ÇaFleureBon Profiles in American Perfumery: Chavalia Dunlap-Mwamba of PM Fragrances + Harmonizing Perfume Notes Draw

Chavalia D. Mwamba of PM Fragrances

Chavalia D. Mwamba of PM Fragrances

Profile: I was born in a small, East Texas city called Longview during the 80’s when time seemed to stand still. The air seemed pure, and berry bushes and pine trees were the outdoors’ fragrance of choice. Although raised in a rural part of town, I frequently envisioned international travel and its indigenous scents.

Chavalia D. Mwamba of PM Fragrances

Chavalia at age 5 with her mother (left), uncle and aunt

I was the youngest growing up in a household of 6, so when my imaginary games were uninteresting to my young aunt and uncle, I found ways to entertain myself.I enjoyed being able to recognize an individuals’ scent and had the ability to correctly identify who’d been over to visit, who came home from work or who cooked dinner for the evening without having to be in the same room.

Chavalia with her favorite stuffed animal, Rabbit – the subject of many sniffing sessions

Thanks to my mother, my earliest fragrant memory is Johnson & Johnson’s baby lotion. My primary grade school teachers would hover over my desk and rave about how good I smelled, and during parent-teacher night, somehow baby lotion would creep into the conversations with my mom. Once I turned 10, I had permission to sample my mother’s used bottles of perfume, and it was such a delightful adventure! I absolutely loved the way perfume had the ability to captivate my attention and create memories. (By this time, I’d been taking piano lessons for about 3.5 years and had no idea musical “notes” could also be present in fragrances; I just knew I loved both).  During my teens, I enjoyed frequenting the local musical instrument shop and Dillard’s (or Foley’s) fragrance counters. I slowly became nicknamed a “parfumista” by my circle, and it wasn’t long before I was able to decipher what people were wearing without question (most times). I knew my interest in perfumery was more than just a temporary affinity when on a summer day post college graduation in 2005, I went to the bank in Arlington, Texas to make a deposit. As I was going in, a jaunty gentleman was exiting. Not only did he have great taste in apparel, but he also smelled wonderful – so wonderful that I found myself entranced – following him out the door almost forgetting why I came to the bank! I was too timid to inquire what the gentleman was wearing, so I kept replaying the wafts of his fragrance enhanced by the heat of summer until I convinced my boyfriend [now husband] to join me on an excursion to Saks. I was clueless on how to describe to the fragrance sales associate what I’d smelled, and although I appreciated her willingness to help, I really wanted to be left alone to solve this scented mystery. The tester tray on the glass counter contained 20 or more new releases, so I chose to use the bottle designs as a starting point of elimination. I sampled several fragrances in frustration when my boyfriend began to glance at the clock. It was now 15 minutes until closing, and just when I was about to give up, a green, gradient-designed bottle caught my attention. I took the top off, inhaled with hesitation and immediately felt an overwhelming surge of excitement, as I’d solved the mystery! I refrained as best as I could from screaming, but my enthusiasm was loud enough for the sales associate to return, asking if I’d had any luck. I wrote down the name of the shared Eau de Toilette by Hermès, did research on the notes, story behind the composition and créatrice, and to this day, this fragrance is still my signature “go-to”, no matter the season.

Samples for The Weekender Dallas Event (2011)

That experience opened up a whole new world for me, fueling a curiosity so strong that every day after teaching elementary music classes, I spent hours learning about perfumery.

Chavalia’s beginner perfume essential oils and materials

Upon my research, I came across possible harmful ingredients and decided then that I wanted to refrain from using phthalates. By 2008, I was purchasing small samples of aroma materials, attempting to create my own accords.

PM Fragrances

Chavalia’s perfume organ (2017)

Starting out, most of these accords were “out-of-tune” until 2011 – when my first successful blend was composed (with great help from Perfumer’s World and Perfumer’s Apprentice). As my knowledge grew, my love for music began to take a shift towards more fragrant melodies. I was finding myself more excited to come home, read about compositions and blend trial accords than to write teacher lesson plans. 2011 proved to be a pivotal year, as I bid farewell to teaching elementary music in order to free up more time to focus on perfumery.

Sniffapalooza 2013 at Diptyque NY (Karen Adams-left; Chavalia-center; Karen Dubin-right)

My first substantial investment was a custom perfume organ in late 2012, and a year later, I was invited by Karen Adams of Sniffapalooza to introduce my brand PM® Fragrances (Pink MahogHany™) at their Eau de Artisans Uncorked! event in NYC. It was an enjoyable experience that I look forward to attending again.

PM Fragrances

Prepping for a cypress tincture

My discerning olfactory sense is one that I am grateful for, as it has certainly been refined over the years. As a musician and singer, I not only create songs but also re-harmonize the way perfumery notes are played – one drop at a time.

Chavalia D. Mwamba of PM Fragrances

Chavalia making samples

On American Perfumery: I’m a married mother of twin toddler boys, so being an independent perfumer gives me the opportunity to have full freedom of artistic expression. Each day is a joyous adventure, and even though I do have time-sensitive projects to complete, the only true constraints are those self-created. If inspiration is low, or my nose is just “off,” I can rest and regroup without consequence.

Chavalia D. Mwamba of PM Fragrances

Writing formulas for a bespoke fragrance

As an African-American female from Texas, I’m a representation that diverse backgrounds are what unite us as fragrant artists. I’m constantly learning, growing and connecting with other indie perfumers – sharing insights, challenges and successes with complete support. Each independent perfumer possesses a uniqueness to be celebrated in true American fashion.

Herbie Hancock and the Fairlight CMI (Circa 1980)

 Favorite American Artist: Herbie Hancock’s style of inserting distinctive surprises in his music often influences the way I approach my fragrance creation.

Chavalia Dunlap-Mwamba, Owner & Perfumer PM® Fragrances 

Chavalia gifting Madison Hildebrand (“Million Dollar Listing California” Celebrity Realtor) with a car fragrance

Chevalia is our 117th perfumer in our American Perfumer series.  You can find PM Fragrances on Facebook here

Eco-friendly packaging for samples

Thanks to Chavalia we have a draw for a registered reader anywhere in the world for a sample set (click on each link for notes and composition) of French Cuffs, Pas Encore Nommé, Tandem and Fedora

PM Fragrances

 50 ml Fedora and Pas Encore Nommé

If you are in the USA you can choose either the sampler or your choice of Pas Encore Nommé (for women), Tandem (shared) or Fedora (for men). Please be sure to register or your comment won’t count. You can registehere

Formulating Tandem

To be eligible please leave a comment with what you found fascinating about Chavalia’s path to perfumery, where you live and which fragrance you think you might love and your choice should you win. Draw closes 1/30/2017

Please like CaFleureBon Profiles in American Perfumery and your entry will count twice.

Follow us on Instagram @cafleurebon and check out @pm_fragrances

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

 

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24 comments

  • Orchidssummer says:

    I loved Chavalia’s intriguing journey into perfumery. Her love for what she does shines brilliantly through her words, and flows effortlessly from her being as music does! Being an artist myself, I can relate with the articulation of her comparison of the two. Both music and scents have the crescendos and decrescendos, the tonalities, the distinct abilities to carry you to places in your senses your feet may never trod! I, too, am from a very small East Texas town. I would love to try the Pas Encore Nommé! Thanks so much!

  • GrandmaGaga says:

    I enjoyed reading about Chavalia’s path to perfumery and the awareness she had at a young age that her path in life would include ‘olfactory pursuits’ (my term). I live in the US and would be very much interested to win the generously provided bottle of Pas Encore Nomme’. Thank you for the chance.

  • I love the tie-in of musical notes to perfume notes. It is not really surprising since I notice that many perfumers in the American Perfumer series have a creative/artistic background. Pas Encore Nommé could be a winner for me. “Tropical fruits with vanilla accords that transport you to your favorite vacation destination.” Oh yes. That would be my choice. I live in the US.

  • A girl coming up in Texas and following her dreams is an inspiration to someone in mid life who needs a change. I totally understand hanging out at the fragrance counter as the time gets close to closing. Her boyfriend must have been patient, my daughter is not. I would choose Pas Encore Nomme. Thanks for the draw and bringing these talented, brave perfumers to our attention. I live in the US.

  • I really love how this woman followed her dream! It is really admirable. I would love to try Fedora because it sounds super classy. I live in New York City 🙂

  • acquiredtaste says:

    I enjoy reading how she discovered she can discern smell easily at a young age. I live in Malaysia.

  • It’s always so nice to hear about a perfumer that has followed their dream to get to where they are. Bravo for following your heart! It makes perfect sense that Chavalia also has a love for music. It is so similar to perfumery, it seems like a natural fit. I too have had that “Ah-hah!” moment when trying to track down a passing fragrance. So satisfying! I live in Canada, thank you.

  • A mother of two, but still following your passion. I admire you and all other women who don’t let life get in the way of life ;). I liked the notes of Tandem and Fedora.

    In USA.

  • fazalcheema says:

    I really enjoyed the story by Chavalia how a fragrance worn by a gentleman intrigued her and she eventually did find it. I am assuming it is either Hermes Orange Verte or Jardin Sur Le Nil. Like Chavalia, I also have a certain affinity for the 80s because I am also a child of the 80. Thanks so much for the generous draw. My choice will be Fedora. I am in the US.

  • cardinalmind says:

    What I enjoyed from Chavalia’s perfume story is her transition from music to perfumery. It just shows how life can change for a person and someone can do what they want with just a little push. I currently live in Hayward CA but is originally from Quezon City, Philippines. If chosen I’d like to have either Tandem or Fedora.

    Best of luck to her!

  • I enjoyed the story of the mystery fragrance and subsequent finding of it in Saks.I think I might love the Tandem for it’s seeming simplicity in the listed notes. So that is my choice is picked. 🙂 U.S.

  • I very enjoyed to read Chavalia’s path to perfumery, it was very interesting and nice story. Those perfumes are all sounds wonderfully. Thank you for the draw. I live in Europe.

  • Hikmat Sher Afridi says:

    Chavalia’s interesting journey into perfumery is very much enjoyable. Its a significant change by Chavalia from music to perfumery while being a married mother of twin toddler boys. Wish her success and good luck in perfumery. The notes of French Cuffs and Tandem are wonderful. I liked CaFleureBon Profiles in American Perfumery.
    Thanks for the draw & opportunity.
    Peshawar, Pakistan

  • Miss Almond says:

    I like Chavalia’s childhood story, especially the part about recognizing different visitors by their scents. Sounds amazing! No wonder she is so talented perfumer now. I’d love to try fragrances she creates. I live in Europe and I liked Cafleurebon in American Perfumery facebook page. Thanks!

  • I love the amount of passion Chavalia has towards perfumes and the excitement with which she tried to solve the mystery of Eau de Toilette by Hermès. I have never tried any of her creations and I would love to. Fedora and Tandem sound especially fabulous.
    I hope I will be lucky in this draw. Thank you for the opportunity. I live in the EU.

  • Anu Prestonia says:

    What a delightful story. It’s so interesting how everyone’s journey is so unique. I would love to try a perfume created by such a inquiring nose.

  • Chavalia is from my neck of the woods (Texas). She has accomplished a lot for her young age. I would love to try the women’s perfumes. I was also impressed that she was able to find the mystery scent….Hermes Eau de Toilette. That is quite some scent memory she has! USA.Tahnks for the story.

  • ntabassum92 says:

    I find it so fascinating that she has such a discerning nose. Being able to pick out which perfume she smelled out of 20 bottles is no easy feat! I am interested to see what how this ability affects the creation of her fragrances. I’m from VA and I think I would love either Tandem or Pas Encore Nomme. If I win, I would like to try Tandem.

  • What I like most is what she said about the potential in diversity:”As an African-American female from Texas, I’m a representation that diverse backgrounds are what unite us as fragrant artists. I’m constantly learning, growing and connecting with other indie perfumers – sharing insights, challenges and successes with complete support. Each independent perfumer possesses a uniqueness to be celebrated in true American fashion.” Good luck Chavalia and thank you for so interesting article! I live in the EU. I liked the Fb page.

  • I love the passion with which Chavalia works and how determined she is with fulfilling her dreams. I’d love to try her creations.
    Thank you for the draw. Greetings from Norway!

  • I admire Chavalia’s approach to what she is doing: “Each day is a joyous adventure, and even though I do have time-sensitive projects to complete, the only true constraints are those self-created.” I would be very happy to try samples of her scents, I wish I could get a little of this attitude, I hope I can find it in her fragrances. I liked Facebook page.

    (EU)

  • I found it fascinating reading about Chavalia’s path to perfumery and her “discerning olfactory sense” and the mystery she solved in Saks. ,I live in the US and I think I might love Tandem and would choose the sampler if I should win.

    I like CaFleureBon Profiles in American Perfumery – Cynthia M Richardson

  • I love the story about scented mystery solved at Saks. So much passion and determination! I am so curious about her fragrances!
    I live in the EU and I’d love to win a sample set. Thanks!