How the Keys Soulcare scent collaborator (and fourth-generation perfumer) refreshes her sense of inspiration from the inside out.
– KEYS SOULCARE
After chatting with Keys Soulcare collaborator Catherine Selig about bringing our scents to life, we couldn’t help but wonder how a woman who knew she wanted to be a master perfumer since childhood could be so in-touch, relatable, and (well, honestly), chill.
We caught up with Catherine about the rituals and ideas that continue to keep her inspired in work and life.
We call the people who spread positivity in a way that inspires us Lightworkers. What do you think makes you one?
Every day, I infuse intentions in my fragrance. I say to myself, “What can I bring to this [blend] to bring joy, good luck, strength, or self-confidence?” I know that behind the different projects I’m working on, there are different people whose lives I want to touch.
How do you stay in tune with that deep sense of inspiration?
The good news is we have so much life in ourselves, and it’s limitless. Sometimes, we have profound experiences. For me, it was traveling to the jungle in Bali and staying there alone while friends traveled to cities without me. When you return from them, you feel like you can light up the whole world.
I think we all carry this positivity, and just have to find a way to channel it again and again. Sometimes, you find it in the people or projects you align yourself with — as Keys Soulcare did for me. But the more in tune you are with yourself, the more receptive you can be to that energy.
How do you center yourself?
Most of us have a to-do list, right? On our phones, on our computers, or just in our minds. But the list often has end goals — so that’s where we concentrate. I had a big revelation recently that the only way to enjoy what I was doing was to start enjoying what I’m doing.
Yes, I should be walking outside because I need the oxygen and vitamin D. But, I should also just do it and be in the moment. Just my senses, the wind, the light, and the trees. Sometimes with my son. And that’s it.
How does an idea like this apply to our self-care or beauty rituals?
We have so many “beauty” goals. I totally gave up on the “super shiny hair” goal and am now focusing on the process of seeing my hair, picking products for its health, touching and appreciating its texture, and the like. The effect is that I feel more beautiful, rather than having a goal that’s about how I look. Smoky eyes and shiny hair are cool, but so is a self-care experience, a beautiful aura, coconut oil, and pleasure, you know?
What are you proud of?
Apart from knowing that my work can touch people on a spiritual level and feeling so lucky for that? I have a strong inner system of believing in my dreams. I have known what I wanted to be since I was a young girl. Instead of playing with dolls and being outside all the time, I was studying chemistry books. That’s not very common. But it taught me to believe in the things I want to achieve, keep learning, and keep trying to be better at whatever it is I want.
Having a vision for your life, so far ahead of things, actually taught you to slow down?
Exactly. I saw my great-grandfather work in fragrances and be very successful at it. I worked very hard at it because I knew it was my path, but I also considered it a gift to build on his legacy. I dreamed about going to America to do this, and here I am. I’m very dedicated to enjoying the journey — the learning, the excitement, everything.
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