Talking innovation and inspiration with Arylessence’ s Heather Killgo
NOTABLE NOSES
Pushing the limits of perfumery
Talking innovation and inspiration with Arylessence’ s Heather Killgo
THE NOSE
HEATHER KILLGO Vice President of Perfumery at Arylessence, Inc.
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HOBBIES: Mountain biking, traveling around the world, photography, and cooking
FRAGRANCE TREND SHE’ S MOST EXCITED ABOUT: Rose scents and the comeback of elegant, simple florals
WHERE SHE FINDS INSPIRATION: Mostly from nature, but city life as well— from National Parks to Manhattan and Paris— and all of the cuisine she experiences in these places.“ I am literally tasting or smelling something everywhere I go.”
LIA DANGELICO, DIRECTOR, COMMUNICATIONS, FRAGRANCE CREATORS ASSOCIATION: Everyone grows up in a different sort of home. Some have a great cook in the house so everything is about food. For others, its gardening, sports, and the list goes on. How did scent play a role in your early home life?
HEATHER KILLGO: I have a lot of scent memories from my childhood for sure. One of my favorites is the smell and taste of honey. My grandfather lived with us when I was very young, and every morning he whipped together honey and butter and spread it on toast. I think he passed away when I was around four or five years old, but every single time I smell or taste honey now, I think of him.
I grew up on a small farm and I spent most of my days outside. My father is an avid gardener and outdoorsman, so he was always outside. I went with him everywhere he went, so I had this pleasure of smelling all of the blooming flowers we planted together and the hay we harvested. I can still remember the smell of my leather horse saddle.
DANGELICO: It’ s amazing how scent plays
12 | FRAGRANCENOTES. ORG | Issue 2, 2018