Ahmedabad’s fragheads indulge in perfumery workshops

Written by: Yashaswi Kochar
margin-top:12.0pt;margin-right:0cm;margin-bottom: 12.0pt;margin-left:0cm;line-height:normal;background:whitePerfume-making workshops, which let you recreate the essence of luxury fragrances along with discovering your personal scent profile, are emerging as a favourite weekend activity for Amdavadis. Raveena, who hosts such workshops, says, “It begins with a concept or mood, followed by experimenting with different notes—top, middle, and base. A strong sense of smell, balanced proportions, and lots of trial and error help us blend the perfect scent. Every perfume we create is a mix of art, science, and personal expression.” margin-top:12.0pt;margin-right:0cm;margin-bottom: 12.0pt;margin-left:0cm;line-height:normal;background:whiteThese workshops blend science with creativity, and participants are taken on a fragrant journey from the basics before diving into the hands-on process of creating their own scents. Biral, a workshop host, says, “We start with theory, where I teach about how the essential oils are made, types, distributors and chemicals that we use.”

margin-top:12.0pt;margin-right:0cm;margin-bottom: 12.0pt;margin-left:0cm;line-height:normal;background:white‘It’s a calming and creative experience’ Ayushi Bavishi, a freelance content writer, shares, “I attended a workshop because I wanted to explore a gentle, skin-safe alternative to regular perfumes. The experience was calming and creative.”
margin-top:12.0pt;margin-right:0cm;margin-bottom: 12.0pt;margin-left:0cm;line-height:normal;background:whiteThe sessions often begin by breaking down the structure of iconic scents. Raveena explains, “We usually start by recreating second copies of popular perfumes, but crafting your own fragrance is a creative journey.” You can choose workshops based on your interest. Grishma Shah, a workshop host, says, “We host two kinds of workshops. One is where we teach basic blending, where natural and synthetic ingredients can be used to increase their longevity. The second type is where we teach about creating their own scents through different notes. If you have always wondered how those little bottles of magic are made, perfume-making workshops might just be your new favourite weekend plan.” margin-top:12.0pt;margin-right:0cm;margin-bottom: 12.0pt;margin-left:0cm;line-height:normal;background:whiteThe notes you select can also reveal your personality. Grishma says, “If you are mature, you like earthy and woody notes. If you are more joyous, you prefer citrus notes.” ‘While it can be overwhelming for beginners, it’s fun'

For beginners, it’s challenging to distinguish between the endless notes of fragrances. Raveena admits, “With so many notes to explore, it can get overwhelming. But that’s also the fun part—training your nose, sharpening your senses, and slowly recognising the unique character of each fragrance.”

Newcomers also struggle with ensuring the right proportion of oils and chemicals and mastering the art of blending without overpowering a note. Shiva Singh, a copywriter, shares, “For me, locking the bottle after pouring the perfume was challenging.”

‘Some participants even take it up as a career’

margin-top:12.0pt;margin-right:0cm;margin-bottom: 12.0pt;margin-left:0cm;line-height:normal;background:whiteFor some, the workshops ignite a new passion or even a career. Biral shares, “A participant I taught three years back is now in the perfume business.”margin-top:12.0pt;margin-right:0cm;margin-bottom: 12.0pt;margin-left:0cm;line-height:normal;background:whiteAyushi adds, “I started trying out more with fragrance blends at home and curated a few gifts for my friends and family. It made me think about scent as a form of self-expression.”margin-top:12.0pt;margin-right:0cm;margin-bottom: 12.0pt;margin-left:0cm;line-height:normal;background:whiteFor some, it ended up being their passion. “I started blending a few drops of bergamot for freshness, cedarwood for structure, and white musk for that soft, skin-like finish. It was all trial and error, but it was a thrilling learning experience. The first time I wore it on my skin and experienced how it opened, warmed up, and settled into a cosy trail, I knew this hobby had turned into a passion,” says Kiratsinh Jadeja, co-founder and CEO of an education company.margin-top:12.0pt;margin-right:0cm;margin-bottom: 12.0pt;margin-left:0cm;line-height:normal;background:whitePerfumes can be comforting too. Kiratsinh says, “Jasmine was my late mother’s scent. Since she passed, I’ve been drawn to jasmine in a way that’s emotional and comforting; it brings her presence back in the most delicate, invisible way.” Things to remember

margin-top:0cm;margin-right:0cm;margin-bottom:0cm; margin-left:36.0pt;line-height:normal;background:whiteTest on skin, not just paper: Fragrances react with your body chemistry – pH, skin warmth, even diet. Something that smells great on a blotter, or someone else, may behave differently on you. margin-top:0cm;margin-right:0cm;margin-bottom:0cm; margin-left:36.0pt;line-height:normal;background:whiteCheck the concentration (EDT, EDP, parfum): The concentration affects how long the perfume lasts and how strong it smells. EDT is lighter (3–5 hours), EDP is stronger and lasts longer (6–8 hours), while parfum is the most intense.margin-top:0cm;margin-right:0cm;margin-bottom:0cm; margin-left:36.0pt;line-height:normal;background:whiteUnderstand your scent preferences: Know what you like– floral, woody, musky, gourmand.margin-top:0cm;margin-right:0cm;margin-bottom:0cm; margin-left:36.0pt;line-height:normal;background:whiteBuy from authentic sources: The market is full of fakes and diluted versions. A counterfeit may smell similar at first but lacks quality, depth, and safety.