No. 33 Almira Shidartha
NO. 33 Almira Shidartha
In the realm of scent enthusiasts, Almira Shidartha stands as a testament to the intricate relationship between physical and mental well-being. Almira’s journey of nurturing body, mind, and self-expression finds a harmonious intersection at Perfume Playground. Here, she discovers the magic of scent creation, crafting perfumes that mirror her unique essence. Through the workshops, she weaves her story into scents, experiencing the interplay between her inner world and the aromatic symphony she creates.
We invite you to embark on this fragrant odyssey alongside Almira, as she delves into the world of perfumery, nourishing not just her body and mind, but also her very soul. With each scent she crafts, Almira reinforces the idea that self-expression extends beyond words and appearances – it wafts through the air, creating an invisible tapestry of identity and emotion.
Almira, tell us about yourself. (This doesn’t need to be confined to what job you do – feel free to share anything that paints a picture of who you are and how you feel in this world).
I am a cell biology researcher. I’ve done research in stem cells and red blood cells. Currently, I am a graduate student pursuing Biotechnology at Syracuse University in New York and I am actually graduating this December.
At Perfume Playground, we’re big advocates of wellbeing. What’s your approach to wellbeing?
I believe that both physical and mental wellbeing starts from the gut, so I always approach it by focusing on having hearty and nutritious meals everyday. I also put an importance on incorporating “cheat meals” to boost my serotonin levels and other happy hormones.
We love hearing scent stories. Can you share one of your favourite scents or scent memories with us?
My favorite scent is the smell of freshly peeled mandarin oranges. It reminds me of the time I visited my grandfather’s home village on the island of Sumatra for the first time. I got car sick due to the winding uphill and downhill roads towards the mountains, so my grandmother would peel mandarin oranges for me to smell and it helped with my nausea. Now, one of my favorite perfumes is Neroli 36 from Le Labo and Orange Blossom from Jo Malone because it reminds me of my grandparents.
We’d love to know what inspired you to book a private parfum experience?
I am really passionate about collecting perfumes, because I find that choosing how I smell is another form of my self-expression. And so I was inspired to book the workshop, because I’ve always wanted to make my own signature scent that is different from the perfumes that I have or any other perfumes that I can simply buy.
What were your expectations before attending the workshop, and did they match your experience?
This was my first perfume workshop so I didn’t really know what to expect, but I knew that I wanted to learn about perfume making, mixing or blending. Looking back, I realized I got more than that. I also learned about the different types of perfume ingredients, blending ratios, and the different chemical compositions of perfumes.
Our fragrance expert, Tom, hosted the workshop. What can you say about his skills and knowledge?
I am so grateful and happy that Tom hosted my workshop. Tom has great knowledge on the different types of scents available and has a heightened olfactory perception, which really helped in guiding a beginner like myself when creating and blending my first perfume. Most importantly, Tom is also a super patient teacher!
How did you find the process of creating your own perfume?
It was very fun! Again, with Tom’s helpful guidance, I was able to find the perfect balance to creating a great perfume. Towards the end, I really wished I could make more perfumes! Moreover, since it was a private perfume class, I had plenty of time to really narrow my favorite scents and scent combinations before blending the final product.
How would you describe the fragrance you designed with us?
I like to describe it as a fresh forest smell in the morning after the rain.
What was your favorite part of the workshop? Why?
I love smelling all the individual scents from top notes, middle notes, and base notes. I got to smell so many new scents and learned about flowers / herbs that I didn’t even know existed.
Did the workshop inspire you to pursue perfumery as a hobby or a career? Why or why not?
This workshop has definitely inspired me to pursue perfumery as a career in the future. I realized that perfumery is a combination of two things I love: science and creative expression. I hope that by the end of my studies, I will have more opportunities to experiment with different scents and different types of fragrances.
Would you recommend this perfume workshop to others? Why or why not?
Yes, I would! This perfume workshop is a unique and intensive opportunity to be introduced into the world of perfumery. I love and appreciate the hands-on experience. Best of all, you get to bring home your creation and have a new personalized signature scent to show off!
Anything else you would like to share with us that might inspire others?
I want to share my favorite quote from my favorite comedian Conan O’Brien:
“It is our failure to become our perceived ideal that ultimately defines us and makes us unique. It’s not easy, but if you accept your misfortune and handle it right, your perceived failure can become a catalyst for profound reinvention”
Join us in celebrating Almira’s exploration of self-expression through scent, and discover how Perfume Playground workshops serves as a canvas for her olfactory narratives. Let her story inspire you to embark on your own fragrant journey of self-discovery! Take that first step towards your fragrant journey of self-expression today. Discover the infinite possibilities that lie within a single drop of perfume.
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