Fast-forward a few years, and he's now solidly established his firm (dividing his time between L.A. and New York) and has teamed up with Air Wick on their new line of Life Scents. It's a partnership that makes sense once you hear how passionate he is about scent.

He kindly chatted with us about his childhood memories, why layering fragrance is something we shouldn't be afraid of, and how assigned seating is actually a good thing.