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

Hi Jessica, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Growing up, my grandpa owned a print shop, and just about everyone in my family worked there. A lot of them have gone on to start their own businesses, and I always loved the idea of creating something for yourself that you can be proud of. I can still remember walking through his print shop, taking in all the different smells and sounds when the shop was in full production. I think that’s where I first realized how much I connect with sensory experiences.

Fast forward to having a family of my own. I became a stay-at-home mom, which has been an incredible blessing, but I also felt like I was losing a sense of myself. I’d come to my husband weekly with new business ideas, just trying to find something that felt like mine again. I landed on candles because they tie directly into my love of sensory memories and how a single scent can instantly change how you feel.

I also saw how broken the industry is, with millions of candles made using harmful ingredients. I wanted something safe to have in my own home around my kids. That’s how Scent of Home was born, out of wanting something beautiful, safe, and deeply connected to memory and comfort.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Before starting Scent of Home, I worked as a Medical Assistant for seven years. In that role, I had the privilege of helping patients through both their highs and their lows, and I learned how to truly connect with people on a personal level.

When I transitioned into being a stay-at-home mom, my world got a lot smaller. I was focused on raising my kids, and I wasn’t interacting with adults in the same way I used to. That was probably one of the hardest parts about stepping into owning a business, relearning how to put myself out there again.

The skills I developed in those years as a Medical Assistant have been invaluable. They have helped me build genuine connections with customers, approach challenges with empathy, and stay grounded in why I am doing this. It hasn’t always been easy, but those experiences gave me the confidence and resilience I have needed to grow Scent of Home into what it is today.

What I want the world to know is there’s never going to be a perfect time to start your own business, especially as a mom. You just have to start somewhere. Start small, fail forward, and learn and grow as you go. That is exactly how Scent of Home came to life, and it is the same mindset that keeps me moving forward every day.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Honestly, going out to eat is not usually my first pick. I am more about spending time outdoors. So if my best friend was visiting for a week, I would definitely start with some time on the Boise Greenbelt, maybe paddleboarding if the weather is nice, and then we would head up into the mountains for a camping trip to reset and escape from the busy pace of everyday life. But before any adventure, we would fuel up at Mountain Timber Coffee because I can’t start the day without their coffee.

That said, I love to get out and shop a little too. So I would probably take them to the Village in Meridian to explore some local shops and then I would like to go to a local nursery to pick out some plants. It is a nice mix of fresh air, adventure, and a little retail therapy. That is my kind of week.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Without a doubt, my shoutout goes to my husband. He has been supportive from day one, helping me get more organized and focused, and taking on all the behind-the-scenes operations that no one else sees or gives recognition for. He handles so much of the work that keeps Scent of Home running smoothly, and he does it without ever needing the spotlight.

Through building this business together, we’ve grown not just as entrepreneurs but in our relationship as well. He’s been my number one cheerleader, always encouraging me to push myself, try new things, and step out of my comfort zone. I truly couldn’t do this without him.

Website: https://www.scentofhomecandles.com

Instagram: scentof_home

Image Credits
Scott Studios Photography.

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