Today we’d like to introduce you to Mellisa McHaffie.
Hi Mellisa, We are so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I started making candles almost 26 years ago after I had my daughter. My ex-husband and I turned it into a business and had a kiosk at the mall and consultants that sold for us. Then we had a fire and lost our shop, but it was the best-smelling fire they had ever fought. After that, I always did it for friends and family, for fundraising, for weddings, and for set-up at markets and festivals. I dreamed of having my shop someday but pursued my career as a banker instead. In February 2020, I had the idea for a Crafted Scent Bar after going to a DIY home decor class. Then, we were asked to stay home for two weeks in March of that year. That turned into two years, and I just kept hearing a little voice in my Spirit say, “You need to start that business because you need to get out of the house again, and others need to get out of the house again, too.” So, I took a leap of faith and signed a lease for a space in Eustis by Ferran Park. The bid I received from my build-out was much more than my budget, so I was ready to give up, but my daughter said, “Ask daddy.” He’s a fantastic builder, but we divorced for a decade and didn’t have a great rapport. Long story short, I asked, he said yes, and he and his wife showed up and did an incredible job. It was such a healing for our family, and it was then that I knew I was doing what I was meant to do. When we listen to that still small voice, miracles happen.
It wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
We have been very blessed since opening, and I attribute that to the forgiveness and love that went into the build-out. I wrote a prayer in a Bible, and they built it inside one of the walls. I pray that anyone who enters Crafted Scent Bar is blessed, which has helped. Not every day is sunshine and rainbows. We have had to navigate a death in the family, cancer in another, broken AC units, slow days/weeks, and rising costs of products, but our faith in the mission of connecting others over scent memories has helped us stay the course and continue to grow.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I teach candle-making and scent-blending classes at my shop and offsite. I educate my guests on the science of scent. I specialize in soy-blended candles, wax melts, reed & car diffusers, and other scented products. We are experts in scent blending and help businesses brand themselves with scent. We also help brides have a memorable day with their signature scent. I am most proud of our Google reviews. We have 50 five-star reviews, and they are all so heartwarming. I am also very excited to be chosen to be a speaker at TEDx Eustis in 2024. My topic will be on the power of scent. I am an amazing listener, which adds to the experience. I genuinely care about others, and I want to connect on a deep level. People feel that as soon as they walk into the Crafted Scent Bar. It is a warm, inviting place where you leave the outside world behind and go on a scent adventure/therapy session. You will walk away with a ton of new knowledge and great memories.
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you, and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
I learned how important it is to never isolate from others again. Human beings need a connection to survive. That was the driving force behind Crafted Scent Bar to craft connections over scent memories through a unique experience.
Pricing:
- Class/Booking Fee is only $5
- Minimum project at class is $25
- We have a variety of vessels ranging in price up to $40each
Contact Info:
- Website: Www.craftedscentbar.com
- Instagram: @craftedscentbar
- Facebook: @craftedscentbar
Image Credits
Alison Law Photography, LLC
