Today we’d like to introduce you to Rolonda Tova
Rolonda, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
How It All Began
The Scented Hug started as a small, heartfelt project borne out of longing and love. When I was 17, I decided to join the US Marine Corps and was stationed in Jacksonville, NC. This was the first time I had truly been on my own, and I found myself missing my family terribly. Certain scents had the magical ability to transport me back to cherished memories of home. This realization inspired me to start making candles at home, each one infused with fragrances that reminded me of being with the people I love most.
The Birth of a Business
What began as a personal project and a Christmas gift idea soon caught the attention of friends and neighbors. They were drawn not only to the comforting and nostalgic scents but also to the quality and care that went into each candle. Being an individual with sensitive skin and asthma, I wanted to use natural materials to create my products. Encouraged by the positive feedback, I decided to turn my passion into a business, and thus, The Scented Hug was born.
Our Products
At The Scented Hug, we specialize in soy-based candles and other products designed for sensitive skin. We believe that everyone deserves to enjoy the beauty of a comforting scent without compromising their skin’s health. Our soy-based candles are not only eco-friendly but also burn cleaner and longer, providing a better experience for our customers.
Commitment to Quality
Each product is crafted with the utmost care, using only the finest ingredients. We meticulously select our fragrances to ensure they evoke the same warmth and comfort that inspired the creation of The Scented Hug. Our dedication to quality has earned us a loyal customer base who appreciate the thought and love that goes into each item.
Growth and Expansion
From those humble beginnings, The Scented Hug has grown significantly. We have expanded our product line to include a variety of scented candles, each with its unique story and inspiration. Our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction remains at the forefront of everything we do, and we continue to innovate and improve our offerings.
A Community of Love
One of the most rewarding aspects of this journey has been the community that has formed around The Scented Hug. Our customers share their own stories and memories associated with our candles, creating a beautiful tapestry of shared experiences and emotions. This connection with our customers is what drives us to keep pushing forward and creating products that bring comfort and joy.
The Future
Looking ahead, we are excited about the possibilities for The Scented Hug. We plan to continue expanding our product line and reaching new customers while staying true to our core values of quality, care, and connection. We are committed to making a positive impact on our customers’ lives, one comforting scent at a time.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It hasn’t always been a smooth road. There have been significant learning curves in running a business. A considerable amount of time was spent researching companies and materials for the products we wanted to create. It was crucial to understand how the materials were being made before using them in our products and on ourselves. This meant learning about the suppliers and their supplies in great detail, ensuring they met our high standards of quality and safety. We also went through a testing phase with several types of wax to see which one best fit our vision. Through perseverance and dedication, we overcame these challenges, which ultimately strengthened our commitment to providing the best possible products for our customers.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Professional Life
By day, I am an Accountant with a focus on balancing and correcting discrepancies. This role requires a keen eye for detail, a methodical approach to problem-solving, and a deep understanding of financial systems. My primary responsibility is to ensure that all financial records are accurate and that any discrepancies are identified and corrected promptly. This meticulous work is crucial for maintaining the integrity of financial data, which supports informed decision-making within the organization.
Hobbies and Personal Interests
After the workday ends, I find joy in baking and trying new recipes. This hobby allows me to express my creativity and explore the culinary arts. Whether I’m perfecting a classic recipe or experimenting with innovative flavors, baking provides a relaxing and rewarding contrast to my structured day job. The process of measuring ingredients, mixing them to perfection, and watching them transform in the oven is both therapeutic and satisfying. Sharing my baked goods with friends and family adds an extra layer of joy to this beloved pastime.
Adaptability and Overcoming Challenges
One of the qualities I am most proud of is my ability to adapt and overcome new issues and opportunities that come my way. Growing up with strong role models instilled in me a sense of resilience and determination. Additionally, my training in the Marine Corps equipped me with the skills and mindset to handle situations head-on. This background has proven invaluable in both my professional and personal life, allowing me to navigate challenges with confidence and grace. Having a strong support system has also been crucial in my journey. My husband, who is an entrepreneur, and I help each other with our businesses, providing mutual support and encouragement.
Unique Qualities and Strengths
What sets me apart from others is my unique combination of discipline, adaptability, and creativity. As an Accountant, I bring a high level of precision and analytical thinking to my work. In my personal life, my passion for baking showcases my creative side and my love for continuous learning. The blend of these qualities allows me to excel in diverse areas and approach each day with a balanced perspective.
Commitment to Excellence
In everything I do, I strive for excellence. Whether it’s ensuring the accuracy of financial records or perfecting a new cake recipe, I am committed to delivering the best possible results. This dedication to quality is a reflection of the values instilled in me from an early age and reinforced through my professional and personal experiences. Looking ahead, I am excited to continue growing and taking on new challenges, always with a focus on making a positive impact.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
Currently, I am extending my collaborative efforts through a white-label service and Sip & Pour parties provided by The Scented Hug. The White Label Service is for candle enthusiasts and brands looking to offer high-quality scented candles but lacking the time or resources to create them, we offer a specialized service to bring their scented visions to life. Our service ensures that the products we create for them meet the same high standards that we uphold for our own brand. By doing so, we help them establish a scented bond with their customers, enhancing their brand’s presence and appeal.
And the Sip & Pour Parties are a Fun Night Out or In service where we come to you and provide a Scent-Sational time that every can enjoy. You get to make your own candle, mix fragrances and leave with your very own signature candle. To book an appointment go to www.thescentedhug.com or our Instagram page @The_Scented_Hug.
If you or your brand would like to collaborate with us or support our endeavors, we would love to hear from you. For a Scented Consultation, please reach out to us at TheScentedHug@gmail.com. Together, we can create something truly special and memorable.
Pricing:
- $35.95 for 14 oz Soy Candles
- $13.95 for 5.6 oz Soy Candles
- $15.00-$20.00 for 5.6 oz Massage Oil Candles
- $35.50 for Diffuser w/Reeds
- $2.15 each for Shower Melts
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thescentedhug.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/the_scented_hug
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheScentedHug
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@the_scented_hug
