The Alchemist of Memory, Myth & Botanical Perfumery
NPA Podcast Spotlight – May 6th
“Ane Walsh doesn’t just create perfumes—she bottles the soul of Brazil, the whispers of the Amazon, and the smoky warmth of a wood-fired hearth.”
This Tuesday, the Natural Perfume Academy Podcast welcomes a true legend: Ane Walsh, Brazil’s High Priestess of Natural Perfumery, NPA Ambassador, and the artisan behind some of the most evocative botanical fragrances in the world.
In this intimate conversation, Ane reveals:
How a childhood obsession with scent led her from biology labs to rural alchemy.
Why her perfumes are “olfactory stories”—inspired by indigenous folklore, personal grief, and global adventures.
The secrets behind cult favourites like Essaouira (a Moroccan coastal dream) and Dabkeh (a Middle Eastern dance in liquid form).
Her newly released book, Notas da Perfumista—a must-read for natural perfumers.
From Headaches to Mastery: Ane’s Journey
(Key moments from the podcast)
The Turning Point
“I used to work with synthetic perfumes—they gave me terrible headaches. When I discovered naturals, it was like coming home.”
Ane’s transition to natural perfumery began at age 50, but her love of scent started in childhood. After years as a biologist in São Paulo, she moved to a Minas Gerais homestead, where she embraced handmade living (soap-making, cheesemaking) and began studying aromatherapy during long nights caring for her ailing mother.
The NPA Connection
In 2009, Ane became a mentor for the Natural Perfume Academy, and by 2018, she was named NPA’s first Ambassador—dubbed “the cornerstone of Brazilian natural perfumery.”
Perfumes That Tell Stories
(Ane’s creative process & philosophy)
The “Map” of Scent
Ane doesn’t just blend—she composes. Each perfume begins with a story:
The Idea: A place, memory, or myth (e.g., Amazonian dawns, Scottish Highlands).
The Materials: From wood-ash lye in her soap-making (made in her kitchen) to rare resins and florals in her perfumes.
The Lesson: “You compose with your brain, not just your nose.”
Cult Creations
Lycan: A bold, animalic tribute to the werewolf myth.
Essaouira: A sold-out masterpiece evoking Morocco’s coast.
Dabkeh: Her latest—a spicy, rhythmic homage to Levantine dance.
Notas da Perfumista: The Book Behind the Legend
(Highlights from the episode)
A Pandemic Project
Written during lockdown, Notas da Perfumista is:
Part memoir: Ane’s aromatic journey from childhood to Turkey’s spice markets.
Part manual: Techniques for crafting bases like Chypre, Leather, and Floral.
Part revolution: “Perfumery should be fun—like a dance!”
The Launch
300 copies sold out instantly—now awaiting reprint.
Available at: Laszlo Editors (Portuguese only—for now!).
Listen to the Full Episode
Release Date: Tuesday, May 6th – NPA Podcast
Follow Ane: @aneswalsh
Grab Her Book: Notas da Perfumista