Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Blackman.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Fragrance and aromas have been a constant presence in my life for as far back as I can recall. The allure of scents has always fascinated me, leading me to develop a repository of smell memories, a sort of personal scent library. I distinctly remember the anticipation of revisiting Disneyland, not solely for Mickey or the rides, but for the damp, mildew smell of Pirates of The Caribbean.
From this initial intrigue with aroma, a genuine fascination with scents emerged. Whether it was soaps, colognes, shampoos, or any fragrant item, I found myself drawn to them, eager to experience them. Throughout my teenage years, my collection of drugstore colognes steadily grew, reflecting my early passion for scents and perfumes.
This affection for fragrances blossomed into a deeper curiosity about their creation process, prompting me to delve into the world of ingredient collection and experimentation. Guided by books on fragrance, The Jean Carles Method, and insights gleaned from online forums, my interest in scent-making evolved and matured over time. Before long, I found myself crafting fragrances, shampoos, lotions, and various other products for my personal use.
Thanks to my prior experience as a business owner, I was equipped with the necessary skills to navigate the intricacies of operating a small business. It is through the amalgamation of these experiences and passions that Past Artists came to fruition.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Every step of this journey has been a challenge. Navigating unfamiliar territory meant every decision was a new one. From sourcing bottles and caps to selecting the right sprayers, each choice came with its own set of hurdles. LEAKS during delivery! Then, there were branding decisions, website development, and advertising strategies to consider. While creating the perfume itself was a serene and meditative process, the rest was far from it.
As you know, we’re big fans of Past Artists. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about the brand?
Past Artists is a fragrance line built on the concept of creativity. We use the culture, artwork, and biographies of Past Artists to develop scents that capture their spirit. We draw inspiration from great niche houses that came before us and try and build and collaborate with their imaginations to further what perfume and fragrance mean. At the moment, we feature five Past Artists: Frida, Jean-Michel, Georgia, Eugene, and Claude.
Each fragrance is handmade in a tiny lab and workspace in Highland Park, Los Angeles.
If you love art and artists, our fragrance line should be on your radar.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
Never give up. When it feels like you’ve hit a roadblock or a dead end, turn around try a different direction. Also, don’t be afraid to let your customers tell you what your business really is.
Pricing:
- Full Bottle $90
- Travel Spray $24
- Sample Size $8
- Sampler Set $24
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.pastartists.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pastartists
