Unique Candle & Scent Making Experience - Scentcerely Yours
Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Rob Brucato, owner of Scentcerely Yours, located in Geneva, IL, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Scentcerely Yours is a unique, experiential business where you can create your signature scent for candles and other home and personal fragrance products. With over 100 individual scents to choose from, you can mix up to three together to create your signature scent. Perfect for friends, families, corporate meetings, bachelorette parties, bridal showers, birthday parties, and more. We also offer a unique fundraising option, as well as our Scent Your Brand program for businesses.
Tell us about yourself
We opened our business in May 2018 after spending careers in the banking industry. We love to shop together, and our passion for home decor is what gave us the idea for an experience to create products exactly the way customers want them. Our motivation each day is meeting so many wonderful people who come to our shop, knowing that they will enjoy our unique experience in creating their signature scent.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Our biggest accomplishment is the growth of our wholesale/private label business. This was part of our business plan, but we have experienced significant growth with local and national brands quicker than we expected.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
The most difficult thing about being a business owner is focusing on having a work-life balance. You will always put in the time every day to do what needs to be done, but it usually takes much longer than expected. I would also add the challenge of not getting caught up working "in the business" instead of "on the business."
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Customer Service is everything. In today's world, customer service, in general, has become very impersonal. Do what you say you will do, and maybe a little bit more. Your customers will appreciate it more than you know.
- Be passionate about your product and customer experience. Your daily execution of how you run your business will speak volumes about you and the quality of your products.
- Be active and intentional in supporting your local community. Business owners want to support and help each other, and it all starts with your local network.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Culture is key! Make this your first priority when preparing your business plan, and keep this top of mind every day in your business. Your employees and customers will notice the culture you have created quicker than you think, and your reputation will follow.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://scentcerely-yours.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ScentcerelyYoursGeneva/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scentcerelyyoursgeneva/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.