In the world of perfumery, there are creators who do more than just craft scents_they weave sensory experiences filled with passion and storytelling. Nadia Geyken is one of them, having succeeded through in blending refined Italian elegance with modern innovation, making each bottle a masterpiece that embodies a unique identity.
In this exclusive interview, we delve into the world of Nadia Geyken to explore her journey in perfumery, her creative philosophy, and how she meticulously composes her fragrances to tell unforgettable stories.
1. Could you tell us a little about yourself, how you entered the world of perfumery and what your aspirations are in this field?
I am Nadia Geyken Firenze, I’m half Italian, from Alberobello (in Apulia), and half German from Munich. I’m based in Paris, where I work as a perfumer for Givaudan, and I recently launched my first brand, Scentception. I have always loved fragrances. As a child, I collected miniature perfumes and was very aware of scents in my surroundings. My passion also started in my mother’s kitchen_I was always curious about the ingredients she used and how they smelled together. She also noticed early on that I had an exceptional sense of smell. At 15, I realized I could turn this into a profession, so I studied chemistry with the goal of becoming a perfumer. I was fortunate to be accepted into the drom fragrances perfumery school, and 5 years later I joined Givaudan as a perfumer. My aspiration is to create beautiful compositions that immerse people in emotions, make them more conscious of scents, and ultimately bring them joy. Perfume has the power to move people- to bring a smile on their face, to stir deep emotions, even to bring back memories so vividly that they feel almost tangible, that’s what I love most about it.
2. In your opinion, when creating a perfume, should the focus be on the taste of the audience, or should it prioritize creativity and taking risks?
There is always a delicate balance between the two. While understanding the audience is crucial, I believe true artistry in perfumery comes from creativity and the willingness to take risks. A perfume that follows only trends may be commercially successful, but a fragrance that dares to be different has the power to leave a lasting impact. Some of the most iconic perfumes in history were bold creations that defined new olfactory territories rather than simply following market demand.
3. Do you create your perfumes and choose fragrance ingredients based on your personality, or do you prioritize what serves the concept of the perfume, even if the ingredients do not reflect your personality?
Of course, as a perfumer, my personal taste and instincts influence my choices, but I see myself as a storyteller, bringing to life the essence of a place, an emotion, or an idea. This sometimes means working with materials I wouldn’t naturally gravitate toward personally, but that are essential to conveying the story I want to tell through scent. It really depends on the brief and the project_at times, I take a deeply personal approach, while other times, I prioritize what best serves the concept. In the end, it’s always about capturing the right emotion and telling a meaningful story through fragrance.
4. Which is more important to you: creating an innovative perfume or a perfume with a distinctive identity, regardless of its innovation?
For me, identity is key. Innovation is exciting and necessary, but if a perfume doesn’t have a soul_a strong, recognizable identity_it risks being forgettable. Some of the most memorable fragrances are not necessarily the most innovative in terms of raw materials or technology, but they have an unmistakable presence and emotional resonance. My goal is to create perfumes that feel unique, personal, and timeless.
5. Who are your favorite perfumers who have influenced your approach to perfume creation?
I’ve had the privilege of learning from several mentors throughout my journey, each of whom has shaped my approach to perfumery in different ways. I deeply respect and appreciate their guidance. Beyond that, I also find inspiration in the work of some of my fellow colleagues, as perfumery is a continuous exchange of ideas and creativity.
6. What is missing in the world of perfume for it to regain its strength as it once was, given the abundance of perfume houses and the many perfumes created every day?
I actually think perfumery still holds great strength today, and it’s exciting to see so many new perfume houses emerging. It shows that consumers are becoming more conscious about fragrance, seeking uniqueness and personal expression through scent. However, I believe the industry can evolve even further by placing more focus on the fragrance itself rather than just the concept or packaging. Telling meaningful stories through scent and highlighting the artistry inside the bottle can help deepen the connection between people and perfume, making it an even more immersive and enriching experience.
7. How did your work at Givaudan influence your approach to perfume creation?
Working at Givaudan has given me access to incredible raw materials, cutting-edge technology, and some of the most talented perfumers in the world. But one of the most fascinating aspects has been the international exposure_working on global projects has strengthened my understanding of different cultures and olfactive preferences. Since I come from a multicultural background myself, this has been particularly enriching. It’s an ongoing journey, and I’m still eager to deepen my knowledge of how scent is perceived and valued in different parts of the world.
8. What are the chemical compounds discovered by Givaudan that have caught your interest in perfumery?
There are so many, but a few that stand out are Akigalawood, Rosyfolia, and Javanol. I’m also deeply fascinated by the exclusive natural essential oils that Givaudan develops in collaboration with producers worldwide. As part of my role, I’m continuously exploring new molecules that our brilliant chemists create in our research center in Switzerland. It’s a never-ending journey of discovery, and that’s what makes it so exciting.
9. Could you tell us about your brand, Scentception? What is its unique identity, and what new elements does it bring to the fragrance world?
Scentception is inspired by travel and synesthesia_it’s about capturing the essence of a place, whether through its culture, its nature, or the emotions it evokes. Each perfume in the collection contains ingredients that are directly linked to the destination it represents. For example, in Admire the Beauty of Italy, I used Calabrian bergamot; in Try the Magic of Bali, Indonesian patchouli; and in Listen to the Heartbeat of Germany, linden blossom_a scent that many Germans associate with childhood memories and the promise of summer walks. The name Scentception itself is a fusion of ‘scent’ and ‘perception,’ reflecting how fragrance is experienced uniquely by each person. It also plays on ‘inception’_the idea of planting an impression or emotion in someone’s mind_just as scent has the power to evoke memories and transport us to another place. More than just a collection, Scentception is an invitation to ‘smell consciously’_to pay attention to the scents that surround us in everyday life and connect them to emotions and memories.
10. What is the technology developed by Givaudan to enhance happiness, which you have used in one of your perfumes?
I used MoodScentz™ Happy & Blissful technology in Admire the Beauty of Italy. It’s designed to uplift the mood, much like a trip to Italy or a lively dinner in an Italian ristorante. It brings a sense of spontaneity and joy_feeling “La Dolce Vita”_into a fragrance. Just like being in Italy makes you feel lighter and happier, this scent was designed to evoke that same feeling through olfaction.
11. I noticed that your fragrances are named after countries. Does this relate to your university research on olfactory perception among indigenous populations when you were studying chemistry?
During my bachelor’s degree in chemistry at the Technische Universität Berlin, I participated in research on olfactory perception among indigenous communities. However, my choice to name my perfumes after destinations comes more from my multicultural background and my love for travel. I wanted to encapsulate the culture, nature, and traditions of countries that are either part of my own identity or that have deeply moved me. These first five fragrances are just the beginning_there are many more to come!
12. Considering your Italian and German heritage, if I were to create a fragrance that combines both countries, what would its top, heart, and base notes be?
Great question! For the top notes, I would choose green crisp apple (a nod to Germany) combined with Italian bergamot for freshness. In the heart, I would use linden blossom, a scent deeply familiar to Germans, along with a touch of orris. As for the base, I imagine a blend of woody notes for the German side, complemented by musky notes to bring warmth and sensuality_something I associate more with Italian perfumery and then why not, I’d add a playful touch with a Nutella accord_after all, it was invented in Italy and Germans definitely love it … who am I kidding? Everybody does!
13. What is the future of the perfume industry from your perspective?
The perfume industry is at an exciting turning point, where sustainability, personalization, and emotional impact are shaping its future. Consumers are looking for fragrances that are more than just a scent_they want an experience, a connection, a story. I see a growing demand for niche and artistic perfumery, where creativity and craftsmanship take center stage. At the same time, technology will play an increasing role, from AI-assisted formulation to neuroscience-backed scent design. The challenge will be to balance innovation with the deep emotional and cultural roots that make perfumery such a timeless art.
In conclusion, our interview with Nadia Geyken reveals that her passion for perfumery goes beyond merely crafting scents; it is about telling sensory stories that evoke emotions and create lasting memories. Nadia has succeeded in creating fragrances that embody Italian elegance with a contemporary touch, where traditional craftsmanship meets modern creativity.
Her vision reflects a commitment to quality and uniqueness, making her creations more than just perfumes_they are expressive experiences that harmonize with the personality of the wearer. In a world filled with repetitive compositions, Nadia proves that true artistry lies in the details and the passion a perfumer pours into each bottle.
We thank Nadia Geyken for this inspiring olfactory journey and look forward to seeing how she continues to captivate us with her future masterpieces.