Interviewer: Joanna, can you tell us how your journey into the world of perfume began? 

Joanna: My journey started in my pre-teen years when I developed a fascination with different scents. I was particularly drawn to fresh, floral & aquatic notes, I kept wanting to find the next best “fresh” scent.. I ended up collecting bottles and bottles of random perfumes, body sprays, baby colognes from around the world. This significantly shaped my career in the beauty industry.

Interviewer: That's interesting! Were there any strong influences in your life that guided you towards this path?

Joanna: Absolutely! I was surrounded by strong, beautiful women in my family, which inspired me to explore and eventually pursue a career in beauty. 

Interviewer: In 2012, you had a pivotal encounter with a cosmetics brand founder. How did that change things for you?

Joanna: That meeting opened my eyes to the intricacies of the beauty world. Working as an assistant helped me gain essential knowledge in product formulation, sales, and marketing, which laid the foundation for my future in the industry.

Interviewer: Following that, you moved on to a corporate position. Could you share how that experience influenced you?

Joanna: In 2016, I joined a major beauty retailer, and it was an incredible opportunity. I thrived under the guidance of experienced executives, learning invaluable business skills that further fueled my passion for beauty.

Interviewer: Your creativity blossomed in 2018 when you started developing your own scents. Can you tell us more about that process?

Joanna: Yes! I started blending scents from a kit I bought and took classes to deepen my understanding. This experience inspired me to create my own perfume line, which included three unique fragrances featured in local shops in San Francisco.

Interviewer: It sounds like you adapted your business model during the pandemic. What led you to focus on solid perfumes?

Joanna: The pandemic shifted many aspects of life, including how we approach beauty. I decided to create solid perfumes with an eco-friendly approach, leading to the launch of SIXVINGT Parfum in 2021, featuring a refillable vessel and interchangeable scented discs.

Interviewer: That's innovative! You are now honing your skills in workshops. What are you aiming to achieve next?

Joanna: I'm currently attending workshops in Los Angeles and Grasse to refine my perfumery skills. I dream of teaching basic perfumery workshops to share my knowledge and passion with others someday !

Interviewer: And looking ahead to 2025, you’re launching a new brand inspired by your Filipina roots. Can you share what that means to you?

Joanna: This new line of spray perfumes draws from my heritage and cherished memories connected to the Philippines. It's a way for me to honor my roots and sort of preserve my family’s dying language, Kapampangan. I look forward to share these stories with my children while managing this tricoastal life with my husband. 

Interviewer: Thank you, Joanna! It’s been a pleasure hearing about your journey and your exciting plans for the future. 

Joanna: Thank you for having me! I'm excited to share this journey with everyone :)