Natural Perfume Academy Book of Reviews
Great and thorough education for anyone interested in making of natural perfumes.
“Great and thorough education for anyone interested in making of natural perfumes.
Curriculum of 9 month course is very detailed and there are lots of fun exercises that provide solid foundation for evaluation and developing of natural accords and perfumes. I highly recommend it.” Ana Majcen
The Natural Perfume Academy has consistently provided a supportive learning environment and a dedicated collaborative community that is unmatched.
“The Natural Perfume Academy has consistently provided a supportive learning environment and a dedicated collaborative community that is unmatched.
The curriculum gives students access to trustworthy and reliable resources and avenues for skill development. The courses cultivate a mindset that embraces curiosity and individual creativity, in a well-rounded educational experience. I have been so lucky to see such an incredible source of knowledge and inspiration become the educational standard for aspiring natural perfumers.” Rebecca Miles
Excellent program. Very thoughtful, professional and thorough.
The Natural Perfume Academy curriculum is by far the most comprehensive choice for your perfume/scent/aroma studies, addressing the practical and artful, as well as being academically grounded.
“The Natural Perfume Academy curriculum is by far the most comprehensive choice for your perfume/scent/aroma studies, addressing the practical and artful, as well as being academically grounded.
The expectations are high and the professional assistance is unmatched. Over the years of my studies, I’ve reviewed uncredentialed courses and found them lacking in depth of information, despite showy presentations. I will remain involved with this institution knowing the faculty is always enhancing, expanding and updating the curriculum. A better choice is not available.”
Sunday Larson
It has been wonderful. The course has support and knowledge; now with the Botanical Perfumery book readings with teacher Ane Walsh, it has been getting better and better! Gratitude to everyone!
“It has been wonderful. The course has support and knowledge; now with the Botanical Perfumery book readings with teacher Ane Walsh, it has been getting better and better! Gratitude to everyone!” Patricia Steiner
The Natural Perfume Academy is an absolute storehouse of thoughtfully designed guidance when studying natural perfumery!
“The Natural Perfume Academy is an absolute storehouse of thoughtfully designed guidance when studying natural perfumery!
Lessons in each course of study build in a way that allows you to practice and grow as you learn. Most importantly, the instructors are extremely generous in sharing their knowledge and expertise as well, always encouraging your development.” Carrah Chapman
A wonderful time at the academy ., full of beauty information -and lovely people.
“A wonderful time at the academy ., full of beauty information -and lovely people.” Emilia Schubert
As a student of The Natural Perfume Academy, I have managed to turn my passion for perfumes into something so much more.
“As a student of The Natural Perfume Academy, I have managed to turn my passion for perfumes into something so much more.
The course has opened my eyes to every aspect of natural botanical perfumery that I could possibly have hoped for. Being armed with this greater knowledge not only allows me to grasp a better understanding of the processes behind creating a new perfume; but also helps me understand those scents that already exist. With a lot of valuable direction and encouragement from The Natural Perfume Academy mentors and other students, this course has given me a platform to realising my ultimate dream of producing marketable perfumes. I feel anyone who is resolute to study hard, share ideas, and has a genuine passion for perfume would fully benefit from this course.” Dimitri Dimitriadis
As you know, I've been working in natural perfumery for twenty years, so my experience of this course is likely very different from the usual student.
“As you know, I’ve been working in natural perfumery for twenty years, so my experience of this course is likely very different from the usual student.
I spent five years at the beginning of my scent hobby exploring natural ingredients, first for aromatherapy and then for perfuming, with no formal process and at great cost of time, money, and patience. Despite the knowledge I’d already gained, I did my best to employ ‘beginner’s mind’ to everything that was presented in this course, which really helped me approach familiar materials with a fresh perspective, and learn more properties and ways of using them. In addition to my main goal for this course — to help me brush off the cobwebs of my knowledge and have a framework to rebuilt it — I specifically learned the following technical skills — More effective, less expensive ways to figure out what ingredients work together — How to evaluate ingredients in varying dilutions to understand what scent components emerge, and How to create my own scent materials, and that doing so is just as important as purchasing them. Demystifying and practicing ingredient evaluation, dilution, and general formula mathematics has increased my confidence exponentially. Thank you for the invaluable information in this course, and your guidance, Justine.” Carolyn Hassett, Escentuelle, Cary, NC, United States
I would highly recommend this course to anyone interested in becoming a real natural botanical perfumer
“I would highly recommend this course to anyone interested in becoming a real natural botanical perfumer, and am so grateful I’ve had the privilege to participate in the magnificent course. Thank you, Justine. You are a star in this field and it has been a pleasure completing this coursework.” Louisa Kimball, Australia
The course is excellent, it's in depth and very comprehensive, since it covers creative as well as scientific topics.
“The course is excellent, it’s in depth and very comprehensive, since it covers creative as well as scientific topics. This is very important for me as a botanist and scientist.
It’s a very good opportunity to extensively develop one’s intellectual and practical creativity. You are guided by a marvellous expert, Justine. It is amazing how she is always there to explain and help. It is an incredible support she provides all the time. It warmly would recommend this curriculum to everyone who is passionate about nature and scents.” Gudrun Hugelshofer, Switzerland
Thank you most warmly for the enjoyable experience and the journey through natural perfume.
“Thank you most warmly for the enjoyable experience and the journey through natural perfume. It was an occasion I should always remember. Thank you for professional knowledge, kindness, support, and time.” Dorota Pietkiewicz, United States
Fantastic, informative course. I Just completed it.
“Fantastic, informative course. I Just completed it. Both Justine and Ruth are there to help you every step of the way. I am so glad i did it. I have been opened up to an exciting world of scent and alchemy. Hoping to start my own business selling natural perfumes in the very near future. Thanks to you both again.x” An Nua – Ireland
The course is set up to be interactive, providing a vast and comprehensive introduction to natural botanical perfumery.
“From one lonely natural botanical perfumery novice/student to another ~ are you lonely and sad for not being able to share your burgeoning obsession with your beloved and friends because they just don’t understand?
Do you pray to the Goddess of ATS [All Things Smelly] for lively conversation and passionate banter amongst like-minded perfumery folk? Do you wish for a friendly forum where you can learn learn learn and ask those dreaded newbie questions [without fear of retribution] in the safe and very capable hands of a highly skilled and knowledgeable teacher?
Once upon a time, I was that lonely NBP novice perfumer, desperate for friends of similar ilk and a place where I could talk about perfumery, ask silly questions, feel loved and appreciated and learn learn learn! Within the Natural Perfume Academy, I found this all [and more!]. The course is set up to be interactive, providing a vast and comprehensive introduction to natural botanical perfumery. I would highly recommend this course to anyone who would like to make something more of their passion. As a student, I’ve loved the interaction I’ve had with the other students, the excitement of successes and discoveries, the sadness of the ‘back to the drawing boards’, and the learning, guidance, support, and wisdom of our fabulous teacher. I just don’t want it to end!!” Holly Simpson, Western Australia
The assignments are challenging and each student has been very encouraging every step of the way.
“Being part of the Natural Perfume Academy has proven to be a positive step in my natural botanical perfumery studies.
When I started the course I was so happy to join others who have the same passion for NBP as I did. Although we each had varying levels of knowledge of this art one thing I can appreciate about the course is that all instructions were clear & understandable. You didn’t feel like you were so far behind other students that you’d never catch up. Or that the course was so easy that it was a waste of your time. That happy medium had been met! And no student came in with a “me” attitude. Everyone has been very helpful and willing to share ideas, suggestions, resources and “new to us” discoveries. The assignments are challenging and each student has been very encouraging every step of the way. And with the guidance of our very knowledgeable teacher, who practices what she teaches, you just feel like you’re in the right place to learn.” Lisa, Michigan, USA
This is the most comprehensive course and will take you from complete beginner on day one to the point where you can write a brief and from this paper concept create your own bespoke fragrance.
“I was possibly the odd one out on the course as my work is predominantly with animals and although I have an interest in using fragrance therapeutically I did not intend to take up perfumery professionally.
However, I would like to urge anyone in the same position not to be put off. Do it for fun, for learning, for inspiration, for yourself, for the sheer hell of it!
This is the most comprehensive course and will take you from complete beginner on day one to the point where you can write a brief and from this paper concept create your own bespoke fragrance. You will learn not only about the safety, chemistry and basic building blocks of the process but you will also begin to understand the sheer alchemy and magick involved in the blending of different materials to create something totally unique.
I was also blessed with a wonderful bunch of co-students from all over the world who inspired and supported me, especially as I suffered three very close personal losses during the course of the year. There were times when I had got so far behind that I felt like giving up but both they, Ruth and Justine kept me motivated and going and I am so glad I did.
You need to understand that this course is hard work and you will need to be disciplined and work to deadlines, all the more so because you are not working face-to-face with other people. There is a lot of work to do, especially in the early days when evaluating each essence, but it is an exciting journey of discovery, the work is fun and engrossing and if you are anything like me, you will not want it to end.” Pauhla Whitaker, Gloucestershire, UK
You work a lot! It is really an intensive course! and you learn a lot!!
“When I was searching for a course to guide me in my beginnings in natural perfumery, I found a lot of them… different teachers, different prices, different references…
Most of them had great review and notes on the press and magazines. So I was a little lost. I found Natural Perfume Academy almost by coincidence and it called my attention because… the issues they teach! Ruth is always there, working for anything you need and a very honest person. Justine… what can I say?… She’s a wonderful teacher and she will guide you to your best potential… and Shelley… and your mates… You work a lot! It is really an intensive course! and you learn a lot!! I’m grateful for “whatever” has moved me to NPA and, I can tell, I’m very proud of being a student. I feel the colours!!!
So my advice is… if you want to learn, come in! you won’t regret it.” Marta G Pons, Spain
It is a very nice environment to be in and everything will contribute to your development in this Art. The art of composing perfumes
“For me, The Natural Perfume Academy is fundamental. I studied, I study and work here. I am in this school since 2008, when I was enrolled in the first group of students.
I read many books, made a lot of experiments, was in many activities, events, contests, but it is here in the Academy where I feel comfortable to discuss and exchange ideas and information. I hope to stay here taking part in plans and projects, teaching, helping out, but mostly learning, apprehending and understanding. The contribution of Justine Crane and Shelley Waddington in my formation as a perfumer is immersible and the friendship and support that come from Ruth Ruane are indispensable. If you are interested in Perfumery, in the art of perfuming products, want to have your own business, be a professional or even to know better and make your own perfumes as a hobby, come to the Academy.
It is a very nice environment to be in and everything will contribute to your development in this Art. The art of composing perfumes.” Ane* Walsh, Brazil
Before finding you and the Natural Perfume Academy, I felt lost and unsure about my skills, however, under your guidance, everything clicked for me.
“Justine, I want to express my gratitude for your guidance and leadership as an outstanding and knowledgeable teacher.
Your Beginner course played a crucial role in shaping me into the designer I am today, and I can’t thank you enough for sharing your in-depth knowledge and expertise. You are truly number one in my book. Before finding you and the Natural Perfume Academy, I felt lost and unsure about my skills, however, under your guidance, everything clicked for me. I began to think deeply about every step I took and developed a deeper understanding of scent in everything around me.” A.L. (Full Name hidden for privacy reasons, available on Request)
the course helped me organize the learning process, where to start, what to buy, and how to set up my studio.
“Taking this natural perfume course has been my supportive tool. The course made me focus the information around scents and natural materials, and read more about the subject.
I always had an interest in flowers and plants’ benefits, but learning to smell and evaluate made me understand other layers within these raw materials. More practically, the course helped me organize the learning process, where to start, what to buy, and how to set up my studio.” P.S. (Full Name hidden for privacy reasons, available on Request)
Throughout the course, I gained valuable knowledge and skills that will be instrumental in my professional development.
“I would like to sincerely thank you and the entire team for the exceptional training program.
Throughout the course, I gained valuable knowledge and skills that will be instrumental in my professional development. The learning experience was both enriching and inspiring. “ V.V (Full Name hidden for privacy reasons, available on Request)
This course opened my eyes to techniques of formulating, and ways of capturing the essence of different flowers, woods, and spices.
“This course opened my eyes to techniques of formulating, and ways of capturing the essence of different flowers, woods, and spices.
It wasn’t easy, it took a lot of practice, and investment outside of the course costs, but it reignited my passion and gave me a new sense of balance between the practical and creative aspects of perfumery. ” R. K. (Full Name hidden for privacy reasons, available on Request)
You have provided an education on the level that to me surpasses what Grasse has to offer because like the ancients, you also care to immortalize Mother Nature.
“Like the aromas I sought to capture, I searched a long time for a natural perfumery course that could teach me the fundamentals of accord building and creating notable perfumes.
There hasn’t been such an institution until I discovered the Natural Perfume Academy. I’ve gained so much from this educational experience.
I knew and had practiced some techniques before, but NPA provided innovative ways to extract delicate florals and to work with raw materials in ways I hadn’t considered. Thank you from the bottom of my heart, Justine. You have provided an education on the level that to me surpasses what Grasse has to offer because like the ancients, you also care to immortalize Mother Nature. ” C.G. (Full Name hidden for privacy reasons, available on Request)
After taking this course, I’m able to spend days weaving those tapestries.
“The reality of inhaling raw ingredients and letting the scent sink down to my toes is every bit as good as I had imagined.
Each day in my studio is a wonder of exploration. I love acquainting myself with the symphony of scent that emanates from a single raw ingredient, and to figure out how to weave that symphony through the cascading notes of another scent, and another, until an entire tapestry of scent is formed. After taking this course, I’m able to spend days weaving those tapestries. I have the tools I need now, and inspiration is absolutely everywhere.” H.N. (Full Name hidden for privacy reasons, available on Request)
I had never imagined myself creating perfumes until I joined NPA. But now, I imagine the unimaginable.
“During the course, which (oh, boy!) lasted for me a few years, I did learn that perfumery is not scary.
Not something so distant, like another planet, nor is it for someone with “a very special nose”. Perfumery does require practice, but also gives you infinite possibilities to mix, match, and try to create something fresh and new. I’m very grateful to NPA for the opportunity to take this course. I had never imagined myself creating perfumes until I joined NPA. But now, I imagine the unimaginable.” K.G. (Full Name hidden for privacy reasons, available on Request)
Since the beginning of the course, I felt inspired and motivated by the comments on the work I had submitted.
“I loved taking this course. I felt experiencing my own internal processes and the scents I was using for the experiments and assignments in the course were always a reflection of what I was going through in my life.
Since the beginning of the course, I felt inspired and motivated by the comments on the work I had submitted. It built my confidence, and I felt enough being myself and free, and felt able to express myself in the way I was perceiving the scents. There was always this beautiful feedback that filled my soul with gratitude.” C.S. (Full Name hidden for privacy reasons, available on Request)
I was looking for a training programme with solid foundations, deep knowledge of materials and their interactions, and high-quality teaching.
“My lifelong dream has always been to create perfumes inspired by my feelings, my imagination, and the desire to express my creativity.
To pursue this, I studied engineering in experimental sciences in Munich. I chose the Chemistry–Physics specialisation and then completed a second engineering degree in Business Engineering, combining business and economics, management, and innovative technologies.
I was looking for a training programme with solid foundations, deep knowledge of materials and their interactions, and high-quality teaching. That was my set of requirements and, quite naturally, I enrolled in the Natural Perfume Academy.
The teaching and support I received at the Natural Perfume Academy were outstanding. I received personalised guidance, and the expertise and depth of listening were simply incredible.
As an NPA student, you are given full access to the inner workings of scent creation and to the true craftsmanship of natural perfumery. The courses are structured so that each student can feel their own progression. Every step validates the acquisition of knowledge while passing on genuine know-how.
It is the most beautiful gift one can offer to students who aspire to surpass themselves.” Muriel Mansier Ottavi, Elganaur, Switzerland