Maïa Lernout

Perfumery is a profession that is often passed down from generation to generation. Thus, many current creators learned the basics of their profession alongside their parents, who were themselves perfumers. Nevertheless, even though this world remains very closed off, there is still one way to join this closed circle for those who did not have that opportunity: the prestigious ISIPCA school in Versailles, recognized for providing the best education in the world in terms of perfumery. And it is precisely there that Maïa Lernout acquired her expertise, later combined with numerous twists and turns over the course of her career and notable stints at several prestigious companies.

Maïa Lernout’s training

Maïa Lernout trained for two years at ISIPCA. However, once she graduated, the young woman quickly realized that the road was still long to become a perfumer worthy of the name. Indeed, not everyone who comes out of ISIPCA is necessarily destined to create perfumes for the greatest luxury houses. You do not necessarily become a student perfumer, she explains. You can also specialize in evaluation for example, another profession, which notably involves helping the creator put their idea on paper, or making it fit the client’s request. After leaving school, Maïa Lernout first became a preparator at a well-known Grasse-based company: Robertet. For her, this position was absolutely essential in order to keep learning. Next, Maïa Lernout decided to join Symrise, a German company producing flavors and fragrances, to further her training. After a few years spent at KAO, she was hired as a perfumer at Biolandes, a producer of essential oils and natural aromatic extracts.

Maïa Lernout, a perfumer working with her head rather than her nose

Maïa Lernout has her own creative method and considers that she works with her head rather than her nose. Her creative process is based on a work of intellectualization. In reality, Maïa Lernout composes her essences from her computer, and writes her formulas before blending the ingredients and being able to actually smell the result of her equation. It is a lot of work. You need a good memory and a great capacity for concentration, a lot of discipline, Maïa admits.

Maïa Lernout, crowning achievement at Takasago

After holding a perfumer position at Biolandes for four years, Maïa Lernout finally joined the Takasago company in 2010, once again as a perfumer and creator. It was there that she came into contact with the talented Francis Kurkdjian, of worldwide renown. Within the Japanese company, and working alongside her mentor, Maïa Lernout has continued to take on ambitious projects for the greatest luxury brands. Davidoff, Elie Saab, Kenzo, Nina Ricci, Lolita Lempicka, and others have all sought after her creations. A remarkable crowning achievement.