October 2009
GIVE MORE THAN YOU RECEIVE
Article from womenentrepreneur.com
Try not to become a man of success. Rather, become a man of value. A successful man takes out of life more than he puts in. A man of value will give more than he receives.
--Albert Einstein
That quote is the key tenet of Orville and Heidi Thompson's business, Scentsy, a company that sells wickless candles online and through Scentsy consultants nationwide.
It's also the central theme behind the Meridian, Idaho-based company's decision to give away $100,000 to 40 local businesses last July, to celebrate the company's fifth anniversary. The couple settled on $100,000 because it was matched their first-year sales.
Scentsy gave $50 apiece to approximately 1,000 employees, family members and vendors to spend in selected stores. It was quite an undertaking. Getting $100,000 worth of $50 bills from the bank took a couple of days, Orville says. Teams of 50 people went to 20 stores at a time, and then to a second set of 20 stores.
"We made them spend it all," Heidi says. "They bought gift certificates with the leftover money. They also spent $10,000 of their own money above and beyond what we gave them," she says.
Now the Thompsons have stepped up their efforts a notch. The original concept was limited to internal company employees (numbering about 300), vendors and family members. But there was such a flood of interest from Scentsy consultants across the country, the Thompsons created Contribute 2009. The campaign, with its separate website and special logo, calls on company consultants and the general public to pledge to spend $50 at a local small business on or around Oct. 12. The Thompsons' goal is 100,000 people spending $50 each, for a total of $5 million.
But the Thompsons' vision isn't intended simply to send individuals on a small buying spree. Anyone can go into a shoe store and spend $50 on a pair of running shoes, Orville says. Consultants in particular are being encouraged to combine their efforts to increase the event's impact. They are encouraging consultants to work with the public, friends, family and neighbors "and all do something meaningful together."
"If I put on a T-shirt [that says Contribute 2009] and 20 of my friends [do it, too] and we all go in and buy $50 worth of shoes at the same time, we give hope and inspiration--and publicity--to that store owner for the same pair of shoes. We've contributed more because we did it in a slightly different way than we otherwise would."
That's what happened in July. Shu's Idaho Running Co. in Boise, Idaho, was quoted in a story by Reuters. "So here's a tiny little shoe company that caters to runners in the north end of town that has national exposure," Orville says. Some owners were in tears. Others said they didn't think they would have survived the summer without Scentsy's help.
The event sent people to stores they had never frequented, including the Thompsons. The family bought a picture at a framing store and bird houses and a hummingbird feeder at another shop. "These were two stores I had never been in before," says Orville, adding that he's planning to go back to buy another bird feeder. "So now they've got a customer for life."
Orville acknowledges that publicity surrounding the campaign benefits Scentsy. "But that's not the point," he says. "The point is to contribute. We needed to use Scentsy's reach to make an impact." He says Scentsy created the separate Contribute 2009 website "to de-link it from our marketing efforts."
"We started in extremely humble circumstances and it was lonely and dark many times," Orville recalls. "But as we've emerged from that, the burden that gets lifted. It's nice to feel light. We hope Scentsy can be a light for hundreds of thousands if not millions of people." Adds Heidi, "That's what we want to spread."
July 2009
SCENTSY LOCATES NEW DISTRIBUTION CENTER IN LEXINGTON
LEXINGTON, KY (July 2, 2009) – Commerce Lexington Inc. announces that Scentsy, Inc. is opening a new distribution center operation in Lexington. The new company will create 70 to 100 new full-time jobs by the end of 2009 with a capital investment of $750,000.
Scentsy, Inc. is a rapidly growing party-plan company offering a variety of scented, wickless candles heated in decorative ceramic warmers, and other fragrance products. The simplicity and value of its products provide a better alternative to burning wicked candles in the home and office. What began in 2004 in a 40-foot ocean container on a small Idaho sheep farm is now a national company growing 300 percent annually with more than 35,000 independent consultants in the United States, Puerto Rico and Guam.
The new company has set-up their new operations in W.T. Young Storage’s Orange building at 2471 Palumbo Drive and will occupy approximately 80,000 square feet. Scentsy worked with Mr. Bruce Isaac with NAI Isaac Commercial Real Estate Services to find their new home in Lexington.
"Announcements like this one tell us that Lexington's high quality of life is still attracting new companies and new investments, even in the current economic climate. It's great to have the opportunity to welcome new jobs to town," Mayor Jim Newberry said. "The recession has certainly affected our economy, but there are many indications that we are holding our own."
“Kentucky is pleased to welcome a fast-growing company such as Scentsy, Inc. to the bluegrass state,” said Larry Hayes, interim secretary of the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development. “I know they will find central Kentucky to be an ideal location for their distribution operations. We look forward to working with them as they grow.”
“Commerce Lexington would like to welcome Scentsy, Inc. to Lexington,” said Bob Quick, President and CEO of Commerce Lexington. “We look forward to establishing a long standing relationship with Scentsy and helping them grow their presence in Lexington.”
“We are delighted to be opening a new distribution facility in Kentucky,” said Orville Thompson, CEO and President of Scentsy. “Lexington offers Scentsy an exceptional business environment and a strong core of skilled job candidates. The strategic expansion of our distribution operations here allows us to increase our service levels and streamline delivery to our expanding customer base in the eastern U.S., Puerto Rico, and other international locations.”
June 2009
SCENTSY WINS FIRST RISING STAR AWARD
Honor recognizes Scentsy’s commitment to simplicity, quality and value
MERIDIAN, Idaho (June 11, 2009) – The Direct Selling Association (DSA – dsa.org) recently presented its 2009 annual industry awards for outstanding achievement and honored Scentsy, Inc. with the first ever Rising Star Award at the DSA Annual Meeting in Washington, DC. The Rising Star Award is presented annually to one up-and-coming direct selling company that has dedicated itself to achieving a high standard of excellence in business operations.
Scentsy opened its doors in 2004 with the idea of offering a safe, wickless alternative to burning candles in homes and offices. Scentsy experienced record growth as customers saw its decorative warmers as not just a safer alternative but as a better alternative. Scentsy’s success can be attributed to a simple and valuable product line sold through independent consultants at home parties.
“We always strive at Scentsy to bring value to customers by creating and selling high-quality products that warm the heart, enliven the senses, and inspire the soul,” said Orville Thompson, Scentsy CEO and co-owner. “We are honored that the DSA awards committee has recognized our singular focus on quality and value in the midst of tremendous growth.”
“This award further validates the success we have experienced,” said Heidi Thompson, Executive Vice President and co-owner. “But our success is merely a byproduct of passionate customers and consultants, and an outstanding corporate team, who have shown great enthusiasm for our products and parties.”
Each year the Direct Selling Association gathers for its annual meeting and hosts its annual Awards Banquet. The DSA presented awards in the areas of technology innovation, partnership, salesforce development and program excellence. The five companies honored during the association’s annual meeting were ACN Inc., Mary Kay Inc., Oxyfresh.com, Scentsy Inc. and ServiceQuest. Oxyfresh.com, ServiceQuest and Scentsy are all based in Idaho.
December 2008
SCENTSY ENJOYS FIRST $1 MILLION DAY
MERIDIAN, Idaho (December 17, 2008) – Scentsy, Inc. today announced a key milestone in the company’s growth when it achieved its first $1 million day. Scentsy finished December 15, 2009 with $1.3 million in sales revenue. By comparison, Scentsy’s final retail sales figures for all of 2006 were $1.8 million.
“Our success is nothing more than the sum of the individual efforts of each Scentsy Independent Consultant,” says Orville Thompson, Scentsy CEO and co-owner. “The holidays allow for great business opportunity and it has certainly been a successful day for Scentsy.”
In less than five years, Scentsy has experienced a 300 percent annual growth rate. In addition to achieving its first $1 million business day, Scentsy also exceeded $50 million in annual sales.
July 2008
SCENTSY INTRODUCES NEW PLUG-IN WARMER
MERIDIAN, Idaho (July 31, 2008) – Scentsy, Inc. today announced it will launch the Plug-In Warmer, a ceramic candle warmer sized to fit into small places and designed with a detachable ‘plug-in’ base. The new warmer, available in September 2008, builds off the success and popularity of the Scentsy Deluxe Warmer. Orville Thompson, Scentsy CEO, President and co-owner, announced the new product at the annual National Convention.
“Our Deluxe Scentsy Warmers make a statement in any room, but sometimes smaller rooms need a smaller statement,” said Thompson. “These convenient Plug-In Warmers are perfect for a small office or workspace as well as a little bathroom or smaller bedroom. We expect this product to do very well by extending the Scentsy experience to a broader audience.”
Similar to the Deluxe Scentsy Warmer, the new Plug-Ins use a 15-watt light bulb to slowly melt the scented wax. The Plug-In warmer base is approximately 3” x 3.5” without the plug. The detachable base makes it quick and easy to poor out the melted wax and replace with new fragrances. Plug-Ins are available in three decorative designs and six colors—ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, offices or garages.
September 2007
SCENTSY MOVES TO NEW LOCATION
MERIDIAN, Idaho (September 2007) – Scentsy, Inc. has moved to a new, larger facility to accommodate high product demand and to meet the needs of a rapidly growing business. The move will allow for more proficient production and large-scale shipping.
Located only a couple of miles from Scentsy headquarters, the new 42,000 square foot facility now provides more than 16 times the space for manufacturing and warehousing Scentsy products. Ultimately, the new facility will permit for more timely order fulfillment and shipping to Scentsy customers.
“This new building will allow us to manufacture and ship Scentsy bars, Room Sprays, and Hanging Fresheners at the quantities we will require to meet expected growth,” said Kevin Preece, VP of Operations. “We will also be able to warehouse large quantities of warmers. There is room in this building for us to expand as the business grows. It is the ideal location.”
This is the third facility Scentsy has occupied since it launched the business three years ago, in a 40-foot ocean container on a small sheep farm.
October 2005
SCENTSY INTRODUCES NEW PRODUCT LINES
MERIDIAN, Idaho (October 2005) – Scentsy, Inc. recently launched two new product lines to offer customers a wider variety of fragrance-based products. Room Sprays and Hanging Fresheners extend Scentsy’s product line beyond the popular ceramic, candle warmers.
“We are developing new products to allow consultants, hostesses, and customers to take Scentsy fragrances wherever they go,” said Orville Thompson, Scentsy CEO, President and co-owner. “We always strive to create and sell high-quality products that warm the heart, enliven the senses, and inspire the soul.”
The new line of Scentsy Room Sprays has been a much-anticipated launch for consultants and customers. Mixed and poured by hand, these room sprays can fill a room with Scentsy fragrance with just one spray. At launch, Scentsy Room Sprays are available in ten select scents. The full line of Scentsy fragrances will follow.
Scentsy Hanging Fresheners are cardboard air fresheners in the shape of the Scentsy logo that hang freely in cars, lockers, or closets. These hand-dipped Hanging Fresheners come in all Scentsy fragrances and are saturated with scent to last for weeks.
August 2005
SCENTSY HOLDS FIRST ANNUAL CONVENTION
BOISE, Idaho (August 20, 2005) – Scentsy, Inc. held its first annual National Convention at the Holiday Inn in Boise over the last two days. The event included guest speaker Christie Northrup - the Lemon Aid Lady, Scentsy executives, training classes, activities, entertainment, and consultant awards.
Convention was an ideal opportunity for Consultants to learn new, better ways to promote their business and network with other Scentsy Consultants. Attendees also had the opportunity to meet one-on-one with co-owners Orville and Heidi Thompson and gain further insight into the Scentsy culture. All Scentsy Independent Consultants were encouraged to attend Convention.
“It was a weekend full of fun, friendship, and motivation,” said Orville Thompson, Scentsy CEO, President and co-owner. “We introduced new products and unveiled our new Scentsy Web presence that will allow Consultants to build their own private Scentsy website complete with online ordering, enrollment, and business management tools.”
“Convention inspired and motivated me to continue to build my business,” said Becky Preece, Scentsy Independent Consultant. “It was very educational to hear from Christie Northrup, who has been in the Party Plan business for years, and to learn from other consultants’ experiences.
July 2004
NEW COMPANY OFFERS A SAFE ALTERNATIVE TO FLAME CANDLES
MERIDIAN, Idaho (July 1, 2004) – Each year thousands of homes are damaged or destroyed by flame candles. Scentsy, Inc. is a new company launched today to offer a safe alternative to burning candles. The Scentsy System is a decorative ceramic warmer that uses a low-watt light bulb to enjoy scented candles without the danger of a flame.
The Scentsy Candle Warmer is safe, easy to use, fits into any décor and permeates any room with wonderful fragrances. The warmer uses a 25-watt light bulb to melt soft, highly scented wax bars slowly and safely to maximize fragrance time. Scentsy Bars in Scentsy warmers melt at 125 degrees Fahrenheit – the temperature of a typical paraffin cosmetic dip. The wax will not burn children or pets.
“We are leading a move away from the unsafe, smoky and sooty candles of today to a safe, healthy, and fun way to bring the scents that make us happy into our homes and offices,” said Orville Thompson, Scentsy CEO, President and co-owner. “Scentsy is the wickless and flameless candle company.”
Scentsy is a party company. Scentsy Consultants schedule a home party with a hostess who invites her friends to come and experience the warmer first hand and share memories and fun as they sample the Scentsy fragrances. Marketing Scentsy products is a rewarding experience for consultant, hostess and guests. Consultants earn 20 – 25% commission on retail sales. Hostesses can earn hostess rewards in varying levels based on guest sales.
“Our goal in bringing Scentsy to the market as a party plan is to bring value to the world by providing a family friendly business opportunity selling creative, artistic, high-quality products that warm the heart, enliven the senses and inspire the soul,” said Heidi Thompson, co-owner of Scentsy.
