Independent Retailer - Boutique Aroma Ltd

We’ve looked at how existing businesses have survived and grown throughout the pandemic, but we also wanted to look at someone who has hit the ground running with a new business. Someone who hasn’t let covid or Brexit hold him back!

Just 7 months after he opened his shop, we catch up with Stephen to see how he’s getting on at Boutique Aromas, based in the heart of West Belfast.

“It all started out in our kitchen. Melting wax in a saucepan with boxes all over the house, we couldn’t even eat without the taste of fragrance oil in our mouths! Then we secured the premises 10 doors from our family home which was brilliant.”

Stephen is one of our biggest champions and it’s easy to see why his suppliers and customers love him. His cheery personality and positive attitude are contagious. His favourite part of the job? Meeting new people every day and taking the time to get to know every single one.

“It’s just nice for a person to take an hour out of their daily lives to come to the shop, have a chat, and buy what they need. Our customers are all different, from age 20 to 70, with a story to tell.”

It’s that level of service that brings his customers back time and again, as well as, keeping his product range fresh. His favourite ranges are Sleep Sakes and the new Spring/Summer range of Aroma Accessories electric burners.

“We tried and tested a couple of vendors but one stood out from all the tests and that was Aromatize. The quality of the product speaks for itself and when you open a trade account the customer service and the help and support you get is just fantastic.”

Now Stephen has set his sights on a second shop, hopefully in a big shopping centre in West Belfast. But he always tries to stay grounded and follows the wise words from his Dad, “There are three things you need; good advice, a good business head, and a good product and you’ll do well.”

We are thankful that Stephen found some of that in us.