The Lingering Scent of My Mom
As I am bombarded with marketing material, gift suggestions, poems and quotes in aid of Mothers’ Day I
am reminded of the pivotal part my mom has played in my life and my absolute passion for perfume. It
is important to look back and reminisce a little so that is what I will be doing.
I was introduced to the exciting world of perfume from a very young age. On my mom’s many overseas
trips I would be pampered with unusual perfumes from all over the world. Initially I would just wear the
perfumes without any personal opinion or preference. As the years passed I started developing my own
unique scent style. Initially my mom was quite surprised that I would say to her that I had a leaning
towards deep woody and smoky perfumes versus the sweet oriental’s which she just adored. Whenever
she wore Opium by Saint Yves Laurent I would be reminded of a spice market; in a good way! Spice
markets are colorful, demanding, intriguing and boast so much variety. In many ways this is my mom.
My mom filled my life with so much colour by always being positive regardless of the circumstances. She
was a very creative problem solver and came up with out of the box solutions for many situations. She
allowed me to explore so many activities at school and pursue various hobbies. Developing my character
and nourishing my soul being the end result.
She was demanding of me when it came to giving of my best in everything I do. It was never about
getting the A at school it was about “have you given of your best”? She was demanding of how I treated
others and showed respect for those folk who were different to me. My mom instilled to always plan, be
organized and show up contributing.
My mom was intriguing in that it was never about fitting in with the Joneses; it was about developing
my personal identity and being comfortable in that. Wearing the latest fashion was not a priority but
rather establishing a solid understanding of what I like. It was not about being popular at the expense of
my own integrity. The best and most powerful for me was that I dated many boyfriends but within a
week of meeting my husband she said that I would spend the rest of my life with him! She was right as
she walked me down the aisle!
My life has been filled with so much variety. I have had the privilege of being brought up on a sugar cane
farm and enjoying its many adventures. I was fortunate to travel to many countries in Europe, Australia
and the East. While deciding on my career I studied various industries from Human Resources, Estate
Agency, Marketing and Beauty.
Mom your Scent will always linger for which I am eternally grateful! Please do not stop wearing Opium!
(Author: Diana Rankin – Perfume Power)