About Us

Our Story

Hello everyone, I’m Tarah, the proud owner of Scents by the Bay. My journey began back in college when I helped manage a perfume and body product store on Pier 39. After graduating from SFSU with degrees in Marketing and Visual Communication, I found myself at a turning point when the store closed due to a decline in tourism. Determined to keep the spirit alive, I wrote a business plan and took the leap to purchase it – and the rest is history!

Since then, we’ve evolved from carrying oils and other brands to crafting our own soaps, candles, melts, steamers, and more. Along the way, I’ve embarked on personal milestones like marriage, raising three kids, and earning my Executive MBA from Saint Marys. Through rebrands, online sales, countless pop-up events, and the opening of three stores, our journey has been nothing short of exhilarating.

Now, I’m thrilled to announce that we’re expanding further by offering wholesale options for some of our amazing product lines! It’s been quite the ride, and I can’t wait to see where this next chapter takes us.

 

My Partner in Crime..

Well maybe not literally, but you’ll definitely see her by my side often! Meet our Manager, Sheila Watamaniuk, who joined our team in January of 2023 and has quickly become an invaluable asset. With her exceptional organizational skills, Sheila ensures the smooth operation of our store, enhancing efficiency and customer satisfaction. Her expertise in crystals and stones has broadened our product offerings, enriching our selection and catering to diverse customer interests. Beyond her professional capabilities, Sheila is known for her warm personality and dedication to providing superior customer service.

Whether she’s managing our Berkeley store or representing us at our many pop up retail and wholesale events, Sheila is always ready to assist and make meaningful connections with customers. Her contributions not only elevate our brand but also play a crucial role in growing our wholesale division.

Hello everyone, I’m Tarah, the proud owner of Scents by the Bay. My journey began back in college when I helped manage a perfume and body product store on Pier 39. After graduating from SFSU with degrees in Marketing and Visual Communication, I found myself at a turning point when the store closed due to a decline in tourism. Determined to keep the spirit alive, I wrote a business plan and took the leap to purchase it – and the rest is history!

Since then, we’ve evolved from carrying oils and other brands to crafting our own soaps, candles, melts, steamers, and more. Along the way, I’ve embarked on personal milestones like marriage, raising three kids, and earning my Executive MBA from Saint Marys. Through rebrands, online sales, countless pop-up events, and the opening of three stores, our journey has been nothing short of exhilarating.

Now, I’m thrilled to announce that we’re expanding further by offering wholesale options for some of our amazing product lines! It’s been quite the ride, and I can’t wait to see where this next chapter takes us.

 

My Partner in Crime..

Well maybe not literally, but you’ll definitely see her by my side often! Meet our Manager, Sheila Watamaniuk, who joined our team in January of 2023 and has quickly become an invaluable asset. With her exceptional organizational skills, Sheila ensures the smooth operation of our store, enhancing efficiency and customer satisfaction. Her expertise in crystals and stones has broadened our product offerings, enriching our selection and catering to diverse customer interests. Beyond her professional capabilities, Sheila is known for her warm personality and dedication to providing superior customer service.

Whether she’s managing our Berkeley store or representing us at our many pop up retail and wholesale events, Sheila is always ready to assist and make meaningful connections with customers. Her contributions not only elevate our brand but also play a crucial role in growing our wholesale division.

Well maybe not literally, but you’ll definitely see her by my side often! Meet our Manager, Sheila Watamaniuk, who joined our team in January of 2023 and has quickly become an invaluable asset. With her exceptional organizational skills, Sheila ensures the smooth operation of our store, enhancing efficiency and customer satisfaction. Her expertise in crystals and stones has broadened our product offerings, enriching our selection and catering to diverse customer interests. Beyond her professional capabilities, Sheila is known for her warm personality and dedication to providing superior customer service.

Whether she’s managing our Berkeley store or representing us at our many pop up retail and wholesale events, Sheila is always ready to assist and make meaningful connections with customers. Her contributions not only elevate our brand but also play a crucial role in growing our wholesale division.

What makes us stand out among other handcrafted companies?
Well, besides my unique branding, it’s our proprietary Massage Oil Candles! Each candle is meticulously hand-poured using organic ingredients that not only burn cleanly in your home but also provide a luxurious and hydrating experience for your skin.

Why should you consider stocking Scents by the Bay in your store?
We’re dedicated to crafting organic products, sourcing locally whenever possible, and using recycled (and often reusable!) packaging. Plus, we offer the opportunity to collaborate directly with us to create a unique private label for your own brand – from design to custom scents and everything in between.

We’re eager to partner with you, so don’t hesitate any longer! Reach out to us today to discover more about what we can offer.

Our Mission

At Scents by the Bay, a proudly women-owned handcrafted boutique, we take immense pride in offering a diverse range of exclusive, handcrafted products that cater to you and your client’s holistic well-being and self-expression.

Our mission is to create a haven for seekers of quality and uniqueness, a sanctuary where each item tells a story, born from the hands of our team, who infuse their creativity and passion into every product. With our proprietary massage oil candles, soaps, shower steamers, soy melts, crystals, aromatherapy jewelry, over 600 perfume and essential oils, and custom bath and body products, we aim to enrich your life and elevate your senses.

We are committed to an ongoing effort for ethical sourcing and eco-friendly practices ensures that each product embodies a conscious and sustainable approach to beauty and wellness.

Exceptional customer service is the cornerstone of our promise. Our knowledgeable and caring team is here to guide you through our extensive range, offering personalized recommendations and ensuring that your experience with Scents by the Bay is nothing short of extraordinary.

We believe that self-care is a holistic journey, and our boutique is a reflection of this belief. From the calming flicker of our massage oil candles to the energy of our crystals, the enchantment of aromatherapy jewelry, and the artistry of our custom bath and body products, we aspire to inspire moments of reflection, healing, and empowerment.

At Scents by the Bay, we invite you to explore, discover, and embrace your individuality . Our offerings are designed to uplift your spirit and enrich your life, helping you create moments of tranquility and self-expression. We exist not only as a boutique but as a partner in your journey towards well-being, self-discovery, and transformation.

Join us in experiencing the beauty of handcrafted, proprietary creations and the warmth of exceptional customer service. Together, we will ignite your senses, elevate your life, and celebrate the strength and creativity of women artisans worldwide, one unique creation at a time.”

Tarah M. Ornelas
Owner, Scents by the Bay

CANDLES

MISTS & MELTS

BATH & BODY

GIFT SETS

I worked with Tarah to pick out the perfect candles to expand the product line in my boutique, and let me jsut say, my clients LOVE them! Highly recommend the Organic Massage Oil Candles by Scents by the Bay.”

Julia, Sacramento, CA

My happy place, to say the least! The door to love is my nose, and this magical place has everything I need to satisfy that and more. I loved their friendly service and will definitely return again.”

Alicia C., Corte Madera

 

Wow, I am rarely so enthralled by such a sweet establishment. I came here looking for new essential oils for my diffuser, and the staff member Maddy was beyond friendly & helpful. She let me explore the various fragrances and oils and was able to tell me which were best sellers vs. which aligned closest to my needs. THANK YOU!!!.”

Bobby K., CA

 

I absolutely love this store!!! The atmosphere is very welcoming and calming. The products are nothing but quality! I love the creativity of being able to make my own scents! My favorite product there is the massage candles!!! You are missing out if you don’t stop in to this beautiful store!!! I will definitely be back!!!

Lynzi B., Roseville

 

Contact

Info@ScentsbytheBay.com
(866) 787-3863

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