In this episode of The Dirty Heifers Podcast, Margaret, Jessie, and Shauna sit down with the fabulous Isabele (“Izzie”) Vezeau from Aromatic Fragrances International (AFI) to sniff out the truth about fragrance oils. Ever wonder how scents are made? Or what it takes to dupe your favorite Bath & Body Works candle? We’re talking fragrance science, scent notes, custom blends, and all the behind-the-scenes drama of the fragrance world.

Izzie spills the beans (and oils) on the challenges fragrance houses face—from supply chain chaos to picky makers who don’t test their products—and clears up some common misconceptions. We dive into the mystical world of top, middle, and base notes, how fragrances behave differently in soap vs. candles, and what goes into creating a custom signature scent.

You’ll also hear about unusual requests, scent duplication secrets, fragrance marketing tips, and what trends are heating up in 2025. Plus—don’t miss our Word of the Week, some classic Heifer banter, and a big announcement about a contest hosted by our friend July at Winston and Walter Artisanal (with us Heifers as the judges).

If you’re a soap maker, candle maker, or small business owner trying to make your products smell irresistible—this episode is your new best friend.