Latest news with #Valadez
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Wichita nonprofit helps inspire Hispanic students to dream big
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) – Weighing what to do after high school graduation is a daunting task. For Michele Valadez, she already knew her dream by the time she was 15. She wanted to run her own business. 'Being my own boss, just being able to grow my own business pivot as I wanted to create the brand that I wanted,' she explained. Valadez had the drive. She just needed help navigating the path. 'I'm a first-generation student, and when it came to the college process, I really wasn't too sure what to do,' Valadez said. She connected with the Kansas Hispanic Education and Development Foundation. Kayven's Helping Hands aims for more little libraries 'We then become a whole support network for this student, walk them through every step of the process,' explained Pablo Cruz, KHEDF executive director. The nonprofit has seven programs to help Hispanic students through high school and college, preparing them for their future careers. 'When you look at demographics, already in Wichita, you've seen 136% increase in the Latino population, right? When you look at USD 259, there's 40% that are Hispanic/Latino. That's your future workforce,' Cruz said. KHEDF offers scholarships and resources to succeed in higher education. Valadez received two of those, and she says the nonprofit goes beyond providing funds. 'They're putting you through workshops, kind of learning how it's going to be like in my first year of college, and partnering me with a mentor.' Wichita YMCA's Livestrong: Empowering cancer patients It also connects students to professional mentors in their field. 'It's motivational. So being able to be someone that looks like me and is in the workforce, I'm like, okay, if they can do it, I can do, and it kind of fuels that seed of like, okay, you know, it's an opportunity, it's a possibility,' Valadez said. The seeds planted in Valadez are seeing the fruits of their labor. She is nearing her one-year anniversary of opening 'City Girlz Liquor.' She's thankful that her dream has come true and is ready to help others reach theirs. 'That's the beautiful thing about the organization, that there's someone right there willing to hold your hand, and there's a whole community willing to support you,' she said. KHEDF's annual Dream Big Fiesta is Thursday, May 29, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at WAVE. All of the tickets help support their programs. Forty-five scholars will be awarded at the event. If you would like to nominate a nonprofit for our Here For You Spotlight, fill out our online contact form. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
These 14 Perfumes Will Make You Rethink Your Approach to Patchouli
"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." For a long time, I solely associated patchouli perfumes with the strong, musky scents popular during my grandmother's generation (Chanel N°5 being the most famous and distinct patchouli perfume among them). But after challenging myself to dip a toe into today's vast offerings, I've totally changed my tune. The best patchouli scents are diverse enough to win over fresh, floral, and sweet scent enthusiasts, too, who traditionally love softer fragrances like the best citrus, rose, and vanilla perfumes. 'Patchouli is incredibly faceted, so there's really a patchouli fragrance out there for everyone,' explains Diptyque Director of Marketing Eduardo Valadez. 'It can take on many different olfactive personalities and pairs wonderfully with so many other raw materials. One may interpret patchouli as intense, earthy, and camphorous, while others read it as sweet, amber-like, and woody.' Ahead, I've culled a few of my go-tos, scoured customer reviews, and tapped ELLE editors for their all-time favorite patchouli scents. Plus, I spoke with Valadez and French perfumer Guillaume Flavigny for their top recs. Whether you're seeking something dark, rich, and spicy or a lighter, subtler version, these are the 14 best affordable and splurge-worthy patchouli perfumes that will add unmatched dimension to your scent take on patchouli perfume is just as dynamic and opulent as the famed painting it's named after. At first whiff, you'll be met with a cocktail of citrusy bergamot, rich rose, and warm tonka bean, followed by a smooth drydown of vanilla absolute and patchouli. Key scent notes: Bergamot, rose, tonka bean, patchouli Size: 1.7 oz. An ELLE editors says: 'Kilian Paris' Woman in Gold exudes grown woman status. It's an elegant blend that stays in the room even after you leave.' — Danielle James, Beauty Director $295.00 at you gravitate towards citrusy perfumes, this best-selling Diptyque fragrance will become a staple. Herbaceous angelica root, pine-y juniper berry, and earthy patchouli ground juicy orange blossom for an invigorating fresh-off-the tree scent. Key scent notes: Orange blossom, angelica root, patchouli, juniper berry Size: 1.7 oz.-3.4 oz. Our experts say: 'I may be biased, but I am going to be drawn to the number one Diptyque fragrance in France, Eau des Sens. It is a perfect blend that's designed to be both mouthwatering and fresh…a composition that stimulates and simultaneously confuses the senses.'— Eduardo Valadez, Diptyque Director of Marketing $185.00 at isn't the saccharine vanilla perfume you wore as a teen. Kayali's Vanilla Royale offers a deliciously sophisticated upgrade while having undergone 64 iterations—per the number on the front of the bottle—to help ensure it's well balanced. Key scent notes: Golden rum, vanilla surabsolute, sugared patchouli Size: 0.34 oz.-1.7 oz. An ELLE editor says: 'I like my fragrances how I like my drinks—spicy, seductive, and with a tinge of sugar. This perfume uses patchouli, soaks it in booze (specifically rum), and swirls it around sugary vanilla and oud for a sultry, grown-up spin on its predecessor, Vanilla 28.'— Nerisha Penrose, Beauty Commerce Editor $100.00 at to impress on date night or during a night out? This seductively bold medley of rich scents like Bulgarian Rose, patchouli, cloves, and praline is sure to stop anyone dead in their tracks. Key scent notes: Bulgarian Rose, Patchouli, Praline, Vanilla, Pepper Tree, Pimento Berries, Cloves Size: 1.7 oz. Our experts say: 'The Harmonist's Hypnotizing Fire is the pinnacle of hot. I love it for its mysterious dark sensual gourmand and rich church-inspired scents such as frankincense, balsam, and Myrrh from Somalia.'— Guillaume Flavigny, French perfumer working with The Harmonist $320.00 at iconic Angel perfume is not for the faint of heart, but once you get hooked, you'll never go back. Its potent sweet notes will instantly delight any candy lover's senses, while quickly raising an eyebrow with supporting smoky and spicy additions. Key scent notes: Bergamot, red fruits, patchouli, praline Size: 0.3 oz.-3.4 oz. Our editors say: 'Like many great perfumes, you either love or hate Angel, but you never forget what it smells like. Designer Thierry Mugler changed the perfume world forever, with this fragrance which ushered in the current gourmand scent wave that we've been in for multiple decades. With a laundry list of sweet ingredients including cotton candy, coconut, and melon which would make a dentist cower in fear, the patchouli gives all the sweetness to this fragrance, an added, smoky, mysterious air. It's a very strong and long-lasting scent, which is probably why many powerful women such as Hilary Clinton and Jerry Hall have been rumored to wear Angel.' — Kathleen Hou, ELLE Beauty Director $150.00 at sweet-meets-sensual perfume has the smoky, ambery depth you'd want in a nighttime fragrance, but isn't too heady thanks to notes of warm vanilla and bright orange blossom. Key scent notes: Tonka bean, Ivory Coast ginger, Moroccan orange flower Size: 0.27 oz.-1.7 oz. Our editors say: 'Henry Rose's Char is dark without being overpowering and gives me a sort of confidence the best LBD couldn't. All it takes is one sniff and you'll know what I'm talking about.'— Bianca Rodriguez, Hearst Commerce Manager $120.00 at by legions of fans, this ultra-feminine scent is at once classic and complex. A blend of six aromatic florals is offset by earthy patchouli and creamy vanilla, creating a decadent, long-lasting effect. Key scent notes: Cattleya orchid, freesia, centifolia rose, sambac jasmine, osmanthus, patchouli, vanilla Size: 0.34 oz.-5 oz. My review: 'Floral fragrances are my bread and butter, but I never like anything overly sweet or predictable. Viktor&Rolf's buzzy Flowerbomb earns a seal approval from even a picky nose like mine. It makes you smell like a luxurious bouquet of flowers while revealing subtly sensual undertones of patchouli and musk the longer you wear it. I can easily sport this perfume all day long, and it always fits the mood of the occasion.' $199.75 at from Kayali, founded by beauty moguls Huda and Mona Kattan, Utopia Vanilla Coco is another ELLE-editor favorite. This warm floral fragrance opens with notes of jasmine, coconut, and vanilla bourbon, while offering a subtly fruity twist of honeysuckle, pear blossom, and tangy Italian lemon. Key scent notes: Coconut, jasmine, vanilla bourbon, patchouli, honeysuckle, pear blossom, Italian lemon Size: 1.7 oz.-3.4 oz. Our editors say: 'My favorite kind of fragrances are the ones that take you places. One spray of this and I'm suddenly transported to my mother's vanity where I'd awe in wonder at her beauty collection. Her vibe has always been sweet with a side of spice, otherwise known as what you'll find in this bottle.' — Bianca Rodriguez $138.00 at of Krigler, storied fragrance dynasty, this rich patchouli scent is complemented by warm leather, amber, sweet vanilla, and fresh bergamot. Though it's one of the most expensive perfumes on the market, it's distilled like a fine wine and rests for up to two years before being bottled. Not to mention, it's made with up to 90 percent natural ingredients and produced in limited batches—giving it an air of 'quiet luxury.' Key scent notes: Amber, musk, patchouli, red fruits, vanilla Size: .06 oz.-3.4 oz. Our editors say: 'Undoubtedly, the best patchouli fragrance is Lovely Patchouli by Krigler. I had an opportunity to speak with Ben Krigler himself and deep dive into this sweet, spicy scent. 'It's more of an attitude,' he revealed to me in Monaco. It's mixed with an amber vanilla, so the scent isn't typical to the one you get with patchouli. I know you'll love it at first sniff, but if you want even more convincing, this was the signature scent of Jackie Kennedy.' — Danielle James $615.00 at evocative D.S. & Durga Scent will take you on a journey, and Pistachio is certainly no exception. The nut-inspired scent is playful though not as straightforward as it sounds, so be prepared for endless inquiries of 'What are you wearing?' and 'How can I get it?' Key scent notes: Pistachio, patchouli, vanilla crème Size: 1.7 oz.-3.4 oz. Our editors say: 'This perfume was originally made as a limited edition, or a B-side, in music terms. Musician-turned-perfumer David Moltz made 100 bottles on a flight of fancy, calling pistachio 'an elegant nut' (and he's right, Prada does make a pistachio cake, after all). It turns out that people went nuts for deez nuts, and the perfume is now a permanent scent fixture. This scent is unabashedly sweet, creamy, aromatic, powdery, earthy, and spicy at the same time. It won't smell like pistachio ice cream—it's more complex and less childlike than that, but it's for the adult with a taste for an interesting yet sweet scent.'— Kathleen Hou $210.00 at Velvet Haze may sound like the name of a Taylor Swift song, but its aroma is altogether grungier. With notes of patchouli, coconut water, cocoa, and mixed musks, it's a rich, smoky, and slightly sweet concoction perfect for anyone who likes fuller, more androgynous-leaning scents. Key scent notes: Ambrette, coconut water, patchouli leaves, cocoa absolu, cotton musks, wild musk Size: 1.7 oz. A Nordstrom reviewer says: 'I owned a purple velvet Biba suit in the '90s; this perfume would have worked so well with that suit. It's a different scent, heady, chocolate, smooth smoky, and deep. Excellent longevity and silage, totally addictive. Comforting and not like anything else I own. I can't stop smelling my wrist while wearing this.' $190.00 at Heaven is probably unlike any other floral fragrance you've ever smelled. Inspired by the elements, the Korean scent stars freesia, jasmine, and rose at its heart as well as top notes of fresh bergamot, spicy pink pepper, and soothing green tea sourced from South Korea. Finally, a base of patchouli, amber, musk, and vanilla wrap you in a warm, cozy hug. Key scent notes: Boseong green tea, bergamot, pink pepper, rose, jasmine sambac, freesia, patchouli, amber, musk, vanilla Size: 1.7 oz-3.4 oz. My review: 'Although only a year old, burgeoning fragrance brand Elorea is certainly one to watch. My favorite scent from the label is its more fruity-floral Inflorescence, but this best-selling version from its Elements collection is perfect for when I want a slightly edgier floral fragrance. I love to wear it on days I'm really feeling myself, as it's soft with a noticeably woody kick.' $125.00 at great floral perfume, this nuanced Gucci fragrance has all the trappings of a year-round signature scent—complete with bright magnolia, dewberries, and a tinge of patchouli essence. Key scent notes: Dewberries accord, magnolia essence, patchouli essence Size: 1 oz. -3.4 oz. An ELLE editor says: 'Gucci Beauty recently launched the third fragrance, Gorgeous Magnolia, in their Flora collection. Yes, it has that fresh floral magnolia scent (you know, the exact smell that hits your nose when you walk into The Plaza in NYC), however, perfumers Daphné Bugey and Marie Salamagne mixed dewberries and patchouli into the formula to strike a balance between the playful and sensual scent. This scent is light and airy while giving you the sweet darkness of patchouli intertwined with the juicy dewberries and fresh magnolia essence.' — Danielle James $138.00 at purists will want nothing but this Escentric Molecules perfume on their makeup vanity. On top of starring patchouli oil, it stays in the same fragrance family by featuring Iso E Super—a synthetic, cedarwood-scented molecule that's fragrant yet not overpowering. Key scent notes: Iso E Super (cedarwood), patchouli Size: 0.25 oz.-3.4 oz. An ELLE editor says: 'Patchouli is often paired with sweetness, its earthiness and slight 'dirty' aspect making it the yang to a sweet yin. Without any sweet notes, this scent allows patchouli to really shine on its own and be its own star, without being relegated to being a supporting act. I like that this scent has a slight woodiness to it (via cedarwood), but there's a light airiness and transparent feeling to this perfume that you don't often get with patchouli fragrances.' — Kathleen Hou $170.00 at patchouli is technically an herb, its powerful scent lends more to something quite woodsy,' explains Valdez. 'It is often described as deep, earthy, sometimes spicy, and slightly sweet.' Flavigny adds that this fragrance family is generally ideal for someone seeking something 'vibrant, mysterious, long lasting, and somewhat dark.' A bit of background about patchouli: The flowering plant originated in tropical Southeast Asia, before making its way around the world as a popular herbal remedy for various health concerns and a spicy-sweet fragrance. Notably, patchouli was beloved by hippies in the '60s and '70s for its intense and musky aroma. However, the scent is now often mixed with a range of other complementary notes to give it a softer and more eclectic vibe.'The pairing possibilities with patchouli are practically endless,' says Valadez. 'It's excellent and unexpected with bright citrus notes like grapefruit, lime, and bergamot, but also pairs beautifully with raw materials that are classic and beloved in perfumery, like rose, lavender, and peppermint. I tend to be drawn to scents that are more Ambrée, so combining patchouli with scents of vanilla, cinnamon, or amber is heavenly. Finally, patchouli is perfectly matched with other woody/earthy scents like clary sage, cypress, and sandalwood,' he adds. If you prefer your scents on the sweeter side, look for options with vanilla as well as other common gourmand notes like nuts, cotton candy, and fruit.'At the end of the day, finding a patchouli fragrance that uses only the highest quality of raw materials and expert processes will deliver the best perfumes,' explains Valadez. 'The steps for harvesting and distilling patchouli are intricate, and caring for the craft can really make or break a fragrance. Additionally, knowing that patchouli is famous for its intensity, choosing the best patchouli perfumes should boil down to how they make you feel when they are on.' And because every perfume has a story to tell, 'the more emotion and memories a patchouli scent can evoke for a wearer, the better it is,' says Flavigny is a world-renowned French perfumer who works with The Harmonist. Eduardo Valadez is the Director of Marketing at Peters is a seasoned commerce writer and editor with over five years of experience covering fashion, beauty, and lifestyle topics. She has tested a number of patchouli scents, and interviewed two perfume experts as well as ELLE staffers to uncover some of the best and longest-lasting versions on the market. She also scoured customer reviews to find those with the highest ratings. A diverse range of patchouli scents, including formulas across various price points, were included. You Might Also Like The 15 Best Organic And Clean Shampoos For Any And All Hair Types 100 Gifts That Are $50 Or Under (And Look Way More Expensive Than They Actually Are)
New York Times
17-02-2025
- Business
- New York Times
Finally, at 59, a Place of Her Own
When Dawn Valadez stepped into her new two-story loft in Oakland's Jingletown neighborhood, a realization struck her with quiet force: For the first time in her 59 years, she would be living alone. 'I'd always lived with family or partners, roommates or my ex-husband and my kid, or my mom,' she said. 'I love communal living.' Born and raised in a cramped one-bedroom apartment in Los Angeles with her parents and younger brother, Ms. Valadez never owned property until 1992, when she moved into her ex-husband's family home in San Leandro. 'Even though I contributed to the purchase of that home, I didn't fight for my half in our divorce,' said Ms. Valadez, who is the director of youth and artist development at BAVC Media in Oakland, as well as an independent filmmaker, producer and consultant. 'Since then, I've never owned a home, nor do I have the resources or credit to own a home in the Bay Area.' She then shared a 3,000-square-foot warehouse loft with two others in Jingletown for five years. She had not planned on leaving, but a post-pandemic fallout between her roommates and their landlord made staying untenable. 'I absolutely love Jingletown,' she said. 'I couldn't imagine living anywhere else.' Nestled between the Coast Guard Island and the Fruitvale bridges, Jingletown carries a layered history. One theory is that Jingletown, once a manufacturing hub, got its name from the Portuguese laborers of the early 20th century who would jingle their coins after payday. Over the decades, the neighborhood has shape shifted — from an industrial corridor to a Latino stronghold, from gang territory to a flourishing arts district. Today, murals stretch across entire blocks, mosaic art brightens building facades, and creativity spills into the streets. The Oakland Museum Women's Board hosts its raucous White Elephant Sale here, while local artists showcase their work at Open Studios. Community efforts have turned intersections into living canvases, with flower beds and art installations designed to slow traffic. The Bay Trail, a 500-mile pedestrian and bike path spanning nine counties, cuts right through, threading the neighborhood to the waterfront. Dawn Valadez, 59 Occupation: Filmmaker On living alone: It's already helping me creatively. I'm finding spaces to sink in and draw. I can leave things out and not feel like I have to ask permission to use public space because it's all my space. A lot of the projects I'm working on are really emotionally intense and I'm really appreciating that I have enough alone time and alone space to express and feel my feelings. I don't have to censor or explain myself. Living alone has meant I can work late into the night and wake up early. What's your next project: My last film, 'The Pushouts,' was about interrupting the school-to-prison pipeline and understanding how young people, black and brown people, are being targeted and criminalized. Now I'm working on a film, currently called 'Untitled Lorena,' about a mother and father who become activists when their 12 year-old daughter is brutally raped and murdered in Mexico. My friend Rodrigo Reyes asked me to co-direct with him. We're hoping to complete it in 2026 for a 2027 release. 'I don't have a car,' Ms. Valadez said. 'So it's really important I have access to transportation, that I can walk my dog and be in nature. I'm close to markets in Fruitvale and all the little shops in Alameda.' Which meant that when she found herself crying outside her old loft — a place that had been more than just a home but also a creative hub for meetings, fund-raisers, protests and celebrations — her grief was about more than just losing a space. It was about losing a way of life. Luckily, a neighbor who knew the landlord of a nearby building took her hand and led her a few blocks to what would soon become her new home. 'It wasn't even posted, wasn't even on the market yet!' Ms. Valadez recalled. Last July, she moved into the 1,000-square-foot unit, part of a remodeled factory with 12 residences. The space offers soaring ceilings and an open floor plan bathed in natural light. The first floor blends kitchen, dining, and living spaces, with a bathroom tucked away. Upstairs, a bedroom and a spacious office overlook it all. Out back, residents share a lush communal garden with lounge furniture, plants and room for creative projects. 'As a filmmaker, I need space to envision my projects,' Ms. Valadez said. 'I need to see the trajectory of the narrative, to have room to create large storyboards. I wanted a place that felt homey and comfy but could hold my art, too.' Her home is a curated collection of souvenirs from her travels, artworks by friends, and memorabilia. Moving in required help from 25 friends. Despite the mountain of things, Ms. Valadez has deliberately left one big wall bare — for film projections. 'I like to entertain, but I also need a sense of sanctuary, to feel safe,' she said. 'Let's face it, I'm a little anxious. I grew up with a baseball bat under my bed, so sometimes at night, the noises can be a little scary.' But even on her first night in the new space, she found herself sleeping soundly. 'I got to know my neighbors right away, and we have a very communal approach here.' Most of the other tenants, she quickly realized, were women with dogs. 'I can get help if I need anything,' she said. 'Like, recently, we had a tsunami warning, and it was good to feel I wasn't alone.' Her son, Rigo Valadez-Bigler, recently visited and couldn't be happier for his mother and her dog, Chuy. 'I'm really excited for her and Chuy to have that space to themselves,' he said. 'It's a great spot in the same great neighborhood. And knowing my mom, she's always got people coming by, so she's never really alone.'
