INTERVIEW: PISSARA UMAVIJANI
Crafting perfumes is one of the more exotic businesses in the world. One of the most glamorous denizens purveying high-end perfumes these days is Ms. Pissara Umavijani.
- WHAT GOT YOU INTO THE PERFUMERY BUSINESS?
I always dreamed of creating something of my own and I believe it was my passion that drove me to perfumery. I really love perfume and I love how we are able to express and translate emotions into scents.
- WHERE DID YOU STUDY? (AND WHAT?)
I studied Communication and Social Psychology in the Chulalongkorn University in Thailand. Then I studied fashion for one year and got an MBA in Luxury Brand Management at the Institut Superieur de Marketing du Luxe in Paris.
- HOW DID YOU LEARN TO MAKE PERFUMES?
I had a friend that was truly knowledgeable in perfumery and we used to study together. I also studied a lot by myself and eventually I developed my own method to blend my perfumes. I would not say this learning is over. As a perfumer you never stop learning because you always have new materials to get to know and new combinations to test.
- WHAT HAVE BEEN YOUR BIGGEST CHALLENGES PERSONALLY AND PROFESSIONALLY?
I would say that my biggest challenge was keeping the focus and the right mindset to overcome obstacles and reach my goals. It is both about perseverance and patience to go after the skills you need, one day at a time, keeping the focus on what you are trying to achieve.
- WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU HAVE FOR SOMEONE STARTING OUT IN THE BUSINESS?
Build your business on passion and keep in mind that the quality of your products is your first priority. In niche perfumery, the customers are looking for exclusivity and identity-based brands, therefore, your product must be unique and tell a story. Always respect your clients and have good customer service that builds trust and loyalty.
- YOU TRAVEL A LOT. WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE PLACES?
The beautiful beaches of Krabi, in the south of Thailand, where I can enjoy the sun, sand and sea in perfect peace and tranquility. I really love nature. Another place that I love is a secluded lake in the heart of Brittany, France. It was very pure and isolated. That is where Le Pavillon d’Or inspiration came from.
- WHAT IS THE MOST ENJOYABLE PART OF YOUR JOB?
Definitely it is being able to have freedom to create my perfumes and translate my memories, dreams, and aspirations into scents. It is such a blissful moment for me that I lose track of time. Creating a scent out of pure passion is what I enjoy to do.
- AND THE LEAST ENJOYABLE?
The hectic time schedule. I work a lot and sometimes I have no time for myself.
- YOUR MOTHER, PROF. CHUTATIP, IS ONE OF THE WORLD’S LEADING EXPERTS ON MEDITATION. WHAT DID YOU LEARN FROM HER?
My mother influenced me in many ways. She wrote a groundbreaking book “Life and Knowing Oneself”. I learned a lot from her, but I would say the most important thing that she taught me was to understand oneself and find my own path. She always stimulated me to find my passion and discover meaningful things in life by traveling and being open-minded.
- WHAT WISDOM HAVE YOU GAINED SINCE YOU STARTED IN THE BUSINESS?
Starting a business is like becoming the captain of a ship. You are stirring the wheel and you have to be confident about the direction that you are going, but you have a crew. So you have to believe in your business with everything you got, move forward despite any challenges and work with your team. Having the right people in your corner is essential, so argue if you need to and do not be afraid of thinking out of the box.
- HOW HAVE YOUR EXPERIENCES SHAPED YOU?
I used to be more optimistic about life and now I became also realistic without losing the positive views. I got more focused and driven with my personal goals and learned that time is a very precious commodity. It is something that cannot be recuperated, you need to make the most of it at all times.
- WHAT DO YOU SEE THE FUTURE IS FOR YOU?
I see myself creating more fragrances and maybe living closer to nature with my family. Being in nature inspires me in many aspects. Of course, I see Parfums Dusita growing organically in the international sphere.
Parfums Dusita
11 rue de la Sourdière,
Paris 75001
France
Tel. +336 42 40 29 92
email: [email protected]
www.parfumsdusita.com
