RIYADH: A Saudi perfumier is scenting the sweet smell of business success running workshops on how to make fragrances.
Wid Jamjoom has dabbled with chemistry and cosmetics since childhood and now has more than 20 years of experience in the perfume-blending field.
She launched her Saudi luxury hand-made perfume brand Autre in 2016, specializing in customized fragrances and hopes one day to sell her products globally.
And her popular workshops have led some of her course participants to set up businesses of their own.
Wid Jamoom’s perfume brand offers a unique outcome of Arabic and French fragrances. (Supplied)
She told Arab News: “As a child, I loved chemistry, and I used to always mix things at home and even at school. The chemistry lab was my favorite place in school.
“The name of my brand, Autre, means other in French. It stands for being different,” she said.
As a child, I loved chemistry, and I used to always mix things at home and even at school. The chemistry lab was my favorite place in school.
Wid Jamjoom, Saudi perfumier
Since establishing her business, her aim has been to make her products affordable, unique, and compliant with international standards.
“My first perfume mix was for personal use, since I wanted a unique scent different from everybody else. In 2002, I sold my first mix when I started my humble business.”
She majored in marketing and business management, which helped her in promoting the perfume brand.
“At the time, I loved chemistry and was obsessed with smell as well, but I never knew I could do it as a career. I was only thinking of studying a major that would secure a job once I graduated. My major helped me a lot with my brand.
“My future plan is to have my products available all around the world and to design perfumes for big brands,” she added.
Her mother backed the enterprise from the start.
She said: “My mom was my first and biggest supporter, and now my whole family, and friends, support me in every way.
“In terms of inspiration, I was always inspired by scents I tried when I was young. However, many of them I can’t find anymore. I like to have something unique and unusual.
“My brand stands for mixing Arabic with French fragrances and such, to get a unique outcome. Arabs always prefer strong, rich-feel perfumes, so Arabian perfumes are heavier, stronger, and bolder.”
Jamjoom creates fragrances to match a person’s personality, color, age, or other trait.
“Perfumery, to me, is an art. Each scent has its own character. As I did before, some special designs are based on the names of cities and countries,” she added.
Autre is available online and through some delivery apps @autrebywid
