, and how, during covid, Karen’s course reignited those memories which ultimately led her to launching her own perfume business.
Nicole explains the theory behind her workshops and how they are designed to encourage mindfulness and harmony in the participants, as well as bringing people closer to scent.
Nicole finally took the step to launch her own perfume business once covid hit and she found herself to be desperately unhappy. She details her process to Karen, the challenges she faced and how she ultimately overcame them.
Karen and Nicole discuss the importance of obtaining objective feedback on your work, where to get it from and how, if done correctly, it can help you to grow.

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:

Elix Fragrance Website

Elix Fragrance Instagram

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.

CONTACT DETAILS

Mindfulness and Meditation: How Internal Exploration Enhances Creativity in Perfume Making

Sun, 12 May 2024 23:00:00 +0100

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

Karen breaks down the science behind mindfulness and creativity, how we process both creativity and emotions and why practicing mindfulness techniques can enhance the key areas of our brain.
Karen walks you through a breathing technique that not only calms your mind, but engages your sense of smell, and shares the advantages of practicing this technique prior to any practical work.
Are you conscious of how your workspace makes you feel? Karen talks about how you can incorporate mindfulness into your workspace to help improve your creativity and shares her top tips for doing this.
Being mindful in your working practices is key, but being mindful about your mindfulness is really what helps you to grow. Karen talks about the importance of being present in the moment and evaluating and refining your mindfulness practices.

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.

CONTACT DETAILS

From Artists to Artisans - How a Former Actor and Former Musician Launched an Online Fragrance Store for Artisan Brands.

Sun, 05 May 2024 23:00:00 +0100

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

Josh and Samuel talk through their process of creating their unique fragrance finder, which gives online customers the same experience of in store shopping, but with an exciting twist.
Josh explains the company’s approach to Tik-Tok, how they saw a way to make perfumery accessible to masses and the success they have achieved through this approach.
Fiole specialises in selling artisan brands. But what is the difference between artisan and niche? Josh and Samuel explain.
Samuel talks about the strong position that Fiole finds itself in due to their unique nature and how this gives them the advantage when big fragrance houses approach them for collaboration.

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

Fiole Website

Fiole Instagram

Fiole TikTok

VALUABLE RESOURCES

Karen’s Business Launch Plan

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.

CONTACT DETAILS

Piloting Success: Navigating the Launch of Your Product with Karen's 7 Essential Tips

Sun, 28 Apr 2024 23:00:00 +0100

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

The world of perfume marketing has changed. Brands no longer need to advertise in prestigious magazines, you can be successful just by using tiktok. But there are things to consider with this approach, which Karen explains.
Karen talks about how understanding what you want out of life, and not just within the confines of your perfume business, will help you to create a clear definition of success and, in turn, a tangible goal to work toward.
Having a strong understanding of costs is crucial to success. But this isn’t just about how much you charge for your product, it’s about what you're spending too. As Karen explains, the beauty of a pilot launch is that you can create small batches to test costing on various items so you can find that sweet spot.
Karen talks about the importance of creating a potential market for your product before your launch and how the creation of ‘waiting list’ is an invaluable tool to help you do this.

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.

CONTACT DETAILS

Crafting Essence: The Art of Natural Perfumery with Daniela Carrasco of Linen Tutu

Sun, 21 Apr 2024 23:00:00 +0100

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

Daniela shares her journey from aromatherapist and a student at design school to her current occupation as a perfumer, and how her previous roles have helped to shape her current one.
Daniela shares her research and learnings on sensory design, how she discovered all five senses do not operate in isolation and the relationship between these discoveries and her approach to perfume making.
Daniela details the extensive research and learning she conducted prior to launching her brand, how this helped her to prepare for her new venture, but also how she would have done things differently given the chance again.
Daniela, who only uses natural materials in her perfumes, details the ethical and moral considerations behind this decision and how she has achieved incredible results.

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

Linentutu Website

Linentutu Instagram

Linentutu TikTok

VALUABLE RESOURCES

Creating Fragrance for Skincare Products 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.

CONTACT DETAILS

Scents of Success: Crafting Your Fragrance Product Range with Karen

Sun, 14 Apr 2024 23:00:00 +0100

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

Karen outlines the critical role of fragrance in product development and why you should have a deep understanding of it.
Karen details the importance of having a consistent scent across all products in your range and talks about some of the technical steps you need to take to achieve this.
The most important first step to take when making a product range is creating a fragrance brief. Karen outlines why this is so important and what you should include in your brief.
Karen talks about the importance of choosing the right fragrance type for your products.

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

VALUABLE RESOURCES

Bespoke Perfumery 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.

CONTACT DETAILS

Crafting Exclusivity: The Art and Business of Bespoke Perfumes

Sun, 07 Apr 2024 23:00:00 +0100

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

Karen explains the skills that you can acquire from learning the practice of creating bespoke perfumes, and, even if you don’t plan on making them, how these skills are invaluable to perfume making in general.
Karen details some of the clients that are in the market for bespoke perfumes and how that market is a lot bigger than you think.
There are actually three different categories of bespoke fragrances. Karen details the creative process of each three and their real world applications.
Karen talks about the biggest challenges you will face when creating bespoke perfumes and give you the tools to overcome them.

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

Marbella Perfumes Instagram

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.

CONTACT DETAILS

From Industrial Engineering to Artisan Perfumery with Marbella Perfumes

Sun, 31 Mar 2024 23:00:00 +0100

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

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 her perception of the process completely changed and some of the incredible discoveries she made.
Like most people that take a leap into a new career, Helida found herself overwhelmed by the amount of new information she had to learn. She details her process of overcoming this hurdle.
In another unconventional career move, Helida is now using her understanding of the perfume making process to deliver team building workshops. She details how this works.

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

Marbella Perfumes

VALUABLE RESOURCES

Perfume Business Plan Launch

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.

CONTACT DETAILS

The Scent of Success: How to Confidently Price Your Perfume Creations

Mon, 25 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0100

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

Karen talks about the basic factors you should consider when pricing your perfume and these are not just time and materials.
Brand positioning plays an important part in your pricing strategy. Karen details how understanding where you want to position your brand can influence your pricing strategy.
When it comes to materials, where should you prioritize your spending? Karen gives some pointers on achieving maximum efficiency.
Karen breaks down two different pricing strategies - cost plus pricing and value based pricing - so that you can understand which approach works best for you.

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

Bespoke Perfumery Masterclass

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.

CONTACT DETAILS

Scented Stories: From Broken Bottles to Bespoke Bases with Jamie Frater

Mon, 18 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0100

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

Jamie shares the story of how a broken bottle of perfume he bought on ebay transported him into the world of perfume making
Jamie talks about how his fascination with fragrance led him to take a deep dive into the creation process which, in turn, led him to create classic bases with a modern context.
Jamie details his process of creating basses, both from a scientific and artistic perspective.
Jamie talks about selling his own business and moving into the world of perfume, the risks that came with that, but also the rewards.

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

Frater Works Materials

Frater Works Perfumes

VALUABLE RESOURCES

Inexpensive Beginners Scales

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.

CONTACT DETAILS

Beyond the Drop: Mastering Precision in Perfume Measurements

Mon, 11 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0100

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

Karen talks about measuring materials using drops and the problems most people don’t realise are associated with this method
One alternative to drops is using milliliters but, certain factors like density, concentration and temperature can cause all kinds of problems with this method, as Karen explains.
Karen explains why using scales is the best method for consistency and precision in perfume making.
Karen goes into detail on how to use scales, why they are the best method of measurements and what scales might be best for you.

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

Diluting Perfume Materials

Natural Perfume Masterclass

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.

CONTACT DETAILS

The Scent of Controversy: The Unethical Practices of Dupes and Copycats

Mon, 04 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0100

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

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 pre-existing, successful perfumes.
Karen talks about the rise in dupes in the marketplace and why they have become so popular.

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.

CONTACT DETAILS

Exploring Natural Perfumery with Gandha Temple

Mon, 26 Feb 2024 00:00:00 +0100

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

Delphine talks about how she fell in love with perfumery and her inspiration for starting her own brand.
Delphine found great therapeutic benefits to creating perfumes, she expands on this and how it led her to develop and deliver her own workshops so that others could experience what she had.
Delphine talks about the positives and negatives of the Australian perfume market and how they have influenced some of her business decisions.
Delphine details some of the challenges she has faced whilst setting up her company and how she overcame them.

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

Gandha Temple Website

Gandha Temple Instagram

VALUABLE RESOURCES

Natural Isolates 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.

CONTACT DETAILS

Scented Science: Exploring Synthetic Materials in Perfumery

Mon, 19 Feb 2024 00:00:00 +0100

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

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 first synthetic to be known to the wider public.
Karen gives examples of some of the well known fragrances that use these synthetic materials and how their use has helped to make the fragrances popular.
How do you incorporate synthetic materials into your perfumes? Karen gives her advice and details some of the aspects that people often overlook.

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

Material Mastery

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.

CONTACT DETAILS

The Perfumer's Palette: Crafting with Bergamot, Rose, Jasmine, and Sandalwood

Mon, 12 Feb 2024 00:00:00 +0100

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

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 their roles in perfume compositions, including their strength and compliance with regulations.
Karen gives examples of well known fragrances that contain the classic ingredients and explains how they are used to maximize effect.
Karen talks about the recent trend in perfume making of using fewer ingredients for greater impact and how this is bringing out the nuance in classic ingredients.

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.”

Material Mastery

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.

CONTACT DETAILS

The Commonplace Book: When, Why and How To Use It

Mon, 05 Feb 2024 00:00:00 +0100

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

Karen gives a brief history of the commonplace book, how they have evolved with the introduction of the digital age and how the concept can be applied to perfume making.
Karen talks about some of the considerations when creating a commonplace book and the importance of choosing a format that works for you.
Karen gives tips on what to include in your commonplace book and how and why you shouldn’t just include technical details.
Karen shares her top tips on making your commonplace book a central part of your perfume making practice.

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

Remarkable Tablet

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.

CONTACT DETAILS

Scented Symphony: Balancing Art and Science in Perfume Making

Mon, 29 Jan 2024 00:00:00 +0100

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

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 regulations attached to the perfume industry and the importance of following them.
How do you know if a certain ingredient is suitable for your fragrance? Karen breaks down the factors involved in making that decision.
You don’t learn unless you do…and make mistakes. Karen discusses this theory and talks about the importance of hands-on practical learning.

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

Karen’s Studio Classes

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.

CONTACT DETAILS

Artisan Branding and Perfume Alchemy with MISKEO

Mon, 22 Jan 2024 01:00:00 +0100

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

Marie talks about her journey to becoming a perfumer and founder of MISKEO and how her earlier experiences in life have played a part in her current success.
Marie explains her creative approach and what inspires her to make great perfumes.
Marie talks about her experience on TikTok, her approach to making content and the benefits she sees to her business.
Using an example of a scent she launched last year, Marie talks about her process and the emotions she experiences when she achieves success.

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

Natural Perfume 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.

CONTACT DETAILS

Making the Most of 2024 - Part 2

Mon, 15 Jan 2024 00:00:00 +0100

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

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 creating a big list of tasks.
Karen talks about the benefits from joining a community of like minded people where you can share success, give encouragement to others and share best practice.
Karen explains her logic around starting your goal creation with a 5 year plan and how seeing it as a big picture can help you break it down into smaller chunks.
Karen walks through her process of breaking down your 5 visions into manageable chunks and how you can factor in accountability and opportunities to review your progress.

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

5 Day Challenge

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.

CONTACT DETAILS

Making the Most of 2024

Mon, 08 Jan 2024 00:00:00 +0100

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

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 back on track if you lose focus.
We all tell ourselves there are things we ‘should’ be doing and often they can drag us down. Karen explores ways we can free up our mind by letting go of our ‘shoulds’.
Do you know what your ideal life looks like? Karen shares hers and how important it is to know and visualize this regularly if you want to be successful.
What if you knew you couldn’t fail? If you ask yourself this question you might be surprised what you dream up and how your goals for the year, and your life, will change.

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

www.formulabotanica.com/podcast

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.

CONTACT DETAILS

Deepening Your Self-Care Routine with the Power of Scent

Mon, 18 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0100

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

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 what scents can be used to invoke different needs.
Karen details the practical ways different scents can be incorporated into your daily routine to get the most out of their benefits.
Karen shares a short visualization that people can use if they do not have time to participate in actual routines.

BEST MOMENTS
“Scented self care can offer a sanctuary of calm amidst the seasonal chaos.”

“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
The Scent Shift
Perfume Oil Masterclass
Room Fragrance Masterclass
Studio Classes

VALUABLE RESOURCES
Getting Started Guide
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.

CONTACT DETAILS
Website
Instagram
Facebook
YouTube
Email

The Truth About Natural Skincare with Lorraine Dallmeier of Formula Botanica

Mon, 11 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0100

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

Lorraine talks about her journey from training as a biologist to a environmental scientist in the oil and gas industry to the renewable energy industry to finally taking the leap to work for herself, where Formula Botanica was born.
Lorraine discusses using natural products for creating skincare products and the most important factors that must be taken into account.
Karen and Lorraine talk about the differences between creating skincare products and perfumes.
Lorraine addresses some of the misconceptions that consumers have about using natural ingredients in skincare products

BEST MOMENTS
“With organic skincare products, the most important considerations are safety and stability.”

“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

www.formulabotanica.com/podcast-fragrance-natural-skincare

VALUABLE RESOURCES