I live in the US, but I 100% plan on getting my hands on your perfumes very shortly. You have no idea how much your videos are appreciated in the community, Sam.
I gained so much respect for you, grinding and working so hard for something you believe in, I know in the end it's all going to be worth it! You're already inspiring many, and your numbers will only keep growing 💪🏼
Sam, I also make fragrances but in the next few weeks, I am going to do something I stopped doing after getting into fragrance creation 2 years ago. I am going to buy 1 of your frags man to support you! Please do not ever quit or give up. TRUST ME
This is an odd concept but sometimes products sell better outside their expected area. You want to sell where there isn't other perfume near you ideally. So if you had a stall at a fantasy convention or writers faire you're getting customers that are appropirate because of the branding and you'll probably be the only perfume seller there. It's worth brain storming the weirdest places you could sell. With your focus on artwork and story you should try hitting up those circuits, you'll be paying less and getting more space (and freedom) vs the high end stores.
I think that would be a great idea! That kind of thing would be ideal. Tbh I just did this because it was the thing I saw available, but I think with the right stand, something like you say could do alot better.
It was really cool to see your personality more in this one Sam! My gf was telling me that my most intruiging videos are the ones where I'm a little more casual and now after seeing yours where you let yourself be a bit more casual and even cuss a bit I totally get it haha. Its really awesome to see you in a vlog style vid this time. Respect the hustle man you deserve all the success that is coming to you in the future!
So much respect for you Sam for being transparent with your sales I'm from Myanmar but live in Thailand and own a startup organic homecare brand and not easy making profits in market
Every year in Pittsburgh there is an event called Handmade Arcade where artisans only sell handmade things. It is juried so you don’t have random people there selling junk but rather nice quality stuff. It attracts a customer who is looking for high quality unique things where the artisan is the star just as much as the product is. I would love to buy a unique fragrance made by an up and coming personable entrepreneur vs some corrupt conglomerate like LVMH. Are there any high quality artisan markets like that where you live? To sum it up: think of yourself not as a person selling perfume but as an artisan where YOU and your story are just as important as the fragrance you are selling.
So nice to see your real personality in this! Thank you for being so transparent about your journey too - I don't know you IRL but I'm so proud and inspired by how you're so focused on grafting away at your dreams! You deserve all your success :)
One thing you could try that might get people's attention is putting fragrance oil into an ultrasonic mister/diffuser. So they get a whiff of your perfume whenever they walk past. I know that's not going to be exactly the same as the version with alcohol but it's still the easiest way to communicate what you have to offer without any conscious effort on the part of you or the customers.
such a great pop up shop! it was so lovely meeting you sam and i admire your dedication and passion for perfumery. definitely recommend the moonlight harvest, such a unique fruity sweet cherry. i’m looking forward for any london event in the future. 🙂
Wow, so grateful for your videos and the energy and time you put into them. I’m new to fragrances and have become a bit obsessed. As an artist I’m drawn to the creative aspect of perfumery, and getting interested to try making some myself. Your kit sounds like a really good entry point.
I totally agree with previous comments. Man, you have my respect. I really wish you your hard work will give you a final big successful result. I can’t even imagine how it is fucking hard to try to sell your own hand made cosmetics. You are my big inspiration as for a perfume enthusiast.❤
Interesting video Sam, I work in that area so it's a shame I didn't get to sample your fragrances. For a bit of additional information just in case you do it again, Monday and Fridays are quiet in the City as more people work from home, weekends are dead unless you're on the main road (still much quieter than in the week though) or by the Cathedral. If you're focusing on specific days for that area Tues, Wed & Thurs is your best bet. Plus, if you want to attract the City crowd you kind of have to get their attention from outside the shop or by the door as most people are marching about looking straight ahead. Even as your target audience / potential customer if I had been walking through that area of One New Change I probably wouldn't have even registered the shop much less gone in on a whim. However, if I'd known there were new fragrances to try I'd definitely have popped in. Good luck with the journey, it's all a learning experience after all. I'm sure you'll continue to build upon your success as you progress.
I’m soo proud of you! I’ve always wanted my own niche brand and You inspired me to go ahead and start it ❤I’ve learned so much from you, I can’t wait to purchase
Hey Sam, really appreciate how honest you are and authentic, You look tired as hell, you worked your A$$ off and You are what's right about youtube:) Remember Sam, speaking from experience with many things people told me to quit on. DO NOT GIVE UP OR QUIT, it will pay off in the end, TRUST ME MAN!
Was great meeting you and talking to you Sam! The reed diffuser smells great, Ewelina absolutely loved Moonlight Harvest and was smelling her wrist the rest of the evening. If you ever do another event/pop-up in London I’ll definitely try to come along
This was awesome sam! I really enjoyed this video. I respect the hustle & the rawness of this video. Also I noticed your TAA poster! I had no idea that you liked that kinda music 🔥
I loved that phrase about your memory being corrupted when you're tired. And hello! Thanks for including our chat at Harry's. I've been doing these shops with L.D.C. for over a year now and you're right to tell everybody you know that you're going to be there. I don't get huge sales, but I get people ordering later. I couldn't do that one as I knew it wouldn't be possible to get out of the studio that week, but you're right about being there and making a big fuss in advance. Plus, you never know who you might meet. It really does eat up your day though. I hope you've been getting a good rest. I've been hibernating because 2023 has just been non-stop trying to keep up with everything life has thrown at us. I really look forward to our next film.
A wonderful vlog Sam! Fascinating how much Harry reminds me of Brad from the channel tripleinc. 😆 Great to see Sarah in there too. Seems like sleep may need to be factored into the budget eh? 🤭 Somewhat ironically, I find that coffee works best when I'm fully awake. Always black, and never after 16:00. Otherwise, it's very possible to be BOTH sleepy and stimulated at the same time. A strange feeling indeed. Hope you have a superb new year!!! 📆 Your dedication is to be admired. ❤
Virtue of sunbeams is a beautiful grapefruit note , I can't wait to wear it during ss to see the longevity, and aquatica is just a banger , my favorite blue freshie, mineralish fragrance that I've smelt
I've just started watching your videos for educational purpose as I use too dabble in making perfume. I've just gotten back into it a lot more. My main point I want to make is the following. I own a coffee shop here in Australia, I've roasted coffee for many years I've owned my shop for 1 year. Its scary AF starting your own business. All I can say is keep going and don't give up, it will work if you want it too and face to face selling is still how its going to make what you want to do happen. your product is going to sell better with you pushing it face to face. the other point i wish to make is your You tube site has me addicted again, I've re ordered from Pell wall and Perfumers world and really have found all your videos very informative and passionate. that passion is going to help you move you're perfumes further. It has with my coffee. All The best
Maybe you could do 3D cardboard and 3d printing for your displays like some can be on a fantasy stand and others can be on the table surrounding by 3D printing decorations with some vapor or smoke or dry ice to create an effect. Visuals and marketing is super important as well as the juice.
I really appreciate your content, Sam. I am learning perfumery - it's tough, and it looks like a very bumpy road to get your product out there. I wish you a great 2024 and lots of success. I bought the Labdanum you were selling which was excellent quality. I'm wondering if you could supplement your income with more good quality raw materials? I'm always looking to expand my collection, and for certain materials such as Iralia, I have to import them from the US.
Thank you! And yes good point, that's something I'm trying at the moment, the new Biolandes raw materials on The Fragrance Foundry are completely unique / unobtainable elsewhere in the UK afaik. I have a couple more things to add to the collection in the next month.
Great work sam, believe it or not you even have fans from Algeria ! I love what you do, and Even though i love fragrances and love all its involves, I just can't do it myself because there are absolutely 0 molecules/ingredients where i live. And sourcing them from abroad is just too expensive 1 euro is x240 our currency... But for some reason i still learn everything i can from your videos and from others as well, hoping that someday I'll have the chance to really have the joy to blend and explore ingredients ect ... Okay I'll admit to something, i once tried doing it using toothpaste Fragrances 🤣 The final product smelled as "toothpaste cologne" 😂😂 Keep up the good work buddy 💪
Hi Sam. I'm new to your channel and I've been really enjoying your videos and have learned a great deal from them. I was so excited to see that you had posted a pop up video. Pretty neat.☺️👌🏾 Recently, I started to out my journey in learning to make perfumes and I've been focusing on putting together a collection of six fragrances from a starter kit I purchased in 2021 after the start of the covid-19 pandemic. I've also been gearing up to do a small pop up with the of my own. I'm a little hesitant and a bit fearful, but there have been so many reason pushing me forth and getting me to the core of my purpose. I'm thikinging of doing a video for my small little pop up as well as I think that it would be great to see and look back to remember. I haven't had the chance to sample any of your fragrances as of yet. In the future I do hope to do so.👌🏾 From the U.S.A., Cheers & Well journeys!☺️👌🏾
It didn't go as planned and I didn't make a video. I only had a little window of time at the location I was able to get out to. I felt like more of a solicitor than anything, seeking out people to at least try a few of my perfume creations. I was to sure how it would turn out so I set a goal to give out 5-3ml samples to people who tried them and like them. Most people expressed that they weren't interested. I have out 2 sample out of the five. I think I went about it the wrong way for sure. But I went. Hoping to do it again as soon as I can manage.☺️👌🏾
Im so sad that I can’t buy your perfumes I’m in Europe and I know how annoying the shipping policy for Perfumes are but I wonder if there still is a chance because I see on eBay many British people selling perfume and shipping it to Europe I don’t know how they do it though. I keep bombarding my perfume stores in my country in multiple cities about your perfume brand and that they’re missing out for not having them😂 and I will continue to do that maybe one day they will reach out to you🤞
Thank you for promoting my brand to them, it's touching you'd want to try my products that much. And yes, like Sarah says it's not legal and ultimately lots would get lost in customs meaning a lot of wasted money on refunds. I'm working towards a Europe shipping solution next year so subscribe to my mailing list for updates on that.
A refreshingly honest video. Maybe worth looking into a stall/presence at London events like Stylist live, where there’s a steady stream of footfall (I think that’s where I first discovered Sarah McCartney’s fragrances years ago), or some events at the Truman brewery in trendy Shoreditch/Brick Lane. Would it be worth looking into stocking at independent fashion or fragrance boutiques? I’ll be getting a sample pack soon, happy to support your brand. Wishing you success.
The dash cam idea was more so I could share thoughts about things in my car like when I was on my walk and have some nice scenery to watch, not for a whole vlog.
Legend that’s all am saying Sam great work and a proper grafter. The kits is what I’ve been wanting for along time keep it up Sam and kudus to Harry he’s a proper gentle man I ask him questions from time to time. He’s a very patient man and your not so bad urself Sam. Get some rest Sam you look shattered and excited at the same time but shattered more and the fact you look after gran n dad that’s respect all the way git more love for you even more.
Hi Sam.. Are you doing any more Pop up store in London ? If you are, it be soo great to have a sniff of some of your creations.. I be visiting London just before Christmas.. Shout out from Sunny Singapore !!
Great idea on printing the art work.. maybe not a full size display but a smaller one with led illumination, where people can read the perfume description but have to get close to the stand...
I learn perfumery from your videos and discord. Hope all you doing well in 2024, and to the journey of the perfume! hope i can purchase one of your perfume in 2024!
Thanks for sharing!!! I want to do a pop up at my sister's shop again. But this time there will be perfumes and candles added to my handmade jewelry. Maybe perfumes...I'm still trying to perfect my formulas.
Hi Sam, was just wondering, what are the legal requirements for you to start selling a perfume? (does it have to be sent to a laboratory to get tested?) Was wondering as I'm planning to launch my own line in the future. Thank you!
Sorry I’m not Sam, just another self-taught perfumer working on a Finance and Accounting major. However I still feel I can answer your question. Short answer is there are many requirements to legally sell your product but not enough to discourage you if you’re determined. The first and foremost requirement you will need to follow is safety protocols. That can be found through “IFRA” by visiting their website. Your product must be safe to sell to potential customers. That said, depending on where you are located on this blue marble the rules change. Specifically, the safety rules and requirements to establish a business can be different. While I don’t live in the European Union 🇪🇺 I believe they are much stricter on safety standards and what can be sold to the public. However, it’s not impossible to do. In America 🇺🇸 , the rules are a bit looser with less barriers to starting your business and safety requirements. This is all based on my personal research but should be a good starting point.
Google perfume schools, Grasse and Paris offer a few. In Los Angeles Art of Olfactory has Zoom courses. You have to do the research and put the effort. Big corporations have in house programs. Most only offer 12 -20 students a year. Do your research.
I’d like to help. I owned a men’s skincare company here in the US which was quite successful. BBC interviewed me several years ago when they discovered the cosmetic part of my brand. I’ve been watching your channel a lot and love love love it. If you need any ideas on how to help your business grow I’d love to help. Free of course. Ben
Hey Sam, making my own perfume seems like my only solution because scent I like is weak and relatively expensive. Do you think "Hugo Boss Bottled Boss" can be made exponentialy better or it is what it is?
TLDR: - The video follows Sam as he tries to sell his niche perfumes at a pop-up shop in London for a week. - He spent around £200 on renting the shelf space and travel costs, and made around £300 in sales, essentially breaking even. - He learned that having staff present to engage with customers and explain the brand story is crucial, as the products alone didn't generate enough interest. - The location in London's financial district wasn't ideal, as the foot traffic wasn't high enough and may not have been the target audience. - For future pop-ups, he plans to choose a better location with higher foot traffic and do more promotion. - The video also covers Sam unboxing new perfumery scales and starter kits to list on his online store before the holidays.
Do you know where could I get a sort of a sample palette of scent strips for raw materials. so to decided what to order. and just generally get to know scents before buying ingredients. :) I live in London and I want try one of your parfumes when I have a chance.
To be honest the smallest size you’ll find as a sample is usually 10ml, however at perfumers world you can order just 1ml as a sample. And thank you - my perfumes are available on my website
Hi Sam, any idea when you will have UK sample sets available again? One thing I will say is that it seems odd to have 3x1ml samples and one 2ml in the sets, is there a reason for that? I personally prefer a minimum of 2ml to fully test a perfume prior to buying a bottle. Even if i get a free 1.2ml from a brand I am likely to seek out an additional 2ml decant from other fragrance enthusiasts prior to buying so I can test over the course of a couple of days. Even though your perfume is reasonably priced it's still money most dont want to risk losing if they can't fully sample when there's so many other small businesses in that same price bracket.
Hi, yes they just happened to sell out yesterday since I'm out of Vanillawood samples, I need to make a new batch and then they'll be back in stock. And I'm aware they're a little inconsistent at the moment, my apologies. Essentially they used to be 1ml stick-rub ones and then I upgraded them to 1ml atomizers. This year with the launch of Aquatica I decided to trial 2ml samples with that to see how they're received. It seems like they're going well, I just need to check how they are for international shipping before committing to them in the long run. I need to do an update to my range and sample packaging next year so they'll all be fixed and hopefully bought up to 2ml at that point.
I came here to make a novelty fragrance and left wanting to master perfumery. How do I hire someone else (you) to knock out a fragrance? Is that a thing?
Glad I inspired you! Currently I’m not taking new commissions since I’m so busy, however there are many indie perfumers and bigger companies out there who you can hire.
We had a couple which could be shipped on December 19th but Harry is away over Christmas. Once he's back he'll put the next batch together and then they'll be back in stock.
Personally, I think you need a HOOK... To get people's attention at the pop-up store, you need something that will draw a crowd. A "blind" test of your fragrances to be shared online as a viral video? A gorgeous guy/gay/combo wearing something that will get people to the pop-up store to try the fragrances? Something... attention-getting. Create a BUZZ for your fragrance pop-up. Get a local group of students studying Public Relations & Marketing to brainstorm some more ideas... or (dare I say it?) ask AI to suggest some ideas to draw a large crowd to the pop-up store in the city where you want to promote the brand.
Hi Sam, if you want to do this again, let me know and I will come and help you in London, FOR FREE. I am a perfume collector and mixer as I play with acords atm. I like your channel and been following you.
Every person you meet who becomes a customer think of as a spider-web effect. Every person they know they will tell about you, I would work on advertising, many of my business friends would talk advertising is what they needed to do A LOT more of. Word of mouth is how I did it personally.
You have a channel with viewers...Do a RU-vid pop up sale. I've seen a guy sell his jewelry pieces like that. And I would love to rub elbows with Ms. Sarah😊 have a great New Year.
Apologies if that offended you. It's a tricky balance between presenting a more "proper" public image and being true to myself and treating my viewers like a would a friend, not hiding my personality. Usually I try not to swear in videos, but I feel that with the occasional more intimate "vlog" style video focussed on my journey rather than teaching perfumery, it feels more genuine to not put on that façade. I won't be able to please everyone since one way I might offend people but the other people may not be able to relate to me.
It's so cool and informative getting to watch you put in so much effort and time in your passion. I'll definitely buy a sample set 🫡 Update- the sample set isn't available for shipping to my address 😔
