Check out our chat with Gabriel Chami, founder of ScentStory, a modern perfume house committed to creating fragrances for perfume-connoisseurs.
What brought you to Dubai?
I was working in Kuwait with the Chalhoub Group and moved to Dubai in 2001 to handle the regional office for Parfums Christian Dior, in charge of Travel Retail.
Describe a typical day
I enjoy my morning’s coffee with my wife, a quiet and precious opportunity to catch up and share our plans for the day. Then I drive to work, with loud rock music on and try to avoid phone calls till I reach office.
My days at work vary greatly, alternating creative developments and scents formulation with less exciting tasks such as number crunching, production planning and forecasts.
I then enjoy the Dubai traffic on the way back home, while catching up with friends over the phone (hands free on of course).
How did you get into this profession?
I was studying in France and always wanted to move to the Middle East for its fast-growing business, positive mentality and sunny weather. I seized the opportunity to join the Chalhoub group in 1995, just after graduation, in order to handle operational marketing for several luxurious make-up and fragrance brands. I got hooked quickly as it is truly a fascinating universe.
I then established ScentStory in 2007, with the desire of creating innovative scents and concepts, putting the actual fragrances, juices, on top of any other marketing element.
I feel very privileged as I have only worked in this field, for 22 years so far.
What is the best thing about your job?
I love the creative aspect of it and the direct contact we can have with consumers through social networking. Our ‘24’ fragrances are very popular on Youtube and within the vast community of fragrance enthusiasts. This is extremely rewarding and makes up for the less pleasurable parts of my job.
And the worst?
Definitely the production and other technical related matters of the products. We have to gather several components from all over the world and hope there is no last-minute surprises due to shipping, damages or any other unforeseen event. We also need to gather lots of documentation to adhere to local and international regulations, it’s not very glamourous.
What was a standout moment in your career?
I was fortunate to have several highlights, the most emotional being the launch of our brand ‘24’ in 2008. Being part of people’s life, accompanying them during their day at work, in the evening, while they work out, is truly special. I feel immense satisfaction knowing that people selected our fragrances to wear on their skin.
What advice would you have for any young person wanting to get into your field?
If this is your passion, don’t think about it twice and go for it. There is always room for motivated and talented people, especially with tastes evolving constantly, it is a very dynamic sector.
Your motto?
Listen to people, keep an open mind, but always follow your heart.