THE POWER OF SCENT
Ever since I can remember, fragrance has played an integral role in my life. As a child, my dad’s love for luxury items—jewelry and perfume, fostered my early appreciation for scent. At just five years old, I was gifted my very first bottle of perfume: the classic “O de Lancôme.” I adored its citrusy aroma with herbaceous undertones.
Looking back now, it isn’t the scent itself I recall but the vivid memory associated with it. That perfume left a lasting imprint within me, forever connecting fragrance to emotion and experience.
As I grew older, I began to realise my fascination, perhaps even an obsession with scent was more than a simple appreciation. I was using my sense of smell as a way to interpret the world around me, creating a sense of safety or signaling danger. It was a tool, albeit one I didn’t fully understand at the time.
In my teenage years, I spent countless hours in perfume stalls, taking note of the intricate aromas. By the age of 20, while working as a bank teller, I could confidently identify the perfumes worn by my customers and even suggest others they might enjoy. My passion for fragrance was growing stronger, and I found immense joy in exploring it.
When I turned 30, a dream of mine came true: I traveled to Grasse, the perfume capital of France. I fell in love with the town perched on a hill overlooking Cannes, its medieval charm reminiscent of Tuscany. Cobblestone streets, artisan shops, and the renowned Fragonard perfumery made the experience unforgettable. During a tour, my travel companion mentioned to the guide that I had “a nose” for perfume. The guide put me to the test, and while I did well, I marveled at the incredible skill and memory true “noses” possess the ability to recall thousands of aromas at any given moment. I’ve since learned through my studies in perfumery that while this skill can be innate, it is also meticulously developed through practice and dedication.
One of the most fascinating aspects of perfumery is scent evaluation. This meticulous process involves recording every detail about an aroma compound: its unique notes, batch number, production date, and evaluation day. Through this practice, I discovered how dramatically environment influences scent. For instance, no two orange essential oils are ever truly the same—climate, soil, and even the time of harvest all play a role in their individuality.
Our sense of smell has been designed to do more than detect pleasant aromas.
It regulates emotions, supports the nervous system, senses danger, and even aids our breathing. Scent is deeply interconnected with somatic therapy, which helps us explore, regulate, and release emotions through the body.
Have you ever been mid-sentence when someone walks by, and their scent momentarily stops you in your tracks? This is a powerful reminder that our bodies are constantly receiving information from the world around us.
Not long ago, I discovered I have aphantasia, or mind blindness. I cannot visualise mental images, which has heightened my other senses, particularly smell. I also believe that my childhood experiences—including trauma and abuse—shaped this phenomenon. Yet, I’ve come to see it as a gift.
“Life often equips us with tools born from adversity, and for me, scent has been one of the most profound.”
In February, I will be hosting a retreat day titled Somatic Sensory Immersion. My goal is to help others reconnect with themselves, find safety within, and discover their own unique tools for support. We all have different experiences, likes, and dislikes. A scent that captivates one person might repel another.
“However, when we anchor a chosen scent with a personal narrative, it becomes a powerful resource. At any given moment, we can smell that scent and feel supported, grounded, and comforted.”
Sometimes it’s difficult to go within. We need assistance, and scent can be a gentle guide, a comforting companion, and a facilitator for grounding and exploration. By embracing the power of scent, we can create meaningful connections that nurture our well-being and support our healing journeys.
Why not explore this further by joining us for our Somatic Sensory Immersion day? And while you're here, check out our blog post on Awakening to Childhood Trauma: A Journey of Healing and Self-Discovery.
