Article by “Laura Iancu“
“For years, I have been captivated by the allure of scents – the way they evoke memories, inspire emotions, and paint invisible pictures on the canvas of our minds.
This fascination led me to a long-held dream: to create a perfume of my own.
Last Sunday, this dream took a significant step towards reality as I attended my first perfume workshop, led by none other than the renowned Romanian perfumer, Flavius Calaj.”
My passion for perfumes started many years ago.
I’ve always loved walking through the streets, immersing myself in the natural fragrances around me. From the earthy scent of dust and fallen leaves to the fresh aroma of rain, from the mingling scents of people passing by to the smokiness of a foggy evening – each smell tells a story. Even the scent of metals, flowers, and the ground after a storm fascinates me. This daily sensory journey inspired me to explore the world of perfumery further. I’ve also long enjoyed layering different fragrances to create something unique, a signature scent that is truly my own.
Stepping into the workshop, I was immediately drawn in by the intoxicating blend of fragrances that filled the air. It was a sensory experience unlike any other, and I could feel the excitement building within me. I was about to delve into a world that had always seemed mysterious and out of reach – a world where art and science converge to create something truly magical.
Flavius Calaj, a master of his craft, welcomed us with warmth and enthusiasm. His passion for perfumery was evident from the moment he began speaking, and I knew I was in for an unforgettable experience. He started by sharing his journey – how he became one of Romania’s most celebrated perfumers, his encounters with some of the most famous noses in the industry, and the lessons he learned along the way. Each story he told was filled with wisdom and inspiration, setting the stage for what was to come.
As the workshop progressed, we were introduced to a myriad of oils, essences, and chemical ingredients. I felt like an alchemist, carefully blending these elements in search of the perfect accord. Flavius guided us through the process with precision, explaining the foundational principles of perfumery – how to balance top, middle, and base notes, how to achieve harmony between seemingly disparate scents, and how to create a fragrance that is both complex and wearable.
The experience was mesmerizing. As I inhaled the different essences, each one evoked a different emotion, a different memory. I felt like I was painting with smells, creating a composition that was uniquely mine. It was a process that required both intuition and technical knowledge – a delicate balance between art and science.
One of the most fascinating aspects of the workshop was learning the language of perfumery.
Flavius introduced us to the terminology used by professionals in the industry – names of rare ingredients, the concept of an “accord,” and the intricate process of layering scents. It was like learning a new language, one that allowed me to better understand and appreciate the craft.
Flavius also shared insights into the perfume industry, offering a glimpse into the challenges and rewards of being a perfumer. He spoke of the importance of creativity, innovation, and persistence in a field that is as competitive as it is rewarding. His words were a reminder that perfumery is not just about creating something that smells good; it is about crafting a story, evoking emotions, and connecting with people on a deeply personal level.
As the workshop came to an end, I looked at the small vial in my hand – the product of hours of learning, experimenting, and creating. It was my first perfume, a blend of scents that reflected my own personality and preferences. It was more than just a fragrance; it was a realization of a dream, a tangible representation of my passion for perfumery.
Within it swirled the essence of countless moments spent discovering, blending, and pouring a piece of my soul into something both ephemeral and eternal. This was my first perfume — a testament to the journey of my passion, distilled into a fragrance that danced between worlds, capturing the unspoken desires of my heart.
Upon the first breath, it opens with a sweetness that lingers like a stolen kiss in the dark, warm and inviting, drawing you in with its tender embrace. Yet, beneath that initial allure lies a deeper, more primal layer — a touch of the animalic, raw and untamed, whispering of mysteries yet to be uncovered. It is a scent that speaks to the wild within, a reminder of the power that simmers just beneath the surface.
As it settles on the skin, the complexity of its foundation begins to unfold — rich, but never overwhelming, grounded yet with a lightness that defies its depth. Each element, chosen with care and curiosity, enhancing the core notes that define its character, allowing them to sing while holding them with a quiet strength.
This perfume is not just a fragrance; it is an experience, a journey through the senses that reveals new layers with every encounter. It is the embodiment of a dream realized, a scent that is at once sweet and sensual, warm and mysterious, familiar and yet forever elusive.
It is the essence of me, captured in a bottle, waiting to tell its full story to those who dare to listen — those who are ready to embrace its complex yet subtle sophistication on their skin.
Would I recommend the experience of creating your own perfume? Without a doubt.
Would I like to discover more about the art of perfumery? Without a question.
Would I want to contribute to the world of fragrances? Absolutely.
This workshop was just the beginning of what I hope will be a long and fulfilling journey into the world of scents.
As I left the workshop, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of accomplishment and excitement for what lies ahead. I am eager to continue learning, experimenting, and creating. Thank you, Flavius! And as I do, I look forward to sharing more of this journey with you.
I am a firm believer that perfume is not just an accessory; it’s an identity, a silent yet powerful communicator. In fact, perfume is a secret weapon, with strong ties to the memory and fear centers of our brain.
