Advice for setting up a perfume studio/workshop space (repost)
Reposting (I accidentally posted without the pictures)
I'm a noob when it comes to making my own perfume, but in preparation for opening a perfume shop I did a perfumery intensive. I loved sharing a space with other perfumers, each working on our own thing, sharing materials and giving each other feedback. It was such an awesome vibe that I want to try to recreate it.
I'm trying to set up a space with 6 work stations. I want to find some serious DIYers looking for a place to formulate.
Basically I'm trying to attract people who have more experience than me (probably not people who are making their own Schiff bases or distilling their own oils, but people who have a few formulas under their belt). I'm hoping I can get some advice from the group on how to make the best possible hobby perfumer habitat.
Right now I have (drumroll) the space. And a table. I still need to figure everything else out.
Materials:
I realize that figuring out what materials I need and in what quantities will involve some trial and error, so to start I'm more interested in peoples' opinions about suppliers - especially ones with a good quality for the price. I'm especially interested in any Canada-based suppliers (I'm located in Toronto). Does anyone have any experience with Contrebande or Apothecary's Garden?
https://apothecarysgarden.com/collections/natural-perfume-ingredients
What materials do you go through the fastest? Are there any materials you'd love to work with that you don't order because they are too expensive or you'd only use them in small quantities?
Equipment:
Right now for the work stations, I'm planning to buy scales and disposable beakers. What am I missing? The focus is going to be on formulation, not making finished perfume in any quantity.
This is a whole other can of worms, but I guess I'm going to have to prepare solutions of materials that arrive solid? And dilute everything to the same concentration? I've read about this a bit but honestly it makes my head spin. I'll need to do a deep dive some time soon. If there are any posts you recommend, I'd appreciate it.
Scales - right now I'm looking at these: SASVY. Curious if anyone has one or if you have another to recommend.
Air Filter - Do I need one? Does anyone have any experience with this one from Austin Air? (so expensive 😭 )
The space:
I keep the temperature at around 21 C / 70 F, but even with the AC on it creeps up to 27 C / 80 F some afternoons. Is that going to be a problem for storing materials?
Light - as you can see from the pictures, the space is very bright. I'll store materials in the dark when they're not being used, but how worried should I be about them sitting in ambient light during opening hours?
Workstations - does this look like enough space to work at, or would you be feeling cramped? I could potentially limit the table to four seats and add some more stations along the wall under the window.
If anyone has any thoughts about any of these points I'd love to hear them!