My girlfriend and I got really into perfumes/colognes over the last year and a half or so, and we had started to say things like, "I wish someone would make a fragrance that combines X and Y," etc. so for my birthday, she surprised me with a custom fragrance certificate from NOVA. I was really excited!
When we first met Julia, we both knew this was going to be a really cool experience. I have to echo Grace D. that Julia is "AMAZING": immediately super knowledgeable but so great at making the intricacies and science really approachable and easy. We got to smell so many amazing things and start narrowing down the selection right away, and Julia was great at suggesting things similar to what I indicated initial interest in but that I might not have known about. She also was great at explaining when two notes would be too similar or wouldn't be optimal together; throughout the process she really helps you to make something better than you ever could have on your own.
The process itself is really interesting, as over several rounds you create many versions and variations and ultimately narrow it down to the final selection. Julia was so patient and generous during this process, especially nice if you're being a bit indecisive (as I was!) I should also point out that if you're lucky you might get to meet Osa the dog!
As for the final product, I am so, so pleased with the fragrance we came up with. It doesn't smell like any other cologne I've smelled, and perfectly encapsulates the sort of modern yet woodsy dryness I was aiming for, only better than I had imagined! the packaging is also excellent, rounding out the rest of the experience: excellent overall.
Chakra, the first ready-to-wear fragrance, is also highly recommended, and I think a great sign of things to come. In short: I can't recommend NOVA enough! read more