“The connection I get from my clients and how positively my perfumes or customer service impact their lives is what I enjoy most about running a business”
Ana Sastrías is the founder and owner of AESastrias, an art and perfumery brand AESCreationNaturel.
At the end of 2016, Ana found herself grappling with loneliness when she mentally reconnected to a cherished childhood memory. She recalled a moment when her mother had adorned her for a special occasion, complete with a small bag containing a little sample of perfume that she was given by her aunties and friends of her mother. This memory ignited a profound passion for learning the art of perfume making.
Ana found and completed a local cosmetics body care course at “Heirloom Body Care” which went on to become her primary supplier. In 2017, she enriched her knowledge with a course in the cosmetics business and opened her Etsy shop “AESCreationNaturel” which she’s been growing gradually as she makes her products from scratch and also customises perfume fragrances for her clients. Ana sources infused oils from her garden, complementing them with essential oils, absolutes, and vegan-friendly fragrances suitable for the senses and skin.
As a Perfumer Fragrance Consultant, Ana helps adult individuals in many stages of life who can no longer wear regular perfumes, offering the joy and safer alternative of wearing a scent again with her bespoke, natural perfumes and personalised packaging service delivered at the Blue Mountains market stalls in person or online shop. A “one-on-one” consultation for customised perfume fragrances is available at her online shop servicing Australia-wide at an affordable price.
Since 2018 Ana has travelled to Mexico and France where she has had the opportunity to learn the history of perfume production, visiting historic distilleries, museums, and renowned perfume companies. In France she immersed herself in the art of crafting natural perfumes, refining her olfactory skills and learning the intricacies of scent families, accords, and cosmetic formulation.
These experiences have been instrumental in Ana’s personal and professional growth, shaping her journey into the world of fragrance and cosmetics.
Since 2017 her collection of handcrafted bespoke natural perfume fragrances has grown, making 26 established fragrances within the Floral, Fruity, and Woody Lines Collections.
Her journey in selling perfumes, both online and in-person, has enabled Ana to build meaningful connections with her clients, some of whom have evolved into loyal customers over the years.
Three pieces of advice Ana wishes she’d been given when she started?
- Having a supportive network is key to guiding and assisting your growth plan. Going it alone can be demanding, requiring significant understanding, strength, and motivation.
- Secure funding for targeted project needs.
- Maintain ongoing communication with past clients, gauging their readiness for re-engagement. Additionally, be prepared to end client relationships when they decide not to continue, politely and positively without regrets.
Ana says the HerBusiness Network offers a wealth of resources, connections, and learning opportunities that help her refresh, refocus, and foster her business growth. She believes that what truly matters is how individuals invest their time in their businesses and their growth strategies.
Ana was born in Mexico City and lived, studied, and married there for 34 years. Ana has been taking photos since 2009 to share her life in Australia with family and friends in Mexico. She started by photographing the garden and documenting it, and her passion has since concentrated on floral photography. She uses her photography to complement her perfumes for wrapping paper, and gift cards.
Learn more about Ana and AESastrias.
