November 23, 2022
Escentials Zine Vol. 6: Part 1
In our latest zine, Escentials Vol. 6, we sit down with P.F. friends and crew members to explore the essentials they use to create their ideal atmosphere and the traditions fragrance is tied to.
I use fragrance to set the rhythm in my day; it helps form the pathways in my mind that take me to different modes — getting ready, focusing, relaxing. Putting out a candle closes a chapter, while lighting incense or spritzing room spray on my pillow starts the next one. Fragrance reminds me to slow down and be present.
What’s your favorite holiday DIY?
Any craft with oranges. Oranges symbolize prosperity and bring good luck and I love to decorate with natural elements. They smell great, can be re-used for a couple years, and when they’re done, I compost them. I dehydrate oranges in the oven and string them up for garlands. I also make orange pomanders — the scent (juicy, spicy, citrus, and sharp) is amazing and the process of imbedding cloves into the orange peel is very meditative.
What are your essentials for curating your atmosphere?
Good music, incandescent lighting, fresh plants, and a great scent.
How do you use fragrance to encourage creativity?
Fragrance in our space is transportive. It takes artists and guests to a place that is timeless, familiar and just feels right.
What’re your go-to holiday jams?
- Dent May, “I’ll Be Stoned For Christmas”
- Gruff Rhys, “Post Apocalypse Christmas”
- Chuck Berry, “Run Rudolph Run”
- NSYNC, “Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays”
How does fragrance tie your space together?
Fragrance is super important to me because there's a strong emotional-cultural connection there. I'm Iranian, born to refugee parents, and sadly we can't go back to our homeland. For this reason I've fallen in love with the scents that define my Persian roots, and try to bring them into the studios as a way to both experience and share my culture. Rose and black tea are the two most culturally defining scents to me. From mixing rosewater with water and spraying it everywhere, to rose incense, to brewing earl grey tea for aroma. That's what you smell in a Persian household. It takes me back to my grandparents' house, my parents' house, and reminds me of my roots. Also, us being POT and having a good time here, sometimes you'll smell cannabis too, which draws a through-line to my life being born and raised in LA.
Do you have a holiday tradition, and if so, what is it and why do you love it?
I grew up in a secular household with culturally Muslim roots, so it took some years for us to develop traditions during the American holiday season. But once we made our own rituals on our own terms, which include large feasts with our family and friends, I fell in love with the idea of creating and defining your own traditions. This is why it's so important for me to host a Holiday Market every year at our studio. Our Holiday Market celebrates all of our community members in a huge way, and brings together our members, students, family and friends on the largest scale we can each year. The focus of this market is to showcase the creative growth and endeavors of our members. It's become part of my own personal celebration as it celebrates all the hard work and emotional labor that goes into maintaining a community space. Plus, it's an excuse to gather and laugh, which to me is the core of any holiday.
I like to start and end my day on a good note, and by using a calming fragrance like Black Fig helps me reduce everyday stress.
Do you have a holiday tradition, and if so, what is it and why do you love it?
Getting into a tamal coma! I love it because I don't have to worry about packing a lunch until late January.
What are your essentials for curating your atmosphere?
I'm out of the house most of the time with work so when I get home it's so important to me that I’m able to disconnect and wind down. My home is truly my sanctuary. My work is stressful and I focus very hard on relaxation when I'm home. The ideal vibe for me is feeling cozy, secure, and relaxed. Essentials for building my atmosphere and setting ~my~ mood is food — whether I've ordered something, picked up snacks, or got everything together to cook a meal. Also a very large (and comfortable) couch and SCENT. I love options — I like to have a few candles going and some Palo Santo burning. It’s always the last step in my wind down routine and really guides me into relaxing for the evening.
How do you use fragrance to encourage creativity?
Fragrance is usually the last step in my routines and is honestly kind of a treat for me, haha! It’s also the step before I get to relax, so to speak. If I’m cleaning my house, the last step is fragrance. If I’ve cooked dinner, the last step is lighting some candles and enjoying the meal. If I’m winding down for the night, I’m firing up some candles and Palo Santo to relax with.
What are your essentials for curating your atmosphere?
Either absolute silence or riotous bedlam.
How do you use fragrance to encourage creativity?
It can be transcendent. Fragrance can also transport me to a different place or help me forget anywhere else exists.
To read all of the interviews, grab your copy today, included with every order while supplies last!
Kristen Pumphrey | CEO, Creative Director, and Co-Owner of P.F.
How do you use fragrance in your routines and why?I use fragrance to set the rhythm in my day; it helps form the pathways in my mind that take me to different modes — getting ready, focusing, relaxing. Putting out a candle closes a chapter, while lighting incense or spritzing room spray on my pillow starts the next one. Fragrance reminds me to slow down and be present.
What’s your favorite holiday DIY?
Any craft with oranges. Oranges symbolize prosperity and bring good luck and I love to decorate with natural elements. They smell great, can be re-used for a couple years, and when they’re done, I compost them. I dehydrate oranges in the oven and string them up for garlands. I also make orange pomanders — the scent (juicy, spicy, citrus, and sharp) is amazing and the process of imbedding cloves into the orange peel is very meditative.
Dalton Gerlach | Lodge Room
Owner of Lodge Room, an iconic entertainment venue housed in a 1922 Masonic Lodge in Northeast Los Angeles, hosting an eclectic mix of live music, performances, and events.What are your essentials for curating your atmosphere?
Good music, incandescent lighting, fresh plants, and a great scent.
How do you use fragrance to encourage creativity?
Fragrance in our space is transportive. It takes artists and guests to a place that is timeless, familiar and just feels right.
What’re your go-to holiday jams?
- Dent May, “I’ll Be Stoned For Christmas”
- Gruff Rhys, “Post Apocalypse Christmas”
- Chuck Berry, “Run Rudolph Run”
- NSYNC, “Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays”
Mandy Kolahi | Pot LA
Founder & CEO of POT, the first social enterprise ceramic studio that is owned, operated by, and created for persons of color.How does fragrance tie your space together?
Fragrance is super important to me because there's a strong emotional-cultural connection there. I'm Iranian, born to refugee parents, and sadly we can't go back to our homeland. For this reason I've fallen in love with the scents that define my Persian roots, and try to bring them into the studios as a way to both experience and share my culture. Rose and black tea are the two most culturally defining scents to me. From mixing rosewater with water and spraying it everywhere, to rose incense, to brewing earl grey tea for aroma. That's what you smell in a Persian household. It takes me back to my grandparents' house, my parents' house, and reminds me of my roots. Also, us being POT and having a good time here, sometimes you'll smell cannabis too, which draws a through-line to my life being born and raised in LA.
Do you have a holiday tradition, and if so, what is it and why do you love it?
I grew up in a secular household with culturally Muslim roots, so it took some years for us to develop traditions during the American holiday season. But once we made our own rituals on our own terms, which include large feasts with our family and friends, I fell in love with the idea of creating and defining your own traditions. This is why it's so important for me to host a Holiday Market every year at our studio. Our Holiday Market celebrates all of our community members in a huge way, and brings together our members, students, family and friends on the largest scale we can each year. The focus of this market is to showcase the creative growth and endeavors of our members. It's become part of my own personal celebration as it celebrates all the hard work and emotional labor that goes into maintaining a community space. Plus, it's an excuse to gather and laugh, which to me is the core of any holiday.
Eddie Diaz | Shipping Handler at P.F.
How do you use fragrance in your routines?I like to start and end my day on a good note, and by using a calming fragrance like Black Fig helps me reduce everyday stress.
Do you have a holiday tradition, and if so, what is it and why do you love it?
Getting into a tamal coma! I love it because I don't have to worry about packing a lunch until late January.
Lacey Micallef | Big Bud Press
Owner of Big Bud Press, a fast-growing Los Angeles-based clothing label specializing in unisex, everyday goods.What are your essentials for curating your atmosphere?
I'm out of the house most of the time with work so when I get home it's so important to me that I’m able to disconnect and wind down. My home is truly my sanctuary. My work is stressful and I focus very hard on relaxation when I'm home. The ideal vibe for me is feeling cozy, secure, and relaxed. Essentials for building my atmosphere and setting ~my~ mood is food — whether I've ordered something, picked up snacks, or got everything together to cook a meal. Also a very large (and comfortable) couch and SCENT. I love options — I like to have a few candles going and some Palo Santo burning. It’s always the last step in my wind down routine and really guides me into relaxing for the evening.
How do you use fragrance to encourage creativity?
Fragrance is usually the last step in my routines and is honestly kind of a treat for me, haha! It’s also the step before I get to relax, so to speak. If I’m cleaning my house, the last step is fragrance. If I’ve cooked dinner, the last step is lighting some candles and enjoying the meal. If I’m winding down for the night, I’m firing up some candles and Palo Santo to relax with.
Bobby Kim | The Hundreds
Also known as Bobby Hundreds, Kim is a designer, writer, photographer, and co-founder of the iconic community-based streetwear brand, The Hundreds.What are your essentials for curating your atmosphere?
Either absolute silence or riotous bedlam.
How do you use fragrance to encourage creativity?
It can be transcendent. Fragrance can also transport me to a different place or help me forget anywhere else exists.