WOMEN

It was a couple of years ago when I used to smell a scent everywhere I went. It was in the shopping malls, elevators, corridors, doctor’s visits, university hallway, and dormitories. Surprisingly, even on the stands in our local stadium. Such was its widespread use. It was really fascinating, yet I was shy to ask women about their perfume. I thought people would find it weird and think I am a creep.

Working as an air hostess, you get to meet many different people on every single one of your journeys from one country to another. There are many people of various nationalities, races, colours, ethnicities etc., travelling across the globe, and you get to know a small part of them for the duration of the flight. Some of these people leave an impact on you because of their behaviour or personality. I had one such similar experience.

Starting off as a jewellery shop in Epirus, Greece, silversmith Sotirios Boulgaris’ eponymous brand, Bulgari (stylized as BVLGARI), has slowly and gradually become one of the most world-famous brands across the globe. As Bvlgari evolved, so did its range of products. The brand had started off with only jewelleries in its product portfolio. It grew bigger and tapped into various market segments, from watches and accessories to cosmetics and fragrances.

After having been away at college since the start of the new year, I returned home to spend time with my family during spring break. Upon my long-awaited return to my hometown, my mother presented me with a gift. It was a late birthday gift since she could not visit me due to her hectic work schedule. The present was a Versace fragrance named Bright Crystal.

I had attended a concert by the American singer Ariana Grande's Sweetener world tour. I heard two girls talk about how amazing the Cloud Eau de Parfum by Ariana Grande smelt during that concert. I did not pay much heed to that conversation until I was standing at an Ulta store a couple of days later and looking right at a bottle of the perfume mentioned above. On a whim, I purchased a 100ml bottle before leaving the store.

Going in for work that Monday, I had never expected to find all the staff waiting for me to arrive. I received hearty cheers and hugs from everyone. To say I was confused would be an understatement. I had no clue what had happened and what was causing everyone to congratulate me until my boss finally approached me with a white, sealed envelope. The letter inside declared me to be the new finance department manager.