Meet YASSA (CologneTalk), currently living in Phoenix, Arizona, where he’s been for the past three years. Before that, he spent twelve years in California. Originally from Cairo, Egypt, Yassa is of Middle Eastern descent. His passion is fragrance content creation and photography, which he hopes to pursue full-time. Read on to discover how Yassa’s interest in perfumery began, his favorite notes, the unique aspects of his work, and his thoughts on ScentXplore, along with the fragrances that have marked key moments in his life.
My interest in perfume began when I realized how deeply scents could evoke nostalgia. The experience of revisiting fragrances tied to old memories felt like stepping back in time, a pleasant way to relive moments from the past. Whether a scent reminded me of a special trip or a meaningful occasion, it became a way to transport myself mentally. Another thing that drew me to fragrance was the compliments I received. It boosted my confidence and made me feel more connected to those around me. Wearing a fragrance made my presence in a room more noticeable, enhancing not only how I felt about myself but how others perceived me.
My favorite notes are Vanilla, Fig, Honey, Caramel satisfy my sweet tooth needs! Rum, Cognac, for the warmth and richness in a scent. Coconut, giving the sense of a tropical/vacation feeling. Tobacco, Oud, Frankincense: smoky, dark, earthy feeling, make a fragrance more mysterious and cozier, with a nice complex/depth factor.
I became a fragrance content creator because I’d always wanted to dive into social media, and combining that with my love for fragrances just made sense. Fragrances are my passion, and after seeing others create content in this space, I thought, “I can do this too.” I used to talk endlessly to my family about fragrances, but no one shared my level of interest. That’s when I realized I needed to connect with others who were just as passionate as I am. By creating fragrance content, I hoped to build a community where I could share my love for scents and provide knowledge to those who needed it!
The unique aspect of my work is how much I focus on quality. I want my videos to not only inform but also be visually pleasing, so viewers can enjoy the experience from start to finish. Another reason I prioritize quality is to inspire others who are creating fragrance content, showing that you can deliver great reviews while also paying attention to how your content looks. I’m also passionate about photographing fragrances, which is another creative outlet for me. It’s a way to capture the essence of a scent and showcase its beauty through my own artistic lens.
The best aspect of ScentXplore is how it teleports you away to a whole new world of scents. You get to dive into a bunch of fragrances and brands you might not have tried otherwise. And the best part? You’re surrounded by people who get just how much you love fragrances, so there’s no judgment, just shared passion. It’s a great way to make new friends and create awesome and unforgettable memories.
YASSA’S LIFETIME SCENTS
Smoking Hot by Kilian
This fragrance always takes me back to my very first trip to New York. I discovered it at the stunning Kilian boutique, which was my very first ever visit to a fragrance boutique. Its scent always takes me back to the chilly cool air of New York during that time and is forever tied to the excitement of attending Scentxplore, my first fragrance event.It’s more than just a fragrance to me—it’s a lasting reminder of a moment that shaped my journey.
Via Cavour 1 by Xerjoff
This fragrance is deeply connected to my trip to Italy, where I attended the Esxence fragrance event. During that visit, I discovered that my favorite brand, Xerjoff, had a boutique in the city—a place I had always dreamed of visiting since there are no Xerjoff boutiques in the U.S. It felt like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, so I couldn’t leave without purchasing a scent to mark the occasion. Via Cavour 1 became the perfect choice. Now, each time I smell it, I’m transported back to that unforgettable moment in Italy, standing in the boutique of my dreams.
Acqua di Giò Profondo by Giorgio Armani
This fragrance captures my time living in Florida. Its fresh, aquatic notes were the perfect match for the hot, sunny weather and trips to the beach. Out of the 5-10 fragrances I brought with me during my 3-4 months there, Acqua di Giò Profondo became my go-to scent. Its refreshing vibe felt like a natural fit for the coastal lifestyle, and now, every time I smell it, I’m reminded of those days spent by the ocean and under the Florida sun.
Gris Charnel Extrait by BDK Parfums
Saying I was shocked when I first smelled this fragrance is an understatement. I bought it blind, having never tried it before, and it was also my first experience with a tea note in a fragrance. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but from the very first sniff, I was hooked. The scent felt so distinctive, full of depth and character, and in that moment, it instantly became one of my all-time favorites. Its richness and uniqueness make it truly special to me.
Voyage by Nautica
This was my very first fragrance, gifted to me as a welcome-home present after my time in the hospital. It carries a flood of memories—both the tough ones of being hospitalized and the relief of hearing doctors say I was lucky to be alive. I vividly remember coming home, seeing the gift, and trying it for the first time. The scent was incredible, and from that moment, my fragrance journey truly began. Nautica Voyage symbolizes both a challenging chapter and a triumphant new beginning in my life.
Aventus by Creed
This was my first niche fragrance, and the one everyone on social media seemed to be raving about. I wanted it for so long but couldn’t justify the price. After a few solid paychecks, I decided to treat myself, and Aventus was the prize. When I got it, I wore it non-stop for two straight weeks and had to hold back from using the entire bottle too quickly! This fragrance sparked my deep love for niche scents, and it’s the reason I fell into the world of higher end perfumery.
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(image credits: Yassa)
