Chica Boss: Meet Patricia Montelongo an expert latina perfumer who will teach you to customize your fragrance

Throughout Hispanic Heritage Month we have enjoyed sharing a series of special articles dedicated to highlighting outstanding Latino talents in the beauty industry. Today we tell the wonderful story of Patricia Montelongo, Executive Director of Education at Jo Malone London, whom we met during our wonderful visit to Estée Lauder Companies where we spoke with leaders in the beauty, hair and fragrance industry.

With her elegance, paused narrative and wonderful descriptions of intoxicating aromas, we learned throughout her unforgettable anecdotes amazing perfumery tips and tricks that can become invaluable when the time comes to find and apply your next fragrance.

Karina Muñoz

We are proud to have you here to celebrate this fantastic work you do. A dream come true for you, right?

Actually yes because I have been in the industry for many years and I was a fan of the company even before working for it. Jo Malone London's Amber Lavender was the first perfume I wore when I met my husband on a blind date, then I wore it the day we got married and also when my son was born.

Patricia Montelongo

This anecdote is a testament to the importance and meaning of fragrances in your life, especially as you grow up. Both of my parents are Mexican and growing up surrounded by aromas was a normal part of life. From the food, the fragrances that my father used were always masculine with a touch of musk and my mother used very floral and delicate scents. Working in the world of fragrances was part of my life's mission.

How did you get started in the perfume industry?

I started in a department store during the Christmas season. I was at the university studying Technology and Mathematics, my parents were very proud and supported me even with the change in direction of my career to the world of aromas.

That's how I dedicated myself to working and moving up little by little in the industry. I went to a special training and saw the instructor teach with such passion that I was inspired by her eloquence and pleasure in teaching people about fragrances, their beauty and their use.

Patricia Montelongo

There wasn't much Latin representation in the industry and I worked very hard to climb each step of the ladder to show who we are.

As a Latina you know that for us when it comes to fragrances, more is more, one is not enough. Why do you think this is so?

Each fragrance has a story and speaks about you. Every Jo Malone London perfume has something magical behind it and we always want to help you create your stories and show the world what you want and feel.

You have to learn how to smell a fragrance. The first thing is to identify if you like it or not, this immediately brings back memories and emotions. Then your mind tries to identify the aroma, because you want to use it and make it part of your life.

Karina Muñoz

At Jo Malone London the colognes have few ingredients because the secret is to be able to use several, one on top of the other, to complement or vary them as the day progresses, or as you change clothes or surroundings. Fragrances should be your life companions.

When looking for a perfume what should you keep in mind. Give us tricks!

The first thing is to look at what attracts you: Citrus aromas are fresher, fragrant flowers are sweeter or if you need something more intense, warm or rich wood or spices are an option. Think about what interests you and how this fragrance transforms your senses.

Then you decide: cool or warm and from there you start exploring. As soon as you find your aroma you can decide what to do with it: Intensify it, give it a more sensual or spicy touch. That's the fun thing about fragrances. It should be something very personal that can tell the story of who you are.

Kika Rocha

And the last and most important thing: Where and how should a fragrance be applied?

When you use perfume you should always put it in the warmest places on your body. Once you apply it, you should not rub it because doing so cancels out the first notes of the formula that costs us so much to devise and create. So don't rub it, press it gently. Behind the neck, the wrists, the knees. And to make it last even longer nothing better than spraying it on your hair.

Kika Rocha

For example, with this grapefruit fragrance you have the citrus trees of Spain, notes of pink pepper and vanilla, but if you want, you can add a spirited and warm touch by adding another cologne with a touch of forest sage and sea salt, which can evoke a walk along the British coast. At the beginning of the fragrance you feel something refined and mineral, you are transported to the beach, the breeze and your feet in the sand...So these two options together make a spiritual, heart-warming olfactory experience that begins with the passion of Spanish citrus.

This sensory experience that frames life's sublime moments can be recreated with all the aromas that attract your attention. Don't be afraid to try to delight yourself and turn a fragrance into your most essential and invisible accessory.

Thank you Patricia for teaching us to dream and wear, in addition to a perfume, a huge smile that says it all!