WHERE IN LONDON DO YOU LIVE / WORK?

I live on the Isle of Dogs and my studio is in Shoreditch.

WHAT’S YOUR EARLIEST MEMORY OF LONDON?

Walking around Soho at night with my friend and getting lost very quickly; stumbling upon hidden gems and not being able to find them again the following weekend.

Walking around Soho is one of Maya’s earliest memories of London

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVOURITE THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN THE CITY?

I loved the Life Between Islands exhibition at Tate Britain and also The Procession by Hew Locke – I will go and visit both again. I also visit The Photographers’ Gallery in central London often.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE LONDON IN THREE WORDS?

Connected and forever changing.

 

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO PURSUE A CAREER IN FRAGRANCE?

The interest in multi-sensory work. I love wearing fragrance and to be able to include it artistically makes a lot of sense to me.

WHAT SCENT ALWAYS PUTS YOU IN A GOOD MOOD? 

Nordic Cedar. It’s my go-to for any occasion.

The beautiful ceiling at Tate Britain

WHAT SCENTS DO YOU ASSOCIATE WITH LONDON? 

CK Be and Philosykos by Diptyque. I wore both perfumes during the first years of living here.

WHAT’S YOUR USUAL MORNING ROUTINE?

I like to start my day by going to the gym followed by the sauna and steam room. It requires getting up extra early so I try to do it three times a week. If I don’t make it I do some stretching followed by breakfast and then I get the train or bus to work.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO OUTSIDE OF WORK? 

I like photography and travel, so if I can combine the two I am happy. It’s also an inspiring way of keeping myself creative.

WHAT’S THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED?

Don’t compare yourself to others.

Maya Njie will be holding a perfume-making workshop on Friday 13 May as part of this year’s The Makers’ Market at The Royal Exchange. Book your tickets here and discover more about Maya Njie at mayanjie.com