Simply Scent-sational - Chandrika Thomas chats perfume

Visionary and creative force behind fragrance house Chandrika Thomas London, Chandrika herself, has a background undeniably rooted in weddings. Having received a grant from The Prince's Trust at the tender age of 18, she set out on her journey into the world of wedding couture. It was an investment in her future allowing her to transform her passion for designing bespoke wedding dresses into a flourishing business.

Over the next two decades, Chandrika dedicated herself to creating exquisite wedding gowns for brides across the UK, but today her former bridal boutique in Kew looks very different. Now a haven for fine fragrances, it's the home of her business's current incarnation. Her hands on involvement at every stage of crafting bespoke gowns guaranteed that her creations consistently upheld the highest quality, which is a commitment she's carried into the world of fine fragrances, where each scent is crafted with the same dedication and precision.

Our beauty and wellness editor, Kelly Andrews, was excited to catch up with Chandrika recently to ask everything we'd always wanted to know about finding that perfect signature bridal fragrance and falling in love with a scent that's truly you.

How did you discover your true passion and come to make the move into perfumery? My journey into perfumery was an evolution of my creative passion. Designing wedding dresses brought me immense joy, but I always knew that to truly grow, I needed to embrace change and explore new avenues.
The world of fragrances opened a new door for me. I saw an opportunity to continue creating beauty and preserving memories but in a different way. Perfumes, like wedding dresses, hold the power to encapsulate emotions and moments. The scent can transport you back to a special time, just as slipping on a bespoke gown could.
In perfumery, I found a new canvas to express my artistry, allowing me to craft timeless fragrances that tell personal stories. Now, I'm creating fragrances that people can carry with them throughout their lives, evoking memories and emotions along the way. It's a natural extension of my journey.

What did you learn while overcoming the challenges of dyslexia and ADHD to become a successful thriving business woman? I've discovered that embracing and leveraging our neurodivergent traits can be incredibly empowering. So, my advice is to start by deeply understanding yourself and recognising your strengths and weaknesses, and how they influence your approach to life.
Embrace your differences as strengths rather than viewing them as limitations. Neurodiversity brings valuable qualities that can set you apart and offer unique perspectives. Focus on understanding and building upon your strengths. At the same time, acknowledge areas where you might need support and develop strategies to address them. Whether it involves seeking assistance from others, using specialised tools, or finding adaptive methods, making a plan to navigate challenges can significantly enhance your ability to thrive.
Stay connected with supportive networks and utilise available resources. With a deep understanding of your own needs and capabilities, you'll find ways to adapt and excel. Remember, self acceptance and leveraging your unique traits are crucial. With the right mindset and support, success is not just possible, it's truly guaranteed.

How do you ensure your fragrances are eco-conscious? This is at the heart of our mission. We prioritise sustainability in every aspect of our process, from sourcing to packaging. We meticulously choose fine botanical ingredients from ethical suppliers who provide proper certification, ensuring our oils are both luxurious and responsibility sourced.
Our commitment extends to our packaging too. We're proud to say that our bottles are 95% plastic-free. The outer packaging, including our gift boxes and bags, is handmade and fully recyclable. What's more, we're continually seeking innovative ways to further lessen our environmental footprint. This year, we've embarked on transitioning to refillable fragrance bottles, a significant step in our journey towards greater eco-consciousness. Every detail, no matter how small, contributes to a larger positive impact on the environment.

What inspires you to create each individual perfume? You have such a wide range! I'd have to say it's the deep desire to encapsulate the beauty of life's most meaningful moments, places and experiences. Whether it's the vibrant pulse of an urban landscape, rich with culture and energy, the serene embrace of nature's stillness, or the intimacy of deeply personal memories, I aim to translate these sensations into a fragrance that tells a story.
For me, perfume is far more than just a carefully crafted blend of notes, it's an emotional journey, a bridge between the past and the present. My goal with every fragrance is to distil these cherished memories into something tangible, so that each time you wear it, you're transported back to those precious moments. While each scent reflects a piece of my own story, I also craft them to inspire new stories in the lives of those who wear them.

Why do you think fragrance is such an important part of a wedding day? For me, a wedding is a deeply sacred event. It's the day when two people exchange vows, make promises and begin their lifelong journey together. As you walk down the aisle, say your vows, and commit to forever, the scent you wear becomes linked to those very moments. Years later, the fragrance will serve as a powerful reminder of the promises you made on that day.

What advice would you give to a bride looking for that special fragrance for her wedding day? Choose a scent that resonates deeply with you and your partner. The perfect fragrance should reflect your shared memories and unique connection. Consider a fragrance that holds personal significance and aligns with the emotions and atmosphere of the day. As you walk down the aisle, your chosen scent will create a subtle yet memorable presence, adding a touch of grace to the occasion that guests will remember fondly.

How does someone go about finding their signature scent? The one that's absolutely perfect for them? Finding your signature scent is truly a personal and rewarding journey. To start, explore various fragrance families, floral, woody, spicy, or fresh, to discover which ones resonate with you. Everyone's taste is different, and identifying what you genuinely enjoy is the first step.
It's also essential to test fragrances on your skin, as your skin chemistry greatly influences how a scent evolves. A fragrance may smell different on a blotter compared to your skin, so experiencing its development throughout the day will help you understand how it complements your natural scent and personal style.
Consider your lifestyle as well. If you work closely with people, you might prefer something subtle and understated, while you may desire a more pronounced scent for special occasions. Your signature scent should be suitable for various moments, from intimate gatherings with loved ones to everyday experiences.
Ultimately, it should feel like an extension of who you are, something that resonates with you and that you can envision wearing for years to come. Choose a fragrance that feels timeless and allows you to express yourself.

Do you have any tips for applying perfume to ensure it lasts? It's important to start with proper prep. Begin by thoroughly cleansing and exfoliating to remove dead skin. During your shower, your pores open, so after patting your skin dry, apply a neutral, unscented lotion. This step can make a notable difference, as well-hydrated skin is better at holding fragrance.
When applying perfume, focus on your pulse points, such as your wrists, behind your ears, and at the base of your throat. The warmth of these areas will help diffuse and enhance the scent. Avoid rubbing your wrists together after applying, as this can disrupt the fragrance molecules and alter the scent. When you rub, you create friction that can break down the notes, leading to a perfume that may not smell as intended. Instead, simply apply and let it settle naturally on your skin.
If you'd like to enhance the scent further, you can spritz a bit on your clothing or hair. However, be mindful of the fabrics you're using, as some materials may be prone to staining. Apply from a distance to prevent this. Finally, keep your fragrance in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight and temperature fluctuations. Excess heat and light can break down the delicate notes in your perfume, altering its scent over time.

Finally, what fragrance is your personal favourite? That's like selecting a favourite child! However, if I had to choose, I'd say I have three standouts. Reminisce Smoky and Spicy Patchouli is particularly dear to me. Its smoky, ritualistic notes evoke the serene ambience of temple bells and cold stones, creating a sense of meditation and calm. This fragrance feels both mysterious and grounding, transporting me to a place of inner peace.
Then there's Assam Tea and Cardamom. I adore this fragrance for its fresh, versatile nature. The blend of citrus, floral, and woody notes creates a cologne that's universally appealing and wonderfully adaptable to any occasion. It's a scent that captures the essence of elegance and sophistication.
Lastly, Rose Orange Blossom and Cardamom stands out for its delicate rose notes, subtly spiced with cardamom. It's perfect for evening outings, offering a refined and elegant fragrance without being overwhelming, it beautifully balances sophistication with a touch of warmth. Each of these fragrances reflects different aspects of who I am, making them all meaningful in their own way.

Find out more at www.chandrikathomas.co.uk