Skin Anarchy Podcast Summary

Episode Title: Reframing Our Relationship With Time Through Fragrance With Linen Tutu
Host: Dr. Ekta
Guest: Daniela Carrasco, Founder of Linen Tutu
Release Date: May 9, 2025

Introduction to Linen Tutu and Daniela Carrasco

In this insightful episode of Skin Anarchy, host Dr. Ekta welcomes Daniela Carrasco, the visionary founder behind the niche fragrance brand Linen Tutu. Ekta expresses her admiration for Linen Tutu, highlighting the brand's luxurious and meticulously crafted fragrances. The conversation sets the stage for an in-depth exploration of how Linen Tutu's fragrances intertwine with the human perception of time.

Ekta introduces Daniela:
"[00:01] Ekta: [...] I want to introduce you guys to the founder of Linen Tutu, Daniela Carrasco. Welcome, Daniela. I'm so honored to host you."

Daniela responds with gratitude:
"[00:37] Daniela Carrasco: Oh, thank you so much. I'm so happy to be here. Big fan of the podcast and I appreciate all the kind words."

Daniela's Journey into Aromatherapy and Perfumery

Daniela shares her personal journey from battling anxiety to discovering the therapeutic power of scent through aromatherapy. Her initial foray into aromatherapy provided her with a sanctuary and a means to focus during challenging times. This profound experience ignited her passion for exploring the science behind aromas and their psychological effects.

Daniela discusses her background:
"[01:17] Daniela Carrasco: [...] my anxiety was at an all-time high. [...] immersing in an aromatic material, I finally understand that it's the only way I can actually [...] be present and focused."

She emphasizes the scientific underpinnings of aromatherapy, dispelling common misconceptions and highlighting its structured, clinically-backed approach to influencing mood and well-being.

Ekta reinforces the scientific aspect:
"[03:01] Ekta: [...] aromatic substances can have on mood, on how you feel. [...] aromatherapy gets kind of misconstrued [...] it's much more structured than what we realize."

Transition to Perfumery: The Birth of Linen Tutu

Daniela recounts her transition from aromatherapy to perfumery, driven by her desire to delve deeper into the emotional and aesthetic dimensions of scent. Despite the lack of formal perfumery programs in the US, she leveraged various resources and eventually found a supportive environment at Parsons School of Design, which allowed her to formally study multisensory design with a focus on olfaction.

Daniela on her education journey:
"[05:23] Daniela Carrasco: [...] I found a program at Parsons School of Design. [...] it was a structured learning environment [...] it was really transformational for me."

Ekta draws parallels between perfumery and classical art education, underscoring the necessity of a nuanced, artistic approach to creating complex and emotionally resonant fragrances.

Ekta on the artistry in perfumery:
"[07:26] Ekta: [...] fragrance is not any other beauty category. It's like when you're painting [...] you almost do need this classical kind of art background."

The Concept Behind Linen Tutu's Collection

Daniela elaborates on Linen Tutu's debut collection, which comprises four fragrances—Up At1, Hearsay at3, Lately at5, and Afterthought at7—each representing different facets of the human relationship with time: anticipation, individual presence, connected presence, and reflection, respectively.

Daniela explains the collection:
"[12:18] Daniela Carrasco: So the collection, the debut collection, is four fragrances. [...] Each fragrance represents the human relationship with time."

She describes how each scent encapsulates these temporal experiences by balancing invigorating (stimulant) and calming (sedative) aromatic notes, mirroring the complexities of human emotions and interactions with time.

Ekta connects her personal experience with the fragrance Afterthought:
"[15:02] Ekta: [...] Afterthought is supposed to be, I think, a marine scent. [...] it allows for the other notes to really come through [...] it takes me on an emotional ride."

Philosophical Underpinnings: Time and Emotion in Fragrance

The dialogue delves into the philosophical exploration of time—how humans perceive and relate to its passage—and how this is artistically translated into fragrance. Daniela aims to transform the often-stressful perception of time into a source of awareness and empowerment through her scents.

Daniela on the inspiration behind the fragrances:
"[18:11] Daniela Carrasco: [...] I wanted to reclaim that and transform it into a source of awareness or even a source of empowerment."

Ekta expands on the fluidity of time and its subjective experience, appreciating how Linen Tutu's fragrances encapsulate these intangible emotions and moments.

Ekta on the perception of time:
"[22:35] Ekta: [...] time is so closely tied to our own mortality [...] fragrance has so much strength [...] it pulls someone in and you'll really experience presence."

Formulation Challenges: Embracing Botanicals and Sustainability

Daniela discusses the challenges of formulating fragrances using exclusively botanical ingredients. She emphasizes that "botanical doesn't mean inherently sustainable," highlighting the importance of responsible sourcing and renewability. Additionally, she touches on the restrictions of a bio-based, biorenewable palette, which, while limiting creative freedom, also serves as a catalyst for innovative blending and formulation.

Daniela on formulation challenges:
"[23:29] Daniela Carrasco: [...] one major challenge is that botanical doesn't mean inherently sustainable. [...] another is palette restriction. [...] it's a restriction on how you formulate, how you create what you're using in each of the fragrances."

She also mentions the advent of bio-based aroma molecules derived from renewable resources, such as sugar cane fermentation, which broadens the palette for natural perfumery.

Ekta on the future of biotechnology in fragrance:
"[27:35] Ekta: [...] biotechnology is the future [...] if we could figure out how to do that in a sustainable way in a lab, that would be amazing."

Creativity Through Constraints: Finding Inspiration in Limitations

Despite the initial challenges, Daniela finds inspiration in the constraints imposed by her commitment to botanicals and sustainability. She likens the process to artistry, where limitations often spur greater creativity and innovation.

Daniela on creativity within constraints:
"[32:37] Daniela Carrasco: [...] I have to ride the wave. [...] control can also be a barrier to creativity. By relinquishing some control, I can explore creative territories that I wouldn't have otherwise."

Future Endeavors: Expanding Linen Tutu's Horizons

Looking ahead, Daniela hints at future projects beyond the initial collection, focusing on conceptual inspiration rather than following trends. She also announces an upcoming limited edition seasonal body oil, "Lavender Cookie," inspired by her trip to the South of France, which blends lavender with edible notes like lemon peel and candied ginger.

Daniela on upcoming projects:
"[35:14] Daniela Carrasco: [...] next week we’re launching a limited edition seasonal body oil called Lavender Cookie. [...] it's inspired by a trip to the south of France [...] it lends itself to self-care."

Ekta praises the brand's approach to limited releases, drawing a comparison to vintage wines, and appreciates the collectibility and emotional resonance these limited editions offer to consumers.

Ekta on the value of limited editions:
"[38:40] Ekta: [...] that adds to the collectibility of fragrances. [...] it's really unique [...] when I talk about niche fragrances with people, it feels more special."

Conclusion: A Harmonious Blend of Science, Art, and Emotion

The episode concludes with mutual appreciation between Ekta and Daniela for the thoughtful and emotionally charged approach Linen Tutu brings to the fragrance industry. Ekta lauds the brand for its precision, creativity, and ability to craft scents that evoke profound personal experiences.

Daniela expresses appreciation:
"[35:18] Daniela Carrasco: That means a lot. But that went straight to the heart."

Ekta wraps up with admiration:
"[40:19] Ekta: [...] I love finding scents that reflect something so precise and lived-in. Your fragrances have that unique lingering quality that makes them stand out."

Daniela signs off by emphasizing the pleasure of the conversation, and Ekta encourages listeners to subscribe and engage with Skin Anarchy across various platforms for more enriching discussions.

Notable Quotes:

• Daniela Carrasco on aromatherapy's impact:
  "[01:17] [...] immersing in an aromatic material, I finally understand that it's the only way I can actually [...] be present and focused."

• Ekta on the artistry of perfumery:
  "[07:26] Ekta: [...] fragrance is not any other beauty category. It's like when you're painting [...] you almost do need this classical kind of art background."

• Daniela on reclaiming the perception of time:
  "[18:11] Daniela Carrasco: [...] I wanted to reclaim that and transform it into a source of awareness or even a source of empowerment."

• Ekta on the power of fragrance:
  "[22:35] Ekta: [...] fragrance has so much strength [...] it pulls someone in and you'll really experience presence."

• Daniela on creativity through constraints:
  "[32:37] Daniela Carrasco: [...] control can also be a barrier to creativity. By relinquishing some control, I can explore creative territories that I wouldn't have otherwise."

This episode of Skin Anarchy offers a profound exploration of how fragrance can serve as a medium to navigate and reinterpret our complex relationship with time. Daniela Carrasco's Linen Tutu exemplifies the harmonious blend of scientific understanding, artistic expression, and emotional depth, making it a standout in the niche fragrance landscape.