About ME
I’m Haydn – a writer, podcaster, event host and lifelong fragrance obsessive. I’ve always been sensorial – drawn to music, art and, according to some, “a pleasure to feed” – but above all, I’ve always been led by my nose.
Five years ago, I launched You Smell Great, What Is It? – a blog and Instagram channel dedicated to my love of scent. What started as a passion project soon opened doors to writing commissions for Grazia, Closer, The Rakish Gent, Rakes Sense and The Scented Letter. In 2022, I was honoured to receive the Fragrance Foundation’s prestigious 'Rising Star' Award for my writing.
My podcast, Man in the Mirror, is now in its tenth season. I created it to fill a space I felt was missing – a place for honest, engaging conversations between men about self-care, self-image and grooming. Each episode takes a relaxed, guest-led approach, featuring brand founders, master perfumers, industry insiders – and even actor Richard E. Grant. The show now reaches thousands of loyal listeners worldwide and has helped me hone my interviewing skills while deepening my industry connections.
This growing profile has led to event hosting, talks and workshops for leading fragrance brands such as Escentric Molecules, bdk Parfums, Superdrug and Mizensir, as well as retailers such as Harrods and Liberty.
I’ve also been involved in the 'Barnes Fragrance Fair' since its inaugural year, curating and hosting sold-out talks – most recently a panel discussion titled 'Men Smell', featuring content creator TJ Talks Scents, retail buyer Vesa Kalho, writer and YouTuber Persolaise, and GQ journalist Adam Hurly.
Before fragrance, my career was rooted in the music industry, where I spent 25 years in marketing and commercial roles at labels including Sony Music and Universal. I now run my own brand partnerships consultancy, connecting artists and labels with relevant commercial opportunities. I feel incredibly fortunate that both my worlds – fragrance and music – are deeply sensory, storytelling-led, and fuelled by people’s passions.