We had the good fortune of connecting with Salina Jones and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Salina, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
We wanted to bring a unique experience to the valley that could be both upscale, yet fun for the whole family. The concept had to be something that could be something our customers would return to do again and again, while bringing others with them to join in on the fun!

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Candle Chemistry is unique in that it’s a fully customizable experience and one that you can do over and over again with different scents each time. Our sense of smell is most closely tied to memory and experiences. Customers can recreate memories via fragrance for either themselves or a loved one, and have fun while doing it.

Starting a business of any kind is never easy, but a new concept? That adds a whole new element of difficulty, not to mention starting a business just four months before a worldwide pandemic would change the landscape. Overcoming the pandemic and thriving post pandemic is definitely a major point of pride for us. The only way to explain how we did it, is to say we never gave up. We innovated! We increased our e-commerce presence, developed home kits, and started virtual team buildings. We also used the time to create ‘Our Desert” by Candle Chemistry, exclusive fragrances, with exquisite design and packaging inspired by the sights and scents of the Sonoran desert.

We have learned three keys things that have built our success. 1: Customer Experience- Creating an environment and experience where people, have fun and feel important is key. Everyone will have a five star experience in any one of our stores. If something goes wrong, we will make it right every-time! 2: High quality products and ingredients: Our customers will love our lotion and soap on their skin, will be comfortable burning our soy candles in their homes, and will not be overwhelmed by scent because we do not put phthalates or amplifiers in our soy candles. 3: Marketing & Organic Growth- Use of influencers and social media platforms to tell our story in a way that is authentic to our brand which entices people to enter our stores and experience what “Inventing with Scent” is all about.

We want the world to know that “It’s not Rocket Science it’s Chemistry” come into anyone of our stores or invent online. We promise you will love your invention!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
All of us partners have friends who live on the East Coast and when they visit, they are fascinated by the desert. Salina is the group’s travel agent, and her itinerary would take our guest all over the state. Starting with Northern Arizona, let’s head north to Williams, AZ where we could catch a ride up the Grand Canyon on the Grand Canyon Railroad to see one of the eight natural wonders of the world. Leaving Williams we would work our way up to Flagstaff to check out Lowell observatory, and enjoy a meal at one of the many quaint restaurants.

As we make our way back down the mountain we would stop at Jerome for a ghost hunt, followed by Sedona to check out the red rocks, Oak Creek Canyon, and pick up some fudge and a caramel apple at Sedona Fudge shop.

Once we are back in the valley, we visit Candle Chemistry in Scottsdale Quarter and grab a bite to eat at Sorso Wine Bar. The Mexican Mule is incredible, a little bit of heat with refreshing citrus flavor. While in Scottsdale, we stay at one of the many resorts with mountain views. No trip to the valley would be complete without a hike up Camelback mountain! Breakfast at Biscuits is a must, and a stop at one of the many incredible Mexican restaurants for dinner is also non- negotiable. As we make our way to the other side of the state, Mill Avenue in Tempe, the home of Arizona State University would also make the itinerary for this week long tour of AZ.

Weather permitting, guests would also love a day at Canyon Lake. Jet skiing or boating? Yes please!
Lastly, the trip would close with a visit to Tucson home of Mount Lemon, a number of gorgeous luxury resorts, and Biosphere II.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The Candle Chemistry ownership team is made up of two couples. We each have someone that has really taken us to the next level. Ron and Laurie, the twins behind starting Candle Chemistry both thank their parents for leading by example with hard work and constant love and support geared towards family! Chris, Laurie’s husband, thanks his Mom, who was a single Mom working hard with every breath to raise three boys on her own. Salina, Ron’s wife, thanks her Grandfather and Mother for their work ethic, support, and strong belief in her ability to anything she wants to accomplish.

Website: www.candlechemistry.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/candle_chemistry/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/candlechemistry

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/candlechemistry

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZPABQuB118dyhgj8rTeDUA

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutArizona is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.