Comments on: A Visit to Mandy Aftel’s Studio

By: scenthive

scenthive — Thu, 13 May 2010 03:39:28 +0000

I’m so glad you like the “greening your hive” section. It’s there for readers who want to delve in a little further

Thanks again for reading and taking the time to comment.

By: Meryl Rafferty

Meryl Rafferty — Wed, 12 May 2010 15:03:43 +0000

Thanks, Trish, I was concerned after I read her extensive praise of civet, and her instructions on using a tincture of it. One of the things I like most about your site is your “greening the hive” section with research on what to avoid in products–so helpful! I hope all your readers avoid products with civet–the way it is gathered is truly abusive, and who needs that in their lives!

By: scenthive

scenthive — Wed, 12 May 2010 00:46:33 +0000

Hi Meryl,
Mandy might have used civet at some point, and might still in her personal perfumes, but she was very clear with me that the only animal ingredients she uses in her perfumes are hyrax and ambergris.

Thanks so much for reading Scent Hive and comment anytime!

By: Meryl Rafferty

Meryl Rafferty — Tue, 11 May 2010 23:24:56 +0000

Dear Scenthive,

I love your site and often read it, but have never left a comment before. I was curious to read that Mandy doesn’t use civet in her perfumes. I recently read her book, in which she says it’s her favorite perfume ingredient. You can see her comments on this online (its a long link):

http://books.google.com/books?id=cAMolxQ81WAC&pg=PA88&lpg=PA88&dq=mandy+aftel+civet&source=bl&ots=B_AbY1Qhn9&sig=4phrhcMZnFSVl0RPVwKxi8aL9U8&hl=en&ei=Z-DpS7vaOILWsQPIl8TGBw&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=3&ved=0CCAQ6AEwAg#v=onepage&q&f=false

This is the main reason I have stayed away from her perfumes–use of civet is just not okay with me.

By: scenthive

scenthive — Wed, 05 May 2010 23:32:03 +0000

Thanks for reading Dabney, I’m so glad you enjoyed it!

By: dabney

dabney — Wed, 05 May 2010 23:29:19 +0000

AHhhh..just sitting here taking in your experience to the extent that I can . This would be the ultimate of experiences for me!! I hold Mandy in the highest regard. Thanks for sharing this one!

By: scenthive

scenthive — Wed, 05 May 2010 16:40:28 +0000

Yes! The scent of the Golden Celebration Roses was really incredible. I had a wonderful time!

By: Flora

Flora — Wed, 05 May 2010 05:14:25 +0000

Wow, what a fantastic experience! A complete immersion for the senses, and Mandy sounds like such a wonderful person too.

I have that golden Celebration rose in my own garden, it’s one of my favorites, so fragrant and such a gorgeous color.

By: scenthive

scenthive — Tue, 04 May 2010 20:12:29 +0000

Nathan,
Thanks so much! I was thrilled to read your article about the Essenza event so I am glad it all came together for me to meet Mandy in her studio. Her place is gorgeous, and is in a fabulous neighborhood, a stone’s throw from Chez Panisse!

I can’t wait until her new website launches which will present her items much more clearly. She showed me the little silver flasks that she fills with her perfumes, stunning! I want one filled with Cepes and Tuberose.

~Trish

By: Nathan Branch

Nathan Branch — Tue, 04 May 2010 20:04:30 +0000

Trish — Such a great write-up of your visit to Ms. Aftel’s studio, and I’m happy to read that you had the chance to meet with her, chat and learn first-hand about her laid-back approach to boutique perfumery (and tea!).

I didn’t know that the Aftelier perfume pouches were made in Vietnam by a group of disabled craftsman. That’s a beautiful testament to Mandy’s commitment to source out the kind of work that gives back as much as it takes — and the pouches are truly lovely, to boot.