Véronique Nyberg
Born in the Swiss Alps, Véronique Nyberg’s love of scent began early, inspired by her grandmother’s botanical knowledge and the natural aromas of plants, wildflowers and the forest.
She went on to graduate with a PhD in Organic Chemistry, honing her skills as a quality controller in Grasse, France’s fragrant capital, gaining hands-on experience with the many ingredients on which the perfume world draws, for fragrance creation. Moving on to IFF (International Flavors & Fragrances), Véronique was trained mentored by the masterful Dominique Ropion, completing her qualifications and collaborating with him – and other stellar perfumers – on high-profile fragrances for Paco Rabanne, Calvin Klein, Jimmy Choo and Mugler. Today, she works as Vice President of Creation, Fine Fragrance EMEA, at MANE, one of the world’s most prestigious flavour and fragrance companies.
“‘In the evening, I’m constantly evaluating how a fragrance project evolves – how it breathes, changes, and develops on my skin’”
How does your day start?
My day begins at 6.30am with a cup of tea. My breakfast is a moment of simplicity and indulgence: a classic French tartine, a perfect slice of bread topped with blueberry jam. It's a quiet pleasure, setting the tone for the day ahead. The ritual is as comforting as it is satisfying, a small yet significant part of my morning routine.
Where do you work?
From my Paris office, newly opened in 2024 [in Levallois-Perret, just outside the city]. It’s a real sanctuary of light and inspiration. From the roof terrace we have the most magnificent views over Paris, all the way to the Eiffel Tower. The terrace itself is alive with fragrant plants, carefully chosen to reflect the elements of my perfumer’s palette. Inside, the space is bright and minimal, filled with objects that fuel my creativity — from raw materials to art books and vintage objects. It’s a place where clarity and imagination meet, where every detail encourages me to dive deeper into the world of fragrance.
How does your day break down?
My workday starts at 8.30 a.m. and quickly becomes busy with a variety of projects, each requiring a different focus. Whether I’m blending new accords, developing a fragrance concept, or refining an existing composition, the day is always dynamic and creative. By midday, I make a point to pause for lunch. Lunch isn’t just about eating: it’s a vital moment to step away from work, reset, and refuel, helping me return to the afternoon refreshed and ready to take on new creative challenges.
How many fragrances might you be working on at any one time?
Every day as a perfumer is different. I work on multiple projects at the same time, and my focus shifts depending on the day. One moment, I might be working on bold, masculine scents with woods and spices, and the next, I’m exploring softer, feminine notes for another project. I often blend the two, balancing masculine and feminine elements to create something unique. This is where niche fragrances stand out – the freedom to experiment and push boundaries. It’s all about staying adaptable and letting creativity guide the process.
How do you work?
My fragrances are born first in my mind – a spark of inspiration, a feeling, an idea. But I couldn’t be without my electronic notebook. It’s an essential part of my process. When I’m dreaming up a fragrance, I think through the idea, but I also need to capture it with words, sketches, and even photos. Writing and drawing allow me to process the creative vision fully. From there, I share everything with my assistant, who plays a vital role in bringing the ideas to life. We have a very dynamic relationship, working closely to refine and perfect each creation. It’s a collaborative rhythm that ensures every fragrance tells the story I imagined.
What kind of other inspirations do you look for, during your day?
Inspiration as a perfumer comes from many places, but during my working day I sometimes head home and take my lunch break there, to enjoy a moment of peace in my garden. Honestly, some of my most cherished moments are to be found in the quiet sanctuary of my garden – the scent of blooming flowers, fresh herbs, or even the earth after rain. It grounds me and recharges me.
Do you break for lunch – or eat at your desk?
When I’m not enjoying the peace and quiet of my garden, I really love connecting with my colleagues during lunchtime. Often, we’ll gather in the office cafeteria, bouncing ideas and sharing conversations. If the weather is kind, we take our lunch to the roof terrace, where the spectacular views over Paris are an incredible backdrop for inspiration.
Do you continue to think about the fragrances when you get home?
As a perfumer, the work most definitely doesn’t stop when I leave the lab; it follows me home. I wear the fragrances on my skin because it’s essential to experience them in a personal way. In the evening, I’m constantly evaluating how a project evolves – how it breathes, changes, and develops over time.
Even at home, inspiration can strike unexpectedly. I might be cooking in the kitchen or taking an evening walk through the city and an idea will strike. So it’s important that my notebook is always nearby, ready to capture those moments of clarity that might just transform a fragrance from good to unforgettable.
Do you need to be in a particular mood, to create?
I create my best fragrances when I am well-rested and feeling good within myself. For me, creativity flows in moments of calm, quiet, and peace. Once a week I like to work from home in my atelier. It’s a space that is entirely my own, where I can escape the noise and immerse myself in a more peaceful and creative environment. It’s still. I’m surrounded by my tools and inspirations. And it helps me find the clarity to dream, explore, and refine my work.
“‘There’s no magic formula that says more trials equal a more beautiful fragrance’”
How long does it take from concept to finished fragrance, in general?
On average, creating a fragrance can take anywhere from three months to three years, but in some cases, as long as five to 10 years. Each project has its own rhythm and requirements. Honestly, it depends on the project and the client. Some clients have tight timelines, driven by the speed to market or their internal process, while others allow for a more extended creative journey. Some like to conducting extensive testing, others to move quickly through development! So, there are no hard and fast rules.
Do you listen to music while you work, and if so, what?
When I work, I prefer silence. I don’t listen to music; instead, I like to be quiet and alone in my thoughts. The process of creating a fragrance is intricate and intuitive, requiring my full attention and a clear mind.
Is a moodboard helpful to you?
Photos, textures, and elements that engage all five senses bring a concept to life in a more tangible way. Even music, at the right moment, can spark inspiration and help set the tone for a fragrance. It’s about creating a complete atmosphere to guide the imagination.
What is the greatest number of modifications you’ve ever had to do, on a fragrance? And the least?
Every fragrance has its own personality – and its own level of stubbornness! I once worked on a project that took 5,500 trials to perfect, while another almost none were needed. But honestly, the numbers mean nothing. There’s no magic formula that says more trials equal a more beautiful fragrance. It’s not about the counting – it’s about the feeling, the soul of the scent. Sometimes, the best ideas arrive on the first try, and sometimes they like to keep you guessing!
What is the greatest number of modifications you’ve ever had to do, on a fragrance? And the least?
At MANE, we have an incredible library of over 5,000 materials to work with – an absolute treasure chest for creativity. From that, my regular palette includes around 1,500 materials that I know intimately and use most often. It’s like having a collection of trusted tools and rare gems, each one bringing something unique to the fragrances I create.
How much of your day (or perhaps week) is spent on your own work – creating new accords, etc.?
It really depends on the flow. Some days, inspiration strikes, and I’ll work on two or three different accords. Other days, it’s about stepping away to seek fresh ideas. Store checks, exhibitions, and interactions with other creative people and works are just as important as time in the lab.
For instance, this past weekend, I visited four different exhibitions that sparked ideas for new accords. Staying curious and engaging with new materials or perspectives fuels my creativity. Even with a raw material I’ve smelled 10,000 times, the next time I encounter it, I might see it differently, feel something new, and be inspired to tell a completely different story with it. That’s the beauty of perfumery; it’s ever evolving.
What is the one fragrance you wish you had created?
Chanel No.5. Imagine working alongside Coco Chanel herself on something so ahead of its time, drawing inspiration from the fashion and spirit of that era. What makes Chanel No. 5 so extraordinary is its daring. It broke every rule, introducing something bold and revolutionary, bursting with power, glamour and femininity.