We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Mindy Yang. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Mindy below.
Mindy, appreciate you joining us today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.
Innovation, by definition, means venturing into the unknown. When you’re creating something that’s never existed before, there’s no roadmap—just vision, research, and the courage to act. That’s both the thrill and the challenge.
One of the biggest risks I’ve taken was walking away from a stable path to build something entirely new—Perfumarie. The fragrance industry was deeply traditional and gatekept, leaving little room for true experimentation. I saw an opportunity to change that by creating a multi-sensory incubator—an ecosystem where independent creators and emerging brands could conduct market research while, as an agency, we developed products, strategies, and experiences to refine and launch their proof of concept. But this model had no precedent—no guarantee it would work. Leaning into our collective vision and expertise, the Founders had to take a leap of faith.
People told me it was too risky. They asked, ‘Who will invest in something so untested?’ But when your vision is clear, fear can’t be the deciding factor. Research, deep listening, and insights matter—but at some point, you have to trust your instincts and jump.
I bootstrapped, built a community, and iterated in real time. There were moments of doubt, but the risk paid off—Perfumarie became a proving ground for sensory innovation, and the brands that came through our doors made waves in the industry.
Innovation isn’t just about having great ideas. It’s about having the courage to act on them—before the rest of the world catches up.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I am an entrepreneur, innovator, and sensory strategist passionate about the intersection of scent, taste, technology, and human experience. My career has been a journey across multiple disciplines—from fine fragrance to consumer insights, neuromarketing, and AI-driven sensory personalization. I thrive at the edge of what’s possible, where science, creativity, and commerce meet.
I founded Perfumarie, a multi-sensory incubator and experiential agency that reimagines how brands develop, test, and launch products. Traditional industries like fragrance, food, and beverage have long been inaccessible to emerging creators. Perfumarie was born from the idea that innovation thrives in collaboration. We provide a platform for independent creators, global brands, and research institutions to explore new concepts in scent, taste, and well-being. Whether through blind sensory testing, market research, or product development, we help brands turn their boldest ideas into reality.
Beyond Perfumarie, I’m deeply invested in sensory science and innovation. I co-founded the World Taste & Smell Association (WTSA at TasteAndSmell.org) to advance access, education, research, and advocacy around sensory perception. Additionally, my work in AI and retronasal diagnostics is pushing the boundaries of how we can use scent and taste for health and human performance.
What sets me apart is my ability to bridge disciplines—melding art, science, technology, and sensory storytelling to create immersive experiences. I don’t just develop products; I design moments that resonate on a deeper, human level.
What I’m most proud of? The brands, creators, and innovators I’ve had the privilege of mentoring and collaborating with. My work isn’t just about making things—it’s about empowering people to challenge the status quo, think differently, and create with purpose.
If there’s one thing I want people to know about me, it’s that I build for the future. Whether through sensory innovation, product development, or storytelling, I’m constantly exploring new frontiers—because the best ideas are the ones we haven’t thought of yet.
Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?
Beyond training and knowledge, three key factors are essential for success in my field:
1. Curiosity & Adaptability
Innovation requires relentless curiosity—constantly questioning how things work and how they can be improved. In the world of sensory science, fragrance, and AI-driven personalization, everything is evolving. What works today may be irrelevant tomorrow. The ability to adapt, experiment, and stay ahead of trends is what separates pioneers from followers.
2. Resilience & Risk-Taking
Creating something new means facing rejection, skepticism, and setbacks. In industries like fragrance, taste, and AI-driven sensory solutions, traditional gatekeepers often resist change. Success requires the courage to take risks, fail, learn, and iterate. The biggest breakthroughs come from those who dare to challenge norms.
3. Empathy & Human-Centric Thinking
At the heart of my work is human experience—how people feel, perceive, and connect with products, brands, and environments. The best innovators deeply understand people’s needs, emotions, and behaviors. Whether designing a fragrance, a functional beverage, or an AI-powered sensory experience, the ability to listen, observe, and create with empathy is invaluable.
Knowledge is important, but success comes from mindset. Stay curious, be bold, and always put people at the center of innovation.
If you could go back in time, do you think you would have chosen a different profession or specialty?
Absolutely! I wouldn’t change a thing. My journey has been anything but linear, but that’s what makes it so fulfilling. I get to apply every skill I’ve acquired along the way—from sensory science and branding to AI-driven innovation and neuromarketing—while continuously sharpening my conceptual and strategic thinking.
What excites me most is that my work is never stagnant. I thrive in the intersection of art, science, business, and human experience, constantly pushing boundaries and exploring uncharted territories. Whether it’s developing a new product, crafting a multi-sensory brand experience, or pioneering research in taste and smell, each project is an opportunity to innovate, challenge norms, and build something that doesn’t yet exist.
As a consultant, the owner of an agency, a nonprofit leader, and a research regenerative farm founder, I have everything I need to be a great performance coach and management advisor. I get to lean into my technical skills, my superpower for identifying opportunities, and unparalleled access across industries to help my clients succeed. With decades of experience, I don’t just advise from theory—I’ve built, scaled, and innovated firsthand.
I’m grateful for the freedom to create, collaborate, and problem-solve in deeply personal and globally impactful ways. My work isn’t just about products or businesses—it’s about shaping how people experience the world. And I wouldn’t trade that for anything.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://mindyyang.info
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/godolcevita
- Facebook: @GoDolceVita
- Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/mindyyang
- Twitter: @GoDolceVita
