I discovered South Scent a while back and was immediately drawn to their distinctive candle designs and fragrances. Lighting my apple and mint candle in the evenings while I relax with a warm cup of tea has become a cherished ritual after a busy day. Recently, South Scent introduced some stunning (and, in my opinion, boujee and luxurious) room mists that I can't get enough of, and I’m thrilled to share this excitement with my customers.
To celebrate three years in business, South Scent and Beaut Gift Co are offering a free gift with all purchases over $99 from the 1st to the 9th of November 2024.
I had a chance to chat with Michelle for a quick Q&A, so you can learn more about South Scent and their inspiring journey.
1. What inspired you to start South Scent?
South Scent was born from a personal journey and connection to the South Coast of NSW. After moving from Sydney in 2020 to Wollongong, this change inspired me to create unique, luxurious scents as a personal hobby that soon evolved into something much more. Naming the brand South Scent felt like the perfect way to honour the origins of my new passion and celebrate the place where each scent was thoughtfully developed.
2. What was the biggest challenge you faced when starting your business and how did you overcome that?
Transitioning from crafting candles as a personal hobby to managing product development, branding, and logistics brought a steep learning curve. I needed to ensure each product met my vision for quality and authenticity while learning how to market it effectively. When starting a business, you don't realise how many hats you will need to wear. The toughest hat is getting your brand out in front of as many eyes as possible. I am still learning and evolving so the challenge is not yet finished, but research is your best friend.
3. How do you stay competitive in your industry?
When starting South Scent, I was aware of how saturated the market was at the time, I knew I had to make the products with a point of difference, first visually then the scents. I designed the jars so that way the candles looked unique, I also could not find what I had in mind on the market, so I had to create it myself. I also blended some different scent combinations, combos that you would not find in your average candle. The comments I get are always, "wow, what a cute jar and great that it's reusable" and "omg these are such beautiful and unique smells."
4. You have recently launched your room sprays, tell us about the creative process.
Yes! I am so excited about the room mists, they come in six scents, all of which are also available in candles. I wanted a beautiful yet simple design for the mist, a bottle that is also used as decor, one that you would be proud to place on your coffee or bedside table. It also had to flow nicely along with the candles and one day be part of a large range of home fragrance products.
5. What are the top 3 best-selling candle scents?
The best-selling scents are Passionfruit mango sorbet, Australian Bush and the new contender is Tigerlily patchouli. Even though these are the best-selling scents overall, they aren't in the lead by much, we tend to get almost an even amount of sales throughout all the scent categories.
6. Do you have any new products you are working on now that you have launched your room sprays?
There are definitely some more products in the works, you can soon expect a unique diffuser, a larger candle and some car fresheners. Watch this space, new year, new products!
7. How do you balance work and life?
I am lucky to have such a great supportive partner who believes in me and my business and shares the parenting and household load. I do find myself working at night once my son is in bed, there is not enough time in the day and the list is never-ending. I also make sure to take some time to myself because I know I am no good for anything if I don't get a break.
8. What advice would you give to someone who was on the fence about starting a business?
Starting a business can be risky, but it’s also a chance to build something meaningful. Weigh the benefits of following your vision, do your research and take it one step at a time.
9. You recently had a stall at the Watsons Bay market, how did that go?
Yes, it was such a beautiful day! We are usually down South so it was great to visit the Sydney siders and see some new faces. All around feedback was positive and the new room mists did really well, it got me really excited to launch some new products.
10. What are your favourite small businesses to support?
My favourite small businesses are:
Kbana Collection - My close friend who is also a mum makes beautiful ceramic and resin pieces, our aesthetics align, and we often share a market stall.
Hot Mess Body - I am inspired by the success and drive of this business; they create high quality colourful bath products and have created a great community.
Signature Sound Healing - This is where I go to unwind and decompress. Kiki offers a calming and energy healing service at her women wellness centre down in Windang. I admire the passion she has for women in business and in life.
A huge thank you to Michelle for taking the time to work on this blog post and collaboration with us and if you want to check out the South Scent range click this web link: www.southscent.com.au
To check out our range of Beaut Boxes, click HERE.
That was a really good read, thanks for sharing. I am going to put a Christmas order in early. The mists to very luxurious.
Let us know what you think!