Some team experiences stay with people long after the moment has passed.
Not because they were loud or high energy, but because they created a genuine shift. A sense of connection. A moment to pause, reflect and engage in something different together.
When Zara reached out to explore a perfume-making workshop for their team kick-off, the intention was clear. To create an experience that felt meaningful, immersive and aligned to their theme of Back to Basics.
The Vision
The workshop was held at The Calyx in the Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney. A beautiful, light-filled space surrounded by nature.
Zara brought together 47 of their regional managers for a team kick-off event. A moment to reconnect, align and step into the year ahead together.
They were looking for an experience that would support this. Something that would move beyond a standard activity and create a shared moment for the group. And an experience to connect with their BACK TO BASICS theme.
From the beginning, it was important that the experience felt intentional. Grounded. Human.
The Experience
We designed a 1.5-hour natural perfume-making workshop that flowed seamlessly within their event.
As the session began, I guided the group into the world of scent. Sharing stories of perfume through history, and weaving in subtle references to Spain’s rich scented history to reflect Zara’s heritage.
This created an immediate sense of engagement. The room softened. People leaned in.
From there, we moved into the hands-on experience.
Each table was set with a curated palette of 100% natural botanical oils. Participants explored the scents, reflected on what resonated, and began creating their own personalised perfumes.
There was a balance between structure and freedom. Clear guidance, with space for creativity.
As I moved through the room, supporting each person, the energy continued to build. Conversations opened up. Laughter. Curiosity. A sense of ease.
Within the 1.5-hour window, all 47 participants created their own signature scent, bottled in a 9ml roll-on to take home.
The session closed smoothly, allowing the team to transition straight into the next part of their day.
The Impact
What stood out most was the ripple effect.
The experience didn’t end when the session finished.
The following day, the team were still talking about it. Reapplying their perfumes. Sharing what they had created. Carrying the experience with them.
Lonelle shared afterwards:
“The experience you created for the team was something really special. Your facilitation was honestly a standout. The way you wove in stories added so much depth and made it feel really immersive rather than just an activity.”
There was also a clear desire to expand the experience further across other teams.
For me, this is always the sign of something landing well. When it becomes part of the culture, not just a one-off moment.
You can get a sneak peak into this experience right here.
Work With Us
If you are planning a team event, offsite or leadership experience, scent offers a powerful way to bring people together.
A chance to step out of the everyday, connect in a different way, and create something lasting.
