[CEO Interview]
Behind the Launch of the ‘Perfumery Atlas Kit’

Starting the Interview...

Founded in July 2006 as a finished candle business, Chromaworks has since led the domestic DIY market through fragrance-based education and raw material supply. Under the philosophy that "the experience of creating fragrances enriches life," CW has dedicated itself not just to enjoying scents, but to supporting individuals in exploring the characteristics of fragrance materials and the process of perfumery firsthand, and in creating their own compositions.
The newly released perfumery base, the ‘Atlas Perfumery Kit,’ was born from this same philosophy. We spoke directly with CW CEO Hye-Kyung Jang to hear about the planning background, development process, and behind-the-scenes stories.

Q1. Hello, CEO. Could you please give a brief greeting and tell us the background behind planning the ‘Perfumery Atlas Kit’?

A1. Hello. I'm Hye-Kyung Jang, CEO of CW. It is a great honor to share CW’s story with you as we launch the Perfumery Atlas Kit. In line with the philosophy I mentioned earlier, the release of our perfumery bases also began with the same intent. When we first introduced the CW perfumery bases in 2016, they were designed to help those new to fragrances easily understand the scent of each note and serve as educational materials. Since then, CW perfumery bases have reached their 10th anniversary next year. Over the years, they have been warmly received in workshops, educational institutions, and research centers, allowing CW to grow alongside our community, an experience that has become a valuable asset for us. The newly launched Perfumery Atlas Kit is an expanded and renewed result built upon these 10 years of experience. We hope it provides a richer and deeper perfumery experience for everyone, from beginners to professional perfumers.

Q2. What is the meaning behind the name ‘Perfumery Atlas’?

A2. The name ‘Perfumery Atlas’ carries the meaning of “a book containing a map of fragrances".
Just as a map guides you when exploring an unfamiliar destination, this kit was created to serve as a guide for those wishing to explore the vast world of fragrances and find their own path in perfumery. For beginners, it serves as a starting point to build a solid foundation, while for professionals, it provides a practical alternative for specific natural materials or notes, acting like a fundamental reference for perfumery.

Q3. Compared to previous perfumery base kits, what sets the new ‘Perfumery Atlas’ apart?

A3. The most significant change is the substantial expansion from 80 to 144 notes. In addition, we have introduced three key differentiating elements.
First, the basification of natural materials. When the perfumery base kit was first launched in 2016, it focused on floral and fruity notes, combining herbs, spices, and balsams to make it easily accessible for beginners. Over time, however, we realized that beginners often found it difficult to approach and use natural materials directly. For this release, we have extensively basified natural materials such as clary sage, chamomile, galbanum, and verbena. In particular, we made efforts to make IFRA-restricted materials like natural verbena more accessible by presenting them in a base form.
Second, we added gourmand and beverage notes to enhance the fun of perfumery and reflect trends. Just as the original kit included forward-looking notes like the praline base, the Perfumery Atlas Kit now features new additions such as milk lactone, marron, butter, and nuts bases. This allows users to follow recent perfumery trends while giving beginners a more engaging and experimental experience.
Finally, in planning the renewed kit, we focused on highlighting the identity of each note. For example, floral notes that had previously been grouped with other note kits were reorganized into their proper scent categories. Additionally, feedback from actual workshop operators and professionals producing finished products was incorporated, enhancing the kit’s practicality and usability.

Q4. What was the main focus when assembling the kit?

A4. The main focus in assembling this kit was ensuring harmony and balance among the 144 notes..

We carefully considered the balance between top, middle, and base notes, while also striving to include rich and diverse central notes. Additionally, even if certain notes are less commonly used or have lower sales, we made sure to include essential notes for olfaction learning and those with special significance. For this renewal, the notes were rearranged according to their individual characteristics, and trendy new notes were added to provide a fresh and engaging fragrance experience.

Q5. Were there any particularly memorable episodes during the preparation of this kit?

A5. To produce this kit, we formed an internal TF team centered on relevant staff, while also allowing non-specialized employees to complete fragrance training and participate in scent panel evaluations. Gathering at scheduled times to conduct blind tests and share individual impressions of each scent was a new experience for both me and the team. Although managing education and development simultaneously was challenging, it was incredibly rewarding to learn from different perspectives and anticipate customer reactions in advance. Above all, I was particularly impressed by how naturally conversations flowed around the topic of fragrance, making our time together more lively and engaging. However, there were limitations. Some materials are restricted by regulations, and it was difficult to fully replicate the subtle nuances of natural ingredients. We see these as ongoing challenges to continuously address and improve.

Q6. How has CW internally evaluated the Perfumery Atlas Kit?

A6. From the development stage, there was a lot of excitement about the gourmand and savory notes. After multiple revisions and panel tests, the scents were finalized, and once confirmed, we conducted a group sniffing session with all employees during our internal cultural and educational program, ‘CW Lounge,’ where we observed a very enthusiastic response. Most importantly, we were pleased to see that the kit allows us to introduce a wider variety of ingredients to perfumers in line with CW’s values. We hope this kit will provide new inspiration for perfumery and broaden the scope of creative possibilities.

Q7. If you were to choose one fragrance you feel most attached to, which would it be?

A7. In fact, I feel a strong attachment to all the fragrances, as each has gone through the full process of planning, development, and evaluation. Choosing just one is difficult, so I would like to highlight two.
The first is the Birch Tar Base.
Natural birch tar is difficult to use due to IFRA regulations, but what impressed me during the base creation was how we captured only the pure scent of burning wood. We minimized the heavy notes reminiscent of leather or bacon, emphasizing the intense, charred woody character and the unique tar nuance, which left a strong impression.

The second is the Green Papaya Base.
While exploring ways to connect fragrance with culture and evoke specific emotions, we drew inspiration from the scent of the film Green Papaya. This fragrance combines the freshness of unripe fruit with melon and exotic papaya notes, creating a unique and special sensory experience.

Q8. Were there any particularly memorable episodes during the preparation of this kit?

A8. After releasing the 144-note perfumery base kit, we recognized the need for a basic kit or themed kits that would allow beginners to approach perfumery more easily. Going forward, CW plans not only to offer perfumery base kits but also natural ingredient kits for perfumery use, as well as curated chemical kits featuring more specialized materials. Our goal is to expand the lineup into a step-by-step and theme-based system that can be widely utilized by everyone from beginners to professional perfumers

Q9. Lastly, what message would you like to share with those experiencing this kit for the first time, as well as with those who have been using your kits?

A9. For those encountering this kit for the first time, I hope it serves as a starting point to discover the joy of exploring fragrances and the possibilities of perfumery. May small experiments lead to creative outcomes, and may your own stories be expressed through scent along the way. I would also like to sincerely thank everyone who has long supported CW kits. When we first launched the perfumery bases in 2016, we did not anticipate receiving such widespread appreciation and support. Thanks to all of you who have learned through and applied CW kits in your perfumery practice, CW has gained immense fulfillment and gratitude. We hope you will continue to provide feedback and suggestions on the new fragrances we are introducing, and we promise to always listen attentively to your valuable opinions. Thank you.

This content is copyrighted by Chromaworks Inc. and may not be used commercially without permission.

DIY Items

Perfumery Atlas Kit

Perfumery Atlas Kit: 01 Aromatic

1 Set × 1 EA

83.38 (USD)
Perfumery Atlas Kit: 02 Green

1 Set × 1 EA

73.62 (USD)
Perfumery Atlas Kit: 03 Citrus

1 Set × 1 EA

74.38 (USD)
Perfumery Atlas Kit: 04 Fruity

1 Set × 1 EA

65.85 (USD)
Perfumery Atlas Kit: 05 Floral

1 Set × 1 EA

72.00 (USD)
Perfumery Atlas Kit: 06 Floral

1 Set × 1 EA

79.31 (USD)
Perfumery Atlas Kit: 07 Spicy/Anisic

1 Set × 1 EA

88.15 (USD)
Perfumery Atlas Kit: 08 Woody

1 Set × 1 EA

79.08 (USD)
Perfumery Atlas Kit: 09 Balsamic

1 Set × 1 EA

83.92 (USD)
Perfumery Atlas Kit: 10 Animalic

1 Set × 1 EA

84.54 (USD)
Perfumery Atlas Kit: 11 Modern

1 Set × 1 EA

72.46 (USD)
Perfumery Atlas Kit: 12 Modern

1 Set × 1 EA

67.85 (USD)
Perfumery Atlas Kit (All 12 kits 144 Notes)

1 Set × 1 EA

877.69 (USD)

[CEO Interview]
Behind the Launch of the ‘Perfumery Atlas Kit’

Starting the Interview...

Q1. Hello, CEO. Could you please give a brief greeting and tell us the background behind planning the ‘Perfumery Atlas Kit’?

Q2. What is the meaning behind the name ‘Perfumery Atlas’?

Q3. Compared to previous perfumery base kits, what sets the new ‘Perfumery Atlas’ apart?

Q4. What was the main focus when assembling the kit?

Q5. Were there any particularly memorable episodes during the preparation of this kit?

Q6. How has CW internally evaluated the Perfumery Atlas Kit?

Q7. If you were to choose one fragrance you feel most attached to, which would it be?

Q8. Were there any particularly memorable episodes during the preparation of this kit?

Q9. Lastly, what message would you like to share with those experiencing this kit for the first time, as well as with those who have been using your kits?

DIY Items

Recommended Items

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[CEO Interview] Behind the Launch of the ‘Perfumery Atlas Kit’

[CEO Interview]Behind the Launch of the ‘Perfumery Atlas Kit’

Starting the Interview...

Q1. Hello, CEO. Could you please give a brief greeting and tell us the background behind planning the ‘Perfumery Atlas Kit’?

Q2. What is the meaning behind the name ‘Perfumery Atlas’?

Q3. Compared to previous perfumery base kits, what sets the new ‘Perfumery Atlas’ apart?

Q4. What was the main focus when assembling the kit?

Q5. Were there any particularly memorable episodes during the preparation of this kit?

Q6. How has CW internally evaluated the Perfumery Atlas Kit?

Q7. If you were to choose one fragrance you feel most attached to, which would it be?

Q8. Were there any particularly memorable episodes during the preparation of this kit?

Q9. Lastly, what message would you like to share with those experiencing this kit for the first time, as well as with those who have been using your kits?

DIY Items

Recommended Items

Related Products

[CEO Interview]
Behind the Launch of the ‘Perfumery Atlas Kit’