What if I don’t have a good sense of smell?

We hear this a lot. You don’t need an especially “good” sense of smell to appreciate fragrance. While some people are born with anosmia (inability to smell) or develop it from traumatic brain injuries, illness, or neurological disorders, most of us simply do not conscientiously use our sense of smell enough to develop it like we do our other senses. The good news is that studies show we can greatly improve our olfactory abilities in short order with some concerted effort and olfactory training. Stop and smell the roses (seriously) or try pausing to smell your next meal.

But if you are noticing your sense of smell is not what it used to be (or maybe that food doesn’t taste as strongly as it once did), please go tell your physician. Research suggests a link between loss of smell and neurological disorders (e.g., dementia, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s).

What if I’m not sure which smells I like yet?

Great! We love a challenge, and we have a knack for matching people and fragrances. We know that most people haven’t spent much time parsing out their favourite scent notes. That’s why during our personal scent consultations, we ask a variety of seemingly scent-unrelated questions to help tease out your tastes and desires. Want to explore your olfactive tastes on your own first? May we suggest our Fragrance 101 guide and sample pack to learn about and explore the different fragrance families?

Will you show me men’s/women’s/unisex fragrances?

We believe everyone should simply wear whichever fragrances they enjoy. Just like jazz music isn’t only for girls or the colour green isn’t only for boys, there are no rules about which smells are for which people. Case in point, Old Spice was originally marketed to women when it was released in 1937. We hope you’ll leave societal expectations at the door and focus on your unique likes and dislikes. That’s what matters.

Does Dame of Fragrance make perfume?

No. We help you find your next favourite scent from the over 20,000 fragrances on the market like a matchmaker or sommelier for perfume. We draw from big and small, niche and indie fragrance brands from around the world to curate fragrance recommendations based on your unique tastes and fragrance dreams.

Will I get to make my own perfume?

Dame of Fragrance does not offer perfume making workshops. DIY fragrance making workshops can be fun, but their results are rarely as balanced and complex as a fragrance designed by a professional perfumer over the course of years. Think paint night art versus what you see in an art gallery. There are over 20,000 fragrances on the market today with thousands of new releases each year. We would love to help you find your next favourite fragrance from all those exquisite choices!

Could I book a scent salon/consultation if I don’t live in Edmonton?

Dame of Fragrance is located in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, and we are currently booking in-person scent salons and consultations in the Greater Edmonton Region. If you’re outside this area, we are happy to arrange for a virtual salon/consultation. Or if you’re set on in-person, please reach out at Hello@DameOfFragrance.ca to discuss options for us to come to you!

What is the Smell Society?

The Smell Society is like a wine tasting, but with perfume! Join a community of curious noses for a guided ‘sniff’ through five curated fragrance samples with a new theme every time.

The Smell Society events happen in person quarterly. Drop in to discover new scents at intimate, immersive events, hosted and curated by resident Dame of Fragrance scent enthusiast, Carlynn.

Registration includes a take-home sample of your favourite fragrance of the event. Perfect for the scent-curious and seasoned fragheads alike. Email Hello@DameOfFragrance.ca if you’d like to receive details of the next meetup.

What makes you different than shopping for fragrance in-store or online?

In short, access, expertise, and a touch of magic.

First, we have a catalogued collection of over 1,500 niche, artisanal, and independent fragrances, the vast majority of which are unavailable to smell in the Edmonton area. We are constantly discovering new fragrances and brands, and we can help you find a fragrance in a particular price range that meets your wishes.

Second, our founder’s lifelong passion for scent and her insatiable curiosity has led to an in-depth knowledge of the history and development of fragrance, the vast array of fragrance styles on the market, and how olfaction works.

Third, our clients call our founder a scent witch. Carlynn has a knack for matching fragrances to people based on their unique preferences and desires. You can’t get this from an algorithm or a partially trained salesperson.

Moreover, we have no vested interest in what, or even if, you buy. You’ll receive samples of the fragrance recommendations so you can try them on at your leisure before making any purchase decisions. Our main goal is introducing you to the magic and power of scent.

Who are your services for?

Our services are for people of all genders, whether they already have an interest in fragrance or not. Discovering olfactory art and improving our sense of smell is rewarding for anyone with an appreciation for creativity, beauty, and delight! Whether you’re new to perfume or a total fraghead, we’ll meet you where you’re at.

How do I get started?

After purchasing a personal scent consultation or scent salon, we will contact you to begin the process or schedule a time. If you purchase Fragrance 101, you will receive the sample pack in the mail with access information to the online course content.

Is Dame of Fragrance a real Dame?

As of writing, Dame of Fragrance has not been admitted to an order of chivalry in Britain. Our name is an extension of our founder’s burlesque persona, Dame Pérignon. And anyway, social hierarchy isn’t really our thing. You’re all dames in our books, and we’d love to help you feel that way with fragrance if that’s your fancy.

Have a question that isn’t answered here?

Contact us, and we’ll be happy to help you out.