Our Inspiration Came Directly from the Natural Materials

Our inspiration to create an educational body to help nurture and shape new natural perfumers was driven by many things, but primarily it came from the excitement we felt for, and the intrinsic beauty of the raw materials themselves. Imagine the musky and earthy scent of a well-distilled patchouli oil, the deep and intoxicating floral tones of Bulgarian rose otto, and the rare, divine, and buttery smooth aroma of genuine sandalwood. These exquisite essences, and dozens more, inspired our passion for natural perfumery and form the foundation of every creation we help to facilitate. 

Our Commitment to Sustainability and Ethical Practices

Sustainability and ethical practices are at the core of our philosophy. We are dedicated to teaching our students about sourcing raw materials in a manner that respects both the environment and the communities involved in their production. By prioritizing sustainable harvesting methods, fair trade principles, and eco-friendly extraction techniques, we ensure that our perfumery curriculum not only helps our students to create beautiful scents but also contribute positively to the planet and its people. Our commitment to sustainability is a large part of our educational efforts, where we instill the importance of ethical practices in our students, shaping a future of natural perfumers who are as conscientious as they are creative.

Why We Started and Where We Found Our Footing

Our journey also began with a deep appreciation for the artistry and history of perfumery. The Natural Perfume Academy draws from deeply rooted traditions of perfumery knowledge, utilizing foundational information developed by esteemed authorities such as Septimus Piesse, the creator of the Odophone—a scale denoting parts of a perfume (head, heart, base) published in 1857. We also draw inspiration from the works of Jean Carles, a renowned perfumer whose reprinted articles from the French magazine “Recherches” (1961, 1962, & 1963) were compiled in William Kaufman’s coffee table tome “Perfume,” published in 1974. These historical insights have shaped our understanding and approach to natural perfumery.

The Need for Adaptable Facilities for Natural Perfumery Training

The demand for adaptable facilities for natural perfumery training is growing, driven by the increasingly restrictive regulatory environment. Independent natural perfumers require specialized training that ensures regulatory compliance and safety. Traditional apprenticeships focusing solely on natural materials are scarce, if not impossible to find, and traveling long distances to attend live, in-person courses has become impractical and unnecessary, and with the global expansion of the natural botanical perfume industry, there is a heightened demand for highly capable and well-trained natural perfumers.

To help address this, we have developed some our own techniques and exercises in conjunction with the works of the old masters, incorporating new and innovative formulating and extracting methods. We continually strive to create and refine techniques that enhance the overall skills of our students, ensuring they are equipped to excel in the evolving landscape of natural perfumery.