This week on the show Karen is talking to industry veteran and founder of the Perfume Society, Lorna Mckay. In this wide ranging interview Lorna and Karen discuss the education of fragrance and how Lorna’s interest in that led her to form The Perfume Society, the future of the perfume industry, how AI might play a part in that and the importance of fragrance in your life.

KEY TAKEAWAYS
Lorna talks about her journey in the fragrance industry from becoming fascinated in the psychology of retail to becoming an international buyer to setting up Liberty perfumery, and finally, to her role today.
Lorna talks about how she set up FRED, Fragrance Education, a tool to help people select the best fragrance for them.
Lorna talks about why she set up the Perfume Society - an information hub to help consumers understand and choose the right perfume for them.
Lorna and Karen discuss what they think the future of the perfume industry will look like, including what part AI might play and the emergence of new fragrances. 

BEST MOMENTS 
“Putting all your money into your brand is one thing, but having a distribution and outlet is a whole different ball game.”

“Selling a fragrance through social media can be difficult, how do you get someone to smell the scent through a computer screen?”

“Perfume is personal and expensive, so make sure you do your research and buy the right fragrance for you.” 

EPISODE LINKS
https://perfumesociety.org

VALUABLE RESOURCES
Getting Started Guide: https://www.karengilbert.co.uk/podcast-getting-started-guide

Artisan Perfumery Mastermind: https://karengilbert.info/artisan-perfumery-mastermind

ABOUT THE HOST
Fragrance expert, author, teacher and speaker; Karen Gilbert runs courses in the UK and online which demystify the secretive world of perfumery in a fun and interactive way. 

Karen has inspired thousands of students to explore their olfactory sense and create their own personalised fragrances.

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

Karen is also a certified meditation teacher and has a passion for helping people to create daily rituals that integrate scent with other modalities to shift state and increase your sense of wellbeing.

CONTACT DETAILS
Website
Instagram
Facebook
YouTube
Email

This week on the show Karen is talking to industry veteran and founder of the Perfume Society, Lorna Mckay. In this wide ranging interview Lorna and Karen discuss the education of fragrance and how Lorna’s interest in that led her to form The Perfume Society, the future of the perfume industry, how AI might play a part in that and the importance of fragrance in your life.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Lorna talks about her journey in the fragrance industry from becoming fascinated in the psychology of retail to becoming an international buyer to setting up Liberty perfumery, and finally, to her role today.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Lorna talks about how she set up FRED, Fragrance Education, a tool to help people select the best fragrance for them.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Lorna talks about why she set up the Perfume Society - an information hub to help consumers understand and choose the right perfume for them.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Lorna and Karen discuss what they think the future of the perfume industry will look like, including what part AI might play and the emergence of new fragrances. </li>
</ul>
BEST MOMENTS  “Putting all your money into your brand is one thing, but having a distribution and outlet is a whole different ball game.”
“Selling a fragrance through social media can be difficult, how do you get someone to smell the scent through a computer screen?”
“Perfume is personal and expensive, so make sure you do your research and buy the right fragrance for you.” 
EPISODE LINKS <a href="https://perfumesociety.org">https://perfumesociety.org</a> 
VALUABLE RESOURCES Getting Started Guide: <a href="https://www.karengilbert.co.uk/podcast-getting-started-guide">https://www.karengilbert.co.uk/podcast-getting-started-guide</a>
Artisan Perfumery Mastermind: <a href="https://karengilbert.info/artisan-perfumery-mastermind">https://karengilbert.info/artisan-perfumery-mastermind</a>
ABOUT THE HOST Fragrance expert, author, teacher and speaker; Karen Gilbert runs courses in the UK and online which demystify the secretive world of perfumery in a fun and interactive way. 
Karen has inspired thousands of students to explore their olfactory sense and create their own personalised fragrances.
With extensive product development experience in both the commercial perfumery and the organic skincare industry, Karen is able to offer a unique insight into creating natural and mixed media fragrances for fine fragrance, room scents and skincare/bodycare products using commercial perfumery techniques.
Karen is also a certified meditation teacher and has a passion for helping people to create daily rituals that integrate scent with other modalities to shift state and increase your sense of wellbeing.
CONTACT DETAILS <a href="https://www.karengilbert.co.uk/">Website</a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/karengilbert/">Instagram</a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/KarenGilbert.co.uk">Facebook</a> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@KarenGilbertPerfumeMaking">YouTube</a> <a href="mailto:karen@karengilbert.co.uk%C2%A0">Email</a>

Discover the captivating art of perfumery and learn how to turn your passion into a business. Join Karen as she shares step-by-step instructions and occasional interviews, guiding you through the intricacies of fragrance creation.

This podcast goes beyond the technical aspects of perfumery. Explore the fascinating connections between scent, mindset, and wellbeing. Learn about scent psychology, meditation practices, and the profound impact of fragrances on our emotions and overall wellness.

Whether you're interested in natural perfumery, commercial perfumery, or starting your own venture, Karen provides valuable insights and business advice to help you succeed. Unleash your creativity, tap into your senses, and discover the secrets of this enchanting world.

Start creating your signature scents today and unlock the transformative power of fragrance in your life.

Discover the captivating art of perfumery and learn how to turn your passion into a business. Join Karen as she shares step-by-step instructions and occasional interviews, guiding you through the intricacies of fragrance creation.
This podcast goes beyond the technical aspects of perfumery. Explore the fascinating connections between scent, mindset, and wellbeing. Learn about scent psychology, meditation practices, and the profound impact of fragrances on our emotions and overall wellness.
Whether you're interested in natural perfumery, commercial perfumery, or starting your own venture, Karen provides valuable insights and business advice to help you succeed. Unleash your creativity, tap into your senses, and discover the secrets of this enchanting world.
Start creating your signature scents today and unlock the transformative power of fragrance in your life.

The Perfume Making Podcast

An Education in Fragrance with Lorna Mckay

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

The Scent Design Challenge

Deep Work - Cal Newport 

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

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.

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

Karen is also a certified meditation teacher and has a passion for helping people to create daily rituals that integrate scent with other modalities to shift state and increase your sense of wellbeing.

CONTACT DETAILS

Website

Instagram

Facebook

YouTube

Email

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
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">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. </li>
<li aria-level="1">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. </li>
<li aria-level="1">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. </li>
<li aria-level="1">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. </li>
</ul>
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
<a href="https://karengilbert.info/5-day-challenge-sign-up1632907547017">The Scent Design Challenge</a> 
<a href="https://amzn.to/3YyfZK2">Deep Work - Cal Newport </a>
<a href="https://amzn.to/3YwUeKG">The Artist's Way - Julia Cameron (Morning Pages)  </a>
VALUABLE RESOURCES
<a href="https://www.karengilbert.co.uk/podcast-getting-started-guide">Getting Started Guide</a>
<a href="https://karengilbert.info/artisan-perfumery-mastermind">Artisan Perfumery Mastermind</a>  
ABOUT THE HOST
Fragrance expert, author, teacher and speaker; Karen Gilbert runs courses in the UK and online which demystify the secretive world of perfumery in a fun and interactive way. 
Karen has inspired thousands of students to explore their olfactory sense and create their own personalised fragrances.
With extensive product development experience in both the commercial perfumery and the organic skincare industry, Karen is able to offer a unique insight into creating natural and mixed media fragrances for fine fragrance, room scents and skincare/bodycare products using commercial perfumery techniques.
Karen is also a certified meditation teacher and has a passion for helping people to create daily rituals that integrate scent with other modalities to shift state and increase your sense of wellbeing.
CONTACT DETAILS
<a href="https://www.karengilbert.co.uk/">Website</a>
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/karengilbert/">Instagram</a>
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/KarenGilbert.co.uk">Facebook</a>
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@KarenGilbertPerfumeMaking">YouTube</a>
<a href="mailto:karen@karengilbert.co.uk%C2%A0">Email</a>

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

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

Getting Started Guide

Artisan Perfumery Mastermind

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.

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

Karen is also a certified meditation teacher and has a passion for helping people to create daily rituals that integrate scent with other modalities to shift state and increase your sense of wellbeing.



CONTACT DETAILS

Website

Instagram

Facebook

YouTube

Email

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 &amp; Olfaction Awards in 2024.
 
KEY TAKEAWAYS
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">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.</li>
<li aria-level="1">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. </li>
<li aria-level="1">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. </li>
<li aria-level="1">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. </li>
</ul>
 
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
<a href="http://www.olentium.com">Olentium Website</a>
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/olentium/?hl=en">Olentium Instagram</a>
VALUABLE RESOURCES
<a href="https://www.karengilbert.co.uk/podcast-getting-started-guide">Getting Started Guide</a>
<a href="https://karengilbert.info/artisan-perfumery-mastermind">Artisan Perfumery Mastermind</a>  
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 &amp; 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.
With extensive product development experience in both the commercial perfumery and the organic skincare industry, Karen is able to offer a unique insight into creating natural and mixed media fragrances for fine fragrance, room scents and skincare/bodycare products using commercial perfumery techniques.
Karen is also a certified meditation teacher and has a passion for helping people to create daily rituals that integrate scent with other modalities to shift state and increase your sense of wellbeing.
 
CONTACT DETAILS
<a href="https://www.karengilbert.co.uk/">Website</a>
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/karengilbert/">Instagram</a>
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/KarenGilbert.co.uk">Facebook</a>
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@KarenGilbertPerfumeMaking">YouTube</a>
<a href="mailto:karen@karengilbert.co.uk%C2%A0">Email</a>

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

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

October 5 Day Scent Design Workshop 

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.

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

Karen is also a certified meditation teacher and has a passion for helping people to create daily rituals that integrate scent with other modalities to shift state and increase your sense of wellbeing.



CONTACT DETAILS

Website

Instagram

Facebook

YouTube

Email

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
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">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. </li>
<li aria-level="1">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?</li>
<li aria-level="1">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. </li>
<li aria-level="1"> 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.</li>
</ul>
 
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
<a href="https://bit.ly/scentdesignworkshop2024">October 5 Day Scent Design Workshop </a>
VALUABLE RESOURCES
<a href="https://www.karengilbert.co.uk/podcast-getting-started-guide">Getting Started Guide</a>
<a href="https://karengilbert.info/artisan-perfumery-mastermind">Artisan Perfumery Mastermind</a>  
ABOUT THE HOST
Fragrance expert, author, teacher and speaker; Karen Gilbert runs courses in the UK and online which demystify the secretive world of perfumery in a fun and interactive way. 
Karen has inspired thousands of students to explore their olfactory sense and create their own personalised fragrances.
With extensive product development experience in both the commercial perfumery and the organic skincare industry, Karen is able to offer a unique insight into creating natural and mixed media fragrances for fine fragrance, room scents and skincare/bodycare products using commercial perfumery techniques.
Karen is also a certified meditation teacher and has a passion for helping people to create daily rituals that integrate scent with other modalities to shift state and increase your sense of wellbeing.
 
CONTACT DETAILS
<a href="https://www.karengilbert.co.uk/">Website</a>
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/karengilbert/">Instagram</a>
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/KarenGilbert.co.uk">Facebook</a>
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@KarenGilbertPerfumeMaking">YouTube</a>
<a href="mailto:karen@karengilbert.co.uk%C2%A0">Email</a>

An Education in Fragrance with Lorna Mckay

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