 Founder of WellFest & Ceremonial Master Chocolatier In this interview, Creezy Courtoy will introduce you Angelina Padron, the visionary founder of WellFest and a master in the art of ceremonial chocolate. Angelina's journey into health and wellness has been nothing short of transformative, as she beautifully weaves her knowledge of somatic psychology and cacao ceremonies into her community-driven initiatives. Join us as we explore her passion for promoting wellness, her journey to founding WellFest, its workshops and the unique healing power of chocolate rituals.  What led you to create WellFest? When did you start? WellFest started in July 2023 as a simple yet powerful idea—to bring people together in a meaningful way to explore health, wellness, and community. It all began as a small meetup group with three gatherings to connect with like-minded individuals passionate about raising the vibration of wellness in our lives and beyond. At the very first meetup, I asked the group, “What if we did a practitioners fair?” The excitement was contagious, and that idea became the spark that led to WellFest. Before diving in, I organized two smaller festivals to learn the ropes and get some practice under my belt. What truly made this vision come to life was building relationships with the cities we were serving. We wanted to feel like neighbors in their backyard. When I pitched the idea to the city of Rancho Mirage, they embraced it wholeheartedly and even sponsored the event—and that’s how WellFest came to life! It’s been a journey of connection, collaboration, and, most importantly, community. Can you tell us more about your background? My journey into health and wellness began about 15 years ago. After moving from Chicago to Palm Springs 8 years ago, I continued working in wellness through the spa industry—until the pandemic changed everything. Like many, I took that time to reinvent myself. I went back to school to study somatic psychology, which deepened my understanding of the mind-body connection. Around that time, I also traveled to Tulum, Mexico, to study cacao. What started as a fun experiment quickly became something much deeper—cacao turned into a powerful medicine that I began incorporating into my work. I started using cacao in my personal sessions to ground people, pairing it with meditation, and eventually hosting retreats to spread the word about healing modalities and self-love. Alongside this, I launched a wellness community network that grew into a full-scale festival, now serving five cities across the Coachella Valley. Today, I wear a few hats. I run a chocolate and cacao business, work one-on-one with clients using somatic therapy and mindset coaching, and serve as a bioenergetics practitioner at Best Pain Management under Dr. Scherger, where I use innovative techniques to help clients manage pain with energy. And, of course, I lead WellFest, where I help promote and manage over 50 wellness businesses. It’s been an incredible, ever-evolving journey, and I love every part of it! During the dinner, you are also doing a Chocolate Ceremony. Can you explain the origin of this ceremony? Absolutely! The Chocolate Ceremony has its roots in ancient Mesoamerican cultures, where cacao was revered as a sacred plant. It was used in rituals to connect with the divine, foster healing, and open the heart. Fast forward to today, and the ceremony has evolved into a beautiful way to honor those traditions while creating a sacred space for self-connection and intention-setting. Here’s where it gets fun—we take pure ceremonial cacao and infuse it with herbs and flowers that align with astrology and the plants of the season. It’s not just about sipping chocolate; it’s about experiencing it as a grounding, heart-opening medicine. During the ceremony, we pair the cacao with embodiment meditations inspired by Ayurvedic healing to help participants fully connect with their mind, body, and soul. It’s a delicious and deeply meaningful way to embrace the moment! What are the purposes of these ceremonies? It’s all about creating a vibe—a moment of stillness, connection, and just pure magic. Chocolate Ceremonies are designed to crack open your heart, give you that "ah-ha" moment of clarity, and encourage some real-deal self-reflection. Think of it as hitting the pause button on life to soak in the present, set some juicy intentions, and leave feeling grounded and full of gratitude. It’s like a reset for your soul, with a little chocolate love to sweeten the deal! You quoted: “These brews are served in beautiful tea-style or soki cups, creating an experience of sipping cacao as medicine and healing. The practice is designed to engage the senses, allowing participants to embody and cherish the moment with intention.” Can you elaborate on this? Sipping cacao from beautifully crafted cups turns something as simple as drinking into a sacred ritual. It’s an experience that engages all the senses—the warmth of the cup in your hands, the rich aroma wafting up, the silky texture as it coats your mouth, and the way it lands in your body, stirring something deep and grounding. It’s more than just chocolate; it’s a moment to pause, reflect, and remember. The richness of the cacao often stirs up a twist of memory or emotion, connecting you to something bigger. It’s all about savoring every sensation and making space for self-care and meaningful connection—not just with the cacao, but with yourself and the present moment. It’s a little indulgence with a whole lot of intention! What is the medicinal and healing power of chocolate? Cacao isn’t just delicious—it’s a powerhouse of medicinal and healing benefits. Known as a heart-opening plant medicine, cacao contains theobromine, a natural stimulant that gently boosts heart function, increases blood flow, and promotes feelings of clarity and calm euphoria. It’s also packed with antioxidants, which help combat inflammation, support cardiovascular health, and even boost your immune system. On a deeper level, cacao triggers the release of feel-good neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and endorphins, helping to lift mood, ease stress, and enhance overall emotional well-being. Cacao is also rich in magnesium, which helps relax muscles, improve sleep, and calm the nervous system—making it a fantastic choice for grounding and restoring balance. On an emotional level, it’s a powerful tool for releasing negative energy, fostering creativity, and inviting feelings of joy and gratitude. Think of cacao as both a medicine for the body and a balm for the soul—a true healing elixir that nurtures from the inside out! Can you tell us more about a couple of cacao brews you will provide for our evening event? For this special evening, I’ll be serving two exquisite cacao brews, each crafted with intention and inspired by the healing traditions of ceremonial cacao:  Classic Ceremonial Cacao: This rich and earthy brew features pure, unprocessed firewood cacao sourced from Guatemala. Lightly sweetened with organic honey and infused with the warming spices of cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger, this blend is designed to energize, ground, and nourish the body and soul.  Floral-Infused Cacao: A heart-centered creation blending ceremonial cacao with the delicate essence of rose petals. The roses are infused in 11.5 pH water, brewed into a fragrant rose water, and then perfectly paired with the cacao to create an uplifting and soothing experience. Each sip is a journey—an invitation to connect with the richness of cacao, the energy of the plants, and the intention of the moment. These brews are more than drinks; they’re experiences designed to awaken the senses and nourish the spirit. Join us on January 11 for the Scent of Healing workshop Register for the Free Natural Perfumery Workshop Register for the Dinner and the Chocolate Ceremony with Angelina Padron 
0 Comments
 By Terry Johnson, Business and Marketing Teacher Another year has passed, and another has begun. Last year is now history and time to reflect on what we have learned from the previous year that can be passed on by proper planning to those (including ourselves) who will benefit from that additional knowledge and experience gained in traveling on our own personal Perfume Roads.
Here are a few tips on planning this year’s Perfume Road journey: Step 1: Thoroughly review last year’s goals, achievements, and setbacks and develop an overall evaluation of how the market may have changed during the year that might impact the coming year. What modifications to this year’s planning should you make due to achievements or setbacks you might have experienced last year? Set aside enough time to give your undivided attention to the project. The best way to ensure you’re dedicating the right amount of time is to schedule a time slot for every day over the course of the week. Step 2: Review your Purpose/Vision, Mission Statement and Value Propositions which are your blueprints to stay on course traveling your Perfume Road. Did you stay on course to fulfil your Mission and Purpose for the year? Is it time to get back on track? Step 3: Incorporate your past years’ history and experience as well as the history of perfumes into your marketing strategies going forward. Friends and relatives from outside the natural essence community ask me why it is so important to educate consumers about the history and culture of natural perfumes and essences. Besides the fact that perfume history is important human history, understanding our perfume past helps us properly shape the future through effective planning, successful marketing, and giving more meaning to consumers about how important natural perfumes and essences are in their personal lives. Creezy Courtoy’s beautiful book The Perfume Roads and her excellent IPF Teacher’s Academy course World Perfume History Course teach us about the importance and value of the culture and heritage of natural perfumery. What those ancient Perfume Roads created historically has a direct and important link to what we did last year and what we will be doing this year and beyond. This is because we are still on those Perfume Roads that will lead us to a better world for futures generations, and your business success will benefit from the efforts you make today in planning your Perfume Road journey going forward. To find out more about world perfume history, visit this link.  Copyright photo Angelina Padron By Creezy Courtoy, Perfume Historian and Anthropologist If you love perfumes, you probably also love food, pastries and chocolates as the sense of taste is 85% olfactive.
Chocolate's origins trace back to ancient civilizations like the Maya and Aztecs, who revered cacao not only as a food but as a sacred substance. They prepared a frothy beverage infused with spices, often enjoyed during ceremonial rituals and social gatherings, highlighting the deep connection between chocolate and the human experience. In South American countries, particularly in places like Peru and Ecuador, chocolate is deeply embedded in cultural traditions. Cacao ceremonies have been practiced for centuries, where the preparation and sharing of chocolate are seen as sacred rituals that foster connection and community. During these ceremonies, raw cacao is often blended with natural sweeteners and spices, creating a rich beverage that is consumed in a communal setting. Participants are encouraged to express gratitude and intentions, making the experience both spiritual and sensory. The act of drinking chocolate becomes a means to enhance emotional well-being, promote mindfulness, and connect with the earth’s gifts. These ceremonies serve not only as a celebration of cacao but also as a reminder of the importance of community and connection in our lives. They highlight the transformative power of chocolate, especially when paired with aromatic scents that engage the senses and promote a feeling of harmony If tea, coffee and chocolate appear for the first time at the Court at the time of the marriage of Louis XIV with Marie Thérèse d'Autriche, it is only at the time of Louis XV that hot chocolate arrived at the French Court promoted by the well known Marquise de Pompadour. In recent years, the art of infusing chocolate with various scents has gained popularity, not only for culinary innovation but also for enhancing well-being. The practice of combining chocolate with aromatic spices and fruits creates a multisensory experience that can uplift the spirit and promote relaxation. The fusion of chocolate with spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and chili has roots in traditional recipes where these ingredients were believed to have health benefits. The Wellness Benefits of Scented Chocolate The infusion of scents into chocolate not only elevates its flavor but also enhances its benefits. Aromatherapy principles suggest that certain scents can influence mood and well-being. When combined with the natural properties of chocolate, this can create a powerful experience for both body and mind. The act of savoring chocolate infused with delightful fragrances can stimulate the release of endorphins, enhancing feelings of happiness and relaxation. Moreover, the antioxidants found in dark chocolate, paired with the health benefits of various scents, create a delicious avenue towards wellness. Cinnamon, for instance, adds warmth and sweetness while being known for its anti-inflammatory properties. Chili brings a hint of heat, which can boost metabolism and enhance mood. Basil and Yuzu: This intriguing combination brings a fresh, herbal note to chocolate. Basil, often associated with tranquility and balance, pairs beautifully with the zesty brightness of yuzu, a citrus fruit. The result is a unique flavor profile that invigorates the senses and promotes a sense of well-being Chai Infusion: The comforting blend of chai spices—cardamom, ginger, cloves, and black pepper—infused in chocolate can evoke feelings of warmth and nostalgia. This combination not only delights the palate but also offers antioxidant benefits, thanks to the spices, making it a perfect treat for relaxation and rejuvenation Therefore, if you are perfumer, don't hesitate to associate chocolate and scents and, to everyone, don't feel guilty anymore, eating chocolate as it is good for you!  By Terry Johnson, Natural Perfumery Business and Marketing Expert When most natural perfumers start perfume businesses, there is generally only one person involved doing every business activity. This means all responsibility and authority rests with one person. If a one-person business is the plan, then all is fine. If, however, a natural perfumer wants to take full advantage of the growing consumer interest in natural perfume or natural aromatherapy and significantly grow their business, they will have to make the decision to develop a team to professionally carry out all of the growing business functions.
Here are some fundamentals every growing company needs to consider on team delegation: 1. Make careful choices for every person added to the team, including looking for indications of experience in team play. For example, ask if they have ever played on a sports team and enjoyed it. 2. Ensure each member of the team thoroughly understands the company’s Mission, Purpose/Vision, Value Proposition, and policies, and how important their job is in fulfilling these fundamentals. Develop a company manual containing these fundamentals and policies and give the entire team regular access to them, reviewing the manual with everyone periodically. 3. Assign each team member’s responsibilities with some appropriate authority. It is quite easy to delegate responsibility without authority - just tell one of your team to do something. It is not as easy, however, to properly delegate responsibility that includes authority. Delegating responsibility without authority can result in failure, team disengagement, and even resentment, and is also known as "dysfunctional delegation." Proper management practices necessitate clearly stating the lines and limits of each team member’s authority and responsibility. 4. Review each team member’s job performance and knowledge of fundamentals periodically and continually re-focusing on your team regarding your purpose, mission, and value proposition. This keeps the entire team on the same page. 5. Manage the team with balance between ignoring or hovering, and monitor team performance without undermining employees. Remember, team members may do things a bit differently than you would do yourself, but that is part of the give-and-take nature of team delegation of responsibility. Want to learn more about operating a business and marketing natural perfumes and essential oils? Sign up for Business and Marketing in the Natural Essence Community.  By Creezy Courtoy, Perfume Historian and Anthropologist The Christmas tree has a rich history that dates back centuries, with its origins often traced to ancient pagan traditions. The use of evergreen trees and plants during winter solstice celebrations predates Christianity. Ancient Egyptians, for example, used palm fronds to symbolize the triumph of life over death during the winter solstice. Similarly, the Druids in ancient Britain and the Romans used evergreen boughs to decorate their homes during the winter months. The modern Christmas tree tradition is widely believed to have originated in Germany in the 16th century. It is said that devout Christians began bringing decorated trees into their homes as a symbol of faith. The earliest documented use of a Christmas tree in a home was in 1570 in the town of Strasbourg. Initially, trees were decorated with apples, nuts, and paper flowers. Over time, the decorations evolved to include candles, which represented the light of Christ, and later, glass ornaments, tinsel, and other festive adornments. The Christmas tree tradition gradually spread to other parts of Europe. By the 18th and 19th centuries, it became popular in countries like France and England. In England, Queen Charlotte, the German wife of King George III, is credited with introducing the Christmas tree to the British court in the early 1800s. The Christmas tree gained widespread popularity in England when Queen Victoria and her husband, Prince Albert, were depicted in a drawing in 1848 standing with their children around a decorated tree.  This image was published in "The Illustrated London News," and it played a significant role in popularizing the Christmas tree among the Victorian middle class. By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the Christmas tree tradition had become firmly established in many Western countries.
The practice of using electric lights, artificial trees, and elaborate decorations became common. Today, Christmas trees are a central part of holiday celebrations in many cultures around the world. As societies become more interconnected due to globalization, cultural practices often cross borders. If the Christmas tree has evolved from ancient pagan rituals to a beloved symbol of the Christmas holiday, influenced significantly by German customs and popularized by royal figures like Queen Victoria, the adoption of Christmas trees in various cultures, including in predominantly Muslim countries, reflects a broader trend of cultural exchange and globalization. The Christmas tree, originally a Christian symbol, has been embraced in various forms by people who may not identify with the religious aspects of Christmas. In many cases, the tree has come to symbolize the winter season, festivity, and communal celebration rather than its Christian origins. In some Muslim-majority countries, the concept of celebrating "Winter Holidays" or "New Year" has emerged. These celebrations may include the decoration of Christmas trees, lights, and other festive adornments. This trend can be seen in countries such as Turkey, Lebanon, and even parts of the Middle East, where cultural practices blend with local customs and traditions. The secularization of holiday traditions allows individuals from different backgrounds to participate in festive activities without necessarily adhering to the religious significance. For many, the Christmas tree represents a time of joy, family gatherings, and community spirit, rather than a religious observance. The global commercialization of Christmas has played a significant role in the spread of Christmas-related symbols and practices. Retailers and companies often promote holiday-themed products, including Christmas trees, regardless of the cultural or religious context. This commercialization has made festive decorations accessible and appealing to a wider audience. In various regions, the Christmas tree may be adapted to fit local customs and traditions. For instance, in some countries, people may decorate trees with local ornaments, colors, or symbols that resonate more with their cultural identity while still embracing the general idea of a festive tree. As societies continue to evolve, the meaning and significance of such traditions may further transform, creating a rich tapestry of shared experiences but the Christmas Tree, enduring presence in holiday celebrations will always reflect its significance as a symbol of joy, hope, and the spirit of giving.  By Creezy Courtoy, Perfume Historian and Anthropologist The Victorian era, spanning from 1837 to 1901, was a time of significant cultural and social change in England. One aspect that reflected these changes was the strict usage rules for perfumes. Etiquette dictated that perfumes should be worn only in moderation; for example, only a few drops were permitted on a handkerchief, but never directly on the skin. This practice was indicative of the period's emphasis on modesty and propriety. Queen Victoria herself played a pivotal role in shaping the fragrance trends of her time. Following her marriage to Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg in 1840, she introduced the custom of using shawls scented with patchouli. This fragrant fabric became a fashionable accessory among the upper classes, symbolizing both elegance and the burgeoning interest in more exotic scents. The use of patchouli, a scent derived from the leaves of the patchouli plant, reflected a growing fascination with natural and earthy fragrances. Only a few drops on shawl or an handkerchief were allowed but never on a person.  Collection Creezy Courtoy The marriage also brought with it the introduction of new customs and traditions into British society. Notably, Victoria popularized the Christmas tree tradition, a custom she embraced from her German roots. This festive practice not only transformed holiday celebrations but also infused homes with the refreshing scents of nature. Fir trees, adorned with ornaments, spread the aroma of pine, which was often complemented by the warm, spicy notes of cinnamon and clove, alongside the comforting smell of candle wax.
This blend of natural scents contributed to the cozy and inviting atmosphere of Victorian homes during the festive season. As Queen Victoria's influence extended beyond Britain, her connection with European royalty, particularly Louis-Philippe, King of France, facilitated the spread of Victorian perfumed fashion across the continent. The era was marked by a calm and reflective approach to fragrances, which were often seen as luxury items rather than necessities. As the 19th century progressed, perfumes transitioned from being essential for masking odors to becoming luxurious toilet accessories reserved for the elite. During this time, English perfumes gained a reputation for their quality and sophistication, leading to their sale in France at exorbitant prices. The Great London Exhibition of 1851 was a significant milestone for the perfume industry, offering a platform for English perfumers to showcase their creations to the world. This event not only highlighted the craftsmanship involved in perfume-making but also allowed natural perfumes to gain international acclaim. Queen Victoria's reign always fascinated me. It marked a transformative period for natural perfumes, characterized by a delicate balance of propriety and luxury. The introduction of new customs, the embrace of natural scents, and the establishment of perfume as a symbol of status shaped the fragrance landscape of the time. As a result, the Victorian era left an indelible mark on the world of perfumery, influencing practices that continue to resonate in modern fragrance culture. If you are passionate about perfume history, consider becoming a Perfume History Teacher or enhancing your knowledge for your perfumery business by enrolling in Creezy Courtoy's World Perfume History course. .  By Terry Johnson, Business and Marketing Expert In the vibrant world of perfumery, new brands and budding perfumers often find themselves looking toward established giants like Chanel for inspiration. However, it's crucial to remember that these iconic brands have spent decades cultivating a rich cultural legacy that goes beyond just the fragrance itself. Consumers are drawn to these brands not only for their scents but for the stories, emotions, and the status they represent. In contrast, the realm of natural perfumery offers a unique opportunity for emerging brands to carve out their niche and promote powerful brand differentiation through authenticity, effective storytelling, engaging senses, deep connectivity to sustainable ingredients, and strong community relationships. The Importance of Authenticity In today's market, consumers are increasingly discerning, prioritizing transparency in the products they purchase. Natural perfumes, which often contain sustainably sourced ingredients, resonate with health-conscious consumers seeking authenticity. Brands can leverage this by being open about their sourcing practices, ingredient origins, and production methods. This transparency not only builds trust but also creates stronger emotional connections with consumers who value sustainability and ethical practices. Crafting Compelling Stories Storytelling is a powerful tool in marketing, particularly for natural perfumery. Each fragrance has stories to tell, be it the inspiration behind the scent, the journey of its creation, or the cultural and significance of the sustainably created ingredients used. By weaving these narratives into their branding, new perfumers can create a rich tapestry that engages consumers on deeper, emotional levels. This approach not only differentiates their products from mass-market offerings but also fosters a sense of community and shared values among consumers. Engaging the Senses Natural perfumes are unique in their composition and often offer sensory experiences that differ vastly from synthetic fragrances. Power Marketing strategies should emphasize the sensory journey of product: how they smell, how they feel on the skin, and even the emotions or states of wellbeing they evoke. Engaging consumers through sensory experiences can be achieved through various mediums, including samples, immersive store displays, and tailored online experiences that allow potential customers to explore the fragrances in meaningful ways.  Building Community Connections
Community engagement plays a pivotal role in the Power Marketing of natural perfumes. By fostering connections with local artisans, suppliers, and even consumers, brands can create strong support networks that enhance their authenticity. Hosting workshops, pop-up events, and collaborations with like-minded brands can help engage and build loyal customer bases that feel personally invested in the brand's success. This sense of community not only promotes word-of-mouth marketing but also reinforces the brand's commitment to ethical and sustainable practices. Finally, as the natural perfume market continues to expand, Power Marketing will be crucial in distinguishing new natural brands from their more established synthetic counterparts. By embracing these power principles, new perfumers can effectively resonate with a growing consumer base that prioritizes sustainability, health, and emotional connections in their purchasing decisions. With a thoughtful approach to marketing, the world of natural perfumery holds immense potential for innovation, creativity, and meaningful consumer relationships for a lifetime. Focusing on these core Power Marketing elements will provide new brands in the natural perfumery space with the tools to set themselves apart and thrive in an increasingly competitive market. If you want to know more about marketing your perfume our your essential oil business, enrol for Terry Johnson's Business and Marketing course.  By Andrej Babicky, IPF Natural Perfumery Expert and Teacher Autumn arrives like a whispered secret, a soft sigh from the earth as it prepares to rest. The world around us slowly transforms, as if painted by an unseen hand—leaves turn amber, orange, and red, setting the trees aglow against the cooling sky. Shrubs and bushes swell with berries, their vibrant colors a final exhale before winter descends. This is the season of last-minute magic, when nature both dazzles and retreats, leaving us, the observers, with a fleeting sense of wonder. The air thickens with nostalgia, filled with the smoky sweetness of burnt wood, the damp freshness of rain-soaked leaves, and the earthy embrace of freshly ploughed soil.  Andrej Babicky For a natural perfumer, autumn is more than just a time of transition. It’s a canvas painted with the richest, deepest hues, a sensory feast begging to be captured and transformed. Every step through the forest becomes an invitation to imagine, to interpret, to distill the very essence of the season into fragrance. Picture a walk through a deciduous forest after a rain—damp earth cradles your feet, leaves glisten under the weight of water, and the air hums with the warmth of decay, the richness of life ebbing into the soil. Mushrooms, hidden jewels of the undergrowth, spring up unexpectedly from beneath fallen leaves, while moss-covered bark invites your fingers to trace its rough texture. To bottle this moment is to capture not just a scent, but a memory—a story. The earthy notes of patchouli echo the scent of damp soil, grounding you in the depths of the forest floor.. The dry, almost salty touch of oakmoss reminds you of fallen leaves, crisp and delicate in their final moments. Dark, amber woods like Buddha wood lend a smoky warmth, like a fire crackling in the distance, while cedar and juniper add a sharp, resinous freshness, cutting through the earthy haze. And there, hidden in the heart of it all, is a softness, a velvety touch of labdanum, like a forgotten scarf wrapped tight against the chill, while artemisia brings a breath of herbal lightness, its slightly fruity aroma a playful contrast to the richness of the woods.  Autumn’s gift to the natural perfumer is this harmonious dance of contrasts—deep earthiness interwoven with fresh, aromatic notes. In every blend, there is the potential to tell a story of transition, of the slow turning inward that autumn encourages. The scents are complex, layered, and full of nostalgia, yet they also hint at the freshness and life still brimming beneath the surface, waiting for another season to bloom. But autumn is also a time of preparation, a quiet gathering before the long rest of winter. Fruits are plucked from the trees, mushrooms foraged from the forest floor, herbs carefully cut and laid out to dry. These are the treasures of the season, to be preserved and transformed into tinctures, essential oils, and absolutes—each one capturing a moment of autumn’s fleeting beauty, ready to be released in the depths of winter. The garden, too, undergoes its ritual pruning, as old growth is cut away to make space for the new. Bulbs are planted, tucked beneath the cooling soil, their springtime blooms nothing more than a promise in the dark earth. In this way, autumn mirrors the process of natural perfumery. Just as we prune the garden to encourage growth, we distill our inspirations, our raw materials, stripping away the unnecessary until we are left with the pure essence. It’s a process of transformation, of preserving the life and vitality of the season, even as the world around us grows quieter. What we gather now, whether through distillation, enfleurage, or extraction, becomes the heart of our creations in the months to come.  There’s something almost magical about the methods of extraction during autumn. The cool, crisp air makes each step in the process feel deliberate, intimate, a conversation with nature. Through the ancient method of enfleurage, we press the last of autumn’s flowers and herbs into fat, capturing their delicate essence as if freezing a moment in time. The fragrant oils and resins distilled from woods and shrubs are rich with the scent of a forest retreating into itself, a fragrant echo of the season’s end. And yet, autumn is not without its playfulness. Beneath the surface of stillness and retreat, there is joy, a sense of childlike wonder that beckons us to experiment and explore. What if we combined the green, spicy scent of freshly cut hay with the sweetness of overripe apples, or mingled the warming spices of cinnamon and clove with the surprising freshness of rain-soaked petals? There’s room for creativity here, for the unexpected, for the playful mingling of scents that mirror the dance of falling leaves, the fluttering breeze, the surprise of sunlight breaking through gray skies. As autumn slips toward winter, we are reminded that everything in nature is cyclical. The seeds we plant now—both literal and metaphorical—will one day burst forth in bloom. The fragrances we blend in this golden, fleeting season will carry the warmth and color of autumn with us, even as the snow falls and the earth grows still. In natural perfumery, we become the keepers of this cycle, gathering the essence of the moment and preserving it, ready to share it again when the world outside is frozen and quiet. Autumn teaches us to pause, to gather inspiration, and to create something that outlasts the season. Each blend of notes, each drop of precious oil, carries within it the memory of amber leaves, the scent of wet earth, and the warmth of the last rays of autumn sun. As the world prepares to rest, we too prepare, knowing that the fragrances we craft now will bloom in the hearts of those who wear them, long after the last leaf has fallen.  If you want to learn more about Natural Perfumery, enroll for the next Natural Perfumery Course and the Natural Raw Material Extraction Methods Master Class taught by the author.
 By Terry Johnson, IPF Vice Chair and Business & Marketing Expert Don’t wait for opportunities in the distance but recognize them and embrace them right where you are! One of the biggest mistakes businesses make severely limiting their success is stopping the learning process after a certain level of business experience is achieved. It’s as though once they figure out how to make their business work initially, they don’t believe any further training or learning is valuable or necessary.
In contrast, if there is one attribute that all successful businesses have in common, it is having the ability to continuously learn and then teach what they have learned to others needing that information for a lifetime. So, who should we be learning from and teaching to, and who benefits from these learning and teaching processes? Everyone in the Natural Perfumery supply chain including:
Action Steps all Natural Perfumers should consider: 1. Decide what content you should be teaching, to whom you will teach it to, and by what method(s). 2. Determine the best content to learn and where that content will come from. Sources of learning can come from a variety of places within the Natural Perfumery Community, and each Natural Perfumer should learn as much as possible about what makes Natural Perfumery as valuable to consumers as it is. Two courses from the IPF Natural Perfumery Teacher’s Academy immediately come to mind: World Perfume History, and Teaching Methodology. Both courses are taught by IPF Founder and Chair Creezy Courtoy, and you can find the teaching methodology course here: https://www.teachers-academy.org/masterclasses.html and the World Perfume History course here: https://www.teachers-academy.org/courses.html 3. Don’t wait for opportunities in the distance, but recognize them, and embrace them, right where you are! By Creezy Courtoy, Founder and Director, Natural Perfumery Teacher's Academy The Natural Perfumery Teacher's Academy is expanding, welcoming new instructors and introducing an exciting array of courses for the upcoming academic year.
Join us for immersive workshops in nature led by Andrej Babicky, who is launching a New Natural Perfumery Course. This program is perfect for anyone looking to deepen their passion or advance their career in perfumery, offering a comprehensive exploration of natural perfumery techniques—from the fundamentals of olfaction to the intricate art of scent creation. Andrej Babicky, winner of the New Luxury Awards 2019, has been a valued member of our academy and a great teacher ever since. We are also thrilled to announce the addition of new Master Classes featuring renowned experts such as Lakenda Wallace and Rachel Binder, along with engaging lectures by the iconic Roxana Villa. In other exciting news, the International Perfume Foundation will be awarding certificates to students during special events. Receiving a certificate publicly not only celebrates your achievement but also serves as excellent self-promotion for natural perfumers on social media. A special thank you to Yusif Meizongo for traveling all the way from Ghana to Los Angeles to receive his Olfaction Training certificate during the Scent of Healing event. This coming year will mark the 40th anniversary of the International Perfume Foundation, and we have a fantastic lineup of events and workshops planned worldwide to celebrate this milestone. Stay tuned for more updates! |
Archives
October 2024
Categories
All
|
RSS Feed
