Article by Jessica Renstrom

Photos by Keely Zimmermann 

Of the five senses, scent has one of the strongest links to memory and emotion, which may be why a familiar fragrance can feel like a trip through time. Smell can evoke memories of beloved people, long-forgotten places, and favorite recipes. And for Jodi Fischer, co-owner of Brass Velvet Trading Co. and the Velvet Scent Lounge, exploring the power of scent is both her passion and her profession. 

The Velvet Scent Lounge grew naturally out of Brass Velvet Trading Co., a lifestyle boutique for men and women that Jodi co-owns with her husband, John. The shop carries clothing, jewelry, and accessories sourced from around the world, with a focus on quality pieces that can be worn again and again. The store's vibe is a mix of vintage and modern, which Jodi says reflects who she is and the things she enjoys. From the beginning, she has been intentional about creating a space that feels warm and welcoming: "I want people to feel like they're getting a hug when they walk in," says Jodi. 

When the couple decided to expand the boutique, the direction was clear. Jodi has always loved fragrance, and after the two attended a similar, though more clinical, scent creation experience in Phoenix, they knew they wanted to bring their own version to Billings. 

The result is the Velvet Scent Lounge, a complete sensory experience. Under Jodi's guidance, guests explore the world of scent, from traditional single notes like rose and vanilla to less expected scents drawn from nature, like firewood or the smell of the ground after it's rained. 

During a scent experience, guests smell their way through a curated library of bases and single notes to discover their favorites. They learn about the scent families, including floral, fruity, warm, and woody, and how a single note can completely change the character of a fragrance. Along the way, scents can stir up memories guests don't expect. 

"One of the most special parts of this experience is listening to what memories this brings up," explains Jodi. "Whether it's a food they recognize or a product they remember. I've heard lots of stories about fond memories of family members or favorite things when growing up, and I love that." 

The setting adds to the experience. A bar top sits at the center of the space, with a wide selection of scents displayed in antique cabinetry. Chandeliers hang overhead, and a mix of warm and bright lighting gives the lounge a cozy feel. Time seems to slow as guests settle in and give each scent their full attention. 

Once a signature fragrance has been created, guests can take it home in a refillable perfume or cologne bottle or as a candle they pour right in the lounge. Jodi keeps the recipe for every signature blend on record, so guests can come back and reorder a scent they love. Signature fragrances can also be made into diffusers and room sprays. 

The experience is also easy to share. With her mobile scent bar, Jodi brings it directly to groups for birthday parties, weddings, bridal showers, girls' nights, or simply a get-together to try something new. But the experience isn't just for large groups. Jodi and John say some of their favorite feedback has come from men who didn't expect to enjoy it as much as they did, which makes it a fun option for date night, too. The couple especially enjoys working with brides and grooms, who create fragrances for one another, making something uniquely their own for the wedding day. 

Everyone has their own scent preferences, which means every signature fragrance is as individual as the person who creates it. And like the familiar scents that carry people back in time, each blend holds on to a little piece of the experience that created it. 

To create a signature fragrance or give the experience as a gift, visit brassvelvettrading.com. 

Originally printed in the November 2026 issue of Simply Local Magazine

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