Parfums Dusita Boutique (Interview with Pissara Umavijani ) +Dusita Erawan and Fleurs de Lalita Draw

Pissara Umavijani of Parfums Dusita just before the boutique inauguration (Photos/collage: Despina Veneti)©

Paris, always an epicenter for perfume welcomes a new fragrance haven. The inauguration of the first PARFUMS DUSITA boutique took place in the blazing hot afternoon of June 27, in equally warm atmosphere.

The party about to start (Photos/collage: Despina Veneti)©

Dozens of guests flooded the Parfums Dusita Boutique, situated at 11 Rue de la Soudière, Paris 75001 – just a breath away from rue Saint-Honoré.

Paper flowers & perfume displays in front of Pissara Umavijani drawings (Photo: Despina Veneti)©

The walls are decorated with handmade paper flowers, with the precious perfumes displayed in front of Pissara Umavijani's (creator and perfumer of Dusita) own drawings, and in glass domes filled with their raw ingredients.

Perfume displays, Montri Umavijani's poetry books, and a smiling Pissara (Photos/collage: Despina Veneti)©

The bookcase's top shelf is lovingly dedicated to the poetry books of Pissara's late, beloved father, Montri Umavijani. The back room will be used for masterclasses.

Talking with Pissara Umavijani at the boutique (Photos/collage: Despina Veneti)©

I was warmly greeted by the radiant perfumer and her charming mother, Chutatip Umavijani, a Philosophy professor. During our long talk, Pissara emerged as one of the most unpretentious, sincere and delightful people I've ever met. Her contagious laughter and disarming personality won me immediately. I was trusted to smell four of her perfumes-in-progress, two of which I even tried on.

Pissara in a souvenir selfie with Stella (StellaDiverFlynn) and Despina©

Congratulations on your first boutique! When you created Dusita, did you expect it to happen that soon?

Pissara Umavijani: Happy to meet you! To be honest, I did not expect anything. Having a boutique has always been a dream – like having my own home where people can come to. Eight years ago I came to Paris with a dream, and I did not even speak French! I received rejections, but did not give up. For me life is like running a marathon, I just have to try harder than anyone else.

Parfums Dusita Paris boutique (Photo: Despina Veneti)©

Will there be exclusivities in the boutique?

Pissara Umavijani: Yes, I plan to create exclusive products. We’ll also be offering masterclasses. The most extensive one will include workshops focusing on different olfactory families (Atelier Gourmand, Smell of Exotic Places, Voyage around the World, Mystery of Vintage Creations), and a Perfume Creation Workshop in which I will personally assist the creation of each participant's perfume, to be obtained in travel size format (2 X 7.5 ml).

 Pissara Umavijaniwith her team (Photo: Parfums Dusita)©

Pissara Umavijani:: The most important thing for me is being true to myself. No matter what happens, I always remind myself why I created Dusita. We never compromise as far as freedom of creation and quality of raw materials is concerned. As I grow older, I realize that problems are part of life, we have to cope with them positively and effectively. I set modest goals to achieve everyday. I cherish the work of my team, and when I return to my laboratory, I challenge myself to be better. Meditation and yoga help me be calm and concentrate in the tasks I need to do. Eating healthy food and seeing the positive side of life reduce a lot of stress.

The three splendid Dusita florals, La Douceur de Siam, Fleur de Lalita and Melodie de l'Amour (Photos/collage: Despina Veneti)©

You have a remarkably varied collection of 7 fragrances. At what pace will you be releasing new ones?

Pissara Umavijani: No more than 1-2 new fragrances per year, and only one at a time. I might do different concentrations, once I have completed a collection that will include every member of the olfactory family. I prefer to create new scents for future body care products and candles, as our perfumes contain high percentage of natural ingredients. It's also fun creating something new!

Vintage perfume shopping at the Porte de Vanves flea market (Photo by Eurydice Mégalou)©

You are the sole perfumer of Dusita, and very active on social media. Are 24 hours a day enough? What relaxes and entertains you?

Pissara Umavijani:: I love visiting Parisian flea markets in search of vintage perfumes bargains (I got the old Bandit EDT for €5!) Not long ago, I ran into a man who sold vintage perfume advertisements. I talked to him about illustration, the golden years of perfumery… it made me think how creative perfume advertising was in the past. I wish I had 24 hours more a day! I love cooking, jogging, biking and gardening. Early morning is my solitude time, which I treasure.

Pissara Umavijani with Michel Chevalier (Photo: Parfums Dusita)©

Tell us about your team.

Pissara Umavijani: I have a very small team of 5 people, and they are like a family to me. My professor, Michel Chevalier (President of my company), is someone who always supports and encourages me.

Pissara at her lab (Photo: Parfums Dusita)©

As a young, self-taught perfumer, how hard was it to obtain high quality raw materials? How do you cope with the IFRA restrictions?

Pissara Umavijani: Being a small company means placing small orders, so the key is to find a good partner, and stick to him. Concerning IFRA restrictions, I choose my desired natural ingredients in safer (i.e. Terpeneless or Low Atranol), but also more expensive, versions. If a brand wants to offer the best to its clients, there are still quality choices within the restrictions.

Baby Pissara and her mother at their Thai garden pond (family photo courtesy of Chutatip Umavijani)

What are your first olfactory memories?

Pissara Umavijani: My first olfactory memory is the smell of my house, "Ekamai" – a place filled with books and antiques collected by my grandmother. We had a big garden with a lotus pond, and I still remember the smell of the garden after the rain, and all those exotic flowers like Champaka, Ylang Ylang, and jasmine grandiflora.

Vintage Fracas by Robert Piguet, one of Pissara's favorites (Photo: rubylane.com)

Which classic perfumes would you wear to: A. Feel cosy. B. Boost your energy. C. Enhance your eroticism.

Pissara Umavijani: Cosy: the old Fidji, Eau Sauvage. Energy: Guerlain's Nahema. Eroticism: the very old Tabac Blond! And of course, vintage Fracas.

Apart from all your hobbies, you have entered a beauty contest, acted in films, and run marathons! What was it in perfume creation that captivated such a multi-faceted woman?

Pissara Umavijani:: In my life I try many things. When I choose to do something, I have the determination to do it well, and improve everyday. I must admit that perfumery is as difficult as running a marathon. The challenge is listening to one's own body and instinct, as well as setting new goals. It is a challenge that I am truly passionate about.

Do you believe that people in Thailand have an exceptionally trained sense of smell?

Pissara Umavijani:: People in Thailand have certainly learned the olfactive language in different forms. In the old days, we used to perfume our food, desserts, even our clothes! People made their own perfume blends based on local flowers and woods.

As the country developed, people liked purchasing branded fragrances, but now the niche market is growing fast! It means that more and more people seek something qualitative and unique.

Cotton candy under the Eiffel Tower (via Tumblr)

How would you describe Bangkok and Paris from an olfactory point of view?

Pissara Umavijani:: Bangkok: the first dew in the tropical morning, the smell of the city after the rain, the jasmine and champaka at the flower market. The smell of the special wet powder of the smiling old woman on the street, the night blooming frangipani and ylang ylang in the garden, and the smell of the spices from the kitchens. Paris: the smell of croissants in the bakery, the fresh bouquets of roses & lilies in the floral shops. The wind through the leaves in the Tuileries Garden, the passing boats in the river Seine, and the barbe à Papa (cotton candy) under the Eiffel Tower.

Finally, what will your next perfume creation be about?

Pissara Umavijani: The memory of my childhood!

– Despina Veneti, Guest Contributor

Parfums Dusita Erawan & Fleur de Lalita

Thanks to the generosity of Pissara Umavijani and Parfums Dusita, we have a worldwide registered reader's draw You must register or your comment will not count).The winner can choose a 50 ml bottle of either Erawan or Fleur de Lalita eau de parfum. To be eligible, please leave a comment saying what you enjoyed most about Despina’s presentation and interview with Pissara, where you live, a memorable quote and your choice of the two perfumes for draw. Draw closes 07/13/2018.

We announce the winners only on our site and on our Facebook page, so like Cafleurebon and use our blog feed … or your dream prize will be just spilled perfume.

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60 comments

  • Despina’s interview provides insight into what the brand is about, and also into the personality of its creator.
    I live in the UK. “To be honest, I did not expect anything.” is a good motto to live by!
    I would love to discover Fleur de Lalita.

  • Just Add Light says:

    “You have to let it all go Neo – fear, doubt, disbelief – free your mind.” A rather salient quote from Morpheus in the first Matrix movie, and especially fitting for the occasion. Fulfilling a dream can be hard work, but our responses to the difficulties define who we are. Just as Pissara says, it’s about staying true to yourself (and having a supportive team always helps). A truly gorgeous boutique – especially adore the bottle presentation on the wooden countertops.

    Really enjoyed Pissara’s olfactory descriptions of Paris and Bangkok at the end. Having seen a few interviews with her, she seems like an extraordinary person. As far as her fragrances go, I’ve heard a great deal about Fleur de Lalita with its gorgeous bouquet of white flowers, ambrette and vanilla. That’s definitely one I would like to own! PS – I wish I had a Lotus Pond! From Canada.

  • fazalcheema says:

    Good to know Pissara’s mom was there for the launch. I didn’t know there is a President of her company, too as I thought she is one-woman operation. Her illustrations are nice and I also think the ads in older times were so much better than they are now. Pissara has a wide range of interests and I understand that because I also think I have same approach to life. Thanks for the draw. My choice will be Erawan. I am in US.

  • I’ve had the chance to smell only one perfume from this house until now and i can say i’m already a fan. And Pissara is such a gorgeous woman, it has something magical 🙂 I would really love to win a bottle of Erawan since i heard only great things about it. I live in the EU, thanks for the draw.

  • Thank you for a great interview, Despina, and for providing an insight into the life of one of the most intriguing modern perfumers.
    I knew that Pissara is a self-taught perfumer but learning how much she had achieved in a relatively short period of time all by herself is actually soul-soothing. And I must say, her choice of classic perfumes is well, almost same as mine!

    “It’s kind of fun to do the impossible” said by Walt Disney could be a personal motto of mine.
    Should I win , I’d love a bottle of Erawan. Thank you for the generous draw. I live in Russia

  • BostonScentGuy says:

    Every interview I’ve read of Pissara has shown her to be a warm and genuine person, which is absolutely wonderful to see! I loved hearing about possible boutique exclusive experiences, such as the custom scent course and additional scented products. I’m a huge fan of how Dusita combines modern sensibilities with vintage/classic ideas (and vice versa). Issara, Oudh Infini, and Erawan are favorites from the line. If I were so lucky to win the draw, I’d definitely choose Erawan. I live in the US. As for a quote, I loved the positivity and can-do spirit shown in the following passage: “We never compromise as far as freedom of creation and quality of raw materials is concerned. As I grow older, I realize that problems are part of life, we have to cope with them positively and effectively.” Thanks so much for the draw!

  • I have not smelled anything from this house, but Pissara seems like a genuine person. I liked hearing about her scent memories, and what scents she likes – I always loved the smell of summer rain on hot concrete (in the Midwest) and didn’t know until recently that it has a name (well, of the rain after a long period of warm dry weather: petrichor). I live in the US, and my favorite quote lately is: “Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.” If chosen for the draw, I would prefer Fleur de Lalita sounds lovely, especially after I read your review and watched Sebastian’s reviews as well. thank you for the draw and all the lovely articles….

  • heartandsoul says:

    “You’ve always had the power, dear. You just had to learn it for yourself.”

    Pissara realizes her dreams because she clearly believes in herself. Despina’s question regarding which perfumes she would wear for different occasions is one I ask people, too.

    I live in Ohio, USA. Would love to try Fleur de Lalita.

  • I enjoyed reading about her journey, and the lotus pond. And that baby picture…. just too cute! If I should win, I would choose Erawan. My favorite quote is actually the title of a song by India Arie: “Just Do You”. Thanks for the draw. USA

  • I have the sample set from Pissara and I still can’t figure out which fragrance I like best. I love them all. I wanted to try her new ones, especially Fleur de Lalita. I love her quote “The challenge is listening to one’s own body and instinct” . I live in the US. Thanks for the chance to win!

  • Lori Laws says:

    Despina’s article was a joy to read! Pissara’s journey has been amazing and I have heard such great things about her and her fragrances. My quote is: “When your life is on course with its purpose, you are your most powerful. And you may stumble, but you will not fall!” If I were to win, I would choose Fleur de Lalita. Thanks for the draw and I live in the US! 🙂

  • As an energy booster she chooses Eau Sauvage! Classic male, never smelled that on a woman, but could be interesting in low quantity. I want to say I own and love Issara for its allround completeness! I would be happy to win Erawan to Germany and add this to my shelf.

  • zazazelle says:

    I haven’t smelled anything from Parfums Dusita yet, but I am totally charmed by the personality of Pissara! The best part in this interview was about the importance of staying true to yourself, meditation and eating healthy – because doing perfumes is something similar to running a marathon. I have never heard such words from mainstream parfumeurs.

    Thank you, Cafleurebon and Parfums Dusita for a generous giveaway! I would be so grateful to win Fleur de Lalita, I live in Europe.

  • Monica Beaton says:

    The presentation was a full artistic presentation showcasing the art and vision of Pissara and her incredible talent. I love that she indicates the importance of remaining true to herself, being self taught, and producing a product that reflects that. “Fear is born of ignorance” is something I live by. I live in Australia and would love to try Fleur de Lalita and am most grateful for such a generous giveaway.

  • Thank you for the review! It was a great read! I especially love Pissara’s choices of classic perfumes! Also it’s good to get to know more about her inspirations and cultural background.

    Thanks for the draw. I’d love a chance at Fleur de Lalita. I live in Europe.

  • Such a wonderful woman is Pissara! I had the chance to met her several times, and it’s always a real pleasure!
    From the interview, it’s clear how her life is full of beautiful things and experiences, yet she is so nice and unpretentious
    “The challenge is listening to one’s own body and instinct, as well as setting new goals. It is a challenge that I am truly passionate about.”
    I’d like to receive Erawan.
    I live in Italy. Thanks for the draw!

  • Harbinger says:

    I really enjoyed the interview format and learning about Pissara and what inspires her. ” I must admit that perfumery is as difficult as running a marathon” Great analogy! I haven’t tried anything from this line but would love to win Erawan. thank you for the draw. I live in the US

  • christine Marshall says:

    Bravo Despina for an excellent article and fabulous photographs too. Perfume is the key to our memories. Love how Pissara’s inspiration and wissh her much success. I have worn the same perfume for 40 + years and it would be hard to change. Would love to try. Good luck everyone and thank you Despina for hosting this.

  • I very enjoyed to reading this interview with Pissara. I think that she is a wonderful person. My favorite quote: ” My first olfactory memory is the smell of my house, “Ekamai” – a place filled with books and antiques collected by my grandmother.”
    Hard to chose from these two perfume, because both are sounds amazing. I would chose Fleur de Lalita because it sounds more feminine. Thank you very much for the draw. I live in Europe.

  • I have read a lot about Dusita but was not really familiar with Pissara’s background and that she moved to Paris only 8 yrs ago. I loved her description of the smell of Bangkok
    I live in the UK
    I would love to win Erawan

  • christine Marshall says:

    Me again as I forgot to say where I live (which is France) and would love to try Fleur de Lalita

  • I enjoyed reading the article and was impressed by her first olfactive memory, the smell of her house, garden and the flowers in the garden. I would really like to get my hands on Fleur de Lalita, it sounds very nice! I live in Europe.

  • VerbenaLuvvr says:

    I have tried all Pissara’s fragrances to date and they are interesting, thoughtful creations. Issara is my favorite. In addition to creating lovely fragrances, Pissara interacts kindly and positively with her fans on the fragrance sites, it is just another reason to love her. “When I choose to do something, I have the determination to do it well, and improve everyday.” This is an example to heed in our lives, to always strive for betterment and not settle for ‘ok’ which is the easy way but then does not produce a result to be proud of. I do look forward to her next creation and hope that she incorporates lotus, a favorite note of mine. Until that one is available, I would choose Erawan. Thank you Pissara for your generosity and best wishes to you! I live in the US.

  • Lovely well written article ,I really enjoyed this interview .One of the things I found really interesting was Pissaras Bangkok and Paris olfactory point of view ,I could see myself there if I close my eyes….loved it.Also her sharing what her first olfactory memory was,really interesting .

    And a quote that stuck with me was “I must admit that perfumery is as difficult as running a marathon” .

    Pissara leaves me in awe with her creations the couple Ive tried were breathtaking ,oudh infini and Issara ….And out of these two new ones It would be incredible to win Erawan that would be my pick it sounds stunning .

    Im in Canada ,thanks for the fab article and generous giveaway .

  • I have been eyeballing this brand since day one. Not have had the opportunity to try them out yet (yeah I know, shame on me). Anyway I would love to have a go for Fleur de Lalita. The shop looks awesome. And Pissara even looked gorgeous as a baby. Thank you Pissara and Çafleurebon for this awesome draw. I’ ll keep my fingers crossend. I live in EU.

  • doveskylark says:

    Pissara’s new boutique in Paris is giving me travel dreams. I was thrilled to read she found an old bottle of Bandit–I recently found an old bottle as well. I completely agree with her description of the smell of Bangkok, my favorite city in the world. I can smell the spices and flowers even though I am thousands of miles away.
    I would choose Erawan.
    I live in the USA.

  • I like the Bell jar presentation filled with the ingredients. You are immediately drawn to what you like. Fleur de Lalita sounds interesting. I love lillies. I’m in the USA.

  • minteacup says:

    Despina’s interview is my first introduction to Pissarar and Parfums Dusita. The decor in the boutique is so charming, and I love the question asked about describing two cities through scent… way to inspire more wanderlust. 😉 So curious about Pissara’s next perfume, that will be based on the “memories of [her] childhood…” I just love smelling perfumer’s interpretations of nostalgic scents/scent landscapes! I wonder if the description of her childhood house and garden, Ekamai, gives a clue… “books and antiques… a lotus pond… the garden after the rain… exotic flowers…” sounds like the making of a great perfume to me!

    It is a hard choice, but unsniffed, after reading Gail’s review that described waterfalls and tranquil woods, I would select the Erawan perfume if I won. I am in the USA, thank you for the fabulous draw.

  • perfumelover67 says:

    I loved the interview with Pissara Umavijani. It is always good to know about the perfumer’s life, her journey into perfumery all these years and her plans for the future. Her energy and self-determination to success in Life are examples to follow. I sampled La Douceur De Siam before and it is a beautiful fragrance. One of my favorite quotes is: “Life isn’t about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself”, and I think it applies to Pissara perfectly. I would love to win and enjoy Fleur de Lalita. I live in the USA. Thanks for the draw

  • Mahigermez says:

    Despina’s thoughtful interview really illustrated Pissara’s beautiful spirit. Despina’s photos made me feel like I was right there at the opening. There were a so many quotable lines in this interview, but I especially resonated with these words of Pissara: “When I choose to do something, I have the determination to do it well…”. This work ethic is definitely reflected in every one of the Dusita fragrances. If I were to win I would chose Erawan. I am in th US.

  • What a fabulous read! This is my favorite part.

    Pissara Umavijani: My first olfactory memory is the smell of my house, “Ekamai” – a place filled with books and antiques collected by my grandmother. We had a big garden with a lotus pond, and I still remember the smell of the garden after the rain, and all those exotic flowers like Champaka, Ylang Ylang, and jasmine grandiflora.

    It’s so cool that Pissara & I love the old Tabac Blond. I live in the U.S. Thank you for the very generous giveaway, would love to win the Fleur de Lalita.

  • Great interview and article, Despina! I loved your detailed descriptions of the fragrances! My favorite part of Pissara‘s interview was reading about how determined and driven she is. I’m located in the USA, and one of my favorite quotes is: “Defeat is not the worst of failures. Not to have tried is the true failure.” – George Edward Woodberry. Thanks for the draw!

  • roxhas1cat says:

    I agree with Pissara, I want a fragrance to make me feel cozy. I enjoyed readying about Thailand, I’ve never been there. I’d most like to win Erawan, it’s a tough choice. Both sound heavenly! My favorite quote is by the Dahli Lama “Be kind whenever possible, it is always possible”. Thanks for the chance! Great article and pictures. USA.

  • My apologies! I forgot to include that if I’m lucky enough to win, I would choose Erawan out of the two.

  • Enjoyed this interview and the journey she went through. She always tried her best. Still haven’t got a chance to try any fragrances from her House. Would like to go with Fleur de if I remember correctly, One quote I really like “ Live The Day Like You Won’t See The Night and Live The Night Like You Won’t See The Day.” A deep and powerful one.
    From U.S.
    Thanks

  • I love the descriptions of Thailand. I visited the country last year and fell in love with it. Bangkok is such a thriving and ALIVE city. It never sleeps and despite how big it is I still felt quite safe. I loved the incredibly deep history and the beautiful river with the boats dashing across it. As well as the avenues of impossibly tall skyscrapers, all glinting lights and vertigo.
    There is just a really great vibe about all the parts of Thailand I visited. I would love to go back!

    Also, I love how busy and multi-talented Pissara is – A girl who knows what she wants!

    My favourite quote that I live by: “Nothing endures but change”. Its a constant reminder to never be afraid of change and to push for it. Never rest on my laurels or become complacent.

    I would love to win Fleur de Lalita – I recently sampled this and it went on my Buy list, so it would be amazing to win it.
    I am in Melbourne Australia

  • I enjoyed Despina’s presentation, she provided a lot of inofrmation and insight as well as asking more personal questions and providing suitable photographs that really made it feel like I got to know Pissara Umavijani a little bit, and I was there with you both!

    I am from the Netherlands and would be absolutely thrilled to receive Erawan should I be lucky enough to win this draw! I adore aromatic green fragrances and this one sounds right up my alley! Even if I don’t win I am very happy that this scent was brought to my attention and I’ll have to hunt down a store that carries it so I can give it a test.

    And as always, thanks a lot for the wonderful draws, I’ll end with a quote by the late Sir Terry Pratchett.

    “It is said that your life flashes before your eyes just before you die. That is true, it’s called Life.”

  • I really enjoyed Despina’s article. I could imagine me in Dusita boutique.
    I enjoyed interview too. I understand that Pissaa is very kind, clever and very positive person. Especially I liked this part:” When I choose to do something, I have the determination to do it well, and improve everyday”.
    Such a purposeful and beautiful woman. GOD bless you Pissara and your job!
    I would love to win Fleur de Lalita.from Armenia

  • Scented Hound says:

    I feel as though I just left the seat of a classical orchestration that has created a feeling of awe and emotional positivity in me. Despina’s gold star interview with the remarkable Pissara Umavijani at her inauguration has been a stellar experience that we read here. From all of Pissara’s personal touches to her life experiences and how she even approaches the challenges is so uplifting. All has been accomplished by a gorgeous woman with a contagious laugh. Just wow. And an applause to her wonderful parents! Pissara stated that the most important thing for her was to “stay true to herself.” I couldn’t agree more. It would be an honor to be the recipient of Fleur De Lalita. Thank you for this opportunity. Waving from California.

  • What an insightful interview! I always enjoy learning more about the people behind the fragrances and also enjoyed the chance to get a sneak peek at the new boutique! Pissara’s passion definitely comes through in the interview, but I especially enjoyed her scent portraits of Bangkok and Paris – what fun! I’ve yet to be able to try a scent from her house, but if chosen I would love to try Fleur de Lalita. Thanks so much! (I’m in the US)

  • Southernboy says:

    What I enjoyed about this article was talking how first olfactory memories, growing one of my first memories was fields of hay being cut. I live is North Carolina, my quote that I live by is “Any day you wake up and you are six feet above ground it is a great day no matter what “Live in the USA would love to entered in the drawing for Erawan .

  • What I enjoyed most was getting to know more about Pissara Umavijani. She is definitely unique and interesting. “As I grow older, I realize that problems are part of life, we have to cope with them positively and effectively.”, is something that really hit home for me. The fragrance I would choose would be Erawan. Many thanks for this great giveway from an appreciative Canadian.

  • I like this type of interviews and found that she has a team of 5 people. I also found interesting that she visits flea markets in search of vintage bargains, this is so cool! I live in the EU and my choice, if I’ll win, is Fleur de Lolita.

  • Laurentiu says:

    Thanks for the great interview! I liked the part where she said what perfume she would wear to a certain situation and also appreciated that she enjoys Eau Sauvage to feel cosy. Me too!

    I am from EU and my pick would be Fleur de Lolita. Thanks again!

  • steve.khoo says:

    Lovely interview! Despina’s questions were so thoughtful and Pissara really is a one woman army… her perfumes are as varied as her hobbies in “cooking, jogging, biking and gardening” haha. She just seems so cool!

    A memorable quote is somewhat of a relief in the face of IFRA restrictions in that “If a brand wants to offer the best to its clients, there are still quality choices within the restrictions.”

    Thank you for such an amazing giveaway opportunity! If I were to win, my pick would be a bottle of Fleur de Lalita which sounds right up my alley. I am from Sydney, Australia. Thanks again!

  • Waldo favorite says:

    I enjoyed Despina’s enligthening interview with Pissara, we got to know the latter as person, her background, her life philosophy, her hobbies, and what perfume creation truly means to her.
    I also loved the beautiful photos that gave us the sense of being there that day.
    My favorite quote from Pissara is : “The most important thing for me is being true to myself.”
    A favorite film quote of mine is from CASABLANCA : “We’ll always have Paris”! 🙂
    I live in EU (specifically, France), and I would be thrilled to have Erawan!
    Thank you for the great everyday articles and generous draws!

  • Catanosmia says:

    Great interview! It was nice to hear that she doesn’t plan to churn out 20 new fragrances each year. I hope that doesn’t change for her and she can continue to focus on quality. Her response to the question about IFRA restrictions shows that quality is her focus.
    I live in the US and I’d love to try Fleur de Lalita.

  • I loved the insightful interview and the photos illustrating the piece.
    It was especially interesting to hear Pissara’s inspirational story of fulfilling her dream, the olfactory comparison of Paris and Bangkok and that she will be offering masterclasses that will include creating one’s custom made perfume.
    One of the quotes that inspires me is by Victor Hugo: “Nothing is stronger than an idea whose time has come.”
    As for Pissara’s interview, my favorite quote is: “For me life is like running a marathon, I just have to try harder than anyone else.”
    I live in EU.
    Thank you for the article and the lovely draw!

  • jeremyn87 says:

    I like that her boutique will feature classes, which will give her consumers a chance to learn a bit about perfumery, and to have a fun and interactive experience too. I’ve been to a class before and it was a blast.
    I’m in Chicago, in the US.
    I love the quote from Rocky Balboa, paraphrasing, life is how hard you get hit and can keep getting up.
    If I win, I’d like Erawan. Thanks

  • FearsMice says:

    I was fascinated by Despina’s question about whether Thai people have an exceptionally trained sense of smell; I wonder if she was thinking about the richness of flora and fauna that are the people’s heritage there? Anyway, my favorite quote reflects Pissara’s optimism in the face of IFRA regs: “If a brand wants to offer the best to its clients, there are still quality choices within the restrictions.” I’m in the USA, and I’d choose Erawan for the lily of the valley note.

  • My favorite quote of all time, “The universe is big. It’s vast and complicated and ridiculous. And sometimes—very rarely—impossible things just happen and we call them miracles.” (The Eleventh Doctor, Doctor Who) I really enjoyed reading about the talented self-taught perfumer for Dusita and now want to try all of their fragrances! I would choose the Fleur de Lalita if was lucky enough to win and am in the U.S.

  • Oh, I have had Fleur de Lalita on my wishlist ever since learning about it from Cafleurbon! Such beautiful notes!!! I would definitely choose that one if I am fortunate enough to win.
    I live in the US.

  • Wow! I loved this entire interview but was especially impressed by Pissara’s trajectory–from coming to Paris eight years ago not speaking French to her own lovely boutique today! Congratulations and best wishes for the future. I think her attitude towards problems and rejection certainly helped: “As I grow older, I realize that problems are part of life, we have to cope with them positively and effectively.”

    I like how in addition to being beautiful, the space seems to contain meaningful things. Parfums Dusita has been on my radar for a while, I would love to someday experience the line in such a setting!

    It was interesting to hear about the different olfactory environments and perhaps even different ‘languages’ of fragrance.

    USA
    I would choose Erawan

  • Hikmat Sher Afridi says:

    Thanks for the interesting interview. Pissara is brilliant and I love her creations. Almost all her perfumes I have tried including Erawan and Fleurs de Lalita; and her perfumes speaks themselves the beauty and essence. I have 2 bottle of Le Sillage Blanc.
    Many Thanks for a generous giveaway and would love to win Erawan. I live in Peshawar, Pakistan

  • What an enjoyable interview of a talented, fascinating woman! I especially loved “The most important thing for me is being true to myself.” – it’s easy to lose track of oneself when one is so busy, but Pissara seems to have balance and kudos to her! I live in the USA and would love to try Erawan. Thanks for the generous draw!

  • bumbuliuki says:

    Thank you for the insightful interview Despina ! A wonderful way to present Dusita’s creator and perfumer Pissara. She is a wonderful, multitalented and humble person with an amazing personality. It was interesting to hear about her journey and evolution.
    I love Milton Berle’s quote: If opportunity doesn’t knock, build a door.
    Thank you for the great interview and the generous giveaway !
    I live in the EU.

  • WaltherP99 says:

    What a great interview – it’s hard to be a hard working extrovert,and at the same time genuine person in today’s world.
    My favorite quote is “Nothing is more memorable than a smell. One scent can be unexpected, momentary and fleeting, yet conjure up a childhood summer beside a lake in the mountains. Diane Ackerman”
    And as for Pissara’s quote “If a brand wants to offer the best to its clients, there are still quality choices within the restrictions.”
    I would love to win Erawan
    Virginia USA and London UK

  • ChanteusedesIles says:

    What a tempting sounding house! Really lovely interview! I especially enjoyed the questions about her journey into perfumery and also the memories she has of growing up in Thailand! I hope her next perfume that she described as “the memory of my childhood” includes the note of mangosteen! It is the most beautiful smelling fruit (like a flower!) I have ever experienced and I would love to see it in a composition! I’m dying to try her Melodie de l’amour so I would pick Fleur de Lalita if I was lucky enough to win as it seems the more floral of the two! I live in Canada.