What has always appealed to me most about San Francisco-based perfume artist Yosh is that she's not afraid to express some spirituality in her philosophy and her creations. We met a year and a half ago and she has shared some of her perfume knowledge with me, and mentored me through my decision to become a perfumer. Here she shares a bit of her philosophy. Thanks Yosh!
The story on your website weaves an intuitive and almost spiritual journey to your discovery of perfumery. Do you think that art in general has a kind of mystical quality to it?
Absolutely. Art is a manifestation of a person’s spiritual path. Each person’s inner landscape is unique. When it can be expressed, the artwork is created. Some people are more evolved in their technique to be able to express that creativity. We see that especially in technical art forms where those talented Artists understand how to manipulate their mediums…for example like sculpture or glass blowing or perfumery. But whatever the art form – whether it’s paints or music, the best artwork surfaces when the Artist is in that mystical flow. Energetically, that is when the Artist is embodying that perfect state and the artwork of course is that expression of that spiritual place. As a consumer, when you view that artwork, you’re moved by that artwork because it resonates with you on an energetic level.
What excites me about perfumery is distilling a memory down to it’s essence, and telling that story and conveying that feeling in scent. What excites you?
I am also excited by memory and perfume – it’s so obviously linked. Right now, I am jazzed when clients have that ‘aha’ moment; when the fragrances have worked their magic and the essences speak directly to the client’s heart. You see their whole body shift, their facial expression changes. They let down their guard and the client unfolds their true essential being. It’s almost like the client goes through many memories as they are smelling the essences. Something happens through the journey where they release, release, release and then come into present time. So many people are disassociated or disconnected in their daily lives; the fragrances have the magical ability to bring every one front and center. It always happens. The timing differs with each individual, but it always happens. I am most excited to witness it. I often feel that I’m just the conduit and that I’m just there to facilitate that moment when the client comes into their body, into their true self and connect to their Spirit.
What is your favorite raw material to work with?
I’m loving the herbs now. Sage, lavender, rosemary, basil, juniper. Especially rosemary verbenone – I have a CO2 extract that smells heavenly. I just want to dive into the bottle.
If you could collaborate with any organization on a project for a good cause, who would you collaborate with and what would your project be?
I have worked with a literary organization called 826 Valencia, started by Dave Eggers for many years. First with the Pirate Perfumes and then more recently with the Time Travel Fragrances. It’s wonderful because the literary centers have grown to 8 branches across the country and each one has it’s own theme. I’d love to continue in that vain, connecting perfumes with literacy and literature – especially with children. Too much fun!
Was it a conscious decision for you to want to be an independent perfumer with your own line, as opposed to working at a perfume company?
The whole process of starting my business was rather accidental or one could say, synchronistic and organic. I didn’t really understand the whole perfume industry until I created my own company. I would not work at a big perfume company more because I don’t really enjoy corporate culture, but I can appreciate its value. I see them as two different segments, really.
What do you think about aromatherapy?
Therapeutic use of plants has been around for a long time. Culturally, I grew up using plants for healing so when I first learned about aromatherapy, I fell in love with it. I had been working at a nursery and floral boutique so then I learned about distillations and essential oils, my mind went bonkers. Plants are so complicated – with all its information stored in its cells. Aromatherapy has been dumbed down and commoditized – it’s kind of tricky. On one level, it’s wonderful to find soaps with lavender at the supermarket but that is only the tip of the ice berg. There is just so much wealth in the plants! I’d love to see more people embracing scents in their daily lives and in their homes.
Describe your most memorable experience with scent.
I went to Turkey with the aroma kinesiologist, Robbi Zeck a few years ago. We went to Isparta to pick roses with the farmers and then went to a distillery. At the distillery, there was an ante chamber with fresh rose buds and petals filling the whole room. There were about a dozen of us on that trip and we all jumped in. I couldn’t believe the smell and the luxury of being totally buried in a ton of roses. Really amazing!
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September 4, 2009 at 20:26 | 
Monserrat, from the three-year old group.
Jose with Valentina.
The pega ropa flower, which literally translates as "stick to clothing." It’s flowers and leaves contain tiny little spines which feel just like velcro.
Seema picking from a peruvian pink pepper tree, which can be found all over the region. 
Although the peppers are not widely used in mexican cooking, the oil from the leaves and fruit are used to cleanse and scent the skin. I tasted the seed and was surprised by it’s lemony-sweet top note.
