Yogesh Kumar

Perfumer

©Petra Schmidt

Perfume as an abstract art of perception

Yogesh creates perfumes that harness the properties of each person's natural body scent
He integrates the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda into his practice
His favourite scent is musk because of its relaxing nature

Yogesh Kumar discovered his unique connection to scents at a young age, when he realised at seven that his nose played a crucial role in his perception. When he was 13 years old, a teacher introduced him to the fascinating world of chemistry, particularly distillation. This ignited his passion, leading him to set up a small home laboratory where he began experimenting with fragrances, ingredients and concepts. Yogesh started his own company as a teenager, focusing on room scent concepts for the hotel and tourism industry. Through hands-on experience and mentorship, he developed a unique approach to communicating through scents. " I create designs that influence people's feelings and responses in spaces," Yogesh says. His philosophy of experiential learning continues to shape both his craft and his ongoing exploration of how scents influence emotions and environments.

Interview

©Petra Schmidt

©Petra Schmidt

What insights has perfume making revealed to you?: I learned that my profession has a lot to do with meditation and self-awareness. A person's natural body scent allows me to perceive something about them without any judgment – something that cannot be easily put into words.
Has your craft evolved through contemporary innovations?: Rather than modern innovations, I have embraced ancient wisdom. In Indian culture, Ayurveda is a way of living, not just a medical system. I learned from a Vaidya, a traditional healer, how to analyse and diagnose natural body scents. This unique knowledge is now an integral part of my work.
What scents are you most drawn to?: I am most fascinated by the scents of musk and sandalwood. According to Ayurvedic principles, musk is the only scent that can completely balance us on a mental level. It helps free the mind and brings a sense of inner peace.
Does your practice carry a message for others?: Our scent passes through the universe only once. We are here just for the span of our lifetime – unique and fleeting. Yet, it is precisely our scent that will endure. It imprints itself in the memories of others, often unconsciously, through the nose. That is what remains of us.

Yogesh Kumar is an expert artisan: he began his career in 1988