The Fragrance Alliance Network will host a first-of-its-kind olfactive event for children at Skaggs Creative on Sunday, April 6. Hosted by Alexis Wintrob, it will be an immersive exploration through scent for ages 5 and up. Participants will engage with age-appropriate rollerballs and experience a reading of Wintrob’s series of children’s books that intertwine fragrance, magic, and the importance of kindness.
Wintrob is a consultant who worked in fragrance and flavor trends at Proctor & Gamble, also completing a perfumer-in-training program. Her twin daughters, Anna and Zoe, inspired her to write. As a toddler, Anna called Zoe “Za Za,” later inspiring the name of Wintrob’s protagonist. In the story, a magical bee stings Za Za on the nose, bestowing her with a heightened sense of smell, which she uses to explore her community.
Wintrob believes there is great merit in introducing children to fragrance and its power. “Exposure at a young age can boost language skills and sensory development,” she says. Children can learn to articulate what they are smelling. The sense of smell, says Wintrob, is sometimes underestimated or overlooked – yet it is strongly linked to memory and the limbic system of the brain. Participants will receive activity booklets that will help them interact with the fragrances while simultaneously engaging in STEM education.
Wintrob’s passion for scent is apparent – and contagious. “The thing I love about scent is the opportunity for you to be connected to it in the past, present, and future,” she says. Its ability to transport you so effectively to another time or place – that is its power.
Perfumer Gustavo Romero founded the Fragrance Alliance Network in New York City to “create a hub where aspiring perfumers, industry professionals, and fragrance lovers could gather to deepen their knowledge and refine their craft.” Before, he, like other aspiring perfumers in the area, had to travel to places like Los Angeles or France to study the art. “A strong community offers access to mentorship, education, and shared resources, but more importantly, it encourages creativity and innovation.”
Both Wintrob and Romero are excited for this revolutionary children’s event, a unique opportunity that combines scent with storytelling. “Every fragrance is a narrative, whether it’s the story of a place, a person, or a moment in time,” says Romero. His passion for the power of olfaction, too, is evident: “You might forget a name, but you’ll never forget a scent that made you feel something.”
Discover more details and register for the event at fragrancealliancenetwork.com/special-events-alexis.
Purchase Alexis Wintrob’s books, as well as Za Za Scents™, the Interactive Stem Scent Activity Booklet, and more at zazasscentsationalsuperpower.com.
