Glitter Box: Who is Kathleen Currie?
Kathleen: I'm a perfumer, and own Smoke Perfume, a line of all-natural gender-free perfumes and other personal care products based here in New Orleans. I'm also a bodyworker, and have a small private practice specializing in craniosacral therapy and breathwork.
Glitter Box: The most real, most honest piece of advice you have for someone working their way up in your field (or any field).
Kathleen: Don't be afraid to make mistakes, that's how we grow! And to be gentle with yourself, especially when stepping out of your comfort zone and trying something new.
Glitter Box: What do you think is the most important thing we need to do to achieve a more equitable and just society?
Kathleen: We have so far to go, but universal healthcare, access to fair housing, and universal basic income would all be a great place to start. As well as taxing and capping billionaires.
Glitter Box: What does your artistic/creative process look like? Is there a particular project or piece you're excited about right now?
Kathleen: It's varied, in stages, and often slow. I typically start with an inspiration (like a material I want to work with) or a story I want to tell. From there, my work unfolds at its own pace, and often must work around my schedule that consists of non-creative work of running my business. I've learned to trust my process and not try to force or rush it. Currently, I'm working on some behind the scenes projects that I hope will help my business grow, but are not necessarily creative or even new retail products, and I am trying to trust that, too!
Glitter Box: Why New Orleans? What does creating in New Orleans mean to you?
Kathleen: New Orleans is a part of my ancestor's story, and has always been a place I've visited. When I moved here in 2009 it was to be closer to family, and it's been a very healing place for me to get to know myself better. I believe this exploration shows in my work. It feels like an extension of my interpretation of life here. I like that this city has brought out so much creative expression in its time.
Glitter Box: How does creating/making influence the way you interact with the world?
Kathleen: As a perfumer, I'm very connected to my nose and smells around me. I feel like I spend a lot of time in the places I'm at taking in the scents, which feels like a richer way to experience than the obvious or more tangible sights and sounds. I both love when I smell a new place, as well as when I smell familiar scents in new places, and can have a direct line to past experiences.
Glitter Box: What does success look like to you? What are you working towards/striving for?
Kathleen: Lately, I am trying to embody ease. To me, this sense of ease feels like the best version of myself and my work, and is what success looks and feels like.
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