Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Marcelo Zelicovich, Founder of Doctor Aromas, located in Miami, FL, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We are a small business based out of North Miami, FL, dedicated to one thing: home perfuming. We take pride in providing you with safe, efficient products made in the USA. Our scenting solutions are perfect for various settings, including hotels, spas, restaurants, and other businesses that want to give customers a unique and memorable experience. Our scenting systems are also ideal for residential clients who want to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere—our customers. Our individuals appreciate the importance of a welcoming and inviting home environment and seek a unique, personalized scent experience. Our clients range from homeowners and interior designers to high-end retailers and luxury hospitality establishments who want to create a memorable olfactory experience for their customers. Doctor Aromas isn't about high-quality perfumes and systems. We're about helping our clients experience life to its fullest, fostering spaces where you can elevate your well-being and create happy memories.
Tell us about yourself
The story of Doctor Aromas begins with me.
I used to work in Buenos Aires as a restroom scent specialist, ensuring that public restrooms in the city smelled pleasant and inviting for all visitors. With many clients, I always provided their bathrooms smelled like anything but what they were. One day, a desperate client called me for help. Although their restroom smelled fine, their store had an unpleasant odor. I wasn't an expert in this area, but I still went to help. As I looked for the source of the smell, I discovered that the store's air conditioning was responsible. The vent on the roof directly faced the smelliest creek in all of Buenos Aires, and the afternoon breeze carried the scent inside. This realization sparked an idea – if smelly air could be evenly distributed through the air conditioning, why couldn't pleasant aromas be distributed the same way? And so in 1994, I filed the first AC Scenting System patent in Buenos Aires.
Several years later, after moving to the United States in 2003, with only 650 dollars in my pocket and just the idea of the business, working as a dishwasher ins South Beach trying to do my first steps in the US, I founded Doctor Aromas. My company was dedicated to providing well-being through an often-overlooked sense – smell – in a revolutionary way using air conditioning. Over the past twelve years, Doctor Aromas has expanded its offerings to provide customers with the same great fragrances in whichever format they prefer; with a group of 32 full-time Employees working with the same philosophy I cultivated for Doctor Aromas, now we have more than 700 hotels and high-end buildings that we serve but more than 150.000 homes that have our unique system through their entire home.
The idea behind Doctor Aromas is simple but innovative. The company believes that scent has the power to improve our mood, reduce stress, and enhance our overall well-being. By incorporating scent into the air conditioning system, Doctor Aromas can distribute fragrances evenly throughout the space, creating a consistent and pleasant atmosphere. The company's approach is unique, and it has proven effective in various settings, from homes to businesses.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
As Doctor Aromas Founder, I can proudly say that our customers have become incredibly loyal to our brand. They know that we will never disappoint them and can always count on us to deliver exceptional products and service. Our commitment to excellence and willingness to go above and beyond for our customers sets us apart. We have customers who have been buying from us for over 16 years, which is a testament to the quality of our products and the level of customer service we provide.
At Doctor Aromas, we understand that our customers have a choice, and we are grateful that they continue to choose us. We believe that building long-lasting relationships with our customers is the key to our success, and we treat each and every customer with the same level of care and attention to detail. Our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction is unwavering, and we are proud to have earned the loyalty of so many customers over the years. We look forward to continuing to provide them with the best fragrances and services possible for many years to come.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
As the founder of Doctor Aromas, one of the hardest things I face is the constant pressure to make the right decisions for my business. There are so many factors to consider, from financial projections and marketing strategies to product development and customer service.
One of my biggest challenges is balancing short-term needs with long-term goals. It's easy to get caught up in the business's day-to-day operations, but I have to constantly remind myself to think about the big picture and make decisions that will benefit the company in the long run. Another challenge is managing my time effectively. As a business owner, there are always more things to do than there are hours in the day. I have to be strategic about how I spend my time and prioritize tasks based on their importance and urgency.
Finally, as Doctor Aromas continues to grow and expand, I am faced with the challenge of maintaining the company's culture and values. It's important to me that we continue to provide exceptional products and service while also staying true to our core beliefs and mission. Overall, being a business owner is a challenging but rewarding experience. While it can be difficult at times, the opportunity to build something meaningful and positively impact people's lives makes it all worth it.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
As the founder of Doctor Aromas, I have learned a lot about what it takes to start, run, and grow a successful business. Here are my top three tips for anyone looking to do the same:
- Focus on your customers: Your customers are the lifeblood of your business, so it's important to prioritize their needs and desires. Take the time to really understand who your customers are, what they want, and how you can best serve them. Make sure that everything you do is designed to create a positive experience for your customers, from the products you offer to the customer service you provide.
- Build a strong team: No business can succeed without a great team behind it. Invest time and energy into finding and hiring talented people who share your vision and values. Make sure that everyone on your team is aligned with your goals and understands their role in helping the business grow. Finally, take care of your team by providing them with the tools, resources, and support they need to succeed.
- Be adaptable: The business world is constantly changing, and you need to be able to adapt quickly if you want to stay ahead. Stay up-to-date on your industry's latest trends and technologies, and be willing to pivot your strategy if something isn't working. Always be looking for new opportunities and ways to grow your business, but be willing to take calculated risks.
Starting, running, and growing a business is never easy, but if you focus on your customers, build a strong team, and stay adaptable, you can set yourself up for success.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.doctoraromas.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/doctoraromas
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doctoraromasofficial/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/doctoraromas
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/doctoraromas/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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