subcultalk with home scents creator Anastasia

In a world where scents can evoke memories and create a sense of home, Anastasia Sotchenkova has turned her passion for fragrances into a captivating craft.

From perfumed candles to room sprays, she masterfully transforms spaces into sanctuaries. Join us for the following subcultalk with her as we delve into her journey of creativity, resilience, and the joy found in the smallest moments!

1. Hi Anastasia, what is the art you make?

2. How did you find your way to your art?

I was always into smells and I have moved a lot (I lived in 4 countries).

Every time, I got into my new rental, I wanted to make it as homey as possible and for me it was always about the scent. It was a challenge on its own to find good, high quality home scents and not to break a bank.

So at some point I decided to try to make it myself and the rest is the history. :)

3. What is the reason you continue to practice your art?

I just love it, love the process. Help with the production would be necessary at some point, but for now I enjoy it, it’s my own meditation. 

4. What is your personal highlight during your entire time as an artist?

It is hard to highlight just one event!

But let it be my summer school course at Institute of Perfumery in Grasse, France. It gave me tons of inspiration, motivation, filled in the knowledge gaps and I met amazing people from the industry over there. 

5. When do you feel most productive?

I’m a night owl. 

6. What or who inspires you?

Fellow women artists and small business owners: I always have something to learn from them. 

7. In which "small" things do you find the most joy?

I love Sunday morning empty streets in Berlin. I try to plan to go for a run and just be on a date with the city. :) 

8. Do you have a vision or goal you are working towards?

Yes, I do!
For now it is to make The Bequem available outside of Berlin and I am looking for a showroom/studio space! 

9. What is a life well lived for you?

The one, where I enjoyed myself and used my potential. 

10. What do you do when you feel "stuck"?

I eat sweets :) and then go to workout. 

11. How do you deal with setbacks?

I’m learning to accept those and find the ways out.
But I won’t be honest if I say they don’t affect me. 

12. What do you do when you feel lonely?

Honestly, I never do. I felt lonely with my business journey at some point, but I managed to create a circle of like minded people. 

13. What is your favorite feeling?

Feeling of accomplishment. 

14. What is your least favorite feeling?

I don’t like to be stressed out. Unfortunately, it happens, but I really don’t enjoy it. 

15. What are you most afraid of?

Height.

16. If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Hard to choose, let me pick up rather an artist:
Sam Smith. His voice is magical and I always come back to his songs.

17. Your favorite guilty pleasure?

I watch tennis. And nothing wrong with it, but sometimes those matches are endless and I just can’t quit it!