By Sam Elchert
Staff Writer

Everyone has his or her own unique scent. It isn’t something one can control or deny. The scent is there, and it is impossible to change unless one completely alters one’s diet and living habits. The thing is, some people simply wake up in the morning smelling like sunshine and roses, while others need a bit of help.
For those people who need a little help in the smelling good department, Aveda is a place where dreams really do come true.
Aveda will concoct a special birthday blend of scents for all of its Aveda family members. That beats Grandma’s itchy sweater any day of the week.
Aveda’s special treatment is not like a Chevy’s or Chili’s birthday celebration. It won’t work to simply waltz in any day of the year and get the free hat and song by pretending it is one’s birthday. The special birthday boy or girl must have genuine proof of his or her date of birth for Aveda to provide this service, and he or she must be a pre-registered member of the Aveda family. Registration forms can be found online at Aveda’s website.
Upon entering the store, one may receive a complimentary birthday refreshment courtesy of Aveda. Once it has been established that there is a registered birthday entity in the room, the perfume making magic will begin.
First, one will be led to a cushioned chair, sat down and asked to meditate on the type of scent desired. The employee will then allow the birthday person to sample over twelve of Aveda’s aromas while attentively asking, “Is that good?” If the scent tickles one’s fancy the appropriate reply is, “yes,” but if it just doesn’t make the cut, one should not be afraid to say “not today.” Once all the scents have been sampled, the specialist will mix a customized perfume based on the birthday wishes.
The perfume is estimated to be worth around $20, but Aveda will provide it as a gift for lucky birthday shoppers.
The Aveda products are available at many shops and salons, and the closest Aveda stores can be found at Hillsdale shopping center and Valley Fair shopping center.