Ever since I can remember, I have been captivated by the enchanting world of fragrances – an olfactory realm where scents intertwine to create a symphony of emotions. My journey into the realm of perfumes began with a simple encounter, a flirtation with the aromatic notes of a renowned brand - a fruity concoction that sparked the beginning of a lifelong fascination.
In my youthful days, when financial constraints restricted my ability to indulge in this aromatic passion, I found solace in the dream of possessing a bottle of Polo Black. Little did I know that this desire would evolve into a creative endeavor. With limited funds, I began crafting my own fragrances, blending scents that resonated with my soul. The culmination of this experimentation birthed a newfound passion, and I embarked on a quest to collect an array of fragrances.
As my knowledge of perfumery expanded, I started experimenting with unique blends, pushing the boundaries of traditional scents. The moment of transformation occurred when I decided to share my creations with friends, initially hesitant and uncertain of their reception. To my surprise, the response was overwhelming, and requests to purchase my bespoke fragrances began pouring in.
Encouraged by this positive feedback, I took the plunge into selling my creations, introducing them to a wider audience. What started as a personal passion project soon blossomed into a flourishing business. The demand for my distinctive scents soared, and I found myself dedicating countless hours to perfecting each formula. The intricate process involved in crafting a fragrance, coupled with the months it took for the scents to mature, only deepened my love for this art form.
My signature creations became a symbol of self-expression, a testament to my journey of passion and perseverance. Beyond the allure of aromas, my fragrances embody a commitment to inclusivity, designed to be cherished by individuals of all genders. In the essence of true equality, I wanted my creations to transcend societal norms and appeal to the diverse beauty of every individual.
I have been a victim of sexual harassment, and unfortunately, being male often means not receiving the same support as females in such situations. Not long ago, I took off my shirt at the seaside during the daytime, holding my favorite book written by Adam Grant. Wearing shorts, I intended to sunbathe on the beach in Koh Samet, Rayong Province, Thailand.
To my dismay, I was harassed by a man I had never met before. Unwanted advances escalated to threats, as he touched my body without consent. Despite my resistance, he persisted, following me and falsely claiming that my decision to go shirtless demonstrated a willingness to expose myself to anyone.
That incident left an indelible mark on me, forever instilling paranoia about revealing my body on the beach. The fear culminated in a panic attack, leaving me feeling afraid and vulnerable. My soft voice, a characteristic of my male identity, questioned why males are subjected to non-consensual body contact. I firmly believe such behavior is unacceptable, irrespective of gender.
This is a photograph taken on the day of the incident, depicting the outfit I was wearing.
Despite my motto, "My body my choice," I long for the simple freedom to walk on the beach like any normal person. Consent should be paramount, and those I don't consent to should have no right to my body. Discovering the transformative power of perfume, I resolved to break down gender barriers through my creations. Hence, all my fragrances are designed to be gender-neutral, ensuring everyone can enjoy them, regardless of gender.
I established this brand to be a social voice advocating for gender equality on all fronts, including cases like mine where voices are often disregarded or normalized. I am committed to using the image of a multi-colored butterfly in flight as a symbol. Each color represents the diversity of people, all beautiful in their unique ways. Flight signifies freedom, with the butterfly embodying beauty without harm—a testament to the freedom and beauty we all deserve.
This fragrant journey, marked by its ebbs and flows, has become an integral part of my identity. As I share my story on this olfactory adventure, I hope to inspire others to embrace their passions, break barriers, and find beauty in the art of fragrance. Each bottle I create carries not just scents but a narrative of resilience, creativity, and the enduring pursuit of one's aromatic dreams.
Written by - Aaron Sukphodee
