OLFACTION

• How Our Sense of Smell Works: Delve into the science of olfaction and its connection to fragrance perception.

• Anatomy of the Olfactory System: Gain insights into the structure and function of the olfactory system.

• Role of Scent Receptors: Understand the function of various scent receptors in detecting and interpreting fragrances.

THE PERFUMERS PALETTE

• A concise course focusing on the essence of natural raw materials & aroma chemicals in perfumery.

• Plant Origins and Olfactory Nuances: Study the impact of genus, species, and geolocation on scent differences.

• Extraction Processes: Understanding methods to capture essence from natural materials, including animal origin.

• Synthetic Raw Materials: Exploring the role of synthetics in modern perfumery.

• Spectrum of Material Families: Gaining insight into various material families and subfamilies in perfumery.

• Classifications in Perfumery: Examining diverse categorization methods used by perfumers.

Class Details:

• Instructor: Gus Romero

• Cost: $135

SUSTAINABLE PACKAGING, BRANDING & STORYTELLING

This is a 3-part course on packaging. Modules can be taken individually or as a complete series for a comprehensive learning experience

This class is offered online and in-person. When booking, please select which option you would like to attend.

Learning Objectives:

• Explain the key principles of sustainable packaging and how they contribute to shaping brand perception.

• Explore various sustainable materials, innovative production techniques, and packaging advancements that resonate with eco-conscious branding efforts.

• Investigate the global regulations and industry standards concerning sustainability that impact the cosmetic and fragrance packaging landscape.

• Weave storytelling and brand narratives into sustainable packaging designs to foster deeper emotional engagement with consumers.

• Through the course we will examine consumer research, marketing strategy, innovation, and feasibility as they relate to packaging development projects.

CLASS DETAILS

• Instructor: Sebba Alquetrani

• Cost: $150

INTRODUCTION TO BALSAMIC AND ANIMALIC MATERIALS

Balsamic & Animalic Materials in Perfumery

Overview:
This class explores the rich and sensual world of balsamic & animalic materials, their olfactory characteristics, and their impact on fragrance compositions.

Animalics once mainly derived from natural animal sources, now relies on high-quality synthetic alternatives to achieve the same depth and complexity.

What You Will Learn:

• The defining olfactory traits of balsamic & animalic materials

• Key naturals & aroma chemicals from these two families

• The functional role of animalic & balsamic materials as base notes, fixatives, and enhancers.

• How animalic facets interact with other fragrance families to add warmth, sensuality, and longevity.

Class Details:

• Instructor: Gus Romero

• Cost: $100

In this hands-on class, you’ll learn about the unique characteristics of tuberose, its key ingredients, and how it’s used in fragrance compositions. By the end of the session, you’ll create your own tuberose accord, gaining practical skills in blending and scent evaluation.

What We’ll Cover:

• Introduction to Tuberose: An overview of this iconic floral note.

• Tuberose in Nature: Its origins and natural profile.

• Key Ingredients: Exploring the building blocks of a tuberose accord.

• Olfactive Training: Recognizing and describing ingredient odors.

• Creating Your Accord: Hands-on practice in blending a personalized scent.

CLASS DETAILS

• Instructor: Justin Frederico Ph.D.

  Cost: $125

KEY MARKETING & DESIGN FACTORS FOR EFFECTIVE PACKAGING DESIGN SOLUTIONS

This is a 3-part course on packaging. Modules can be taken individually or as a complete series for a comprehensive learning experience

This class is offered online and in-person. When booking, please select which option you would like to attend.

Learning Objectives:

• Investigate the vital role of packaging as a marketing and branding instrument within the cosmetics and fragrance industries.

• Understand the significance of typography, color schemes, imagery, and material choices in achieving impactful visual communication.

• Through the course we will examine consumer research, marketing strategy, innovation, and feasibility as they relate to packaging development projects.

• Explore consumer behaviors and factors that shape packaging design, including its impact on shelf visibility and the unboxing process.

• Develop packaging that effectively distinguishes your product in the beauty sector from the competition.

CLASS DETAILS

• Instructor: Sebba Alquetrani

• Cost: $150

SPICES IN PERFUMERY

Spices bring character, exoticism, and strength to fragrances, creating compositions that range from fiery and bold to fresh and invigorating. Deeply tied to history and culture, spices were used in religious rites, culinary traditions, and even as aphrodisiacs. Their scents—whether smoky, sweet, or pungent—have long been associated with warmth, passion, and mystery. In perfumery, spices can be natural or synthetic, with olfactory profiles spanning from cool and crisp to warm and intense. They add complexity, contrast, and energy, making them versatile in both top and heart notes.

Characteristics and olfactory profile of Spice materials.

• Natural spice materials and their classification

• Aroma chemicals in this family

• Role of spices in perfumery and their typical usage as Midnotes

Class Details:

• Instructor: Gus Romero

• Cost: $100

Class Description

Many people know the late, great David Lynch as the legendary auteur behind films like Eraserhead, Blue Velvet, and Mulholland Drive, but did you know he was a prolific director of perfume commercials, too? The connection between scent and cinematography is unsurprising, given that many of the same effects he used to create the lush, layered, discordant, and otherworldly worlds in his films can also be found in his commercial work. This course will pay olfactory homage to Lynch and his multi-volume œuvre, Twin Peaks. In this class, we will do a deep dive into the series, matching visual images, sounds, sequences, and effects with fragrances and natural and synthetic raw materials and giving participants space to talk about those shocking plot twists, unforgettable performances, and the iconic music and imagery of the series.

SPOILER ALERT: This Fragrant Exploration will cover Twin Peaks, Seasons 1-2, Fire Walk with Me, and Twin Peaks: The Return. If you prefer not to have these endings spoiled, it’s recommended to view them before the class.

[INTENSE OMINOUS WHOOSHING]

Class Details

• Instructor: Daisy Bow, PhD

• Cost: $95

BASIC PACKAGING AND THE CREATION PROCESS

This is a 3-part course on packaging. Modules can be taken individually or as a complete series for a comprehensive learning experience

Learning Objectives:

• Define the fundamental principles of packaging design and its role in branding and consumer engagement.

• Explain the stages of the packaging design process, from concept development to production.

• Identify key packaging materials and their functional properties, including protection, durability, and aesthetic appeal.

• Understand regulatory considerations, industry standards, and global compliance requirements for cosmetic and fragrance packaging.

• Develop a foundational knowledge of structural packaging, dielines, and prototyping techniques.

• Explore the relationship between form, function, and user experience in packaging design.

CLASS DETAILS

• Instructor: Sebba Alquetrani

• Cost: $150

Introduction to Citrus Notes:

• Characteristics and olfactory profile of citrus notes in perfumery.

• Common citrus ingredients, In-Depth study of main ingredients in this family

• Role of citrus in top notes and its impact on the overall fragrance.

• Introduction to Aldehydes:

• Definition and chemical structure of aldehydes. 

• Distinction of Aliphatic aldehydes vs other aldehydes in perfumery

• History and significance of aldehydes in perfumery.

• Notable aldehyde materials

• Iconic perfumes featuring aldehydes, such as Chanel No. 5.

Class Details:

• Instructor: Gus Romero

• Cost: $100

Introduction to Musk in Perfumery

History and Origins. Explore the origins of natural musk, from its use in ancient perfumes to the ethical and environmental concerns leading to the development of synthetic musks.

• Overview of the different categories of musk and their role in modern fragrances.

• Guided smelling of different musk materials.

• Role of Musk in Longevity

• Exploration of musk accords

• How to study Musks

  Class Details:

  • Instructor: Gus Romero

  • Cost: $100

Discover the science behind crafting long-lasting, stable fragrances in this immersive perfume class. Explore the molecular interactions that can impact your creations, such as changes in color, odor, or consistency, and learn how to build a stable environment for your scents. This class covers key factors like light exposure, water interaction, impurities, and acid-base reactions. You’ll also gain insights into the processes of maturation and maceration as tools for stabilization. Additionally, we’ll dive into essential topics like shelf life, preservatives, UV filters, and chelating agents to ensure your fragrances remain vibrant and enduring.

CLASS DETAILS

• Instructor: Justin Frederico Ph.D.

  Cost: $150

INTRODUCTION TO FLORALS

Floral materials are typically used in the heart notes, providing the core character and complexity, balancing and enriching the overall fragrance.

• Characteristics and olfactory profile of Floral materials.

• Common Florals materials for White Florals, Rose, Lily of the Valley and Violet

• Aroma chemicals in this family

• Role of Florals in perfumery and their typical usage as Midnotes

• Examples and distinguishing features of each type of Floral.

Class Details:

• Instructor: Gus Romero

• Cost: $100

OLFACTION

• How Our Sense of Smell Works: Delve into the science of olfaction and its connection to fragrance perception.

• Anatomy of the Olfactory System: Gain insights into the structure and function of the olfactory system.

• Role of Scent Receptors: Understand the function of various scent receptors in detecting and interpreting fragrances.

THE PERFUMERS PALETTE

• A concise course focusing on the essence of natural raw materials & aroma chemicals in perfumery.

• Plant Origins and Olfactory Nuances: Study the impact of genus, species, and geolocation on scent differences.

• Extraction Processes: Understanding methods to capture essence from natural materials, including animal origin.

• Synthetic Raw Materials: Exploring the role of synthetics in modern perfumery.

• Spectrum of Material Families: Gaining insight into various material families and subfamilies in perfumery.

• Classifications in Perfumery: Examining diverse categorization methods used by perfumers.

Class Details:

• Instructor: Gus Romero

• Cost: $135

Class Description:
This introductory class focuses on the basics of perfumery through the lens of orange blossom. You'll explore its natural origins, learn about the core ingredients that define its scent, and gain hands-on experience creating your own orange blossom accord.

What You’ll Learn:

• Introduction to Orange Blossom: Its role in perfumery and key characteristics.

• Orange Blossom in Nature: Insights into its natural origins.

• Core Ingredients: Major components of the orange blossom accord.

• Olfactive Perspective: Identification and evaluation of its main ingredients

• Hands-On Practice: Blend ingredients to create your own accord.

CLASS DETAILS

• Instructor: Justin Frederico Ph.D.

  Cost: $125

Class Description:

This course is the companion class to Fragrance and Femininity. Through a combination of historical analysis, sensory exploration, and cultural criticism, we’ll unpack the complex interplay between fragrance, gender, and societal expectations in Western Europe and North America.

We will begin with the historical point at the end of the 19th Century when fragrances began to be marketed to specific genders and continue to examine olfactory representations of masculinity during World War I and World War II. Moving into more contemporary issues, social media has become a powerful tool in shaping and maintaining gender identities. The course will also focus on the rising number of teen boy perfume influencers whose content distills, promulgates, and amplifies existing codes about age, maturity, taste, and prestige.

CLASS DETAILS

• Instructor: Daisy Bow, PhD

• Cost: $95

During this class, we will be: 

• Learning about the emotional interactions between smell and memory. 

• Tasting five wines curated for the Holiday. 

• Sampling five aroma compounds.

• Discovering five Holiday-curated fragrances. 

• Analyzing different aromatic organic materials in scent training tins.

• Experiencing flavor/food pairings. 

• Evaluating the aromatic sensory experience of paired organic material, aroma compound, fragrance, flavor, and wine.

• Learning about the science of scent reception and the aroma chemistry of winemaking and perfumery.

*Food/flavor pairings may include Gluten, Dairy, Nuts, and Meat*

Class Details:

• Instructor: Isabel Finston

• Price: $140

OLFACTION

• How Our Sense of Smell Works: Delve into the science of olfaction and its connection to fragrance perception.

• Anatomy of the Olfactory System: Gain insights into the structure and function of the olfactory system.

• Role of Scent Receptors: Understand the function of various scent receptors in detecting and interpreting fragrances.

THE PERFUMERS PALETTE

• A concise course focusing on the essence of natural raw materials & aroma chemicals in perfumery.

• Plant Origins and Olfactory Nuances: Study the impact of genus, species, and geolocation on scent differences.

• Extraction Processes: Understanding methods to capture essence from natural materials, including animal origin.

• Synthetic Raw Materials: Exploring the role of synthetics in modern perfumery.

• Spectrum of Material Families: Gaining insight into various material families and subfamilies in perfumery.

• Classifications in Perfumery: Examining diverse categorization methods used by perfumers.

Class Details

• Instructor: Gus Romero

• Cost: $135

A delicious way to approach the Gourmand perfume family. 

Traditional Caribbean Cocoa Ball Tea will be served as we explore the history of European drinking chocolate. 

Explore a range of spices, florals, and musk, early 18th century drinking chocolate recipes looked much like perfume formulae, we’ll enjoy both.

Build our own spiced cocoa perfumes, note by note in this hands on, interactive approach to perfumery.

Class Details

• Instructor: Stephen Dirkes

• Fee: $100

A hands on, experiential approach to history with antiques to see and touch. Botanicals and perfume materials to reference and explore. Greater understanding through making accords ourselves.

- The history and culture of Perfumery in America through the evolution of products, advertising and marketing. 

- Reference contemporary iterations of classic perfumes we're studying

- Breakdown the original 19th century perfume accords and the natural and synthetic materials used in the era

- Sample materials and create variations of classic perfume formulae

Class Details

Instructor: Stephen Dirkes

Fee: $95

Class Details:

• Instructor: Gus Romero

• Cost: $90

Introduction to Woody Materials

• Characteristics and olfactory profile of woody materials.

• Common woody materials: Sandalwood, Cedarwood, Vetiver, Patchouli & Amber Woods

• Aroma chemicals in this family

• Role of woody materials in perfumery and their typical usage in base notes

• Different types of woody notes: Dry woods, creamy woods, smoky woods.

• Examples and distinguishing features of each type.

  Class Details:

• Instructor: Gus Romero

• Cost: $90

JASMIN ACCORD BASICS

The jasmine accord is a cornerstone of perfumery, embodying both timeless elegance and technical complexity. This class is designed to help you demystify its creation, teaching you how to balance the delicate interplay of naturals and synthetics that bring jasmine to life in a fragrance.

• The role of key materials like indole, benzyl acetate, and methyl anthranilate in building jasmine’s signature character.

• How to layer and balance naturals, such as jasmine absolute, with synthetics to create depth and harmony.

• Techniques for enhancing luminosity, floralcy, and richness in your accords.

  CLASS DETAILS

• Instructor: Gus Romero

  Cost: $125

Crafting the Chypre Accord

Objective: This hands-on class guides students through the art of creating a Chypre base, exploring its defining materials and structure while emphasizing practical formulation techniques.

Introduction (10 min):

• Overview of the Chypre accord

• Key materials

  Ingredient Exploration :

  • Smell and evaluate core ingredients.

  • Discuss the balance of freshness, depth, and modern alternatives

  Hands-On Creation :

  • Step-by-step guidance to build a Chypre base:

  • Compare creations with classic Chypre samples.

  • Take home your custom blend and formulation notes.

    Class Details:

    • Instructor: Gus Romero

    • Cost: $125