At Sea Love locations, guests enjoy scent-blending experiences where they can make their own candles and diffusers, personalize labels and shop at a curated boutique of home décor and accessories. By Nancy E. Williams
Connection, Creativity and Lasting Memories
At Sea Love locations, guests enjoy scent-blending experiences where they can make their own candles and diffusers, personalize labels and shop at a curated boutique of home décor and accessories.
Sarah Brown and Melissa Monge opened their Sea Love location in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, in December 2023, sharing their excitement about the opportunity to bring a creative, hands-on experience to both locals and visitors in the area.
“I chose Sea Love because it’s such a unique and immersive concept. The combination of a candle-making experience with a boutique really stood out to me,” Brown said. “It felt like a perfect fit for Hilton Head Island – something relaxing, creative and memorable for families, friends, locals and visitors. The brand is clean, simple and inspired, so it fits right in!”
The response from both the Hilton Head Island community and visitors has been incredibly positive. The business has met Brown’s expectations, particularly in terms of guest experiences and repeat customers – two key elements of the brand’s model.
“Balancing daily operations with marketing and growth can be challenging, but my favorite part of the business is creating an experience people truly enjoy,” Brown said. “Watching guests design custom candles, celebrate special moments or unwind during their visit is incredibly rewarding. Sea Love is about more than candles; it’s about connection, creativity and lasting memories.”
Brown’s advice for success is to have a clear plan and be prepared to be hands-on. She believes franchisees should focus on operations, customer experience, local marketing and fully utilizing the franchisor support.
Here’s what Brown’s typical day as a Sea Love franchisee looks like:
- 8 a.m. Brown reviews emails, reservations and the day’s schedule.
- 9:30 a.m. She prepares the candle bar and boutique, opens the store and welcomes guests for experiences and shopping.
- Noon Brown handles the midday rush of walk-ins, helping guests select scents and vessels while ensuring a smooth experience.
- 2 p.m. She does an inventory check, stocks supplies, completes marketing outreach and posts updates on social media.
- 4 p.m. She runs to the post office to ship candles.
- 6 p.m. Brown hosts evening sessions or events, followed by closing tasks and prepping for the next day.
Nancy E. Williams