Base Notes
Tatler Malaysia|March 2023
Three decades in, Malaysia born Givaudan perfumer Shyamala Maisondieu is still as passionate as ever about her art
Koyyi Chin 
Base Notes

Much like baking, there is an exact science to perfumery.

From the freshness of the raw materials used and the way they’re processed, to the levels of oxygen the product is exposed to and the cohesion of ingredients, the business of perfumery can be organic yet technical.

For Malaysia-born Shyamala Maisondieu, who has over 30 years of experience under her belt and has to date over 80 fragrances that she’s had a hand in making, perfumery seemed to be the perfect job, seeing as she majored in chemical engineering and was a creative at heart.

Interviewing Maisondieu, who is based in France, Tatler gets a peek behind the curtain about what it takes to be a Givaudan perfumer.

When did you realise that perfumery was what you wanted to do after graduating from chemical engineering?

Shyamala Maisondieu (SM): It was a long time ago when I first met my mentor. It was 1992 and I just turned 23. I didn’t know what I wanted to do at the time, but I aspired to be an astronomer at first. Growing up, I was always looking at the stars.

But when I met this perfumer, who introduced me to the job and employed me after just one interview, he told me that “there were more astronauts than there were perfumers in the world”.

And the more he described the job, the more I was intrigued. The process was so much like my chemical engineering background; chemistry was the science of mixing ingredients, to put it simply, and that was very much like what perfumers did. Something clicked in me, and I thought to myself, “This is it! This is what I wanted to be.”

This story is from the March 2023 edition of Tatler Malaysia.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the March 2023 edition of Tatler Malaysia.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM TATLER MALAYSIAView All
CHANGING THE GAME
Tatler Malaysia

CHANGING THE GAME

Our world is ever-changing, and so is the way we experience it. Tatler explores how the travel industry is adapting to the needs and values of a new generation

time-read
4 mins  |
March 2024
THE BIRTH OF A MOVEMENT
Tatler Malaysia

THE BIRTH OF A MOVEMENT

More women are taking back their birthing experience—and their power—by challenging the institutionalised norms surrounding childbirth, honouring the healing process and leaning on the magic of sisterhood

time-read
10+ mins  |
March 2024
Journal, SHE WROTE
Tatler Malaysia

Journal, SHE WROTE

Journal scrapbooking virtuoso Tercia Goh opens up on embracing the traditionally analogue hobby of putting pen to paper in an increasingly digital world

time-read
6 mins  |
March 2024
STROKE of INSPIRATION
Tatler Malaysia

STROKE of INSPIRATION

Rooted in the philosophy of harmony and balance, Jaee Tee invites viewers to delve into the layers of meaning within her art

time-read
4 mins  |
March 2024
GOLD.GLORY.GAME ON.
Tatler Malaysia

GOLD.GLORY.GAME ON.

Meet Grills Gaming, the all-women Dota 2 team breaking the glass ceiling to make a name in the Southeast Asian esports arena and beyond

time-read
6 mins  |
March 2024
Crafting Time
Tatler Malaysia

Crafting Time

A conversation with master watchmaker Dr Rebecca Struthers, the first person in the UK to earn a PhD in horology

time-read
5 mins  |
March 2024
(Wo) Man of the Hour
Tatler Malaysia

(Wo) Man of the Hour

Tatler chats with Evelyne Genta about her late husband Gérald Genta’s legacy in watchmaking

time-read
3 mins  |
March 2024
Foundation of Excellence
Tatler Malaysia

Foundation of Excellence

Sunway International Schools Kuala Lumpur's new campus marks a year of academic triumph

time-read
2 mins  |
March 2024
Eat, Drink and Fly Merry
Tatler Malaysia

Eat, Drink and Fly Merry

Malaysia Airports entice guests with gastronomical delights

time-read
2 mins  |
March 2024
Elegance Unfolded
Tatler Malaysia

Elegance Unfolded

A day in the life of Marion Caunter with the Honor Magic V2

time-read
2 mins  |
March 2024