About Us
At ol.facto we believe that scents have the incredible power to unlock memories, evoke emotions, and create meaningful connections. Our journey began with a passion for the art of perfumery, expertise in neuroscience and a desire to share the magic of crafting personalized fragrances. Our studio is located in the heart of Calgary and is open by appointment only.
Our Team
Head Curator
Ana Stepanchuk, PhD
Ana created ol.facto to explore the power of fragrance as a form of storytelling. Drawing on her expertise in sensory perception, Ana has developed a unique approach that blends science with art, creating immersive, meaningful experiences through scent. Her journey began in the lab, where she studies Alzheimer's disease pathology, but her creative vision also led her to the world of perfumery.
Through ol.facto, Ana has brought together her love for olfaction and her commitment to mindful, intentional design. Each fragrance is more than just a scent; it's an invitation to explore a story, to connect with an emotion, or to be transported to a place beyond the everyday. Ana believes that fragrance has the power to shape how we see ourselves and the world around us, and her work reflects this philosophy—where science meets the art of self-expression, and every scent tells a story.
Instructor
Nynke van den Hoogen, PhD
With a passion for bridging science and community, Nynke brings her expertise in community engagement to every project she touches. As a fellow neuroscientist focusing on pain research, Nynke has dedicated her career to making complex research accessible and impactful for diverse audiences.
Besides teaching the workshops, at ol.facto, Nynke plays a crucial role in designing and executing knowledge translation activities, ensuring that each initiative speaks to the community in language they can connect with. With her experience in developing tailored dissemination strategies, Nynke ensures that the story of science is told in a way that resonates and reaches beyond the academic sphere, helping to transform research into insights that truly make a difference.
Instructor
Gerardo Balderas, MSc
Gerardo brings a unique blend of expertise and creativity to the world of perfumery. His background in biochemistry and a passion for scientific outreach makes science fun and approachable, helping others explore the fascinating concepts behind scent in an engaging and accessible way.
A big fan of florals—especially gardenias—Gerardo seamlessly integrates his love for nature with the precision of chemistry, crafting experiences that bridge science and art.
Beyond the lab, Gerardo is also an acrobat, adding yet another layer of artistry to his repertoire. Whether he's guiding you through the creation of your own perfume or unraveling the mysteries of fragrance molecules, his enthusiasm and expertise make him an invaluable part of the team.
Other team members:
Kateryna Dolzhenko - Social Media Manager
Mario Akpoghomeh - Website and Business Outreach Coordinator
Alex Stepanchuk - Assistant
Andrii Stepanchuk - Assistant
We speak the following languages:
English
Dutch
Ukrainian
Polish
Spanish
Some fun projects we have done in the past:
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