© Copyright 2006 - 2008 ~ Le Parfumeur Rebelle All Rights Reserved
For some people, formal training is key, and the structure of a course, such as
mine, is required. Others learn best when they are propelled by their own steam
with little input from teachers. Still others enjoy the one-on-one or a classroom
situation. Learning is a personal journey that each of us must make, as we will. I
offer opportunities for learning with as little or as much input as the student
needs, always willing to answer questions and make suggestions. In the end,
should they complete the twenty-six assignments, send along sixteen samples
for evaluation, and write the proctored exam of fifty-six questions, they will have
earned a Certificate of Completion for their efforts of personal dedication and
commitment to the craft. I don’t ‘create Natural Perfumers’ rather people grow
themselves into that way of being in the world, should they choose and should
this be something they want for themselves.
We each bring to the table a variety of inherent gifts. We can all sing but we don’t
all have a voice that is pleasing to others. This does not mean we shouldn’t sing.
Some of us have a great ear for music but not all of us are musicians, composers,
or conductors. We can all take photographs but that does not mean they will end
up in the National Geographic. The thing that sets one of us apart from another,
in a particular endeavour, is the passion that is lit in us when we are first
exposed to the topic matter. If something resonates with us on a spiritual level,
then it becomes our passion. This passion gives us energy to pursue that which
feeds and nourishes us. Spaces open up in our minds and in our hearts that
allow room for an extraordinary amount of knowledge to be gathered, sorted
through, and put into practice. I know that at some point, a student may decide
they want to take this course, and may actually go ahead and purchase it, but not
pursue it because they lack the energy of passion to carry them forward through
all the hard work and learning. Should they have a passion for perfume, they will
also have instilled within them all the finesse they need to create beautiful
aromas with the all nuances present to create life’s great tapestry, however that
unfolds.
Tell LPR readers what you teach your students about suppliers; in my
experience, the dish is only as good as the ingredients. Do you believe a
good, trusting relationship with your supplier is important?
In Project twenty-five, students are asked to write out their Ethics, Mission
Statement, and Personal Credo, including their philosophies on life. They need to
do their homework, developing ethical guidelines that will take them through the
pitfalls they may encounter during this journey of finding their own trusted
suppliers in the area in which they live and abroad. They need to learn how to
trust their nose and speak their heart when they are unhappy.
In the meantime, they are given my ‘Trusted Suppliers List’ in their manual. It is
also located on my links page on the website. These suppliers ship to Canada
and the US; many ship overseas, as well. My Australian students have their own
list they have gleaned over time. My list is not complete and is constantly being
refined as I go about my daily round.
It is important that I have a trusting relationship with my suppliers and that they
follow through with what has been agreed. If they don’t, they risk losing my trust
and are not put on the up-dated list.
The companies on my list have a variety of good qualities: they are
environmentally conscious, don’t approve of animal testing, are cruelty-free, have
a generous heart and donate to worthy causes, don’t have a minimum order
amount, include free samples, and some sell organic or certified organic
ingredients. Their product is top of the line and I’ve not yet been unhappy with
the dozens of items I’ve purchased from any of them. Also included on the list are
those that supply cosmetic ingredients, containers, waterproof labels, boxes, and
bottles. These companies resonate with me and hold similar values to my own, so
I am happy to support them.
Lyn, please give readers a skeleton of your curriculum.
Yes, of course... Here is the Table of Contents
Preliminaries, Processes, & Introductions