We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Marissa Khawaja a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Marissa, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?
This business began like any other, as an idea and a dream. “Texas Sweet Scents” started while I was working my previous career as a sheriff deputy, and in my off time I began looking up fun ideas that I could do to add a little fun and creative craft to do on my days off. I started going down the “rabbit hole” on Youtube, you know the one you start watching a video and then just keep clicking the next video button and that is how I came across a DIY Car Freshies. This really caught my eye from the beginning and the more I watched, the more I thought “This is easy… maybe”. I did more research and purchased what was needed, but just the bare essentials, and away I went. I did not think I would enjoy it as much as I did let alone be something that would open doors to greater opportunities where I could turn my hobby into a small business. Of course it has taken much trial and error to get where I am now, but I am proud to say that I have grown and have been able to bring other products to my business as well. I am now shipping orders across the United States and have continued to grow a small idea into a home-made business from scratch. I am looking forward to pursuing my dream of creating a business that will bring joy to others and to create an ever expanding adventure for myself and my family.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I was in law enforcement for over 5 years in the Fort Bend County area of Houston, Texas. I am mother to a handsome autistic three year old boy, and two- year-old twins (boy/girl). My oldest child needed more personal care, so I decided that if I could come up with something unique and different, I may be able to make it a side business. What I did not know was that a small business called “Texas Sweet Scents” was coming shortly after. I felt like I had so much to discover and even more to prove compared to these big companies. Who’s going to give me the time to showcase my unique creativity? So I vowed to myself that I would only give the best to my clients and continuously try to improve my products.
I started out with car air fresheners called “Freshies” and they can range from basic looks to complicated designs and everything in-between.
What is a “Freshie” you ask? Well it is made from aroma beads that have been cured in high quality fragrance oil then baked into a mold to give a shape and decorated. Just like those cardboard ones you buy from Walmart, but way better!
Not only have I done this for a little over two years, I have now expanded my product line to include soaps, candles, hand sanitizer, and body scrubs that are all handmade and using as natural products as possible too!
I have been able to begin serving the community with making freshies that include logos. I can customize the “freshie” to be any company logo which can be a great gift or a simple THANK YOU that is different than what is out there already. Your company deserves to be talked about too.
How did you build your audience on social media?
I was so scared starting off with how would I promote myself and my product. Everyone tells you market, market, market- which is true but where do you start? I felt like if I started small, it would grow itself, that answer is still in the works. I did start with my social media account (Facebook) since that was where I was most known, then created a new account for my business and then posting for family/friends to join. They are the best and biggest supporters, so let them be the ones that start you on your journey! Then as my group grew with them and their help, I began a simple “Add A Friend Friday” or “Help Me Grow Tuesday” where they can add people and help with a little marketing too. Then I moved to another social media platform and asked people to join and add people. Keeping up with two places is hard sometimes for sure but it is worth it. There are ways to make it easier on yourself where you can do scheduled posts and that sometimes help tremendously, especially during busy months.
Just know marketing is a huge part of starting off a business and something that truly helps, but I have yet to pay for any marketing (everything is word of mouth and sharing on social media) so it can be done all while money is tight at the beginning.
How do you keep in touch with clients and foster brand loyalty?
Clients are what makes small businesses, without them I would not be around. I do my best from the beginning to end with each, including following up to ensuring satisfaction after a little time has passed. From placing an order and beginning the creation process, I make sure I am understanding their desired creation and shipping the product and providing tracking. I feel if you are very present and super personalized, which is something only small businesses can provide, you will gain that extra confidence in your followers and clients. The reviews from clients are always amazing and show their appreciation. Word of mouth spreads fast and another amazing way your clients can help you with marketing.
Contact Info:
Image Credits
Meraki Foto Photography (Personal Branding)