Sandy knows noses. She started her own business 4 years ago in the perfume and aroma industry.
What’s your story?
I was exposed from the very early age to perfume, thanks to my mum who is a perfume junkie. She would never leave home without spraying perfume, sometimes four times a day! So it’s quite natural that I ended up with a Masters in the Chemistry of Perfume and Aroma and this lead me to work in the perfume industry.
In the last 15 years, I have accumulated a wealth of experience as well as a vast knowledge of scents and fragrances. I have worked closely with perfumers to create winning fragrances for global companies including Procter & Gamble, Unilever and L’Oreal. I am a French native but I was lucky enough to live in London, Geneva, Mexico and now Singapore, where I have been for the last 9 years.
Almost 4 years ago, I decided to set up Nose Who Knows, to share my passion and expertise and train Asian noses to the pleasure of smell.
What excites you most about your industry?
It’s fascinating how little we know about our sense of smell, yet what we know is already mind blowing! Who knows what scientists and researchers will discover next and the impact it will have on our life. Smell is so powerful, yet so under-utilised!
What’s your connection to Asia?
My children. My youngest son was born here so for him, it’s a no brainer, Singapore is home. My eldest was 1.5 years old when we moved here. They both went to local preschool where they learnt the local language and they now both speak better English and Mandarin than French. They also enjoy speaking Singlish from time to time!
Favourite city in Asia for business and why?
Well, it would have to be Singapore.
Singapore is easy to do business. The systems are accessible online, the people are knowledgeable and there are countless numbers of entrepreneur events to network. It’s a great hub for the rest of Asia.
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?
Be clear about where you are heading and why you are doing what you do, the rest will unfold naturally.
Who inspires you?
My husband for always being so supportive, my children who are fearless, confident and so much more prepared for the future than I was at their age and of course all the people out there who dedicate their life to a worthy cause.
What have you just learnt recently that blew you away?
I have just met a guy working on an electronic nose that could be as sensitive as our human nose. It’s still a work in progress but they are very close to achieving their goal. This idea of technology improving the lives of millions of people is getting more real as I write and is definitely our future.
If you had your time again, what would you do differently?
I would definitely find a business partner to share the good and not so good aspects of having your own business. Someone to bounce ideas off, someone who would challenge you at times or support you and someone who would pull you up when you are down. Entrepreneurship shouldn’t be a lonely journey.
How do you unwind?
A glass of French wine, a good book and a quiet spot around the pool would do. But if I can, travelling and getting away is the best way to totally unwind. I am a globetrotter at heart and love to discover new places, meet new people, try new food and live exciting experiences.
Favourite Asian destination for relaxation? Why?
It would have to be Japan. Head straight to one of the onsens and you immediately feel relaxed. I love this country in many ways. The people, the culture, the food. I can’t wait to go back.
Everyone in business should read this book:
I am currently reading Callum Laing’s book on Progressive Partnerships and I have to say there are great pieces of advices that would really benefit anyone running a business.
Shameless plug for your business:
We strongly believe everyone should care about their nose. It is the door to a happier and healthier life in many ways. That’s why we have decided to educate the Asian Noses and to offer workshops for kids and adults, training for corporates in the fragrance and cosmetic industry or team building.
We offer consulting for businesses who wish to create their own scented product or perfume their own space (showroom, office, home etc.) so we can touch as many noses as possible and make an impact!
How can people connect with you?
You can drop us an email at [email protected], check our website www.nosewhoknows.com or connect on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandy-blandin-6a9116b?trk=hp-identity-name
We are also on Instagram (nosewhoknows) and www.facebook.com/ nosewhoknows
Twitter handle?
@NWKasia
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This interview was part of the Callum Connect’s column found on The Asian Entrepreneur:
Callum Laing invests and buys small businesses in a range of industries around Asia. He has previously started, built and sold half a dozen businesses and is the founder & owner of Fitness-Buffet a company delivering employee wellness solutions in 12 countries. He is a Director of, amongst others, Key Person of Influence. A 40 week training program for business owners and executives.
Take the ‘Key Person of Influence’ scorecard <http://www.keypersonofinfluence.com/scorecard/>
Connect with Callum here:
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Get his free ‘Asia Snapshot’ report from www.callumlaing.com
