Or I should say, late afternoon Knish at Tiffany’s. This was me, today on my birthday, wondering around downtown New York, and finding quite by accident, Tiffany’s, just after buying a Yiddish specialty from a street vendor (the knish-a fried potato-stuffed dumpling)- and subsequently following in Audrey’s footsteps, eating as I wondered around the outside of the building looking at the beautiful window displays. I then spied Bergdorf Goodmans kitty corner and decided to go get a sneak preview before the weekend Sniffapalooza perfume event that I will be attending. (which begins with breakfast here)
As soon as I emerged from the escalator into the cosmetics department, a handsome man with an Italian accent invited me to sit at his booth and let him anoint my face with his cream line. (the brand is Canadian as it turns out- called EUOKO). We spent about 1/2 an hour together discussing New York mostly- and he told me, that in his opinion this city is a place where people can come as independents, as unique beings who don’t really fit in to wherever they come from- and find their place here. He said it is a city that supports the individual that it’s common for people to do their own thing here- alone… and who are the type of people who enjoy that and are not afraid of aloneness. I was happy to hear this, seems how I am here in this city alone- and loving it! I feel very comfortable here, going exploring alone, on the subway, in the museums, walking the streets of the Lower East side, where I have rented a little apartment. Everyone I speak to (to ask directions from), is friendly and funny and open. There is also an air of intelligence that seems to course through the place. Like people are awake, tuned in to what’s going on. I like it alot.
Also, I might add, that I am here to introduce 1000 Flowers, my company, as well as my fragrance Réglisse Noire to the group who will be attending the Sniffa event. So I am here as an independent artist, in a city which supports those who dare to dream.
The other incredible highlight of the day, was at the MOMA (Museum of Modern Art)- and seeing the 40 year retrospective of Martina Abramovic. This was one of the most moving experiences of my life- and now makes paintings seems so flat and one-dimensional as mediums of artistic expression. She is a performance artist from Yugoslavia, and pushes the absolute limits of human consciousness and control. Read about her on wikipedia. (Martina Abramovic) She now lives in New York and was there today, as part of her ‘The Artist is Present’ installation. (MOMA- Martina Abramovic).
A Perfumed Pilgrimage 
ciao Jessica,
so noce to see you again writing your wonderful blog. i knew that you were working hard on your project and is beautiful to hear now about the official launch in NY of 1000flowers and reglisse noir..
i keep cross fingers for you and i wish to you all the best…let the power of your fragrances hit the world!!!!
i will write you soon by mail.
ciaoooo
Roberto
Ciao Roberto!! Thank you for your kind words! I hope all goes wonderfully for you as well!! Wishing you lots of great things for 2010!
Take care and love to Allesandra too!
xo
Hi Jessica,
I found a link to your blog in the Basenotes forum. I am seriously considering perfumery as a career. Could you give me some advice?
Hello Lauren,
Perfumery as a career could mean many things as there are many different aspects of the industry that could provide employment. I’m not sure what direction you are interested in taking, but pursuing education would be your first step. You can go to the site of PRODAROM (just search on Google), to find the school in Grasse. This is an excellent place to begin. Good luck!!
Yes, I’ve been looking into that school. It was recommended to me by another student perfumer as well. I’m leaning more towards independent perfumery (I want to own my own business), but if the opportunity to work for a company opened up, I can’t say I’d refuse it. Did you attend the Grasse Institute of Perfumery? I had some questions about it.
I did graduate from the GIP for the 2007 year. I also have an extensive background (with formal accredited certification) in aromatherapy. This has alos been very valuable in regard to the natural raw materials. I recommend that you go back to earlier posts of this blog where I wrote all about the experience in Grasse. If you have further questions, don’t hesitate to ask… 🙂
Hi Jessica,
In my search for information about the Grasse Institute of Perfumery I came across your blog. I’m an engineer decided to pursue my dream of becoming a Nez and change my life upside down for it, and after reading your blog thoroughly I’ve found your experience so enlightening that some questions have come to my mind. I wonder if it could be possible to contact you via e-mail to ask you for some piece of advice.
Thanks so much for sharing your experience 🙂
Yes certainly, I will do my best to answer your questions. I will send a message to your email address. Glad you have enjoyed my adventure!