The presenters, from left, Anneke Greef, Dr Nicole Vorster and Carlen Rudolph. Workshop participants create their own perfume in the lab at InnoVenton. Perfumes picture by Carlen Rudolph.
Through short courses in formulating cosmetics and fragrances, Nelson Mandela University’s InnoVenton Downstream Chemicals Technology Station is helping aspiring business owners turn their passion for beauty products into profitable ventures.
No scientific background or experience is needed, just a willingness to innovate and learn.
A team of formulation chemists – Dr Nicole Vorster, Anneke Greef, and Carlen Rudolph – presented the most recent interactive workshop, on fragrance, in February.
It is one of various workshops which offer the chance to learn terminology, the ingredients used in cosmetics, as well as how to scale and cost formulations, and regulatory requirements for product labelling.
“We have developed these workshops in response to feedback from attendees who wanted to learn more about specific aspects of fragrance creation,” said Dr Vorster, senior lecturer and Formulation Science coordinator in the Department of Chemistry.
“By the end of this workshop, participants will have acquired more knowledge about fragrances and fragrance blending and will be equipped to start their own fragrance businesses or improve their existing products.”
The InnoVenton workshops cater to a wide range of individuals, from aspiring entrepreneurs like Marshall Goliath and his sister Kim Gie, who run a scent company, to those like Lucelle Gallant, a former teacher who wants to learn more for personal enrichment.
Workshop participants and formulation chemist Carlen Rudolph prepares perfume testers for the participants. Pictures by Gillian McAinsh.
The recent fragrance workshop, which focuses on the art and science of scent, is one of the most popular offerings. Participants learnt about fragrance notes, scent families, and how to make eau de parfum, as well as room sprays. The course is ideal for those who want to dive deeper into the intricacies of fragrance formulation.
“We were very interested to find out more about the science behind how we make perfumes,” said Gie. “This workshop has been really helpful for when we give feedback to clients. Now I can explain about top notes, heart notes and base notes, and so on.”
Another participant, Nicole Louw, said she made hair-care products and wanted to learn more about how to infuse them with fragrance.
This particular workshop not only attracted entrepreneurs but also those with a specific interest in scent. Yondela Ntwanambi, who works in hospitality at a four-star lodge, hopes to use her new skills to improve room fresheners, which are widely used in the industry to reduce odours.
“I am really enjoying getting to experience all the different scents,” said Ntwanambi. “I wanted to try something new, and I would like to make air fresheners one day.”
Practical sessions gave participants the opportunity to create their own perfumes, essential oil blends and room sprays.
Goliath, whose V&G company sells oil-based fragrances in several retail stores, explained that the workshop also helped his team better understand their product.
“We’ve been approached to develop signature fragrances, and we’re expanding our product range. This workshop has given us the knowledge to take that next step.”
The Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) Technology Station Programme subsidised the workshops, making them affordable for small businesses. The introductory cosmetic formulation workshop costs R270 per person, and the fragrance workshop R800.
InnoVenton offers a range of services to staff, students and the wider community that include formal training, short courses, analytical services and technology support.
It plays a key role in helping entrepreneurs gain the skills they need to succeed and perhaps be the next Estée Lauder, MAC or L’Oreal. Whether they are creating their own beauty products or enhancing existing ones, the InnoVenton workshops at Mandela University are helping turn dreams into reality.
See the workshop in action