Tour olfativo constante – El estudio de Mandy Aftel

foto: Virginia Blanco

Estoy convencida de que para un verdadero amante de los perfumes pocas cosas hay en el mundo tan paradisíacas como estar en el estudio de un perfumista. La experiencia de encontrarse de pie frente a sus instrumentos de trabajo, el poder ver, tocar y -oh!- oler cada uno de los frasquitos y botellas es un sueño hecho realidad.

Así me sentí cada día en el que asistí a las clases de perfumería natural de la gran Mandy Aftel, en Berkeley, California. Creadora y nariz de la marca Aftelier, es también autora de varios libros (entre ellos “Essence & Alchemy” y “Scents & Sensibilities”) citados frecuentemente por investigadores académicos en cuestiones sociológicas, antropológicas e históricas sobre el olfato y la cultura.

Las clases fueron inolvidables. Lo único que nos apremiaba a mis compañeras y a mí era el tiempo para terminar las fórmulas: nunca es suficiente. Pero, fuera de ello, no teníamos ninguna presión. Mandy logra el equilibrio entre dejarte trabajar libremente y a la vez estar pendiente del proceso individual de cada estudiante.

No me canso de repetir lo agradecida que estoy por la generosidad que muestra para con sus alumnos. Ejerciendo una profesión con tantos secretos, ella -por el contrario- comparte su estudio, su casa, sus materiales, sus fórmulas, sus experiencias, sus conocimientos y sus fuentes. Es una maestra con todas las letras.

Si quieren saber más sobre ella y sus cursos, pasen por su website en Aftelier Perfumes.

Virginia

foto: Virginia Blanco

Continuous olfactory tour – Mandy Aftel’s Studio

I’m sure that for an authentic perfume lover there are not many places as paradisiac as a perfumer’s studio. The experience of standing up in front of their tools and being able to see, touch and -oh!- smell every little jar and bottle is a dream come true.

That was my feeling during every single day while I attended the great Mandy Aftel‘s natural perfumery classes in Berkeley, California.. She is the creator and nose of the brand Aftelier and also the author of several books (such as “Essence & Alchemy” or “Scents & Sensibilities”) frequently quoted by academic researchers in sociological, anthropological and historical issues about smell and culture.

The classes are unforgettable. Only the time were pushing us -my classmates and me-: time never is enough for finishing a formula. But, except that, we did not feel any pressure. Mandy achieves the balance between letting you work freely and at the same time to being aware of each student’s individual process.

I never tire of repeating how grateful I am for the generosity shown to her students. In a profession with many secrets she -instead of keeping them to herself- shares her studio, home, materials, formulas, experiences, knowledge and sources. She is a master in the full meaning of the word.

If you want to read more about Mandy and her natural perfumery courses, follow this link to Aftelier Perfumes.

Virginia

foto: Virginia Blanco

foto: Facebook.com/AftelierPerfumes ph: Foster Curry

14 responses to “Tour olfativo constante – El estudio de Mandy Aftel”

Mandy Aftel | August 2, 2013 at 1:56 pm | Reply

Thank you so much Virginia for this beautiful tour – I loved having you in my class!
xo Mandy

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- Té de Violetas | August 2, 2013 at 2:06 pm | Reply
  
  My pleasure, Mandy! And thank you for everything.
  Cheers
  Virginia
  
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baconbiscuit212 | August 4, 2013 at 11:55 pm | Reply

How incredibly fun! I’m on the other side of the country, so this tour of Mandy’s studio was such a treat. Thank you!

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- Té de Violetas | August 5, 2013 at 1:11 am | Reply
  
  Hi Baconbiscuit
  
  You’re welcome!
  Yes, Aftelier is a perfect place but I feel communicating my sensations with words and pics isn’t enough. I’m glad you like it!
  Cheers
  Virginia
  
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Eileen | August 6, 2013 at 10:31 pm | Reply

Me encanta tu post. Yo estoy estudiando tambien pero no puedo ir a CA asi que lo estoy estudiando con Anya McCoy por correo. Hermosa experiencia!

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- Té de Violetas | August 6, 2013 at 11:32 pm | Reply
  
  Hola Eileen
  
  Bienvenida a TDV!
  Es invaluable la oportunidad de estudiar por correspondencia también. La realidad es que el proceso es personal, uno aprende de sus aciertos pero sobre todo de sus errores. Los desastres perfumísticos que he cometido me han quedado grabados a fuego, créeme.
  
  Un beso
  Virginia
  
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Sally Bercovich | August 10, 2013 at 1:58 pm | Reply

I agree with every word you said.

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- Té de Violetas | August 10, 2013 at 3:57 pm | Reply
  
  Hi Sally!
  
  Thank you for stopping by! That was amazing, doesn’t it?
  It was a pleasure meeting and having you as a classmate. Hope see you next time.
  Cheers
  Virginia
  
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Mary Ellen | August 15, 2013 at 11:11 am | Reply

I have been wanting to see Aftelier & meet Mandy for several years…especially since reading E&A. I did order the first level workbook a few years back, but really feel that I need to do the classes in person. I live in Tennessee, so I hope to be able to plan a trip out to LA some day soon. Until then, reading articles like this is just so amazing! Thanks for sharing!!

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- Té de Violetas | August 15, 2013 at 2:20 pm | Reply
  
  Hi Mary Ellen
  
  Welcome to Té de Violetas!
  Yes, I completely understand you. I was in the same situation in Argentina but finally I got the Mandy’s classes.
  Hope you can enjoy it too!
  Cheers
  Virginia
  
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  - Mary Ellen | August 15, 2013 at 7:54 pm |
    
    Hi Viginia!
    Yes, you have definitely helped me make the decision to start planning a trip to take the class. It sounds like a very worthwhile experience. Thanks again!
    BLESSINGS~me
    
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  - Té de Violetas | August 15, 2013 at 7:58 pm |
    
    Happy to read that, Mary Ellen.
    All the best
    Virginia
    
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