Olfactivista (2024)

21/07/2023

My summer smells like

- Watermelon
- Salty skin
- Books
- Peanuts
- Oolong tea
- After the rain

Yours?

08/07/2023

Haven’t posted here for too long. I’m actually good and will come back as soon as my flower will bloom again 🤍

It’s not about inspiration, rather is too busy with other projects at the moment! 👌

27/04/2023

PERFUMES AND SENSITIVITY

Being a perfumer with HSP (highly sensitive personality) could be both a blessing and a challenge. On the one hand, I am particularly attuned to subtle nuances in scents, allowing me to create more intricate and sophisticated fragrances. I also have a heightened ability to detect different ingredients and blend them together.

However, on the other hand, I am also more sensitive to certain scents. This can lead to sensory overload and even physical discomfort, making it difficult to work for extended periods of time. Last month, I had an olfactive intoxication after smelling too many raw materials in their pure form during an evaluation meeting with a supplier.

In order to cope with these challenges, I take regular breaks, practice self-care, and create a comfortable and soothing work environment. I am also selective about the types and concentrations of raw materials I work with, always choosing quality over quantity.

Overall, being a perfumer with HSP requires a careful balance between embracing sensitivity as a strength and managing it to avoid becoming overwhelmed or burnt out.

#🤍

25/04/2023

OLFACTIVE STORYTELLING

Olfactive storytelling is a technique in fragrance creation that involves using scent to tell a story or evoke an emotional response. It is based on the idea that scent can have a powerful effect on our emotions and memories, and can be used to create a transformational sensory experience.

In olfactive storytelling, fragrances are created with specific themes, narratives, and emotions in mind. The scent is carefully crafted to evoke a particular mood or feeling, and may be combined with other sensory elements, such as music, visuals, or tactile sensations, to create a multi-sensory experience.

By creating fragrances with specific themes and emotions in mind, olfactive storytelling can be a therapeutic tool for self-exploration and personal growth.

22/04/2023

Last night, I had a dream that I had a superpower to see the inner flower of each person. It was a beautiful and unique experience that left me feeling inspired. Our dreams can offer us valuable insights into our lives and guide us towards our true path. And just like in my dream, our intuition can also offer us the ability to see the beauty in others that may not be immediately visible. Trust your instincts, pay attention to your dreams, and let the power of scent and inner beauty guide you towards your true path.

Subscribe for more musing, inspirations and news on upcoming projects 🤍

16/04/2023

PEFUME AS A ROLE TO PLAY

Perfume can be seen as a role to play because it has the power to transform the wearer's identity and create a particular impression on others. By choosing a particular perfume, the wearer is taking on a particular role or persona that is associated with that fragrance.

For example, a person who wears a bold and daring fragrance may take on a more confident and adventurous persona, while someone who wears a delicate and feminine scent may take on a more gentle and romantic one.

Like in other arts and in real life, perfume can depict quite sophisticated and evolving roles. To reveal the nuances of the chosen identity masks - is something that every poet desires.

To create a conventional mask that everyone can wear is a one thing. To compose the personification of a single one, for a unique user - is completely different. I belong to the second group of crazy artists who want it their way or nothing at all.

#🤍

13/04/2023

THE WAY TO HEAVEN

Aspire to inspire before you expire.

#🤍

10/04/2023

PERFUME AS IDENTITY STORYTELLING

Perfume can be seen as an identity story because it has the power to communicate something about the wearer's personality, values, and experiences. The scent of a perfume can evoke memories and emotions, and can be associated with particular times and places in the wearer's life.

By choosing any perfume, the wearer is making a statement about themselves and their identity. For example, a person who wears a bold and assertive fragrance may be seen as confident and outgoing, while someone who wears a subtle and understated scent may be seen as reserved and introspective.

Moreover, perfumes can be associated with cultures, regions, and traditions, so they can be used to express cultural and social identities. For example, wearing a perfume that is associated with a particular region or country (i.e. Japan, SIberia etc.) can communicate a sense of connection to that culture and its values.

Overall, perfume can be seen as an identity story because it is a way of communicating something about the wearer's identity, values, and experiences through the power of scent. It is a unique and personal expression of self that can be used to create a lasting impression and connect with others on an emotional and sensory level.

#🤍

01/04/2023

TEXTURE IN PERFUMERY

Smooth, rough, hard, soft, furry, fluffy, creamy, powdery, sticky, silky, airy, dry, leathery, aqueous, velvety … and many more olfactive dimensions of touch and texture we have at our disposal.

When something smells like balm, or fur, or butter - you just have it right away in front of you and you can’t turn away from it. It’s an unavoidable experience and can be quite intimidating. But that’s why it can be so powerful in therapy, in contemporary arts, or social message.

Next time you smell something, try to describe the texture and how you think this smell feels like when you touch it.

You brain will thank you for making new synapses by generating more creativity and fluidity of thinking!

#🤍

28/03/2023

Someone asked me the other day: „What is your inspiration?“

It is rather intimate but I will share this here:

1. Destinations. If I could teleport, I would live between Siberia, Japan, Hawaii, New York, Iceland, Copenhagen, Paris and Berlin.

2. Music. Throat singing, techno beats, gong bath, Motown records, or jazzy impros… every moment has it’s own sound and tone. Music is running in my veins and when I sing - I cry from a bliss of kissing the Divinity.

3. Senses and emotions. Subconscious ocean is so vast and deep; it holds a lot of mysteries and adventures.

4. Nature. The main Programmer is a genius. Everything created by her is so incredibly beautiful and wise. I love observing the matrix we are in and connecting with Nature to remind myself of Home.

5. Ethnic groups and their cultures. I am an in-born anthropologist and love studying various tribes. I guess this is where my obsession about masks, costumes, rituals and ceremonies comes from. Or from watching movies about travelling into space and meeting other civilizations.

6. Art and design. The human’s creative talent and self-expression is contagious and stimulating. Leave me in front of Rothko’s canvas and pick me up in several hours with bunch of ideas.

What is it that makes your ideas fountain?

#🤍

25/03/2023

I DON'T BELIEVE IN A HAPPY ENDING.
I BELIEVE IN HAPPY NOW.

#🤍

22/03/2023

With this new moon in Aries and the spring Equinox, I do not know a single person who is not cleansing and manifesting what is firing 🔥 these days!

As I am intensively working on my debut perfume (which is essentially connected to the fire energy), I am overloaded with this element! So TEA is exactly what I need to ground myself and balance it all out.

Being born in Siberia, I was exposed to a high variety of teas which I believe has influenced my taste palette. I was also introduced to chadō (Japanese tea ceremony) early in my life. My sister was initiated during her studies in Japan and continued to practice when she was back home. I remember being stunned by the beauty of the tools, scents, taste and the dance of the movements that were required for a ceremony to take place.

Time passed, and I added to my bucket of experiences the countless hours of practice, degustation, readings and observing the masters not only from East Asia but all over the world, in various traditions of tea making. I am forever mesmerised by the elegance of this taste-smell-movement meditative dance of brewed leaf art.

Have you ever had a tea ceremony experience? Would you be interested in having one?

#🤍

19/03/2023

SOMETIMES THE PLACE JUST GETS YOU.

Especially now, when I do the spring cleaning, I look at this picture taken in the middle of Namibian desserts, and I am teleported to that moment in that room.

It smelled dusty of course, but also, in a way, clean. It was out of the frame of time and space. It could be couple million years before or after on Neptune or anywhere in out of solar system. I was stunned. And wondered who I am in all this and what kind of plan is governing this reality.

#🤍

18/03/2023

SPRING IS THE MOTHER OF MINIMALISM.

She is detoxing, cleaning, decluttering, simplifying life, removing excess and unnecessary items at home, in her wardrobe, and in her head. She is filling the air with new growth and fresh possibilities.

How does your spring smell?

#🤍

13/03/2023

An accurate representation of me right now.

Shocking truth: noses also get sick. It’s just more dramatic than usual. It’s like a micro hibernation for senses. Or an intelligent transformation of those sensations that were stimulated from outside to the ones that are happening inside.

The Winter is particularly dusky when you are unwell. So hold on to that inner candle you have within and go through the dark and cold forest with it.

Good news, swans are already nesting. This means only one thing - Spring is coming!

#🤍

11/03/2023

She looked at me right in the eyes and said: “Why are you here?”

And just like that, I woke up and decided to live true to my purpose.

08/03/2023

Let's unite under the light of the full moon and come together to celebrate the strength and determination of all women on this International Women’s Day! Let's march forward with our hearts and our senses open.

#🤍 #1939

05/03/2023

BUDS FORM, FRUIT GROWS

SCENTS and SMELLS were always a big part of my life as my olfactive journey started even before my birth in Siberia. In my childhood, I would not go to sleep without smelling the clothes of my mother. Later in life, I would discover more subjects of my interest and would collect their olfactive representations. Each person has an associated scented memory in my mind.

With time, I discovered, though, that there are also other olfactive memories about certain people, events, experiences, etc. that were hidden from my knowledge but that held space and power. They were manifesting as subconscious triggers and flashbacks but also as potential points of growth.

At that time, without knowing much about all that from the neuroscience perspective, I was intuitively following my Nose. I would smell things in my dreams, I would try to “catch” them or describe them on paper, I would try to find a sound or visual representation of them… Eventually, reconnecting my conscious and subconscious realms allowed me to better see, feel, heal, and go beyond the limitations of my mind.

Btw, this Moon phase is about self-development and perfection, symbolic of the plant that is now preparing its offerings through fruit and flowers.

Which flowers are you growing to offer?

#🤍

03/03/2023

I was sipping a cup of tea this morning and was thinking about TEA as an art of appreciation.

Intimate morning ritual.
Or a reconnecting ceremony.
A gift.
To give, to receive, or to appreciate together.

Following the rules and mastering the perfection of the traditional elegance.

Or playing jazzy, breaking the rules and serving it the way you feel this particular moment.

Maybe creating your own way of tea. Tea is my never ending inspiration.

#🤍

01/03/2023

GROWTH SPURTS - FROM SEEDLING TO STRONG PLANT

According to Jyotish, I was born to express my genetic and soul potential as a CREATIVE PRODUCER.

AESTHETICS, SENSES, and STORYTELLING. It’s my food, my drink and my dessert. Whether it is photography, music, fashion, or perfume, it is undoubtedly my IKIGAI, or reason to live. And I plan to live for at least 100 years, so hold on tight, kittens!

Sometimes I forget that DHARMA is not only a destination but a path, a way of life, a journey, a constantly evolving adventure, full of fluidity and change.

This is to remind you that you need time and patience to experiment and explore until you find what resonates with you.

#🤍

25/02/2023

Open the DOORS of new possibilities and energy flow during this Crescent Moon.

It is something about cacao ceremony that stimulates all our senses in such a primal but at the same time elegant way. It is indeed heart-opening, nourishing and healing.

Have you already tried one?

#🤍

25/02/2023

“It’s impossible,”
said pride.
“It’s risky,”
said experience.
“It’s pointless,”
said reason.
“Give it a try,”
whispered the heart.

#🤍

Iris art by Orr Giddon

22/02/2023

Let’s talk about uplifting SMELLS.

As the New Moon rolls around, why not take advantage of the amazing power of CITRUS? It's a great time for starting things up and diving into projects and plans. Citrus oils can be cold pressed from the rind, giving us that extra bit of motivation and enthusiasm to begin a new lunar cycle. It also works on our solar plexus, the center of our self-esteem and purpose.

Lemon and orange are like natural energy drinks, helping us stay focused on tasks and decisions. Meanwhile, grapefruit is great for those looking to start a dietary change with the New Moon. If you've got food-grade quality oils, why not add a few drops of lemon, orange, or grapefruit to your water and drink it throughout the day? A glass of a freshly squeezed orange juice🍊 is what I am craving for these days…

Bergamot oil is said to help balance moods, so if you're feeling anxious around the waxing Moon, give it a try and feel your tension melting away. Bergamot tastes great in black tea, and it also works when diffused or used in the shower as a steam.

I chose yuzu as my olfactive partner in starting this cycle. It makes me connect to my Japanese creative muse, wire my intuition, and jiggle in my favorite kimono the whole day long.

What is your favorite citrus?

#🤍

21/02/2023

Hello, my little wolves! How are you doing?

If you're looking for a way to set the mood for your creative ideas to take off, try out one of these New Moon Rituals:

- Clear the air and your space by burning a herbal incense of your choice. This is a great way to start fresh, set the intentions and get rid of any icky energy. Make it extra special by using Patchouli - not only is it an aphrodisiac, it also helps detox your environment.

- Finally, blast some tunes and dance like crazy while using Hawaiian Sandalwood to keep your sexual energy and creativity going. This oil helps open up your mind to new possibilities as the Moon gets brighter. Just remember to use it sparingly - it's a pretty rare thing!

- After all that creative energy has been cultivated, pamper yourself with a relaxing bath of Lavender, Clary Sage, and Jasmine which are perfect for calming the mind and letting ideas flow.

Wishing you a powerful creative flow!

#🤍

20/02/2023

Seed planting – underground.

A New Moon phase of the cycle is a great time to begin working with the Moon because it is a time of a fresh new start. In this particular phase, it is time to sow the seeds for what you want in your future and set intentions for your dreams.

Potential and Imaginings: you might notice an increase in ideas, creativity and inspiration during this time, and so it is a good time to think about what you want to do and the changes you wish to invite into you life. This can be about projects, hobbies, ideas, plans, thoughts, or relationships, for example.

Time to seed your Intentions and being open to new possibilities that may enter your life. The New Moon provides hope, a time for faith and renewing our commitments. It brings a mindset for fresh starts, and reminds us that there is always an opportunity for rebirth.

#🤍

20/02/2023

Are you familiar with iconic Clarissa Pinkola Estés’s book, “Women who run with the Wolves”?

It's a must-read for anyone interested in archetypes, transformation, and healing.

In this book the night is a setting for feminine growth and discovery. This is seen most clearly in the Russian fairytale Vasalissa, where a small girl is sent into the dark woods and consults her mother's magical doll at every turn. The girl eventually arrives at Baba Yaga's, a witch-like figure, who is representative of the Wild Woman and the knowing within the psyche. I will not tell more in case you have not yet read this book of tales that serve as portals to a place of great psychic healing, a locus between consensual and non-consensual reality.

Here are 13 lessons you can learn from Dr. Estés and her insightful analysis of 20 fairytales and myths from all over the world:

1. Overcivilization Kills the Soul. Wild woman inside of you is waiting to be free, ready to create with her bare hands and get dirty and sweaty while making a life of her own.

2. Trust Your Intuition. All you need to know is already inside of you.

3. Don't Trade Your Soul for Safety. Quit whatever is holding you back and finally start doing what your heart is craving for.

4. Surrender to the Higher Power. It will bring you exactly where you need to be.

5. Find Your True Pack. Abandon relationships with those who are not on your side.

6. Addiction to Day-Dreaming Brings Death. Get yourself out of the vicious circles of escapism.

7. Love Is a Skeleton Woman. We must die to our old selves in order to become something bigger.

8. Your Body Is a Wonderland. Start loving yourself HERE and NOW just as you are.

9. Watch Out for Predators. Be aware of distractive masculine power inside of you and react at the first sign of its conspiracy.

10. Death is a Part of Life. It is not the end of things but just the beginning.

11. Wear your Scars like a Badge of Honour.

12. Embrace Obscenity and Laugh.

13. A Story is a Medicine.

#🤍

18/02/2023

When it comes to our senses, we often overlook the power of smell. We take for granted the ability to enjoy the aroma of a freshly brewed cup of coffee in the morning, the sweet scent of a blooming flower, or the comforting smell of a wood burning in the fireplace. But smell can do more than just bring us pleasure; it can also be a powerful tool for self-discovery, expression, transformation, and healing.

Smell is, actually, one of our most powerful senses. It can recall and stir memories, influence our physical and mental well-being, and be used as a mean of communication.

There are different ways to use it.

A holistic healing treatment, known as aromatherapy, has been using essential oils (highly concentrated aromatic compounds extracted from plants) therapeutically since centuries to improve health of the body, mind, and spirit.

Perfume is another powerful medium to experience the power of smell. It is a combination of natural extracts, alcohol, and other aromatic compounds that can be used to create a unique, personalized scent. By carefully selecting a blend of ingredients, you can create a fragrance that is unique to you and that can evoke emotions and memories. Man-made ingredients might be stigmatized but they are arguably more sustainable when it comes to industrial farming, and they are also more chemically stable and accessible. Indeed, how can you create a smell that you dreamed of but can’t find in nature? And by the way, some ingredients can’t be made without killing animals while we have many alternatives with a very similar olfactive profile.

Smell (natural and man-made) has the ability to trigger emotional and mental responses from the brain as well as physical reactions within the body. We can use it in all areas of our lives: to relax and sleep, or to wake up and focus, to trigger and/or heal trauma, to arouse or repulse.

There is still a lot of mystery around smell. I believe that this mean of communication has been part of our evolution and it will continue to be.

Follow me for more what’s coming.

#🤍

17/02/2023

Today, I would like to share the books that have helped me on my healing journey. Each of them holds a special place in my heart, and I am full of gratitude for all the beauty and wisdom that their authors shared. I bow down with respect when I consult these treasures:

- “Women who Run with the Wolves” by Clarissa Pinkola Estés

- “The Mirror of Yoga” by Richard Freeman

- “Radical Forgiveness” by Colin Tippin

- “Yoni Shakti” by Uma Dinsmore-Tuli

p.s. This list is not exhaustive and has no particular order.

What are your healers?

#🤍

**ra

16/02/2023

Leaves fall, plant either dies naturally or withdraws…

The last and darkest phase of the Moon is called Balsamic. It symbolizes completion and death. The hermit is an apt image for this phase. The tree goes into retreat; bare, barren and still, it lies dormant until the next spring.

This phase is a reminder of our mortality. We must accept it and move on. Even in death, life can be found. No matter how dark the shadows may seem, the light of truth will always be there. It is a sign of hope for a brighter tomorrow. It reminds us that no matter how dark the night may be, the light of a new day will always follow.

Balsamic means restorative, and it's a time to replenish, clear energy, create space, and reflect. Let the past be in the past. Forgive any pain it brings. See mistakes made and failures endured as learning opportunities designed to help you grow who you are as a person and as a soul.

This stage is all about surrender, rest and recharge. Relax, heal, and restore yourself before the new Moon arrives to refresh creative energy and begin the next cycle of activity again.

Rituals that might help with that:

- Chill and totally switch off. Drink a tea that promotes quality sleep with Rose, Chamomile, Lavender, Sage, and Cinnamon.

- Meditate whilst diffusing a blend of Olibanum, Myrrh, or Basil.

- Revise, refresh, and prepare yourself for the upcoming cycle in the sauna with eucalyptus brooming. If the dark phase of the Moon tends to pull your energy down a bit too far, eucalyptus stimulates blood flow to the brain and can help boost energy and alertness. It also has antiseptic qualities that lend well to house cleaning as you prepare for a new cycle.

- Use peppermint oil in a steam bath to open the throat chakra and open up communication. Peppermint can act powerfully to clear your head for decisions or conversations due with the oncoming New Moon.

#🤍

Olfactivista

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