Update: the dates for the classes in my Brussels studio are now available. Please take a look below.

It’s been such a pleasure to teach my online classes this year. I’ve enjoyed interacting and smelling with you and every session made me discover something new. And so this spring continues with more new courses. Everyone’s favorites Citrus-Spices-Woods and Rose-Orange Blossom-Iris courses will return and there will also be new offers.

I will teach you the next classical trio of floral notes such as Lily of the Valley, Lilac and Hyacinth. I will explain what makes each of these notes unique and how they are used in perfumery. Since these flowers can’t be extracted by steam or solvents, I will discuss how different perfumers, from Guerlain to Chanel, employed them. I will explain different accords and give you examples of materials that are used to construct these accords, in case you want to try to make your own.

Next, I will devote three seminars to Amber, Vanilla and Tonka Bean, giving you a glimpse into the rich and luscious world of ambers, amber-florals and gourmands. These classes are for students of all levels of interest in perfumery.

To register for the online courses, please go to the Online Perfume Classes page or take a look below:

Perfume Fundamentals: Spices
Location: Online, Zoom
Date: May 11th, Saturday 12:00pm-1:30pm EST/6:00pm-7:30pm CET
Price: €55 Book Now

Perfume Fundamentals: Citrus
Location: Online, Zoom
Date: May 15th, Wednesday 12:00pm-1:30pm EST/6:00pm-7:30pm CET
Price: €55 Book Now

Perfume Fundamentals: Dark Woods
Location: Online, Zoom
Date: May 18th, Saturday 12:00pm-1:30pm EST/6:00pm-7:30pm CET
Price: €55 Book Now

3-Class Package: Spices, Citrus, Woods
Price: €155 Book Now

Perfume Fundamentals: Rose
Location: Online, Zoom
Date: May 19th, Sunday12:00pm-1:30pm EST/6:00pm-7:30pm CET
Price: €55 Book Now

Perfume Fundamentals: Orange Blossom
Location: Online, Zoom
Date: May 25th, Saturday 12:00pm-1:30pm EST/6:00pm-7:30pm CET
Price: €55 Book Now

Perfume Fundamentals: Iris
Location: Online, Zoom
Date: May 26th, Sunday, 12:00pm-1:30pm EST/6:00pm-7:30pm CET
Price: €55 Book Now

3-Class Package: Rose, Orange Blossom, Iris
Price: €155 Book Now

Perfume Fundamentals: Lily of the Valley
Location: Online, Zoom
Date: June 1st, Saturday 12:00pm-1:30pm EST/6:00pm-7:30pm CET
Price: €55 Book Now

Perfume Fundamentals: Lilac
Location: Online, Zoom
Date: June 5th, Wednesday 12:00pm-1:30pm EST/6:00pm-7:30pm CET
Price: €55 Book Now

Perfume Fundamentals: Hyacinth
Location: Online, Zoom
Date: June 8th, Saturday 12:00pm-1:30pm EST/6:00pm-7:30pm CET
Price: €55 Book Now

3-Class Package: : Lily of the Valley, Lilac, Hyacinth
Price: €155 Book Now

Perfume Fundamentals: Amber
Location: Online, Zoom
Date: June 9th, Sunday 12:00pm-1:30pm EST/6:00pm-7:30pm CET
Price: €55 Book Now

Perfume Fundamentals: Vanilla
Location: Online, Zoom
Date: June 15th, Saturday 12:00pm-1:30pm EST/6:00pm-7:30pm CET
Price: €55 Book Now

Perfume Fundamentals: Tonka Bean
Location: Online, Zoom
Date: June 16th, Sunday 12:00pm-1:30pm EST/6:00pm-7:30pm CET
Price: €55 Book Now

3-Class Package: Amber, Vanilla, Tonka Bean
Price: €155 Book Now

“Create Your Own” 6-Class Package 
Location: Online, Zoom
Date: May 11th, Saturday 12:00pm-1:30pm EST/6:00pm-7:30pm CET
Price: €295 Book Now

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.

Besides the online classes, I would like to invite you to my Brussels studio to take an in-person class.

Brussels Studio Class: Perfumes That Influenced Fragrance History

This seminar will give you a rare chance to smell legendary perfumes in their original formulations. You will have access to my perfume collection and try iconic fragrances from Caron, Guerlain, Coty and Chanel. You will also explore some of the best materials used by fragrance industry professionals and discover why your nose is more sensitive than the most sophisticated machine.

We will step back in time, smell some of the iconic fragrance or examples of interesting genres from the past and also talk about people who made perfumes. Although contemporary perfume marketing focuses on perfume as a luxury item (or a tool for seduction), scents are more complex than this. A bottle of perfume contains an artistic message. It tells you something about the aesthetics of its time. Tastes of its contemporaries. Advances in science and trends in art and fashion had a big impact on the development of perfumery and on how perfumers were able to translate words and visions into scents. Together we will learn the evolution of perfume history by studying some of the most iconic examples of the perfumery art in their original formulations. You will also perform exercises to sharpen their sense of smell.

Class location: Brussels
Class duration: 2.5 hours
200€/per person   (50€ to be paid as a reservation deposit, the rest is payable in person on the day of the class)

Date: May 19th, Sunday, 12-2:30pm Reserve Now 

Date: June 23rd, Sunday, 12-2:30pm Reserve Now

Date: July 8th, Monday, 10-12:30pm Reserve Now (only one spot remains)

To request another date, please  email me.

Brussels Studio Class: Perfume Composition

The professional-level class is based on the classical perfumery training that teaches the fundamentals of perfumery construction. The key element of training features learning to build accords from different fragrance types and families. Each session focuses on a specific accord. I will explain each material and how it is used in perfumery. I will demonstrate iconic fragrances using this particular accord and share their history. Then I will give you simple exercises to learn creating their own accord.

At the end of your course, you will learn the key materials, their combinations and several accords that form the foundation of perfume structure. You will have a finished accord that you can use in shower gel, soap or bath salts.

All of the materials and tools will be provided. At the end of the course, you will take home all of the samples you made.

Cologne (Citrus) Accord

Class location: Brussels
Class duration: 2.5 hours
170€/per person (50€ to be paid as a reservation deposit, the rest is payable in person on the day of the class)

Date: May 26th, Sunday, 12-2:30pm Reserve Now

Amber Accord

Class location: Brussels
Class duration: 2.5 hours
170€/per person (50€ to be paid as a reservation deposit, the rest is payable in person on the day of the class)

Date: June 2nd, Sunday, 12-2:30pm Reserve Now

Chypre Accord

Class location: Brussels
Class duration: 2.5 hours
170€/per person (50€ to be paid as a reservation deposit, the rest is payable in person on the day of the class)

Date: June 16th, Sunday, 12-2:30pm Reserve Now

To request another date, please  email me.

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Mimosa, violet, jasmine, incense. Our spring classes will cover different aspects of perfumery, so you have lots of choice. We will talk about the fundamentals of perfumery such as citrus, spices, woods. We will then explore the classical florals like rose, orange blossom and iris. Then, we will delve into opulence and study jasmine, tuberose and incense. Finally, my new series of classes will examine the violet family. We will discuss violet, mimosa and osmanthus. In the violet seminar, we will learn about this ever popular floral note and how it’s used in classical and contemporary fragrances. In the mimosa session, we will discuss powdery and green notes. In the osmanthus session, we will also talk about tea notes and I will explain how the famous tea accords in perfumery are created. In our more technical workshops, we will deconstruct Guerlain L’Heure Bleue and Eau Sauvage and learn what ingredients and accords power these iconic fragrances.

These classes are for students of all levels of interest in perfumery. They teach you how to smell like a professional perfumer, take apart complex scents, and sharpen your sense of smell. Together we will study the fundamental classes of perfume materials and discover how they are used in perfumes. The lectures are designed to improve your enjoyment and appreciation of scents. We will use readily available materials like spices and citrus fruit for these classes (for the violet/mimosa/osmanthus session, I suggest buying alpha ionone, but you can also use readily available violet-scented candy or any violet cologne for the exercises.) The classes are small enough to be offer everyone personal attention and guidance.

Perfume Fundamentals: Spices, Citrus, Woods

Location: Online, Zoom

Date & Time: 1h 30min

Spices February 28th, Wednesday 12:00pm-1:30pm EST/6:00pm-7:30pm CET  To Book $60 per person (if you wish to pay in euro, book here)

Citrus March 3rd, Sunday 12:00pm-1:30pm EST/6:00pm-7:30pm CET   To Book $60 per person (if you wish to pay in euro, book here)

Dark Woods March 9th, Saturday 12:00pm-1:30pm EST/6:00pm-7:30pm CET  To Book $60 per person (if you wish to pay in euro, book here)

3 class series: Spices, Citrus, Woods  To Book $168 per person (if you wish to pay in euro, book here)

Perfume Fundamentals: Iconic Florals

Orange Blossom March 10th, Sunday 12:00pm-1:30pm EST/5:00pm-6:30pm CET  To Book $60 per person (if you wish to pay in euro, book here) daylight savings is in progress in the USA, please double check the times in your time zone*

Rose March 13th, Wednesday 12:00pm-1:30pm EST/5:00pm-6:30pm CET To Book $60 per person (if you wish to pay in euro, book here) daylight savings is in progress in the USA, please double check the times in your time zone*

Iris March 23rd, Saturday 12:00pm-1:30pm EST/5:00pm-6:30pm CET  To Book $60 per person (if you wish to pay in euro, book here) daylight savings is in progress in the USA, please double check the times in your time zone*

3 class package: Rose, Orange Blossom, Iris  To Book $168 per person (if you wish to pay in euro, book here) daylight savings is in progress in the USA, please double check the times in your time zone*

Perfume Fundamentals: Opulent Florals and Incense 

Jasmine March 24th, Sunday 12:00pm-1:30pm EST/5:00pm-6:30pm CET  To Book $60 per person (if you wish to pay in euro, book here) daylight savings is in progress in the USA, please double check the times in your time zone*

Tuberose March 27th, Wednesday 12:00pm-1:30pm EST/5:00pm-6:30pm CET To Book $60 per person (if you wish to pay in euro, book here) daylight savings is in progress in the USA, please double check the times in your time zone*

Incense April 6th, Saturday 12:00pm-1:30pm EST/6:00pm-7:30pm CET  To Book $60 per person (if you wish to pay in euro, book here)

3 class package: Jasmine, Tuberose, Incense  To Book $168 per person (if you wish to pay in euro, book here)

Perfume Fundamentals: Violet Family Florals

Location: Online, Zoom

Date & Time: 1h 30min

Violet April 7th, Sunday 12:00pm-1:30pm EST/6:00pm-7:30pm CET  To Book $60 per person (if you wish to pay in euro, book here)

Mimosa April 13th, Saturday 12:00pm-1:30pm EST/6:00pm-7:30pm CET   To Book $60 per person (if you wish to pay in euro, book here)

Osmanthus April 14th, Sunday 12:00pm-1:30pm EST/6:00pm-7:30pm CET  To Book $60 per person (if you wish to pay in euro, book here)

3 class package: Violet, Mimosa, Osmanthus  To Book $168 per person (if you wish to pay in euro, book here)

“Create Your Own Package”

6 class “create your own” package  To Book $320 per person (if you wish to pay in euro, book here)

Deconstructing Classics: Guerlain L’Heure Bleue and Dior Eau Sauvage

Location: Online, Zoom

Date & Time: 1h 30min

Guerlain L’Heure Bleue April 20th, Saturday 12:00pm-1:30pm EST/6:00pm-7:30pm CET  To Book $60 per person (if you wish to pay in euro, book here)

Dior Eau Sauvage April 21st, Sunday 12:00pm-1:30pm EST/6:00pm-7:30pm CET   To Book $60 per person (if you wish to pay in euro, book here)

2 class Deconstructing Classics package  To Book $110 per person (if you wish to pay in euro, book here)

For more information, please consult the Perfume Classes page.

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 To Book $60 per person (if you wish to pay in euro, book here)

Rose January 31st, Wednesday 1:00pm-2:30pm EST/7:00pm-8:30pm CET To Book $60 per person (if you wish to pay in euro, book here)

Iris February 3rd, Saturday 1:00pm-2:30pm EST/7:00pm-8:30pm CET  To Book $60 per person (if you wish to pay in euro, book here)

3 class package: Rose, Orange Blossom, Iris  To Book $168 per person (if you wish to pay in euro, book here)

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  To Book $60 per person (if you wish to pay in euro, book here) LAST 2 SEATS REMAINING

Tuberose February 11th, Sunday 1:00pm-2:30pm EST/7:00pm-8:30pm CET   To Book $60 per person (if you wish to pay in euro, book here) LAST 2 SEATS REMAINING

Incense February 18th, Sunday 1:00pm-2:30pm EST/7:00pm-8:30pm CET  To Book $60 per person (if you wish to pay in euro, book here) LAST 2 REMAINING

3 class package: Jasmine, Tuberose, Incense  To Book $168 per person (if you wish to pay in euro, book here)

6 class Perfume Fundamentals package  To Book $320 per person (if you wish to pay in euro, book here)

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  To Book $60 per person (if you wish to pay in euro, book here)

Chanel No 5 March 2nd, Saturday 1:00pm-2:30pm EST/7:00pm-8:30pm CET   To Book $60 per person (if you wish to pay in euro, book here)

2 class Deconstructing Classics package  To Book $110 per person (if you wish to pay in euro, book here)

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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