- Shabnam Tavakol Perfumer:
Company: Kismet Olfactive
Education: Grasse Institute of Perfumery
Web: kismetolfactive.com
Shabnam Tavakol is a remarkable figure in the world of perfumery. She is the founder of Kismet Olfactive, an independent fragrance studio based in New York City.
Born and raised in California, Shabnam, whose name in Farsi means “morning dew,” is the daughter of Iranian - immigrant parents. They managed to escape the violent 1979 Revolution in Iran and relocate to the U.S. through arduous efforts and a stroke of good luck. Shabnam draws inspiration from her heritage and life experiences. The name of her studio, Kismet, which comes from the Persian “qismat” meaning “fate” or “what is meant to be,” reflects her philosophy of translating the serendipitous moments in life into wearable scents.
Shabnam collaborates closely with her in - house team to create original custom fragrances. Her works are not just about mixing scents; they are about encapsulating emotions, memories, and life's beautiful coincidences into olfactory masterpieces, making her a respected and innovative perfumer in the industry.