Scent Style: Priscilla Vega, Founder of PR Vega

Priscilla Vega is a woman’s woman. That doesn’t mean she is stereotypically “feminine” (although she does love pretty dresses as much as the next gal), but more that she shows up for women and champions them each and every day. The Los Angeles-based founder of PR Vega has built her business—a studio offering public relations, event and collaboration coordination, and influencer outreach—solely to help lift up women entrepreneurs.

With a resume that includes former stints at NASA and The Nature Conservancy, Vega is certainly an expert in her field. And now she channels that refined skill into promoting brands like Rachel Pally, Paper Planes Wine Company, and DockATot. On top of that, she’s a mother of two (three if you count her adorable dog Gus), and an advocate for causes she cares about (including voter turnout and diversity in media). Here’s how she scents her space.

Scent is so personal. What does it mean to you?

Scent is nostalgia. I read this book many years ago called The Scent of Desire. It’s so incredibly fascinating and eye-opening; it made me realize how much we rely on our scents for our memories and happiness.

Describe your personality in three to five words.

Creative. Passionate. Dancer. Margarita-maker!

With those words in mind, tell us about the diffuser cocktail that you’ve created to represent your scent style.

Throughout the process, I kept my Stone Diffuser in my office, changing up the oil recipe every day. Because I consider myself creative, I got crazy at first and went with scents I’m not naturally drawn to—which includes the Amber and Bergamot in Velvet—but I was pleasantly surprised. I love Frankincense so much, so I was happy to see it included in the Velvet combination. Because I’m constantly moving, I love scents that revitalize and open up the lungs, which is why I will forever be Eucalyptus’s number-one fan. I finally landed on a combination of Velvet with added Frankincense (for a powerhouse edge) and Eucalyptus.

Why did you choose each of these oils and how do they work together? What does the final aroma smell like or remind you of?

I like the subtleness of scents—something that doesn’t feel profound at first but then carries on throughout the day. I like dedicating scents to moments, so if we’re taking a big trip or I’m going through a pivotal moment in life, I’ll make sure to stay true to my scent to earmark it. I was drawn to Velvet because it felt smooth and deep. Then I added a bit more Frankincense because I love the woody, spicy texture. I also added some Eucalyptus because as a child who experienced chronic asthma, Eucalyptus was my saviour. The final scent doesn’t yet remind me of anything, because I combined a modern desire for gritty scents and a nostalgic feel for the vast openness of possibilities; I’m hoping this scent will remind me of this crazy time we’re living in, and I know I’ll find the beauty in this moment and this scent combined.

What room do you diffuse this scent in and when do you diffuse it?

It’s been in my office because that is where I have the freedom to experiment and focus. I’ve also been bringing this scent into my home and also in our trailer as we adventure. Having a consistent scent when we leave our home is so important because it gives the kids a sense of comfort.

My husband recently burnt some popcorn, so we had our diffuser pumping all day and it helped! I also love taking it outside because it helps cover the smell of mosquito repellent.

Aside from scent, what else makes you feel truly at home in your space?

“Home” is subjective. I’ve felt at home in many, many places. The common thread between all the things that make me feel at home is comfort. I find comfort in my loved ones and the familiarity that surrounds us. My favourite places to “be at home” include my parents’ place in Mexico, a laugh with my sister, a lazy Sunday in bed with my family, and a brunch with all my closest girlfriends.

What’s your favourite thing about your home?

My favourite thing about my home is that it’s a combination of old and new, just like all of our souls. I combine flea market treasures with modern pieces throughout. Just like we have this gorgeous ceramic diffuser, but fill it with worldly scents we’ve all loved for centuries.