We were lucky to catch up with Cherami Thomas recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Cherami thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

Truthfully, I founded Thomas Blonde with the intention of providing luxury home fragrances but what I soon realized was that this was just a byproduct of what would become my actual mission which was to inspire women to be, “Far from Ordinary.”

The immediate challenges and obstacles I faced as a women owned business where overwhelming, daunting, and often seemingly defeating. One day I found myself staring at the wall and I thought, “how many women just like me find themselves wondering, “Is this all there is?” I craved so much more than just getting by. I craved a life that felt extraordinary, but that idea seemed too big and out of reach in that moment.

That’s when the idea of “Far from Ordinary” struck me. What I was after seemed out of reach, but a daily commitment to be “Far from Ordinary”, I could keep that promise! It was a simple daily reminder for me to put one foot in front of the other, to make small promises to myself and keep them. Because those little wins, they add up. They become the stepping stones to a life that can defy expectations.

But here’s the thing – I knew I wasn’t alone in this. So many women carry the same fire within them, the same desire to write their own extraordinary stories and that’s where Thomas Blonde comes in. I realized that my daily rituals, the seemingly insignificant acts of self-care like making the house smell amazing possessed incredible power that inspired and awakened the extraordinary within me. I knew if it worked for me, it would work for others, so I created a bigger vision with a mission to become a brand for women who choose to be “Far from Ordinary.” Our mission is to, “inspire and collectively ignite a fire that illuminates the path to extraordinary lives through (intentional) daily acts of self-care.”

Cherami, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I guess you could say my story is about resilience, about rising from the ashes and building something extraordinary. My journey started with a brick-and-mortar store called Urban Farmhouse Designs. It was everything I poured my heart and soul into – a testament to my love for interior design. But fate, it seems, had other plans. Shortly after I sold the store, it closed down which was a crushing blow that left me questioning everything.

However, even in the midst of that disappointment, a spark remained. One of Urban Farmhouse Designs’ biggest hits was our signature candle that customers couldn’t get enough of. It was from those ashes that the idea for Thomas Blonde emerged. The name? A playful combination my husband came up with, my last name and, well, my hair color lol!

I started Thomas Blonde with the last bit of money I had, and I knew failure was not an option. This time, I was determined to build something even more meaningful. My background in interior design had taught me a valuable lesson: while I could create jaw-dropping spaces, it was the final touch – the exquisite scents from diffusers and candles –

that truly elevated the experience. These scents, these finishing touches, seemed to transport people to another place, creating a nearly transcendent feeling.

Here’s another fascinating thing: most people have a powerful connection to scent, almost like a photographic memory. Clients who marveled at my designs would tell me, “This is the most beautiful space I’ve ever seen!” And then, with a smile, they’d add, “And the smell? I’ll never forget!” It dawned on me – the impact of incredible fragrance went beyond aesthetics. It resonated with people on a deeper level, leaving a lasting impression even more profound than the design itself.

Armed with this newfound understanding of fragrance’s magic, I knew home fragrance was my calling. My goal? To create products that were as beautiful as they smelled, a seamless fusion of form and function.

I’m proud to say after 4 years Thomas Blonde has become a nationwide testament to that vision. But what I’m truly most proud of is building a brand that inspires. We’re not just a luxury home fragrance company; we’re a community of women who embrace self-care that ignites the “Far from Ordinary” within. It’s a journey I wouldn’t trade for anything, a journey born from the ashes of a dream that, in a beautiful twist of fate, paved the way for something far more extraordinary.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

Obsessive customer care. We focus on both pre-sale attention and exceptional after-sales support. We know mistakes happen, but how we handle them defines us. We own our errors, apologize sincerely, and go the extra mile to resolve issues. Never make excuses. This can turn a frustrated customer into a loyal brand advocate.

Peter Drucker famously said, “without a customer there is no business.” Every customer is important, that’s why we handwrite thousands of thank-you cards a year. It’s a small gesture that shows appreciation and fosters a sense of community.

Impeccable Products. We manufacture the majority of our products, and the quality has to speak for itself. Every detail matters and the secret to achieving what the business needs to consistently deliver is employee buy in supported by amazing systems.

Best In Class Designed Products. You can have both items above but if no one wants to buy your product then it’s all for nothing. The overall appeal and design of the product is so often overlooked. Entrepreneurs fall in love with their ideas and then tend to gravitate towards their strength within the business they created. People with amazing design skills are a rare breed so if that’s not your strength make it your priority to find an amazing design person or team.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

Brand Building. Once you’ve established a rock-solid foundation of taking care of the customer the next step is to become a brand building expert. Very few people can build a business and even fewer can build a brand. The best brands evoke a sense of passion and purpose to their customers.

Building a brand is about creating a movement, a story that people can connect with on a deeper level. It’s about passion, purpose, and fostering a community that shares your values. When you achieve that, you create something far more enduring than just a business; you create a brand that inspires and empowers.

Contact Info:

• Website: thomasblonde.com
• Instagram: @thomasblondeofficial
• Facebook: Thomas Blonde
• Linkedin: Thomas Blonde
• Youtube: Thomas Blonde

Image Credits
A New Light Photography