Today we’d like to introduce you to Donesia St Preux
Hi Donesia, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My passion is helping people love where they live!
Before my days of stepping on Legos and answering endless “why” questions, I had a hobby—crafting. I loved making my own hair and body care products with simple, nourishing ingredients, spending hours researching and perfecting formulas. Eventually that passion expanded to home organization and decorating – I enjoyed creating a space that felt good to be in. Eventually life happened (as it does), and my crafting supplies collected dust for many years.
I spent a lot of time thinking about getting back into crafting but life was so busy and I struggled to create the space for it. When 2020 hit, I decided it was time to do all the things I had been putting off and like many people, I was searching for a sense of peace in all the chaos. I knew it was the perfect opportunity to get back into crafting, I purchased craft kits and starting planning projects. I was very emotional in the planning stages as this time it was even more special—I got to share it with my daughter. We started making soap together, and she was completely fascinated with blending oils to create new scents. She even came up with the name Samara’s Scents, which became the foundation of our brand (SamaraScents).
Soon, our creativity expanded. We started working on little home projects, and Samara became obsessed with keeping our space smelling amazing. That led us to candle-making, and before I knew it, she was encouraging me to share our creations with others. After about a year of research, testing and developing, we launched our first candle collections: Relax & Unwind and Savor the Summer, featuring a mixture of nostalgic and custom-blended scents.
As our love for home fragrance grew, so did our product line. We later added wax melts and air fresheners—because we could empower our customers to layer products and scents to give their home it’s own signature scent. And who doesn’t love walking into a space that smells inviting and comforting? What started as a simple way to reconnect with a hobby has turned into something so much more: a creative journey, a bonding experience, and a way to spread a little joy.
Recently everything clicked. I realized I wasn’t just passionate about crafting or candles—I’m passionate about helping people love where they live. In my next chapter I will be bringing my heart into helping families find and create the homes of their dreams.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The road has been anything but smooth! Being an entrepreneur—especially in the early stages—means wearing a hundred different hats and figuring things out as you go. There’s no blueprint, no safety net, just a lot of trial and error. It can feel overwhelming and, at times, even lonely because it feels like no one fully understands the unique challenges of your specific business.
One of the biggest struggles has been balancing it all—work, life, running a business while also being a mom, managing a household, and still finding time for myself, for us, and for allowing my daughter to just be a kid. Some days, it feels like there just aren’t enough hours! But despite the challenges, I wouldn’t trade this journey for anything. The lessons my daughter and I have learned along the way have been invaluable, and one of the things I cherish most is the time we get to spend together, creating, learning, and building something meaningful side by side.
I love that I get to teach her the ins and outs of business—not just how to create and sell a product, but how to do it with integrity and a sense of responsibility. She’s learning first-hand how to take an idea from concept to reality, the importance of perseverance, and even the bigger picture—things like corporate responsibility and how businesses can positively impact their communities. Sales, for example, is such an important skill, and she’s already learning how to confidently present her ideas and connect with people. I’ve also taught her not to take rejection personally, but instead to pivot, learn, and keep going. Those are lessons that will serve her well in life, no matter what path she chooses.
At the end of the day, the good has far outweighed the bad. This journey has introduced us to incredible people and opportunities, and the sense of responsibility and accomplishment has been amazing for her self-esteem. Watching her grow through this experience, knowing that we get to do this together, has made every challenge worth it!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about SamaraScents?
In addition to being a Real Estate salesperson, I’m the Co-Founder and Mom-ager at SamaraScents. At SamaraScents, we believe that scent has the power to transform a space, evoke emotions, and create lasting memories. That’s why we pour our hearts into crafting high-quality candles, wax melts, and air fresheners that do more than just smell good—they bring warmth and personality into your home.
We take pride in our attention to detail, from selecting the finest ingredients to carefully hand-pouring each candle with love. But what truly sets us apart is the story behind every scent. Each blend is inspired by real experiences—whether it’s a calming evening at home, a refreshing walk through nature, or a cherished memory we want to relive.
Beyond the products, I’m incredibly proud of what this brand represents. It started as a mother-daughter bonding experience and has grown into a business that’s not just about selling, but about creating, learning, and sharing something meaningful with others. Watching my daughter develop confidence, learn about business, and take pride in our work has been the most rewarding part of this journey.
We want our customers to feel connected to our products—to light a candle and instantly feel a sense of peace, nostalgia, or joy. That’s what SamaraScents is all about!
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Growing up in an entrepreneurial family, I saw firsthand the dedication, resilience, and creativity it took to build something from the ground up, and that mindset left a lasting impression on me.
I’ve always been naturally curious, with a deep love for reading and learning. Books were my escape, opening my mind to endless possibilities and new ideas. But I wasn’t just a bookworm—I loved to play, create, and experiment. Whether I was crafting or working on little projects, I was always finding ways to bring my imagination to life.
Looking back, my journey into business feels like it was meant to be. It’s a perfect blend of my childhood passions—learning, creating, and the entrepreneurial spirit I grew up with. Building something of my own just feels like a natural part of who I am.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.samarascents.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samarascents
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/samarascents
- Other: https://donesiastpreux.signature-premier.com
Image Credits
Donesia St Preux, SamaraScents
