I learned that the temporal part of the brain plays a major role in olfactory processing. Also, the definition of temporal “relating to the sequence of time or to a particular time” gives it a double meaning and represents my concept of reimagining scent memories.
Q: How did your fragrance brand come to be, why did you start it?
Around the beginning of last year, I went through a deep thought exercise about interests that have been with me since I was a child, and one common theme that kept coming up was fragrance. I remember sneaking my parent’s perfumes, mixing ‘potions’ together in the kitchen, and having this follow through my teenage years and adulthood (my collection of bottles and samples is proof). I also felt a need to create something that represented my experiences and tastes. I’ve always considered myself a creative person, and this was the perfect outlet to bring a tangible idea to life.
Q: When you were learning perfumery, did you teach yourself? Go to classes or have training?
I was able to collaborate with experts who helped guide the process. Bart Schmidt of Agent Fragrance assisted development and perfumer Justin Frederico led the formulation. Bringing this particular scent to life required several rounds of iterations, and I’m really happy with the result.
Q: Memories can hold a lot of power and can be sparked through an image, music, and even taste. You chose to express these memories through scent, tell us about that decision.
To me, scent is deeply personal. We all experience the world in differentiated ways and I’m fascinated with how scent can transport you to a memory or a specific moment in time. Music can have this same effect, but scent seems to take it a step further.
Q: Tell us about your inspiration and process behind your first eau de parfum, Hidden Habits.
In the 90s a family member would mask a bad habit with classic wintergreen mouthwash - there's a distinct memory of clean mint, tobacco, and their leather briefcase. It may not sound pleasant, but to me, it was the opposite. I've smelled this combination at other times in life and it always gives me nostalgia. I kept the months-long creative process to myself, it was important to not be influenced by feedback.
Q: Thank you for letting us relive this memory with you through scent. As we close our eyes and sniff, help us picture this memory. What do we see?
It smells like your best night out.
Q: Are there other scents that trigger your vivid memories? If so, what are they?
Jasmine always reminds me of Los Angeles, where I have lived for nearly a decade. Every spring the neighborhood is filled with blooming jasmine flowers and it’s the best. I grew up outside Portland Oregon, so cedar, pine, and rain always remind me of home.
Q: What future plans do you have for Temporal?
Right now I’m focused on getting Hidden Habits into people's hands organically and with great organizations like Olfactif. There are several memories and experiences I’d love to combine and recreate through scent, but expanding with intention is important.
Q: As a new small business owner of fragrance company, what challenges are you facing?
Fragrance is a product people need to experience, you can have the best descriptions in the world but that still doesn’t bridge the gap. Patience is key as word spreads, you can’t force it.
Q: In the same regard, what do you find to be rewarding?
This is the first time I’ve taken an idea and turned it into a tangible object. Every day I look at a bottle and get excited. From the style, to the scent, to the story - it all evolved naturally. My approach was to make something for me and put it out there. I love hearing what people think of it. I also find the little things rewarding, like building rapport with my local shipping center clerk, she always hypes me up when I drop boxes off!
Q: Outside of Temporal, what other creative outlets do you have?
Some of my best ideas come while I’m running. I always find myself taking notes immediately afterward - it’s an activity that brings clarity, which feeds into creativity. I also lead strategic partnerships for companies by trade, which at first might not sound creative - but you’re constantly putting puzzle pieces together and thinking outside the box to pattern match, see around corners, and uncover new opportunities.
Q: Where do you consider your happy place?
My neighborhood, Beachwood Canyon, it’s a little oasis in the middle of LA.
Q: What is your favorite word?
Momentum.
Q: What is your least favorite word?
Stagnant.
Q: What turns you on?
Being truly in the moment.
Q: What turns you off?
Getting stuck in the past or trying too hard to predict the future.
Q: What’s your favorite note?
Right now leather and suede.
Q: What’s your least favorite note?
On it’s own, lemon zest.
Q: What are you smelling right now?
Hidden Habits!
Q: If you could describe your brand in 3 words, what would they be?
Nostalgic, personal, universal.
Q: Is there anything else you want our readers to know?
Thank you for being part of my fragrance journey, I appreciate the support and hope you create amazing memories while wearing it. Also, if you have an idea of your own that won’t go away, large or small, I’d encourage you to put time aside to explore it.
Want to smell Hidden Habits? Find it featured in our February 2024 Collection | Beauty or Beast!
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Photo credits: Temporal
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Bart Schmidt
March 08, 2024
Love it!! Assisting Carter was such a fun process – he knew exactly what he wanted with such a clear vision…the outcome is creative, unique and smells great!