Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Treanna Thomas. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Treanna, appreciate you joining us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

Leonae Scents began as a personal journey. Growing up, I struggled to find skincare products that were gentle enough for my dry, sensitive skin yet genuinely effective. After countless disappointments, I realized many others like me faced the same challenge: finding products that work and nourish and revitalize the skin without harmful chemicals.

Starting small, I created my solution by handcrafting each product with care and intention. Every jar of shea body butter or scrub is made in small batches, ensuring the quality and love behind each one. Skincare is more than just a routine—it’s an act of self-love and self-respect.
Leonae Scents mission is to provide handmade skincare that helps people feel confident and beautiful while knowing they’re using products that are good for their skin and the environment.

The feedback from customers keeps me going. They tell me how my handmade creations have boosted their confidence. It reminds me that even though I’m starting small, I’m making a meaningful difference, one product at a time.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Pictures may tell a thousand words but don’t always tell the whole story. I often smile, yet sometimes hide behind it, especially in the spotlight. As an entrepreneur and a proud mom, I want to leave a lasting legacy for my family, especially my daughter, who looks up to me. My supportive hubby and I have a dog who brings me joy and comfort. Even after temporarily losing everything, they motivate me to keep pushing forward.

My journey into the skincare industry began because I struggled with dry, sensitive skin. I tried countless products that didn’t work until I discovered the transformative power of shea butter. It nourished my skin in ways nothing else had, making me feel confident and comfortable. That’s when I knew I wanted to create something for others facing the same challenge, and Leonae Scents was born.

Leonae Scents holds personal significance to me. The name ‘Leonae’ is inspired by my zodiac sign, Leo, which represents strength and passion, while ‘Nae’ is a cherished family nickname from my childhood. Together, they reflect my identity and love for creating something meaningful. ‘Scents’ represents the delightful fragrances, especially sweet, dessert-like aromas I use to craft products that smell as good as they feel.

At Leonae Scents, I offer handcrafted shea body butter and sugar scrubs, but I always listen to my customers and explore new ways to evolve. The dessert-inspired scents remind me that skincare should be more than a routine. It should be an indulgence and an experience for the senses.

What sets Leonae Scents apart is the heart and soul behind every product. Each jar is made with love, care, and intention, crafted to look and smell good while nourishing the skin. As a licensed esthetician, I understand the science behind skincare and how important it is to feel comfortable in your skin. I’ve built this business from scratch, overcoming personal health challenges and countless obstacles. But when I see the products I’ve created with my hands, I think, “Wow, I did that.” That’s a feeling I’m proud of.

This journey has not been easy. There have been many trials, errors, and financial struggles, but every challenge has strengthened me. I want my customers to know that Leonae Scents is more than just a business—it’s my passion. Every product is homemade with love and crafted to make you feel special.

As a Black woman and small business owner, I work hard to grow my brand through word of mouth. I know you have plenty of options at big retail stores, but supporting small businesses like mine means the world to me. I am deeply grateful to all my repeat and new customers for choosing Leonae Scents. I’m committed to giving back to the community as my business grows. While I’m still learning and improving in areas like marketing, it’s not always easy financially, but your support keeps me going. Every sale, every review, and every referral gets me one step closer to expanding and realizing my dream.

I appreciate every bit of love you show this business, and I’m excited to continue creating products that bring others joy, comfort, and confidence.

Can you open up about how you funded your business?

When I started Leonae Scents, I didn’t have a large savings account or financial backing. My journey began with sheer determination and a lot of sacrifice. At the time, I was working a 9-to-5 job, contributing to household bills, and supporting my family. However, due to health-related issues, I had to stop working for several years, which left me with no income. It was a challenging period. There were no luxuries, no extra money, and much uncertainty about the future. However, one thing I was sure about was my desire to start this business.

Every time I earned a paycheck, even when things were tight, I set aside a tiny amount for Leonae Scents. I sacrificed things I enjoyed, like going out to eat, entertainment, and vacations. I pinched pennies and focused on the bigger picture because I knew the road ahead would require financial commitment and resilience. Little by little, I built up enough to buy the essential materials: raw shea butter, oils, jars, and labels.
As I navigated the ups and downs, I learned the importance of investing in myself, even if it meant facing trial and error. I figured it out step by step, and if I’d known what I do now, I might have been able to accelerate the growth of Leonae Scents.

But despite all the challenges, I’m proud of how far I’ve come. The initial capital wasn’t a lump sum. It was built through patience, sacrifice, and a passion for creating something meaningful. That’s why every jar and every product I make is special to me. It represents my dedication and my sacrifices to bring Leonae Scents to life.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

One of the most challenging moments in my journey came when my health issues forced me to stop working for several years. With no steady income and my dream of building Leonae Scents still alive, I had to dig deep and find the strength to keep moving forward. It was tough. I couldn’t contribute financially the way I wanted, and watching other businesses thrive while mine was barely off the ground was disheartening.

But even when my body felt weak, my determination stayed strong. I saved whatever little I could, sometimes setting aside just a few dollars from our family finances. I used those savings to experiment with product ideas, knowing that what I created could make a real difference for people with sensitive skin like mine.
The journey was filled with setbacks testing products, working with limited resources, and navigating an overwhelming learning curve. There were days when I wondered if I could keep going, but my faith, love for my craft, and desire to give back to the community kept me pushing forward.

Today, every jar of Leonae Scents products reminds me of the resilience it took to keep my dream alive. I’m proud that despite all the challenges, I never gave up. It’s been a long road, but every step has shown me that resilience isn’t just about pushing through hard times—it’s about finding hope in them and believing in yourself.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://leonaescents.com

Image Credits

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