In this episode, I sit down with Mandy Aftel, founder of Aftelier Perfumes and a leading voice in natural perfumery for over 30 years. Mandy shares her remarkable journey from psychotherapist to perfumer, and how researching a novel with a perfumer character led her to discover her true calling.

We explore the philosophy behind her successful small-scale business model that prioritises quality and personal connection over rapid growth, and discuss her influential book "Essence and Alchemy," published in 16 languages.

Mandy offers insights into the profound human connection with natural essences, the differences between natural and synthetic fragrances, and the educational mission behind her Aftel Archive of Curious Scents museum in Berkeley, California. Whether you're interested in perfumery or thoughtful approaches to business, Mandy's wisdom about creating beauty and following your own path makes this conversation both inspiring and practical.

aftelier.com

aftelarchive.com

In this episode we're joined by Amanda Carr, founder of the Barnes Fragrance Fair, trend forecaster, and co-founder of We Wear Perfume. Amanda shares how her "accidental" creation has become a key event in the UK fragrance calendar, providing a platform for independent British perfume brands. We discuss the fair's village fête atmosphere that contrasts with traditional retail experiences, current fragrance trends from enduring gourmands to sustainability initiatives, and the fascinating connection between scent, music, and wellness. Amanda offers insights into the evolving British perfume industry and how young men are increasingly using fragrance as an emotional connector and identity marker. Join us for a fragrant conversation that showcases the creativity, community, and future of British perfumery.

barnesfragrancefair.com - 17th May 2025, 9.30am to 5.00pm, Barnes, London SW13 9HE

@wewearperfume

wewearperfume.com

Today we're delighted to be joined by beauty pioneer Poppy King, founder of multiple iconic lipstick brands including Poppy and Lipstick Queen. Starting her first company at just 18, Poppy shares her remarkable 32-year journey through the beauty industry and her philosophy that lipstick is more than cosmetic, it's transformative.

Poppy reveals why Willy Wonka became her unlikely business muse, discusses the "witch vs. princess" dichotomy in beauty, and explains what makes a lipstick truly iconic versus merely trendy. She offers candid insights on sustainability challenges, performative diversity in the industry, and her mission to create innovative lip products that help people discover new aspects of themselves.

The conversation delves into beauty entrepreneurship, the importance of staying true to your vision despite commercial pressures, and Poppy's upcoming projects and the return of her most beloved lipstick formulations.

Whether you're a beauty enthusiast or entrepreneur, this episode offers both inspiration and industry wisdom from one of beauty's most original thinkers who believes that "beauty is not a vanity issue, it's a human rights one."

poppyking.com