Smell You Later with Mikalah Gordon: Fragrance, Feelings, and Local Love
Published by Aroma Retail | The Scenting Guy Podcast Recap | Featuring Mikalah Gordon of 98.5 KLUC
A Scented Welcome
In this heartfelt and humorous episode of The Scenting Guy, host Jim Reding is joined by co-host Mike Hewitt and special guest Mikalah Gordon—singer, comedian, and co-host of the 98.5 KLUC morning show. Mikalah brings infectious energy as she shares her obsession with fragrance, her love of local business, and why smell is her personal love language.
A Customer Turned Advocate
Mikalah kicks off by raving about Aroma Retail’s products—especially the Fashion Show Travel scent, which she now carries in her car and home. “We go everywhere together,” she says. “We're best friends.”
Her current favorite? Santal and Baccarat Rouge-inspired fragrances. “I’m a smell-good kind of girl,” Mikalah beams. “Fragrance just sets the tone—it’s how I express myself.”
Whale Poop and Chemistry: The Science of Smell
Jim dives into the science behind popular fragrances like Baccarat Rouge, explaining how ambergris (yes, whale poop) is a prized ingredient in perfumery. That leads to a deeper conversation on how scent and chemistry shape human attraction, memory, and emotion.
“Scent is tied to the limbic system—the part of the brain that controls emotion and long-term memory,” Jim explains. “That’s why scent brings back memories or gives you that instant connection with a person.”
Relationships, Love, and Smell
It turns out Mikalah’s fiancée is also a “Santal and sandalwood” type, and the couple shares similar scent preferences. “I think there’s something chemical about it,” she says. “We’re both strong-minded about what we like—and thankfully, we like the same things!”
Jim adds that couples often align on scent because of shared chemistry and emotional memory. It’s not just about attraction—it's about alignment of experience.
Celebrating Small Business: The We Love Locals Event
The trio discusses the upcoming We Love Locals event on Saturday, February 8th, held at Aroma Retail HQ. Mikalah will be hosting the mimosa and Aperol spritz bar (mocktails included), and a diverse lineup of local businesses will showcase everything from Creole food to custom candles, wallpaper, kids’ dance studios, and handmade goods.
“We don’t charge vendors to participate,” says Jim. “It’s just about community and support.”
Mikalah, born and raised in Las Vegas, says she’s passionate about celebrating locals: “People think no one lives in Vegas—it’s all tourists. But we have a strong, vibrant local community. And this event is proof.”
From Strip to Scent Science
The conversation turns educational as Jim breaks down the difference between scented accessories and environmental scenting. “Environmental scenting completes the design experience—it’s a scent tied to your space’s look, feel, and emotional impact.”
He also explains the importance of pure-grade fragrance oils, which are toxin-free and safe for kids, pets—even fish. Aroma Retail was the first company to offer environmental scenting and resort-grade oils via e-commerce.
Fragrance as a Lifestyle
Mikalah reflects on how important it is to feel good in your space: “Fragrance makes your home feel like you. I think it’s such a vibe—and more than that, it’s a lifestyle.”
The team closes by teasing a Valentine’s Day–inspired special offer and celebrating the continued growth of Vegas’ creative small business scene.
Join Us!
We Love Locals Event
DATE: TBD 2026
📍 Aroma Retail HQ – Smelly Bar, Las Vegas
🍾 Mimosa & Aperol Spritz Bar (Mocktails too!)
🎉 Local vendors, giveaways, and scent experiences
Listen to Mikalah on 98.5 KLUC every weekday from 6am to 10am.
Smell you later. Go fragrance yourself.
