Today we’d like to introduce you to Monique Thurton.
Hi Monique , we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started the business while working full time in finance in New York City and balancing life as a mom. Like a lot of people, I was dealing with stress, burnout, and trying to find ways to slow down and take care of myself more intentionally. Candle making originally started as something creative and calming for me, but over time it became much more than that.
I’ve always loved scents and the way they can completely change how a space feels and even affect your mood. Traveling and visiting spas also inspired me because I noticed how certain environments instantly made me feel calmer, lighter, and more at peace. I wanted to recreate that feeling at home in an everyday way.
What started small in my living room slowly grew into a real business. I launched Scented By Shayian in 2023 and have continued growing through pop ups, online sales, wholesale opportunities, and connecting with other small business owners and creatives. My daughter has also been a big part of the journey. We bond a lot through creativity, whether it’s testing scents, brainstorming ideas, or simply talking about the future of the brand together.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. I’ve always loved creative projects, and when my daughter was younger we would do different DIY things together for fun, including making candles. But creating a high quality candle that burns and performs well is completely different. Once I decided to turn it into a real business, I realized how much testing, research, and trial and error was actually involved. Different waxes, fragrance oils, wick sizes, temperatures, packaging, shipping, branding. There’s a real science to it that I had to learn over time.
At the same time, I was balancing a full time job in finance, being a mom, and trying to build a business mostly from my living room. There were a lot of late nights, moments of self doubt, slow sales periods, and times where I questioned if I was doing things the “right” way.
I’ve also dealt with health challenges while growing the business, which has forced me to slow down at times and really prioritize myself differently. That part has probably been one of the hardest things because entrepreneurship already requires so much mentally and physically.
I’m still learning as I go, honestly. But I think that’s part of what makes the journey real. Every challenge has taught me something, whether it was about business, patience, creativity, or myself.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Scented By Shayian ?
Scented By Shayian is a luxury home fragrance brand inspired by spa experiences, travel, and the importance of creating peaceful spaces at home. I create clean burning soy candles, room and linen sprays, wax melts, and self care products designed to help people slow down and create calm moments in their everyday lives.
One thing that sets the brand apart is that it was built from a very personal place. I started creating products that reflected the feeling I was personally looking for more of in my own life which was peace, comfort, and small moments of escape from stress and burnout. A lot of the scents are inspired by places I’ve traveled to, relaxing spa environments, coastal destinations, and comforting everyday rituals.
I’m also very intentional about the overall experience and aesthetics of the brand. From the vessels and packaging to the scent blends themselves, I want the products to feel beautiful, calming, and thoughtfully put together while still feeling warm and approachable.
What I’m most proud of is building the brand while balancing a full time career, motherhood, and personal health challenges, while continuing to grow through online sales, pop ups, and wholesale opportunities. I’m still learning and evolving, but I’m proud that Scented By Shayian has grown organically and has connected with people who genuinely love the products and what the brand represents.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
I think something that surprises people is that I’m actually pretty introverted and naturally more quiet at first, even though I run a brand that requires me to put myself out there publicly. A lot of people see the business, the pop ups, the branding, and social media, but behind it all I’m really someone who enjoys calm environments, staying home, being creative, and spending time with family.
Another thing people may not expect is that I work full time in banking while also building a creative business. My days are usually a mix of working with customers, handling financial transactions, opening accounts, candle testing, content creation, and constantly thinking of new ideas for the brand. My brain honestly never shuts off when it comes to creativity and business ideas.
Pricing:
- Signature Luxury Candles: $52
- Everyday Tin Candles: $26
- Room + Linen Sprays: $22
- Wax Melts: $10
- Massage Bars: $18
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.scentedbyshayian.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scentedbyshayian
