Functional Perfume Class: Where Art, Science, and Scent Converge
Functional Perfume Class: Where Art, Science, and Scent Converge
~ Presented by Carole Addison-Goyne, with a special appearance by Dr. Kurt Schnaubelt
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This is an invitation to a realm of scent, where botanical essences are so much more than just beautiful aromas. In Functional Perfume, essential oils and absolutes act as potent allies for wellness and transformation. Throughout centuries, aromatic essences have been revered for their ability to captivate the senses and for their profound effects on body, mind, and spirit. From sacred ceremonies to intimate daily rituals, perfume has long been a bridge between the natural world and our deepest emotions and dreams.
In this immersive class, we will cover the foundational elements of constructing well-balanced perfumes from a scent perspective. We will also delve into the rich history and intricate chemistry of essential oils and absolutes, uncovering how their natural constituents influence our mood, energy, and well-being. You will experience the synergy of scent and science, thereby learning how key aromatic compounds shape both the therapeutic and olfactory profile of a perfume.
Through guided aromatic rituals and hands-on blending, you will engage with an exquisite selection of 21 key absolutes and essential oils. As you craft your own signature scent, you will discover how botanical perfumes can serve as tools for relaxation, focus, sensuality, and emotional balance. Whether you are drawn to scent for its beauty or its wellness benefits, this class will open the door to a deeper, more intentional approach to perfume.
Class Details
Join Carole and Kurt for an immersive experience in Functional Perfumery, where the art of scent meets the science of well-being. We will explore the origins, chemistry, and energetic properties of botanical essences, engage in aromatic rituals, and conclude with a hands-on blending session where you will create your own functional perfume.
For those who want to dive deeper, there is an afternoon workshop (following the class), where you can apply your learnings and create two more Functional Perfumes.
Two options for attending are listed below:
Functional Perfume Class
- August 15, 2026
- 10 am - 1 pm (PST) in San Rafael, CA
- $125
- Takeaway: 10 ml Functional Perfume that you create in the workshop
Class + Extended Blending Workshop Bundle: 10 am - 5 pm PST
- August 15, 2026
- 10 am - 1 pm and 2:30 - 5:00 pm (PST) in San Rafael, CA
- $195
- Takeaway: 3 x 10 ml Functional Perfumes that you create in the workshop
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About the Presenter:
Carole Addison-Goyne, MBA has been working in the fields of aromatherapy, botanical perfumery, and natural products for more than three decades. She met Kurt Schnaubelt early in the emergence of aromatherapy in the United States and apprenticed with him for many years, eventually becoming his protégée. The chemistry training and mentorship she received during those formative years profoundly shaped her understanding of how essential oils function therapeutically, emotionally, and artistically within perfume.
Throughout her career, Carole has woven together influences from botanical perfumery and aromatic traditions in both the United States and France, including certification in Mandy Aftel’s Slow Scent® method, while continuing to develop her own approach to Functional Perfume through decades of work with essential oils, absolutes, distillation, and aromatic education.
Her work in the field distilling essential oils with her husband further deepened her appreciation for the lifecycle of plants before they make their way into the bottle, as well as the many ways aromatic materials have been used throughout history, from medicine and daily well-being to beauty, atmosphere, and ceremony. Fascinated by the intricate olfactory system that connects our physical, emotional, and mental faculties, Carole has specialized in working with essential oils and absolutes as Functional Perfumes, conduits to whole-person well-being. Through her teaching, Carole is devoted to helping others cultivate a deeper relationship with the botanical world and to continuing the ripple effect of knowledge, beauty, and care through aromatic education.