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Perfume making classes

Making perfumes is easy

Perfume making classes
with AbdesSalaam Attar

2024 – May 22nd to 27th

(12 students)

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2024 – September 25th to 30th

(12 students)

Perfume making classes

The program

The Perfume course

The 2023 natural perfumery classes will be held in Coriano, Italy.

There will be 6 days of daily classes and blending exercises to teach 12 students both my philosophy of perfumery and the method of composing fragrances.

The classes will cover a range of issues. One key point will be natural raw materials, including animal scents and rare essences, several of which can be smelled only with me. I will educate the nose to understand and evaluate the quality of natural raw materials. “Your perfume will be only as good as your ingredients are”.

Every day, we shall have blending exercises using different methods and approaches. I will teach students how to blend custom fragrances for private clients, companies or friends. All the perfumes composed daily during the workshop will be bottled and kept by the students.

Before we begin

A month before the seminar begins, I will guide students through a pre-course on a WhatsApp group. They will familiarize themselves with a new approach to composing perfumes and with different aspects of this trade; philosophy of perfume, ethics of perfumery, olfactory psychology, the language of scents, animal scents and pheromones, and more…

This introduction to the fundamentals of my perfume philosophy ahead of time will enable the group to dive into composing and making perfumes already from the first day of the seminar.

During the classes, students will learn by practicing in workshops the different approaches of perfume making; concept blending, making custom perfumes at distance, and making custom perfumes for companies. In addition, I will discuss where to source the best essences, so that those who have mastered how to make perfumes during the classes will be able to carry on after that on their own as independent perfumers.

Other topics will include perfume descriptive language, olfactory psychology, philosophy and the ethics of natural perfumery. These are fundamentally important because the nose is only secondary to the brain in perfume making, which is above all a mental attitude.

The students will quickly master how to make perfumes with different approaches, in the same way as you learn how to swim different styles until, to their own surprise, composing perfumes becomes as natural to them as swimming. However, for their future as indie perfumers, the most important teaching will be the 7 points of the “Way of Scent”, a training method that will allow them to continue and progress after the perfume making classes.

Each class is limited to 12 students

The classes are in English

The perfume making course

Our Perfume making course classroom

Kafkaesque-Perfume-classroom-Perfume-Course

The workshops

Students will make perfumes with a professional organ
containing 75 essences

perfume-course-formula

Who is AbdesSalaam Attar?

The New York Times Style Magazine on AbdusSalaam Attar

The New York Times Style Magazine on AbdusSalaam Attar

Luca Turin, the author of “Perfumes: the Guide” a visiting scientist at M.I.T. and the capo of perfume critics, says: “He’s one of these very rare examples of a natural-born perfumer. He seems to be incredibly sure-footed, in a way which reminds me of François Coty. There are dozens of all-natural perfumers; I don’t pay much attention to them, but I love his fragrances. I don’t think anyone can touch him in the field of natural perfumery.”

“I have been fond of his work for years, not least because he embodies the fact that the most important thing for an artist to have is talent. You can learn most everything except talent, and he is a natural-born perfumer.”

Testimonials

What the students say about him

Alison Cameron

Leadership consulting – Australia

I joined Salaam’s perfume making experience with an open mind and a strong intuition that it would help to channel and expand my passion for aromatherapy and natural essences.

The experience delivered all of that and much more.

To describe the experience in words may be to diminish it however I will do my best to transmit through the limitation of language.

During the six days we were together, Salaam shared his vast knowledge and experience freely with the group.  Importantly he engaged us in learning through doing and at the same time in understanding the way of scent and the alchemical philosophy that underpins it.

We were taken on a journey of discovery into the realm of scent and perfume making and also ourselves – as we recognised inner barriers, arrived at profound insights and diligently approached each perfume we made with our minds, hearts and souls.

Salaam’s sharing of knowledge was not just a lecture, it was a transmission that enveloped us at the essence of our being and created a new distillation of who we could be as human beings and as perfumers.

Salaam’s teaching style is one almost lost to most of humanity at this time.  It is one of a true Guru who shines the light.

He teaches with a sublime balance of firmness and kindness – seeking to bring out the gifts of his students and moderate their challenges. I have a huge respect for his teaching approach.

I feel deeply transformed at every level of my being by the experience of learning to make natural perfume with Salaam. I am ready to take what I have learned and apply it.  This is the best sign of an effective learning experience.

The group of participants bonded in a way so profound it is rarely experienced.  I have made life-long friends and collaborators in the way of scent and I am overflowing with gratitude for them all.

I have had a new world of joy and inspiration opened up to me through the experience of learning Natural Perfumery.  It is true – Perfume is love.

Katy

USA. Health Provider. Aromatherapist. Co-Founder of Maréfleur by Essence & Sérénité

Dear Saalam and Fatima,

Your graciousness, patience, and kind attention to my partner, who was sick during our trip, left me deeply grateful. Through your natural perfumery class, you revealed a powerful way to connect with natural scents and taught us how to craft exquisite perfumes that stir the soul. For this, and so much more, I extend my eternal gratitude.

I discovered Saalam’s blog while seeking a natural Perfumery making class, and his philosophy resonated with such intensity that I knew this was the path for me. Choosing to embark on this transformative workshop in the enchanting town of Coriano, Italy, nestled amidst rolling hills near the Adriatic coast, required no second thought. I was brimming with excitement even before attending, trusting it would propel me further along my scented journey—and it did not disappoint.

Saalam’s workshop transcends mere instruction in the art of natural perfumery. It immerses you in a world of rare natural scents, imparting wisdom on distinguishing quality ingredients, savoring everyday life’s scents, and sharing his unique method on crafting bespoke perfumes that resonate with their intended wearers.

Equally invaluable to me was Saalam’s profound sharing of his philosophy and ethical approach to natural perfumery—a lesson forever engraved in my heart. Salaam taught us the fundamental principles of becoming a true Ninja Natural Perfumer which extends beyond Natural Scent- but “The Way of Scent” is also a way to live a good life. One of the principles he repeated daily to us was to never compromise on ingredient quality, embracing presence, keen observation of others’ reactions to scents, and acknowledging our nose’s affinity for scents we truly need and love. Throughout our six-day course, Saalam gifted us with numerous pearls of wisdom.

As vital as teaching his philosophy was, the practice held equal weight. From day one, we embarked on scent exploration and perfume-making, composing beautiful aromas. Witnessing how our noses instinctively responded to scents that delighted our souls—experiencing the sheer delight and significance within ourselves and others—left me in awe. This course was also a journey of self discovery, as I encountered new natural scents that deeply resonated with me such as Tuberose, Osthmantus, Ambrette, Hay, Gnidia, Pepper Pink, Gaiac Wood and Peru Balsam.  I’m wearing now everyday, one of the perfumes my fellow classmates composed for me as part of their assignment to create a bespoke perfume as it had many of these ingredients that I discovered I love.

I also extend my gratitude to my classmates, each coming from different cultural backgrounds and knowledge but we were all united by a shared love for natural scents. Their presence elevated the class to new heights, fostering joyful moments as we composed perfumes, giving birth to scents such as “Love me,” “Primavera,” and “Weirdo!”

If your mind is open, curious, and prepared; If you want to compose beautiful natural perfumes, and if you want a new way of being with Natural scents, Salaam’s workshop will fulfill your aspirations.

Forever grateful.

Carla Rossiter

Facialist / Aromatherapist – United Kingdom

Salaam and Fatima,
I would like to say thank you to both of you for the most incredible week.  I signed up for this perfume making class not knowing what to expect and all I can say is that it surpassed all of my expectations.  From the first day, we entered into a whole new world, I felt like Alice, in Wonderland…  Salaam showered us with his endless hospitality, he would create the most beautiful infusions for us to eat and drink, I would look forward to each new day, sipping on rose tea, while sitting intently listening to his many words of wisdom.

I was captured by Salaams’ way of teaching, his willingness to share all of his knowledge and his desire to want the very best for his students, he was attentive and always ready to give extra help and support when needed.

Every day was so unique and Salaam created a layering of his knowledge that he imparted to us in a way we could easily understand.  I also loved how making the perfumes affected me as a person, and the amazing effect they had on me mentally and physically.  I find myself looking for words to describe my experience during my week in Italy, it truly was an experience of a lifetime.  From day one we were making the most beautiful perfumes and every day Salaam made sure each one of us continued to progress and ultimately become Ninja perfumers. I have met the most amazing group of people on this course and I’m feeling so inspired to continue my journey into the wonderful world of natural perfumery, I am eternally grateful for such a sacred time with the most amazing people.

And last but not least, Fatima, you were amazing, your kindness and willingness to help everyone of us didn’t go unnoticed, and I am so grateful for everything you have done for us, I feel so blessed. Once again, thank you both for one of the most memorable times of my life, I loved every minute.

Elise

Anthropologist – Canada

Salaam is a kind hearted and generous teacher, who is truly invested in the success and wellbeing of his students.

The moment the course began, we dove headfirst into a world of scent, smelling and tasting beautiful oils and essences that delighted our senses and souls.

Spending time in class each day was a joy, Salaam is an incredibly engaging teacher, with a unique way of passing on information. His lessons didn’t just cover perfume and scent, but also the spiritual and alchemical component of fragrance. This holistic approach added depth and opportunity for inner reflection.

When we began composing perfumes Salaam was patient with each of us, helping us to find our footing and give us the encouragement we needed. I was surprised by how soon I was able to compose fragrances.

The incredible group of students in the course is something I must mention. To be able to share this beautiful experience with such an amazing group of people made it all the more special. We shared so many moments of laughter and joy and I’m in awe of the support and collaboration I’ve already witnessed and experienced among them. I know that these friendships will continue to grow and I’m so grateful to be embarking on this journey as a perfumer with these people alongside me.

I entered this perfume making class with the hope that I would be able to formulate beautiful scents and what I left with was much more. I feel connected to a new part of myself and excited to embark on a creative journey.

Thank you Salaam and Fatima for an incredible week!

Pusa

Vienna- Austria

It’s been almost 10 years since I first got two of Via del Profumo’s fragrances: the soulful Mecca Balsam and the gorgeous Venezia Giardini Segreti, both at the recommendation of Octavian Coifan, a true perfume connoisseur. The quality of these fragrances and the chatter in the blogosphere made me read closely Via del Profumo’s blog, where AbdesSalaam Attar, the perfumer behind the fragrances, shares his philosophy of perfume-making, his inspiration behind the fragrances and much more (including a journal from the aromatherapy clinic in Mali). I have been thinking of attending his perfume making class for a while now and this fall (2021) it finally happened. I approached it perhaps unlike the others: in my application, I wrote that I do not plan to become a perfumer but rather am interested in perfume in general and would like to understand the perfume-making process. In our first class, he made it clear to students that he hopes we all become perfumers, that we can all go into the world and bring people fragrances done with integrity and purpose, not solely following the profit (like those working with lab-created ingredients).

Just as other reviews indicated, the course introduces the participants to:

  • The philosophy of natural perfumery (and its link with aromatherapy),
  • The most used ingredients in the perfumer’s organ
  • Issues related to the quality of essential oils and how to recognize it in a market flooded with low-quality materials
  • Special ingredients (of animal and plant origins)
  • Writing and executing perfume formulas
  • Oils making processes including an interesting practical class on cypress distillation

As an education professional, I was curious whether Salaam could indeed teach perfume making in 5 days to a very diverse group, with little to no experience. It seems a difficult task to anyone but him and he achieved that without a doubt. By the third day of the course, we were all able to execute decent fragrances. By the fourth, most of us were sure-footed and confident. By the fifth, we had all become, in his words, ‘compulsive blenders’.

I highly recommend his perfume making class to anybody interested in the craft of natural perfumery. Salaam has proved to all of us that it’s possible to walk in as a skeptic and walk out as a convert.

To top it all off, our group (just like it seems every other group) was lovely, with people from all parts of the world and all professions. When I returned home, I felt like a kid when a really good camp was over. We shared wonderful dinners and lunches, rides into San Marino, Rimini and Riccione, and above all we talked perfume over and over, in class and outside it.

I big thank you to Salaam and his daughter, the wonderful, sweet and knowledgeable Fatima who was ready to advise and help whenever we needed her. I do hope Salaam will consider making an advanced class for those of us interested to hone their skills a bit more with his help.

Farid

United Kingdom

Participating in this phenomenal six-day perfume making course has been nothing short of transformative for me. With nearly five years of experience in the domain of perfumery and high-end oils, I considered myself fairly knowledgeable, but this course expanded my understanding and skills exponentially. AbdesSalaam, our master instructor, generously shared his vast treasury of knowledge, accumulated over four decades in the field. It felt as though he distilled his 40 years of his expertise and offered it to us within the span of these enlightening six days.

Nestled in a beautiful, serene location, the course provided an atmosphere of focused learning where perfume making was not just taught but experienced in its full spectrum. Every day, from dawn to dusk, we were immersed in the world of scents, absorbing the art and science of perfumery through our pores. The meticulous hotel staff enhanced this unique learning experience, providing delectable meals and exceptional service, thus allowing us to concentrate solely on the craft.

From the very first day, we were introduced to the exquisite world of olfaction through seemingly simple substances like olive oils and condiments, each infused with enchanting fragrances that danced and lingered on our senses. The sensory journey continued with the subtle nuances of rose tea, a daily ritual I deeply miss, and an unforgettable experience of savoring civet coffee, which I can only describe as drinking perfume transmuted into a divine coffee experience.

AbdesSalaam is not just a veteran perfumer; he’s a maestro orchestrating a symphony of scents, a spiritual guide who imparts not just technical skills but also instills a deep appreciation for the spiritual essence of perfumery. Through his eyes, we learned to see perfumery not just as a craft but as an elevated art form, intrinsically linked to the noble sport of archery and deeply rooted in spirituality.

What set this course apart was AbdesSalaam’s approach to teaching. Like a seasoned master training his future samurais, he built close, personal bonds with each student, taking the time to understand our individual temperaments, preferences, and aversions. This personalized approach allowed for a learning experience that was as unique and varied as the fragrances we explored.

Over the six days, we delved deep into various aspects of perfumery, covering an impressive array of topics ranging from the concept and methodology of crafting perfumes, quality assessment of ingredients, the philosophy of Zen in perfumery, olfactory psychology, to the business of selling perfumes. Each day unfolded a new layer of knowledge, introducing us to the rules of composing scents, building accords, and the intriguing world of pheromones, animalics, and the art of distillation.

In conclusion, words inherently lack the precision and eloquence to fully encapsulate the extraordinary experience that this course offers. The knowledge and insight I gained under AbdesSalaam’s tutelage are irreplaceable treasures that I will carry with me throughout my career in perfumery. This course isn’t just a gateway to mastering the craft; it’s a transformative journey that deepens your connection with the delicate, powerful world of fragrances, and I am profoundly grateful for every moment spent as AbdesSalaam’s student. For anyone aspiring to not only understand but truly master the art and science of natural perfumery, this course is an invaluable investment in your personal and professional development.

James Hunt

Veterinary Doctor – United Kingdom

By the end of 2019, I decided I should try to visit the course for myself. 2020 brought lockdowns. Somehow, Salaam did manage to put on a course that autumn, but I was sitting exams and could not make the trip.

So I booked on to the June 2021 perfume-making class, expecting that vaccinations would have allowed us to travel again by this point – unfortunately not, but there was no fear of losing a deposit, Abdes Salaam was happy to transfer it to the next course, or if you change your mind about attending, you can choose products from his site instead.

Eventually May 2022 arrived, the flights weren’t too badly delayed, nobody was interested in seeing covid passes at the borders, and I arrived in the Coriano countryside.

Prior to the perfume-making class Salaam had provided reading material and discussion with all of the students via a WhatsApp group so that we had some common knowledge and we knew we would all be meeting together that evening, ahead of the first day’s teaching.

Within minutes of his arrival Salaam had put the group at ease, and any apprehension was dismissed. Mixing multiple variants of coffee perfumes on the student’s wrists served as the first glimpse of his ‘ninja perfumery’.

The six-day perfume-making course was packed with information, but most valuable was the experience – of becoming familiar with unfamiliar essences, of hearing Salaam speak on his ‘experimentation’ in the world of perfumes and his philosophy of perfumery, and in taking our first steps as natural perfumers.

Salaam provided enough guidance to let us begin, and then allowed us the freedom to make some mistakes, which I am certain is a part of his teaching plan as he then demonstrates how in most cases mistakes can be corrected.

Moreover, the course was not restricted to perfumery. The essences were added to drinks, to oils and to salt to enhance food. We heard about the experience of Salaam in using essences to treat disease. The group was diverse but incredibly welcoming and I am confident that we will all continue to stay in touch regarding our adventures in scent.

Salaam says he can teach anyone to make perfumes in 6 days – I’ve even returned home with some fragrances that I’m quite pleased with, so I’d say that even when it comes to teaching a tentative Englishman he’s right.

Back at home I’m still referring to my notes and assimilating all of the information that was presented, but I’m pleased to report that even at the age of 47 it is possible to experience a thoroughly enjoyable and formative learning experience.

If you have considered attending one of these courses I would definitely encourage you to stop thinking about it and do it.

Luka

Slovenia

This is a course the likes of which you almost surely haven’t experienced in your life, no matter your age. It is based on a way of transferring knowledge that has today largely been lost, from teacher to his disciples, in which questions are mostly redundant, and reflection is at the forefront. In a world where knowledge and its dissemination have been largely trivialized and streamlined, and therefore made vacant, Salaam’s teachings are an example of what is possible and how different (and much, much more productive) the learning experience can be, while also being fun, something that most educational institutions and professionals today seem to have forgotten about. If, like me, you struggle with the mundaneness and irrelevance of the modern teaching methods, I would recommend this experience to you for this fact alone. There are, however, many other reasons.

The course and everything it included was also an adventure, and an experience that I will never forget. The setting, the way in which my life passed in that week and the people with whom I interacted, all of that blended into one seamless wholesome experience, a day that seemed to last for a week and at the same time a week that seemed to include a month’s worth. Saying this, I would also like to point out that I am genuinely positive any doubts or reservations anyone might have about attending are entirely unnecessary. To you, the reader of this review I say, do not doubt, drop your reservations and attend this course if you feel its call. There is no way in which anyone could possibly regret this decision.

The group of people whom I’ve had the privilege of sharing this experience with was a true blessing, and it was wonderful to behold how quickly we connected, how much joy we shared and what relationships we established in such a short period of time. Everyone came from different backgrounds, cultures and countries, sharing this passion, which, together with Salaam’s guidance, turned out to be a remarkable glue between us. We learned a lot from each other and speaking for myself, I learned a lot about people, generosity and kindness in this one week. The days spent together, listening, learning, doing and the evenings and nights spent together in discussion and reflection, they were all magical, and have provided many moments that will stay with me for the rest of my life. Our rooms, clothes and skin were fragrant, as were our thoughts and feelings. From a holistic perspective, this is an extremely valuable and important addition to having learned the way of the scent, and probably also an incremental part of it. Observing yourself and observing others while experiencing it all.

When it comes to perfumery itself, Salaam delivered everything that he promised and much more. In a matter of days, I have, as a complete novice in terms of experience with composing and blending of perfumes, gotten to a point of being able to compose a fragrance completely on my own, and not just any fragrance but meaningful scents which I (and others) would love to wear. I’m confident in saying that we all experienced the same in our group. But it is much more than this, it is learning about the way of perfume, its origins and the philosophy behind it, which brought meaning to the whole teaching, and a sense of purpose, a mission. Composing certain perfumes and smelling certain ingredients stirred up tremendous feelings in me, and I think I will have to sit on it for a while before figuring it all out. It helped a lot that Salaam guided us through the wonderful world of scents in an effortless but very well thought out way, helping everyone according to their needs, with a keen sense of the human nature. I still can’t wrap my head around all the input I experienced in less than a week, of an olfactory kind and many others, too. I also want to express thanks to Fatima, you’ve helped us all a lot during this week!

Lastly, I would like to say that in addition to everything stated above, during this course I have experienced many things on the level of the spirit and the soul, which have brought insight into myself and my life, and have provided a perspective and food for thought of much importance on my own journey through life, for which I would like to especially thank you Salaam, but also for all the knowledge and experience you shared with us, and for providing a truly meaningful learning experience. You are a kind and generous man.

In this review, I hesitated to even use the word “course”, but for practical purposes stuck to it. This is not a course. This is an initiation to a way of life. The way of perfume, the way of love. It was magical. Thank you.

Olumide Bolu

University of Toronto, Canada

Salaam was indeed true to his word that perfume making is easy. He made it so easy and exciting for us that we started making perfumes from day 1. Without doubt, this has been one of the best experiences in my life. He has a unique teaching style that instills confidence in his students. The program is a good balance between the theory of making perfume and the actual practice of making perfume.

I was also pleased to learn his philosophy on perfumery, especially its aromatherapeutic nature. Salaam is an incredibly talented teacher and perfumer, and this perfume-making class was worth every amount and more. Because of the way this course was structured, I am confident in my knowledge of perfumery, perfume-making, and generally improving the quality of my life and those around me through perfume and aromatherapy.

The consensus amongst all the attendees of the course was that we didn’t want it to end. Most of us came in with an extremely basic understanding of perfumery. We left as talented perfume makers, and we gained a family/support system of perfume enthusiasts! Thank you Salaam!

Jade

Architect, Canada

If you’ve read any of the other reviews, you would know by now that this is no ordinary perfume making class. Being in AbdesSalaam’s presence, wisdom and kindness will transform you. I arrived in Italy as one version of myself and left as another, as someone more gracious, humbled and mesmerized by the profession of natural perfumery, or more specifically, amazed by what the power of perfumes can do for the soul.

This 6-day course teaches you everything you need to know about the perfume-making process, from distillation, extraction and tincturing to evaluating quality essential oils in terms of origin, molecular distribution, proportions and much, much more. Your head will be spinning with new ideas, information and smells; your nose and tastebuds will be awakened. Interwoven into the course syllabus are questions so profound, you wonder whether you had been walking through life with your eyes closed. For instance, why isn’t olfactory knowledge embedded in our education system? Why are we taught to distinguish colours but not smells at a young age?

Salaam led each class with the cadence and intuition of a guru, always mindful of the state of each student. His teaching style and strict adherence to quality is one that is a lost art; imparted through the philosophy of The Way of Scent to shape us into ninja perfumers. I’m certain he could detect microscopic changes in our energy and disposition throughout the week and adjust his lessons accordingly. He is a true master and every bit as brilliant, eccentric and witty as they say. Combined with Fatima’s quiet intelligence and discerning nose, we were more than accommodated for.

What made this perfume-making course special was the diverse group of students in this class. Despite our differences in age, culture and geographical upbringing we bonded instantly when it came to perfumes. It was the language that was embedded within us, familiar to us, and calling to us from the town near the Adriatic Sea. Our time in Coriano will stay with me and I’m grateful for their camaraderie, humour and generosity. I hope our paths will cross again, if not for each other, then for the sake of smelling wonderful things together.

Thank you Salaam and Fatima for igniting me on this incredible journey.
Assalaamu Alaikum.

Narah Wilder

Dear Salaam and Fatima,

I wanted to let you know how much I valued your Natural Perfumery Course – your willingness to share so openly and generously to new generations of perfumers was highlighted early on during the course.

Your extremely hands-on tutelage into your world of scents – roused my own energy to delve more deeply into my own mastery of synergistic blending – your sharpness and exaction left a deep impression on me. You provided me with a fresh insight and a revised appreciation for many scents, as well as intensifying my recognition for the potential that psycho-aromatherapy holds in natural perfumery.

I am touched by the many rare scents you introduced to my olfactory nerves. I am fired up to see my own scent evolution make strides from here onwards – I will be keeping you up-to-date! My deepest thanks and endless gratitude.

Blessings, Narah Wilder

Veronica Vazeri

Portugal

Thank you once again for the course – it was life-changing! I am still processing everything I learned – it kicked in some inner transformation. Such a great feeling!

‘I knew when I signed up for AbdesSalam’s Natural perfume making class that it was going to be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity – and it was exactly that, and much more!

AbdesSalam exceeded all expectations by not just teaching us how to become natural perfumers, but by opening a big new door to an exciting and fascinating olfactory world.

The world that contained everything from the psychological impact of scent and healing powers of natural oils to how to sell perfumes and make a scent from the client’s brief.

What I loved the most about the course is the teacher’s highly ethical approach to creating scents for people, his mission to change the world of perfumery by only using the highest quality of natural ingredients that heal and transform, not harm.

 He was committed to our learning and success and was strict and kind at the same time. As a result, I began a new chapter, much deeper, much more life-changing, much more satisfying than I ever imagined.

 On top of that, there was an amazing comradery between all the course participants, which made the intensity of 7 days’ learning even more enjoyable.

I would highly recommend this perfume making class to anyone who is interested in learning natural perfumery and ready to go deep with it!”

Claire Ryan, Ireland

Founder of The Informal Florist & DIG – Apothecary of Scent

When I discovered La Via Del Profumo it was like finding the correct key to unlock the mysteries of natural perfumery. Having emerged from a year that threw many personal challenges in my path, I’d decided to pursue my dream to become a perfumer. However, after many months of home study and work, I was hungry for more guidance. So when I found Salaam’s website and read his teachings, I was determined to do the perfume making class.  Booking the week-long program in Italy was not without sacrifice. There was the significant financial aspect and also the fact that I had to leave three young kids for my husband to juggle alongside work. However, having returned from the course, with the house still standing and the children all accounted for, I can honestly say it was the best decision I’d made in a while!

Stepping out into the Italian sunshine on that first morning with the scent of languid jasmine hanging in the air, I closed my eyes and felt so grateful for this magical introduction to a very special week.

One of the first things you realize about Salaam is that he lives the life he extols – that being the life of a “ninja “perfumer. His stories and experiences show him to be a man of great depth, intellect, talent, mischief and craftiness.  Scent reaches into all areas of his life and he showed us how it can add another dimension to every aspect including taste. From the gorgeous ginger tea and rose tea we sipped, to the basil and rosemary essence we drizzled on lunch, fragrance was ever present.

We were taught how to smell, appreciate and evaluate botanical essences and had access to the most beautiful and expensive extracts available.  He is very generous and wants to share his knowledge and material, as long as you appreciate the importance, sanctity and ultimately the power of what he is sharing.

In many ways Salaam’s teachings elevate natural fragrance to that of the old world perfumer/physician.  He spoke of healing and the remedies we have at hand in the botanical world. He reminded us to think about the needs of the person who will buy our perfume and how we can help. Think about them. Not about our egos.

As we mixed our perfumes, Salaam was on hand to guide, make suggestions, push and encourage us to do better and to make better perfumes. When our chatter was a little too much he gently reminded us what we were there to do and that he required our full attention. He wanted us to become “ninja” perfumers, who focus on the target and move swiftly and confidently towards it. He took that responsibility very seriously.

Each day in class he was assisted by his wonderful daughter Fatima, who was always at hand and helped to bottle our perfumes when thing got a little busy. By the end of the week we were all moving with greater prowess and knowledge. We began to approach briefs and execute our formulas like actual, real-life perfumers.

The course was held in a beautiful retreat called “Il Podere del Germano Reale” in the Coriano countryside a few km outside Rimini.  It is a stunning setting with immense charm and warmth. They grow their own vegetables so each day we were treated to a gorgeous array of produce in the lunch buffet. I have to mention Marco, who went above and beyond every day to make sure our every need was met.  He has incredible energy! Upon learning that my suitcase was broken in transit, he went shopping for me and arrived back to the accommodation with a brand new perfectly chosen suitcase. My own personal shopper!  So big thanks to Marco. And to Lorella for collecting us and dropping us hither and thither, as well as all of the wonderful team at Germano Reale with whom we shared good times and much laughter.

I feel immense gratitude and happiness to have had the opportunity to learn from Salaam. He shared so much of himself, his wisdom and his perfuming experience with us. It is impossible to not feel honoured and enriched by this knowledge and as a result I feel ready to take the next step within the world of natural perfumery.

I shared a truly wonderful week of learning with new friends from around the world who brought talents, experience and fun to the table. I have so many happy memories to treasure.

I cannot recommend this perfume making class highly enough.

Virginia Di Somma

Stylist at Bob (Best of British) & Friends

I have treasured memories to take with me to the end of my life journey from my time with AbdusSalaam, the course students, Germano Reale staff Marco & Manuela, the fragrant garden and all I learned while on this life-changing course. I am not alone. Everyone who experienced this time together understands what I am saying – each one in his or her own way, has conveyed this truth in their writing.

There was more to this perfume making class than simply learning about the wonderful healing properties of essential oils and how to make a nice smelling scent. Much deeper. More profound. Underlying spirituality which culminated in the distillation process and which first attracted and inspired me to make contact with AbdusSalaam and ask that he consider teaching a course in Perfumery. I’m so pleased each one of you students made it possible. A thousand thankyous!

We learned so much. That perfumes made with synthetic ingredients (laboratory created molecules) are at best, like eating strawberry flavored ice-cream compared to real fruit ice cream. Or eating takeaway food compared to hand picking fresh organic ingredients.

If you’ve only ever tasted strawberry flavored ice-cream and takeaways, you may not recognize the true berry flavor or fresh taste of organic vegetables with your first mouthful, but you will absolutely notice the difference in how your mind works and how your body feels, as you make the switch over time.

Watching the transformation of plucked leaves from a laurel tree, dispensing ‘hydrosol’ as well as beautiful fragrant oil after the steam distillation process, was also a graphic example of how pressure and ‘heat’ can also work together on human hearts/souls to bring out the true essence.

For me the analogies were present every day.

Such a blessing to be part of this group.

I’m grateful to each student for your unique participation.

To you AbduSalaam for gifting formulas, techniques and your years of personal experience, in a beautifully handmade wooden box, wrapped with brightly coloured silk and embroidered gold thread.

Heartfelt thanks.

Kafkaesque

Blogger at Kafkaesque

How do you describe the experience of a lifetime that introduced you to new worlds, theories, sights, and smells? How do you convey the depth of information so generously shared by a master of his art through six intense days (and a pre-course) covering both theory and practical usage? Perhaps one way would be to compare it to an olfactory Star Trek, where Captain AbdesSalaam Attar took many of us through a new frontier where few of us had gone before, through a portal into a new dimension of thought as much as scent and perfume creation.

It may sound silly or hyperbolic, but it really isn’t. AbdesSalaam tried to teach us a completely new way of thinking about scent through concepts that, as you will see in this post and others, are completely untraditional, unconventional, or alien to typical fragrance narratives, let alone the mainstream perfume world.

The sheer quantity of information was staggering, and that combined with the unique experiences during the perfume course truly blew my mind. Not just mine, either. When the lunch break was called on the first day, one of my classmates said she felt as though she was having an out-of-body experience at the deluge of information and the intensity of the smells that were pouring over her.

Like the essences we explored, the class itself became a form of life undiluted — life at its most essential, fundamental level, concentrated for a burst of raw, thrilling intensity that none of us would ever forget.

Jeffrey Paul

Hair and Makeup Artist at Exclusive Artists Management

If you haven’t heard of Jalaluddin Rumi, he was one of the world’s most revered mystical poets. I know him for describing the ever-vast all encompassing subject of divine love. Salaam quotes him by saying one of his many quotes “like love, you can learn to love only by loving!” and you can learn to make perfumes only by making perfumes. And that is exactly what I did; fall in love with making perfumes.

I started to discover pure bliss when working with all of the different essential oils and absolutes. I felt like the fragrance of the perfumes had merged their soul with mine and influenced my body, mind, and spirit.

I feel each moment that I’m away from the perfumes, oils I feel like a lost lover pining for love. I am grateful to Salaam for his knowledge and generosity. I have to say that when I first heard of the perfume making class and the price of traveling to Italy, I thought is it worth it? YES!

I know I have received way more in knowledge, growth and materials than I paid for the whole thing. I feel humble and thankful that, I was able to come Salaam has put this together with ingenuity and care that we would learn new knowledge and skill. And would I do it again? DEFINITELY and absolutely!!

Rumi was described as if he was a small river pulling a giant ocean behind him. That is what I feel about Salaam and his gift to us. Thank you, Salaam.

Stine Hoff

Denmark

I would like to thank you for a wonderful and inspiring perfume making class in September.

The week was very important to me on many levels – I learned a lot from you about oils and perfumes but also about the philosophy of life. And as an extra bonus, I got to meet my fellow students – the most wonderful women from all over the world. You and these ‘sisters’ will be in my heart forever.

In the safe surroundings in beautiful Germano Reale, I learned about essential oils in a new and deeper way and I learned how to assess the quality of the oils. It was pure indulgence to be surrounded by all these wonderful, natural scents every day.

You taught us to make perfumes for different people with different wishes and demands. Furthermore, you taught me how important it is that the ingredients are of world-class quality in order to make a good perfume. By making the perfumes of high quality ingredients you also get all the amazing benefits of the oils. Perfumes can heal both the body and the soul – health and beauty are one.

During the week, you taught us to ‘think’ with our sense of smell and that perfumes are made by using your brain, not only your nose. You taught us ‘the way of scents’. Besides teaching us how to make perfumes, you also taught us how to sell them, present them and how to satisfy customers. After attending your course, I feel fully equipped and ready to start my life as a perfumeur.

Salaam, Thank you for sharing your love of natural perfumes.

Olga Gurnani

United States – Wellness industry

How can you review a perfume making class by Salaam in a matter of few words? As Osho says, ‘ …the more you summarize something, the more it becomes less alive’.

As we stepped into a little cottage, it marked a journey that engaged all of our senses. Be it a drop of ginger or rose essence in a delicious tea, visually captivating bottles, the sound of the samovar, and of course the smell of essences.

The simplicity behind Salaam’s method allowed for our perfumes to take their shape and form which was taking place in a non-judgmental and supportive environment. I have studied natural perfumery with other teachers but I have never encountered a teacher who made me think about a perfume composition in a way that I can finally apply!

During the six days of the perfume making class that we spent in the Italian countryside, we sharpened and educated our noses with exquisite botanical and animalic essences. From smelling the most complex and reach aromatics such as oud, orris, and the varieties of roses, we also got to work with some other precious essences from our organs.

Towards the end of the course, my head was so ‘perfumy’ that the sweet and exotic essences we have worked with were coming to my mind at different times of the day, appearing and disappearing just like the nature of essences themselves.

I can’t agree more with Salaam’s vision of what natural perfumery truly is. It is far beyond the alluring world of scents, it is a far reaching effect on mind and body. With a background in holistic medicine, I thought this progressive (or an echo of the ancient Eastern wisdom) view to be essential!

The teacher’s depth, knowledge, and special ways of how beautifully incorporate ‘naturals’ into our daily lives felt really special. It was sort of awakening to a more meaningful work with raw materials and people who the fragrances would be made for.

Leila Johnson 

How do you begin to put into words an experience as transformative as the one we were fortunate to share with each other, under Salaam’s unique and patient tutelage? I came to the perfume making class with deep passion, and an open heart: I left with a deeper knowledge not just of perfume, but of myself, my classmates, and with a new language of scent to share with others. A new way to connect, to understand and to heal. It was so much more than I expected and so much more than I had thought possible in such a condensed time.

It takes great skill to make something complex feel simple. Salaam has created a very special perfumery course; a blend of curriculum and philosophy that speaks to the perfumer in each of us. The combination of his deep knowledge, his profound respect for natural materials and their importance to our lives, his narrative, his willingness to share his experience, and his remarkable ability to distill all this into a format that we could understand was powerful. It unlocked something in each of us.

It is a gift to share knowledge. Salaam was generous with his knowledge, answering our many questions, but he also gave freely of himself. He was generous with his time (we never wanted to leave the classroom and truly would have stayed making perfumes through the night!), with his wonderful materials (letting us compose freely with materials of exceptional rarity and value), with his encouragement of our efforts and his supportiveness of our need to keep working, blending and bringing ideas to life. We blended compulsively, and each of us responded to, and was moved by, the essences he shared so generously with us. Salaam gave us the knowledge, tools, confidence and support to share ourselves through scent, fearlessly. I am forever grateful.

Finally, I must say some words of acknowledgment and gratitude to my classmates. We came from all over the world to share this experience, without knowing what it would be. We were so different, yet under Salaam’s guidance, we learned how much we share. It was unifying and enlightening. We were exactly what each other needed in our different learning journeys. This would not have been possible without each person making a genuine commitment to openness, sharing and joyful collaboration. Read more …

Ameera al Lawati

Muscat, Oman

I attended the workshop with a persistent thought in my head that making perfumes would be a challenging thing to do, no matter how many times we have been informed in the pre-course that it is as easy as swimming because it’s innate and comes from within. I only truly grasped this notion once I actually started making perfumes myself with your guidance in the workshop that yes it is in fact simple and we are complicating the matter. That really captivated me and gave me the confidence to explore and express myself freely with a simple formula that you have demonstrated.

I loved how every single day was unique. We discussed many interesting topics that helped us understand how perfumery is not only about making perfumes and selling them to people. That’s the literal translation of being a perfumer but it’s bigger than that. It’s a way of life, it’s spiritual, mental and physical healing, it’s something that brings joy and happiness, it’s as you have beautifully explained “the therapy of positive emotions”.

Read more …

Our next perfumery course will be held from 22nd to 27th May 2024

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