In the 1990’s, Mark Jordan spent three years playing football around the world visiting some truly amazing cities, each offering spectacular sights and sounds.
It was, however, the unique smell of each location that had the most impact on him. So much so, that he spent the next few years wondering how he could re-create the aroma and, therefore, re-live the experience.
In 2012, something happened that would make this dream come true and Aroma Holiday – World of scents was born. Here we find out what inspired Mark to launch his own range of scented candles…
When did you launch the brand and what was the reason behind it?
Aroma Holiday was officially launched in January 2014 with just five scented candles (we now have 18) all hand crafted on my kitchen table. In just two years I had turned a ‘lightbulb moment’ into a fully-fledged business.
The flash of inspiration came about while looking for a scented candle as a gift for my wife. Despite being surrounded by them in the Store, I could not find one that ‘meant something’ and so I went home empty handed but with an idea buzzing in my head.
What if I could create a scented candle that would remind us of our travels around the world?
I had no idea how I was going to achieve this. I just knew that I had to find a way of recreating memories of far flung places. I also understood that with smell being the most evocative of all our senses, the key to my success would be in creating a luxury scented product that ‘meant something’ to the owner.
What’s your background?
After spending three years footballing around the world, I joined Britain’s oldest department store, Voisin’s, in St Helier, Jersey as a buyer / manager. Renowned for stocking exclusive luxury brands such as Jo Malone and Michael Kors, my time there along with my passion for design and art were undoubtedly the catalysts for the creation of Aroma Holiday.
If you could start over with the business, would you do anything differently?
I am sure every business owner asks the same question. And I am sure they will also feel the same as me that every stage is a voyage of discovery. Each with its pitfalls and rewards. If you micro-analyse every action taken, nothing gets done, making mistakes and learning from them is a fundamental part of creating a strong brand.
What is the hardest challenge you have faced since you started the company?
I guess one of my biggest frustration is my desire for as many people as possible to experience our products and have the same it ‘meant something’ feeling that I have.
The other challenge is also to create volume products that retain consistency without losing the ‘hand crafted’ attribute. Quality control is the number one priority for me.
2018 is here, where do you plan on taking the brand?
The brand is about to go truly global. Our products can now be bought on-line and we ship throughout the world. We are also looking to increase retail distribution, especially in outlets such as duty free shopping, luxury hotel outlets and travel companies etc.
We also intend diversifying the product range to include sprays, diffusers and cosmetics etc. Watch this space.
To date what has been the highlight since launching?
The most satisfying highlight for me is to see how the business has grown from the original five scents of London, Paris, Rome, Istanbul and New York City to today where we produce 18 different locations each with its own unique aroma.
Which city do you feel most at home in, London, Paris or New York?
I love all three but for different reasons. However, if I had to pick just one, it would have to be New York. Since being overwhelmed with the sheer scale of everything, as an impressionable 19-year-old, to later years when the city re-invented itself as a ‘tourist friendly’ destination, for me, it’s still the most exciting city in the world.
Style means….?
To me, it’s what I call ‘timeless charisma’ – that is a thing or person you are attracted to but unsure why.
Best thing about London to you?
I love the eight Royal Parks, the inspiration for my ‘London Capital’ scent. Over 5000 acres of green and woody space all free for everyone to enjoy. They really are very special and we are lucky to have something in our Capital city that no other Country can claim.
If you had to, what piece of clothing from your wardrobe would you wear every day?
A pair of smart brogue boots.
Favourite love song?
Over the Rainbow – Israel “IZ” Kamakawiwo’ole (sadly, a beautiful voice that’s no longer with us). Listening to this tropical ballard , I light my AH Hawaii candle and it transports me straight back, to those beautiful Pacific islands.
Best place for a coffee?
As a guest, we enjoyed a ‘Flat White’ followed later by a cheeky Cocktail or two, at the Archers Spyglass Rooftop Bar. This fantastic boutique hotel situated in Midtown Manhattan NYC…. what a view and what a place!
Most memorable piece of advice given to you?
Just do it! Nike
If you could spend 24 hours in anywhere in the world, where would it be?
Nelson New Zealand. My sister and parents emigrated there and just love “Aotearoa” Maori for “Land of the Long White Cloud”.
In future, how do you plan on expanding the company?
I would love more people enjoy the Aroma Holiday experience so I am currently working on making our products more accessible. This means finding different ways to for potential customers to experience our products. This could be in-store, in their home, at their place of business, or via social media etc.
We are continually looking for opportunities to share our passion of experiencing a product that ‘means something’ to the owner.
Find out more…
People can find out more about “Aroma Holiday” from the following websites and social media links
Web: https://www.aromaholiday.com
Instagram: @aromaholiday.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aromaholiday/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/aromaholiday
Email: sales@aromaholiday.com