Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Tracy Pepe, CEO of The Scented L'air, located in Brampton, ON, Canada.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

The Scented L'air talks about and curates Scent Design in spaces. As a perfumer of 30 years, I have scented art exhibits, shopping malls, large and small hotels, and large brand retailers all across the world. My goal is to impact how you feel in a space. My boutique is a place you can go to smell essential oils and raw materials at the Scent Bar, experience natural aromas from our teas from Newfoundland, come far away! And learn how to blend your own. We support your mind by teaching you the research associated with essential oils. Our Zoom class's mandate – Embracing essential oils, herbal, aromatic plants, or teas as a practical application found in everyday homes – GOAL: how to feel better with scent.

Tell us about yourself

I am a perfumer, TED speaker, researcher, artist, and mother. I love essential oils derived from plants but understand synthetic chemicals and teach you why you should embrace scent as a day-to-day tool- and so much more than just perfume. As a mother of two children, one child who is on the spectrum and the other living with degrees of depression, essential oils became our superpowers. Within my professional experience of over thirty years as a perfumer, combining my research background, practical experience with clients, and my overall training, our organization combines the two experiences to help others. I know a scent can change how you feel. If you use the right scents and consciously decide to improve your space, you gain the tools to succeed. It is that simple..smelling!

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I have many. But for six days, I had a scent exhibit at Toronto International Pearson Airport. The design was to enhance people on the spectrum who, when passing through security, become more anxious, the goal - smell colours. It was by far the greatest impact on individual lives, but COVID shut me down.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

When you work really hard at what you love to do, you know you impact people positively, and you change so many, but there are some things that impact you, and you just can not change it. I have pivoted so many times; I wrote a book, WHY the NOSE?

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

That is easy. You must love your work when it is really hard and when you are failing because if you can't, you will not succeed. You must know when to ask for help but also know when you have the answer. Money is not always the problem or solution; get out of your way to know the difference.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

YES, I am a perfumer in a country that does not have a fragrance manufacturing industry. I re-defined an industry 30 years ago. I am one of so few who does what I do: know your why because no one will tell you that.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.scentedlair.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/scentedlair
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thescentedlair/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/scentedlair
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracypepe/

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.