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Perfumer Customizes Scents to Make Clients Ecstaticby KRISTEN ARMSTRONG, Staff Writer |
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| Sometimes all you have to do
is smell something to take a trip down memory lane - warm chocolate chip
cookies might remind you of mom, fresh-mown grass might bring back
images of a carefree summer. What if you could create a perfume that people could always associate with you, and remember as your signature scent? Now you can, at the Corner Garden, with perfumer Alisani Brazil. Brazil, who started at the flower shop in January, can help local residents create an original perfume to call their own. With more than 200 perfume oils to choose from, the task of figuring out exactly what you might want can be daunting. But Brazil, who has designed more than 1,000 scents, can help you narrow your choices down. “Most people don't know what they like, but they do know what they don't like,” Brazil said. “You don't have to think about it too much.” Most scents have a bottom, middle (heart) and top “note” - scent profiles - but some can have up to seven notes in it. From more traditional blends to more off-the-wall concoctions, Brazil does it all. “I like [all scents],” she said. “I've had to develop an appreciation for all scents, even dirt!” (When a horse-lover in Leesburg wanted a scent that reminded her of her horse, Brazil created a perfume with dirt and sweet grass notes.) After choosing your favorite scent combination, Brazil will record the final formula of the perfume, and usually can have products to you within one or two weeks. Brazil handcrafts all her products, which include eau de toilette, body spray, lotion, roll-on perfume and much more. She is mostly self-taught, and hadn't actually set out to be in the perfume business. “In the early 2000s, I wanted to make a natural skin care line for African Americans,” she said. “As it turned out, I loved experimenting with the different scents, and the products just became a bonus.” Brazil's lab currently is in her Winchester home. She welcomes customers to come for appointments there as well as at the Corner Garden. She also offers her services at bridal showers, “ladies nights out” and parties for all ages. Additionally, there's a “create your scent” section of Brazil's Web site for those who can't see her in person. But what if you don't want to wear the same scent day after day? “I'm a true believer in wardrobing,” Brazil said. “You need different scents for different occasions. That's why I offer single-noted scents.” By having perfumes with only one dominant smell each, you can try different combinations of the scents every day. For more information on Alisani Brazil, see the Web sites at www.mypamperedrose.com, or call the Corner Garden at (540) 687-5949. |
 Perfumer Alisani Brazil can create any custom perfume you want. |