Why I left physiology to make perfumes - Prof Lambo's son

Why I left physiology to make perfumes - Prof Lambo's son

Abayomi Olugbemi Lambo is the son of the famous professor of psychiatry, Thomas Adeoye Lambo. As a child Abayomi wanted to read medicine and possibly follow in his father's footsteps but he ended up studying physiology instead.

But now, he makes perfumes and writes songs. In this interview with Legit.ng, Abayomi talks about he developed an interest in perfumery and why despite his success, he still runs his laboratory out Ibadan. He is currently the CEO of his own company, Scents Design Nigeria Limited as well as head of creative, fragrance development.

Why I left physiology to make perfumes - Prof Lambo's son
Abayomi Lambo

Tell us about yourself.

I’m Abayomi Olugbemi Lambo, I’m a perfumer based in Ibadan. I was born into the family of Professor Thomas Adeoye Lambo, a professor of psychiatry and Mrs Ebun Lambo, a retired matron. I studied a physiology at the University of Ibadan. Growing up, my parents encouraged my curiosity in science and in my Secondary School, International School Ibadan the atmosphere of creativity and self expression was key in building confidence I would need latter in life.

You studied physiology, why? Do you still practice?

I actually wanted to read medicine at first (though I’m now glad I didn’t!). I wanted to be a creative yet science based field but didn’t know much about perfumery then. When I started my course in physiology little did I realize I would still use it in my chosen career.

Actuallly there’s a lot of physiology in perfumery. A perfumer first must have a base in a science field first, usually biochemistry, physiology, and chemistry (preferably) or even pharmacy. The physiological aspects of perfumery include olfaction i.e The study of how humans smell, olfaction detection there should i.e the point at which human can easily detect specific odors measured in my per litre of air and so on. So yes I still practice!

How did you develop an interest in perfumery? What training, if any, did you undergo in this area?

Perfumery is a marriage of science and art. It is a scientific yet also a creative field. I have always had an interest in science yet I have a creative artistic side. I write songs, for instance) Perfumery Satisfies both aspects of my personality, besides I have always been fascinated by scents. At first I was largely self taught and later received considerable help from colleagues in larger international companies. In this field you have to keep learning both from others and also by constant experimenting and self development.

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When you created your lab, was it to indulge your hobby or did you foresee commercializing it?

Once I was caught by the perfume bug, there was no turning back. The laboratory wasn’t to indulge in a hobby but a step in actualizing a union for a world class fragrance company… Nigerian company, world class spirit.

How easy was it starting up your business?

It wasn’t easy at all. First I had to find suppliers for everything, packaging, chemicals and botanical. Then I had to find, staff, systems etc, but because I had a vision in my heart, I was prepared to work through the challenges, a day at a time.

What were the challenges you faced running a scent-making business from Ibadan? Did you feel any pressure to move to Lagos (or did you move some of the business to Lagos?)

Ibadan is a lovely place to have a perfume manufacturing outfit or any manufacturing company for that matter. The overheads are lower and because it’s a calmer, more peaceful environment, the creative juices flow much more easily. Lagos is hurried and more stressful however the business climate is much better. My biggest clients are in Lagos though and we intend to set up a sales centre perfumery in Lagos but the creative laboratory, factory etc will still be in Ibadan.

Who are you biggest clients locally and internationally?

We have both individual and corporate clients. People who want unique fragrance for personal use as well as corporate clients with their own fragrance brands. One of our fastest growing clients is the Eternal Gems brands with outlets in Nigeria and one in the U.K. They make lovely jewelry and have 15 different perfumes from us. We are working presently with 2 large interior designs brands in Lagos on their room fragrances but I won’t mention them now… when their collection are launched, we would make their identities known. We are also working with a soap manufacturer on a unique scent for their soap. The company again is based in Lagos.

What does it entail to create a scent?

While a good sense of smell is important for a perfumer, it alone is not enough to be a creator of scents; like perfect vision cannot turn one into an artist! You need a certain Aesthetic sense, a sensibility. An ability to imagine combinations of essence in your mind. An ability to ‘smell’ in your head. You need also scientific knowledge of various raw materials both synthetic of various raw materials both synthetic and natural and how they might react when put together. A good knowledge of human psychology is important so you can create the night scent for an appropriate audience.

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Apart from flowers, what other materials can one create scents from?

Apart from essence directly derived from natural flowers, the scent of roots, barks, woods, spices, fruits, leaves, herbs and some essence like Ambergris derived from the sperm whale are used. Synthetic molecules not found in nature and some scent molecules naturally occurring but recreated in the perfumers’ Labs are also used.

Why I left physiology to make perfumes - Prof Lambo's son
Perfumes by Abayomi Lambo

What is your favourite scent, that you or someone else created and why?

That’s a very interesting question! I have my personal favorites from my creations. Under the Perfumes Lambo brand, Fresh Love in Bloom, the perfume my wife wore on our wedding day is still one of my favorites. It wouldn't be fair to pick out favorites really from creations for external brands though!

As for perfumes I did not create, I love a lot of the classic fragrances: Shalimor from Guerlain, for it’s contrasts, fresh and sensual, cool yet warm, light and darkness. Also Amarige from Givenchy, Estee Lauder’s Knowing and Calvin Klein's Eternity for women. Male scents I did not create but love, Safari for men by Ralph Lauren, One Million Gold by Paco Rabanne and a host of fragrances by Tom Ford.

If someone were to follow in your footsteps, what basic tools would they need?

They would need a functional laboratory distillation equipment and quality control equipment. If they are planning to also manufacture some of their synthetic components, they would need both equipment and skills in biotechnology.

What advice would you give to young entrepreneurs and young people in general?

My advice to young entrepreneurs is that, they should not expect instant success. They should work hard and be willing to endure tough times. They should cultivate the principle of accountability. My advice to young people in general: Do Not Waste Your Youth! Invest your time and energy in worthwhile things; get to know yourself, and what you are good at. Have a relationship with your creator.

Source: Legit.ng

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