Anita Kalnay has heard it all: ‘I hate perfume;’ ‘I haven’t worn perfume in years;’ ‘I think you’ve taken on a losing battle introducing perfumes to a fragrance-free world.’
“I’m very sensitive to fragrance myself and yet I love my work as an aromatherapist and natural perfumer,” says Anita Kalnay, a 20-year veteran of the aromatic industry. “The ‘I hate perfume’ rally is like a record that keeps skipping.”
Kalnay coined the term ‘scentaphobia’ to describe the vigilant ‘fear of fragrance’ that seems to penetrate society as fast as a scent molecule can travel.
While awareness of fragrance is a concern, she believes it does not mean that all fragrance is bad – that’s the myth.
Kalnay will give a free 20-minute talk to shed some light on ‘scentaphobia’ at 1:30 p.m. Sunday at the Spirit Fair at the Comox Band Hall. It is her first local launch of the new Flying Colors Natural Perfumes she has been creating over the last four years through her training as a natural perfumer.
The annual spring fair, hosted by Mystic Vancouver Island, is just the place to dispel the myths of fragrance and ignite support for her perfume passion.
“It’s an established art form in France now, as well as a therapeutic process,” Kalnay said. “When artistry and therapy come together, the result is ‘blooming’ beautiful.”
Kalnay has designed a selection of fragrances for men and women, along with a special scent called Prosperity.
Also an intuitive healer, Kalnay is offering to assist sensitive noses to determine which of her collection might be a healing perfume.
Drop by the Flying Colors booth to take a sniff.
For more information visit www.genieinabottle.ca or call Kalnay at 250-650-1204. To learn more about the Spirit Fair, visit www.mysticvancouverisland.com.
