News: 562 posts

These winter days are cold and grey, and I would like to light them up with scents. So I propose a new perfume winter training schedule. Rose, Orange Blossom and Iris will return with additional sessions, and then there will be a brand-new series of seminars devoted to opulence–Jasmine, Tuberose, and Incense. We will talk about white florals and what makes this family so evocative. We will discover what warmth and richness means in perfumery and how to attain such effects with specific notes. We will examine different nuances of our favorite notes and learn how to identify them in our perfumes. Finally, we will do various professional-level exercises to sharpen our sense of smell.

Another favorite topic that I will come in seminars next month will be the iconic fragrances. Working with the formulas, based on my perfumery work, we will study Guerlain Mitsouko and Chanel No 5. We will unravel their facets and learn how these fragrances were put together. You will discover insider facts about these fragrances and will be able to compare their different versions.

The class size is small to ensure that everyone gets attention and a chance to interact. The class is run as a lecture interspersed with guided smelling exercises. My style of teaching is personal and interactive. You will have a chance to ask question throughout the class and there will also be an allotted time at the end for your questions on any fragrance-related topics.

These classes are for students of all levels of interest in perfumery.

We will use readily available materials like spices and citrus fruit for these classes (no need to buy essential oil kits; if you already have essential oils, you can use them too.)

Perfume Fundamentals: Rose, Orange Blossom, Iris

Orange Blossom January 27th, Saturday 1:00pm-2:30pm EST/7:00pm-8:30pm CET   SOLD OUT Subscribe for New Updates

Rose January 31st, Wednesday 1:00pm-2:30pm EST/7:00pm-8:30pm CET  SOLD OUT Subscribe for New Updates

Iris February 3rd, Saturday 1:00pm-2:30pm EST/7:00pm-8:30pm CET SOLD OUT Subscribe for New Updates 

Perfume Fundamentals: Jasmine, Tuberose, Incense

Location: Online, Zoom

Date & Time: 1h 30min

Jasmine February 10th, Saturday 1:00pm-2:30pm EST/7:00pm-8:30pm CET  SOLD OUT Subscribe for New Updates

Tuberose February 11th, Sunday 1:00pm-2:30pm EST/7:00pm-8:30pm CET SOLD OUT Subscribe for New Updates

Incense February 18th, Sunday 1:00pm-2:30pm EST/7:00pm-8:30pm CET SOLD OUT Subscribe for New Updates 

Deconstructing Classics: Mitsouko and Chanel No 5

Location: Online, Zoom

Date & Time: 1h 30min

Guerlain Mitsouko February 24th, Saturday 1:00pm-2:30pm EST/7:00pm-8:30pm CET SOLD OUT Subscribe for New Updates

Chanel No 5 March 2nd, Saturday 1:00pm-2:30pm EST/7:00pm-8:30pm CET   SOLD OUT Subscribe for New Updates

Photography by Bois de Jasmin

I’ve always heard while working in the perfume industry that the incidence of brain-degenerative diseases among perfumers is fairly low. Given the amount of effort our brain expends during smelling, it seemed reasonable that this activity helps to stave off the processes that ultimately lead to dementia. However, a number of recent clinical studies reveal that this is not merely anecdotal evidence and that there is a link between improving our sense of smell with training and reducing the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.

In their article Bolstering our sense of smell may reduce the risk of dementia, The Guardian shares these findings. First, it’s important to note that a deterioration in one’s sense of smell is an early sign of Alzheimer’s and other dementia conditions. While the decline happens gradually, when it sets in and becomes obvious, it’s too late to address it. Which is why monitoring your ability to smell should be part of your constant health routine, the way we address our vision and hearing.

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Update: Thank you for your interest; the classes are now sold out. If you would like to be notified of new classes, please subscribe to the mailing list.

I’ve discovered my passion for teaching early in my career. As a political science and perfumery student, I’ve taught introductory courses in my fields, and in the past 15 years, I’ve designed seminars for the institutions around the world. Most recently, I’ve been teaching at ISIPCA, the leading French perfumery school. It’s rewarding to share what I’ve learned working and studying with talented perfumers like Sophia Grojsman, Maurice Roucel, Dominique Ropion and Calice Becker. I feel that the more we learn about our sense of smell and the world of aromas, the more we can appreciate perfumery–and the more enjoyment we find in every moment. So, I’m delighted to open a new series of 6 classes to you.

The class size is small to ensure that everyone gets attention and a chance to interact. The class is run as a lecture interspersed with guided smelling exercises. My style of teaching is personal and interactive. You will have a chance to ask question throughout the class and there will also be an allotted time at the end for your questions on any fragrance-related topics.

These classes are for students of all levels of interest in perfumery.

We will use readily available materials like spices and citrus fruit for these classes (no need to buy essential oil kits, but if you already have essential oils, you can use them too.)

If you are a student on a limited budget and eager to learn perfumery: Bois de Jasmin classes have a reserved “student seat” available to the eligible individuals. To join as a student trainee, please contact me and explain your academic affiliation and interest in perfumery.

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I’m delighted to share that I have joined ISIPCA and I will teach Perfume History starting this fall. ISIPCA (Institut supérieur international du parfum, de la cosmétique et de l’aromatique alimentaire) was founded by Jean- Jacques Guerlain in 1970, and it’s the leading academy in France conferring degrees in perfume, cosmetics and flavors. It’s thrilling to become part of its faculty. I have always enjoyed teaching and I look forward to exploring the subject of iconic perfumes and history with my students.

In the meantime, I will resume my online perfumery classes starting this winter. As always, I will release the new dates via my newsletter, so if you haven’t done so already, please subscribe to stay informed. If you have any wishes about particular topics, I would be glad to hear from you.

Photography by Anna Kozlova, my perfume seminar in France.

I’m delighted to share that my book The Rooster House was selected among “The Best Books of 2023” by Waterstones. I’m grateful for this recognition and I thank all of my readers for your support.

As I mentioned in my previous newsletter, I will be in Estonia and Denmark to speak about The Rooster House. It’s been such a pleasure to meet my readers on these travels, especially those who have been following Bois de Jasmin for years. Your support throughout my journey has been invaluable.

On this note, many thanks to everyone who gave me recommendations for Munich and Leipzig. I had very little free time in Munich, but your suggestions helped me plan efficiently and I managed to get a sense of the city, visit a couple of churches and Alte Pinakothek, which is one of the most impressive museums I’ve seen.

There have been many book news recently, but next week I will have another exciting announcement, so please stay tuned.

Tallinn, Estonia

30.10.23 17.00
Tallinna Viru Keskuse Rahva Raamat

Presentation of Victoria Belim’s book “The Rooster House”.
We are waiting for you on Monday, October 30 at 17:00 at the presentation of Victoria Belim’s book The Rooster House in Viru Keskus Rahva Raamata!

I will be in conversation with Annikky Lamp, the translator of my book and the author of a wonderful blog Life in a Cold Climate. Anniky wrote a thoughtful article about translating The Rooster House and her decision to take on this project: The Rooster House: A Deeply Personal Love Letter to Ukraine.

“The moving memoir tells the story of one family and the whole of Ukraine from the complicated history to the dangerous present. It tells a fascinating story of parents and children, loyal Bolsheviks and victims of communism, gardens and art, mysteries and long-kept secrets.”

You can find more details via https://www.facebook.com/events/773516434464677 and https://rahvaraamat.ee/event/206/et

Copenhagen, Denmark

I will participate in Bogforum in November. Bogforum is one of the largest book fairs in the region and an important event in Denmark. I will be on stage on Saturday, November 4^th at 15.20-16.05.

More details via https://program.bogforum.dk/aktivitet/ukraine-i-fokus-victoria-belim/