Today we’d like to introduce you to Tanya Thompson.
Tanya, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Oh…the story! I starting creating products as a therapeutic way to deal with my grief over 10 years ago. I found myself widowed with two small daughters and making things offered me an escape and a gift option for teachers, bus drivers, daycare workers, and friends. I had limited resources after losing my husband and creating scrubs, lotions, candles, chapsticks, and other gifts was a way to work through my grieving process and show my appreciation to the people that had offered love to the girls and I. I invited others into my home to show them how to make some of these products over the years, along with formally educating myself as first-generation student (I completed an associate’s degree, bachelor’s degree, and an MBA–all in business) in the past decade as a single mother of two.
I always knew I had a heart for entrepreneurship as it was the humans, I gravitated to by asking questions, the books and articles I would comb through and the dreams I would discuss with close friends and family.
While on a birthday trip with my oldest daughter in Chicago, I was introduced to perfumery from a boutique perfumer and educator. I begged him to teach me more…I also traveled to London and Paris to learn more about boutique perfumery and from commercial perfumery.
All of this brought together (including my love for help/teaching others) in a business plan for The Aroma Labs. My daughters in tow helping with the logo and other business ideals.
July of 2019, in my basement, with a handful of faithful friends…The Aroma Labs held the first class. The 3 months that would follow found me dragging my kits to various locations throughout my community to show others my 3-step process in creating their own custom fragrances, (I called these POP-Up’s)
A few months into this gig…I acquired a small studio space to host small groups by event (eventbrite) or appointment.
I grew out of this space into another studio space to host larger groups… (I WAS SELLING OUT!) and then COVID happened…where noses and gatherings were not welcome!! I was unable to acquire additional funding as I was only 9 months into my business journey. So… I had to pivot…I started scenting for businesses. Which means I collaborated with other business to white label scented products for them. Car dealers, boutiques, salons, mortgage brokers, realtors, ministers, pest companies…I have developed some really cool partnerships! These partnerships/collaborations helped me stay in business…which also allowed me to open an actual boutique storefront (downtown Kalamazoo, Michigan) in May of 2021!
And… because I have always wanted more than one location…I just opened my second location a few weeks ago downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Oh, the road is full of twist and turns…highs and lows…sometimes that happens all before noon on any given day! I was planning on continuing my employment at Western Michigan University until The Aroma Labs was at a point to support my family…but COVID eliminated my position at the WMU and I have been working my business full time since.
My oldest daughter has also had some troubles along the way…she was attacked at school in late 2019, which led to a depression/anxiety and a couple hospitalizations from mental health needs.
And my biggest supporter died this year…my grandmother at the age of 96. I am honored to have a shop downtown Kalamazoo where she and I would spend time peering in the windows; recalling her fondest memories and younger years in the downtown community of Kalamazoo. This incredible woman was the only one that saw me and validated me during my struggled human experience. She encouraged me to continue my education, give back to others, and work with my hands. I named my daughter after her and I hope I can become the woman that she saw me to be.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I have always enjoyed creating things that bring joy to people, and this concept is an extension of that part of my personality. I want the guests of The Aroma Labs to be able to enjoy a customized experience (all genders and budgets).
Collaborations with other local business bring to life my love of marketing…meaning…if you can stay with your customer after their experience with you in such a sophisticated way (as the sense of smell does) the customer is likely to keep you/your brand at top of mind’ even when they are being inundated with marketing messages.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
Be open to the ambiguity that entrepreneurship and running a business has to offer and pivot when needed. Do less better (don’t try to be or do everything at the same time or for every customer) start small and conservative.
Take time and breaks to recharge/refresh yourself.
Be open to feedback from other entrepreneurs/business professionals…improve the process/products/experience at all times.
Get a few mentors and surround yourself with other entrepreneurs…they get it!
Be patient and shoot for growth that is sustainable.
Find 1 or 2 good networking groups in your community and stay plugged in.
Pricing:
- Custom Soap- $15
- Roller Bottle-$25
- Travel Spray-$25
- Shower Frosting-$26
- 50Ml Bottle-$60
Contact Info:
- Email: hello@thearomalabs.com
- Website: www.thearomalabs.com
- Instagram: thearomalabs
- Facebook: thearomalabs
- Yelp: thearomalabs
Image Credits
Shannon Jacobs
