Exploring Muir Woods: Nature’s Cathedral Near San Francisco
In the heart of Marin County, just a short drive from San Francisco, lies the breathtaking Muir Woods National Monument. Established in 1908 by President Theodore Roosevelt, this protected area serves as a sanctuary for one of the last remaining stands of ancient coastal redwoods (Sequoia sempervirens). This magnificent forest not only showcases some of the tallest trees on Earth but also offers a captivating insight into the cycle of life, death, and rebirth that defines its ecosystem.

Roxana Villa is a Certified Natural Perfumer and the Founder of her brand Illuminatedperfume. She also chaired the panel that developed the IPF Standards for Natural Perfumers.

​When and how did you start becoming a natural perfumer?
My trajectory into the realm of perfume was non-linear, looking back, l am able to see many sign-posts on the circular path I’ve been on.

A few sign-posts leading to becoming a natural perfumer are deeply embedded in my matriarchal lineage, the privilege to travel quite a bit as a child, a deep interest in the arts and natural remedies. I was born in the port city of Buenos Aires, Argentina, the women in my family had European roots and a rich culture in cooking, knitting and home remedies. and all wore fine fragrances. 
In the mid 60’s my parents moved to Los Angeles where my very independent mother, with limited English, worked in a knit shop in Beverly Hills while my father worked for Argentine Airlines. I had the opportunity to travel back and forth between LA and Buenos Aires, as well as visit Paris quite often due to my mother's work in fashion.
After graduating from Otis Art Institute with a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree (BFA) and skill sets as an illustrator, letterpress printer and book binder I moved to NYC to pursue a successful career as an award winning freelance illustrator. My niche within the print industry was focused in the wellness and environmental arenas.
After a six year stint in NYC I moved back to LA, gave birth to my daughter Eve who I raised holistically. When Eve was three I was introduced to aromatherapy, attended the first World of Aromatherapy Conference in San Francisco and then studied to receive a certificate and began teaching aromatherapy at the Massage School of Santa Monica while still working as a free-lance illustrator.
Eventually I was able to fuse all my passions and talents, launching Illuminated Perfume at the Ojai Lavender Festival in 2008.

If flowers were always a sign of protection to people wearing crowns of flowers on their heads since antiquity, for states they were also considered as symbols of power.
The Olympic Games Opening Ceremony inspired me to share this with you. The Olympics should be a celebration of unity, strength, and cultural identity, bringing together nations from around the globe, making the flower thematic a perfect choice for an Opening Ceremony. 
As each country has its own perfume heritage, each country also owns the powerful symbolism that flowers hold. These natural emblems not only represent national pride but also embody the spirit and values of the cultures they belong to. Flowers possess a unique power that transcends mere beauty, serving as potent symbols of identity, strength, and cultural heritage across the globe. Each country proudly embraces its national flower, which encapsulates the spirit and values of its people. As we explore various flowers and their meanings, we discover how they reflect the essence of nations and their histories.

Take, for instance, France's iconic Fleur de Lys. This elegant flower has long been associated with French royalty and heraldry, symbolizing purity, light, and life. Its distinctive shape and rich history make it a powerful emblem of national identity. The Fleur de Lys serves as a reminder of France's cultural heritage and the values of honor and excellence.

In Japan, the cherry blossom, or Sakura, is a beloved symbol that represents the transient beauty of life. The fleeting nature of the blossoms reminds the Japanese people to cherish each moment, as they bloom for only a short time each spring. This flower embodies resilience and the acceptance of life's impermanence, making it a poignant representation of Japanese culture.

The United States honors the rose as its national flower, a symbol of love, passion, and resilience. The rose's diverse colors and varieties reflect the country's rich tapestry of cultures and histories, celebrating the spirit of freedom and justice that the nation strives for. It has become an emblem of unity and compassion, reminding citizens of their shared values.

In India, the lotus flower holds deep spiritual significance. It symbolizes purity, enlightenment, and rebirth, often associated with important deities in Hinduism and Buddhism. The lotus thrives in muddy waters, rising above the surface to bloom beautifully, representing the idea of overcoming adversity and achieving greatness despite challenges.

Further south, South Africa’s national flower, the King Protea, stands as a symbol of hope and change. Its unique appearance and resilience in harsh environments echo the strength and diversity of the South African people. The King Protea serves as a reminder of the country’s rich natural heritage and its journey toward unity and growth.

In Mexico, the dahlia, or "cempasúchil," is a vibrant flower that plays a crucial role in the Day of the Dead celebrations. Its bright orange and yellow hues symbolize the sun and are believed to guide the spirits of loved ones back to the world of the living. This flower encapsulates the Mexican values of remembrance and honouring one’s ancestors, celebrating life and death as intertwined experiences.

These flowers, among many others (check our blog powerfulflower.blogspot.com/?view=magazine), serve as powerful emblems of identity and connection. They evoke emotions and memories, fostering a sense of belonging and pride within their respective cultures. Flowers remind us that even in a world filled with differences, there is beauty in diversity and a shared appreciation for nature's wonders.
This is an IPF suggestion for the next Olympics Opening Ceremony in Los Angeles.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to making our event such a success!

In partnership with the Natural Perfumery Teacher's Academy, Natural Perfumes Only, Autur City and the Tisserand Institute, Creezy Courtoy delivered an insightful presentation on IPF activities, highlighting IPF Education, the Natural Perfumers Certification, and the World Perfume Museum Collection. She also emphasized the importance of olfaction and introduced her Olfaction Training Course for both perfumers and children.

Lakenda Wallace captivated the audience with her course designed to assist nurses in supporting Alzheimer’s patients, while Rachel Binder explored the fascinating quantum physics of plants and the higher hertz healing power of roses and other plants to restore cellular organization.

Terry Johnson presented his visionary program, Healthy Homes for America, adding a unique dimension to the event.

We would like to thank all the amazing perfumers from Los Angeles and New York who participated in the Scent of Healing event in Malibu.

The public truly enjoyed the experience discovering Natural Perfumery with: Jackie Brenner - De Kloka, Leanne Hirsh - Perfumera Curandera, Lakenda Wallace - Modern Peasant, Rachel Binder - Pomares Stolen Perfume, Amy Bilodeau - Orris Water, Victoria Artz - Common Senses and Rodney Hughes - Therapeutate Perfume.
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Each visitor received a special gift bag that included a lava bracelet. They had the opportunity to explore and try perfumes at each perfumer’s booth, selecting their favorite to add to their bracelet. 
The feedback was fantastic, and every visitor left with at least one perfume. 

Everyone over the past several decades has been exposed to amazing technological advances that have created many well-known benefits. Yet, these technologies have also included unintended and largely unnoticed Dark Effects for Natural Essences.

Separation from Nature
One of the most negative effects of technology on natural essences has been to separate us from nature. Consider what the world would be like if synthetic fragrances (first synthesized in the late 19th century) were allowed to totally replace natural perfumes and other natural essences: no flowers and plants grown for their aromatic, medicinal properties which have contributed to the health of humans for thousands of years. Without those flowers being grown, pollinators could also eventually disappear. Since bees are already threatened from a number of issues, this situation alone could tip the scales, and risks our ability to produce sufficient food naturally.  
Some people actually claim that this would be positive, since technology will allow us to develop food synthetically. But is this really the world we want for ourselves, our children, and their children?
This is why IPF strongly urges everyone in the natural essence community to join with IPF in rejecting synthetics, following IPF/SEOS standards, and reconnecting with nature.
One of the challenges to reconnecting with nature is widespread internet support for synthetics. For example, anyone can search and find statements from the “perfume industry” stating that it is impossible to create perfumes without the use of synthetic ingredients. Of course, that opinion fails to explain how perfumes were developed for thousands of years prior to synthetic fragrances!

USDA Organic Certification
In addition, many perfumers and consumers are under the false assumption that when products are Certified Organic (organic certifications around the world now uses US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Organic Certification) those products are synthetic pesticide-free. 
They are not. Here is the USDA web page explaining that most (but not all) synthetic pesticides are prohibited:  https://www.ams.usda.gov/publications/content/allowed-prohibited-substances  
This is exactly why IPF developed IPF/SEOS standards which are superior to organic standards by totally prohibiting the use of all synthetic substances including synthetic pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, and synthetic fragrances.
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Perfume Oils and Fragrance Oils
Lastly, the synthetic chemical industry is working hard at replacing natural sources with their synthetic substitutes. For instance. some unscrupulous companies use very deceptive ways of disguising the synthetic basis of their products, such as using terms like “perfume oil” or “fragrance oil” that are actually synthetic oils. Once they get a foothold in the natural essence community, they will be tough to dislodge, as is the case in India and other countries already. Here is just one example that natural perfumers and aromatherapists should be aware of:
https://makesy.com/collections/fragrance-oils/shop-by_fragrance-oils?sort_by=manual
The future successes of the natural essence community depend on educating ourselves and our customers to recognise the importance of only using products we know to be truly natural, which are the best reasons for supporting IPF’s guidelines and standards.
 

How Dr. Param Singh Transforms the Market with Holistic Health Solutions & Aromachology Goods.
 
During the Natural Perfumery Summit on May 7, we welcomed and interviewed Param Singh from Sydney. Param shared his vision and scientific background with us, ultimately leading him to establish a pioneering brand that bridges the gap between science, sustainability, and the holistic formulation of essential oils. His brand, Nirhu Lifestyle Organics, offers a wide range of holistic products including aromachology products and holistic supplements.
 

Your catalog contains natural ingredients, such as plant-based supplements, essential oils, and aromachology perfumes, while guaranteeing exceptional quality to customers. How do you manage the supply chain?   
As the overseer of the supply chain and standards for quality and sustainability compliance, I ensure that all the products available from my stores/indent manufacturing meet the highest standards. Each formulation has different delivery systems to cater to holistic needs, whether olfactory, foods, skin applications, or intimate environment corrections. From the crop culture to the extraction process and research and development, I set up strict guidelines to ensure sustainability throughout the production process. 
 
My focus on sustainability allows me to have full transparency about the quality and sustainability of each product, which is crucial for customers who prioritize environmentally & health-conscious choices.

Param Singh understands the importance of considering the whole person—mind, body, and spirit—when developing his products. By blending the principles of aromatherapy and psychology, he has created a line of aromachology products that smell delightful and positively impact mood and overall well-being. In addition to aromachology products, Nirhu Lifestyle Organics also offers holistic supplements. 
 
With a deep understanding of the chemical composition of essential oils and their therapeutic properties, Param Singh is able to create formulations that are both effective and safe. His commitment to science-backed practices ensures that customers can trust the quality and efficacy of his products.
 
Let’s discover more about his unique offers. 
 
What was your initial inspiration for the unique concept of your products?  
I am concerned about the market's lack of knowledge and inadequate products. Many products need more science-based facts and meet consumers' needs. However, a strong relationship exists between sensory marketing, Aromachology, and neuroscience that can address these shortcomings.
 
One aspect of this relationship is the connection between smell or aroma and human emotions. Scent is a powerful trigger for emotions, second only to sight. This means that the right scent can profoundly impact our emotional state.
For example, studies have shown that inhaling a fresh scent can reduce food cravings. On the other hand, inhaling a sweet scent can increase craving levels for chocolate food. These findings are particularly relevant for women seeking weight loss, as they highlight the potential benefits of using scent to control cravings and regulate food intake.
 
Further research is needed to fully understand the natural effect of scent on food intake and its holistic impact on weight loss. By exploring the relationship between sensory marketing, Aromachology, and neuroscience, we can develop effective products based on scientific evidence. This will ensure that consumers can access products that meet their needs and provide tangible results.
 
What does this extensive line of products all about?  
It is crucial to have a broader range of products within one brand. This allows me to address various aspects of a person's holistic needs and offer a comprehensive solution. Moreover, I ensure that all my developments are backed by scientific testing so that customers can have confidence in the effectiveness and safety of their chosen products.
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"A rose by any other name would smell as sweet," William Shakespeare famously mused in Romeo and Juliet, encapsulating the timeless allure of the rose. Dubbed the queen of flowers, its rich and captivating history continues to enchant us.
Legend has it that Venus, the goddess of love, bestowed the rose with its bewitching fragrance—a blend of her blood and a kiss from her son Cupid, who, enamored by its beauty, imparted the flower with its divine scent. This mythical origin, as recounted by the Roman poet Virgil, symbolizes our enduring fascination with the rose, the undisputed queen of flowers.

With over 150 species and thousands of hybrids, the rose palette spans an array of colors and forms. The Centifolia and Damask roses, celebrated for their exquisite scents, are perfumery's darlings, while English roses are cherished for their robust, delightful fragrances. These English varieties, emblematic of unity in the aftermath of the War of the Roses, embody a spectrum of aromas found in classic old and tea roses, categorized into five distinct types: myrrh, fruity, musk, old rose, and tea.

Usage in History
The rose's legacy is as rich as its fragrance. In Ancient Egypt, high society women were anointed with rose pomades, and Cleopatra famously used rose-petal-infused oil for her skin. Ancient Rome's daily spa rituals included baths and massages with rose-scented oils, celebrating the flower as the pinnacle of perfumery. The hanging Gardens of Babylon showcased scented plants, with roses earning the kingdom fame for their unmatched beauty. In the Arab world, roses symbolized wealth and voluptuous beauty, with rosewater serving as a luxurious gesture of hospitality.

In India, divine statues are bathed in rosewater during religious ceremonies, while in China, the T’ang era's trade exchanges with the Arab world introduced roses to tea ceremonies, a tradition that persists.

In the annals of human history, the quest for peace has often been a tumultuous journey, marked by conflicts and resolutions. Yet, amidst these narratives of discord, there exists a lesser-told story of harmony—a story where the delicate power of perfume emerges as an unsung hero in the pursuit of tranquility and understanding. From the ancient civilizations to the present day, the intertwining of aromatic essences with the human desire for peace reveals a fascinating cultural tapestry that underscores our shared humanity.
 
Nefertum and the Blue Lotus
The origins of this aromatic journey trace back to ancient Egypt, where the god of perfumers, Nefertum, was revered. Symbolized by the blue lotus, a representation of peace, Nefertum's essence was believed to bridge the divine and the mortal, offering a profound connection to the spiritual realm. This connection was not merely symbolic; it was deeply ingrained in the rituals and daily lives of the Egyptians, emphasizing the role of scent in maintaining harmony within the self and the universe.
 
Queen of Sheba
This philosophy of peace through perfume traversed deserts and seas, as exemplified by the legendary tale of the Queen of Sheba. Venturing across vast deserts, she brought frankincense to Solomon, not merely as a gift of wealth but as an offering to preserve peace along the vital Perfume Roads. These ancient trade routes were not only channels for the exchange of precious aromatics but also pathways for cultural exchange, diplomacy, and mutual respect among diverse peoples.
 
The Sanctify of Scent
The sanctity of scent transcends the boundaries of geography and epoch, weaving its way through the tapestry of all major religions. Whether it is the frankincense burning in Christian ceremonies, the bakhoor in Islamic traditions, or the sandalwood in Hindu rituals, the use of aromatic substances serves as a universal language of peace, purifying the soul and realigning the faithful with the divine. This universal appeal of scents underscores their innate power to foster a sense of inner peace and communal harmony.
 
Manifesting
In today's world, where the dissonance of modern life often overwhelms the senses, the ancient wisdom of perfumes and aromatic plants offers a sanctuary for the soul. Natural scents, derived from the earth, possess the unique ability to heal, to soothe, and to reconnect us with nature—and, by extension, with ourselves. This reconnection is not merely physiological but deeply spiritual, facilitating a journey towards inner peace that, when multiplied by millions, has the potential to manifest as global harmony.
 
Healing for Peace
The inherent power of perfume to bring peace, both internally and externally, is a testament to its profound impact on human history and culture. As we navigate the complexities of the modern world, the ancient practice of seeking solace in the serenity of scents reminds us of our shared heritage and the timeless quest for peace. By embracing the essence of our ancestors and the natural world, we can find a path to healing and understanding, proving that the delicate whispers of perfume have the power to echo loudly in the halls of peace.

The IPF Natural Perfumery Teacher's Academy, created by the International Perfume Foundation, has set out to achieve two main objectives - to educate individuals and help them turn their passion for natural perfumery into sustainable livelihoods. Our efforts have been met with positive feedback from our IPF-certified natural perfumers, many of whom have gone on to launch their own brands or find employment in related industries such as teaching and the ingredients business. 
 
Sophie Granger, a multi-certified perfumer based in Sydney, is a shining example of this success. While working at a perfume boutique, she is also busy compiling perfumes for her future brand. Sophie's journey took an exciting turn when she landed a job at an essential oil company, which she credits to her training and certification in natural perfumery through the Teacher’s Academy.
​Let’s meet with Sophie and read about her story.
 
What are your certifications with the Natural Perfumery Academy with us?   
I have done a few courses with the IPF Natural Perfumery Teachers Academy since September 2022. I studied French Natural Perfumery, Scent Design & formula Building Master Class, and, lately, the French Aromatherapy Course. The aromatherapy course will help me regarding my new job opportunity. 

You just found a job in an essential oils company. Can you explain how that happened?   
I attended a well-known wellness festival in Sydney, where I came across a pop-up shop by Pro Oils. While there, I talked with Rodney Williams, the CEO of Pro Oils. I shared with him that I am a certified Natural Perfumer with a master’s in marketing strategy, and I enjoy exploring new essential oil brands. Rodney asked me for advice on creating a Marine Accord, as some of his customers had previously enquired about it. I had learned about the Marine Accord and the related natural essences to compose it in Module 7 of the French Natural Perfumery course. So, I suggested a few essential oils that could be blended to make the desired accord, and he was impressed with my knowledge. He also sought someone to develop the company's digital strategy and thought I could fit the job well. 

What made it happen?  
The owner discussed his vision of the company he wants to work on with me. With my varied knowledge, I explained to him a few ideas on how to effectively communicate on different platforms for different target audiences. He was interested in my proposed ideas and offered me the job.

Do you think training with us made a difference and helped you get your job?   
Definitely! A solid fundamental knowledge of aromatherapy and natural perfumery is constructive when creating content about different oils for social media. Understanding the benefits and risks of each oil is crucial to share information and respond to customers' inquiries confidently.
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Thanks to Sophie for sharing her valuable feedback and inspiring others.
You may be the next person to be highlighted.
​Share your story with us at [email protected] 
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