Hot Job Makes 'Scents' for Oklahoma Moms

By Jennifer Pierce, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY – An Oklahoma mom of three has a career that fits her busy life.

"I love my home to smell good and I love it to be inviting," said Robin Duncan. "I love for people to feel welcome when they are here so it just fit me."

Duncan is building her household income with Scentsy. The wickless candle company is the latest direct sales business to hit the metro. Duncan is her own boss and doesn't have to punch a clock.

"Even before I had children and a family, a 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. job was not for me," Duncan said.

She can take it easy one week or burn the candle at both ends on another, whichever fits into her schedule.

"I've made the choice that I'm going to own my own business and I'm going to make it happen," Duncan said.

Shelley Merchant is not only Duncan's director, but a close friend. Merchant got into the business after her husband lost his job. She says she is not a sales person by nature, but the product sells itself.

"Honestly, I've tried several direct selling companies and this is the only one I've actually succeeded at," Merchant said.

She gained Scentsy status through signing people up and holding candle parties. They ask someone to host a party and the hostesses invites everyone they know to their home to have the Scentsy experience. Guests buy the product, hear how they can get involved in the company and that's how people like Duncan and Merchant make money and build their sales team.

Friends can also host a party without much effort. Merchant's hair stylist has a "basket party" every day at work. Clients sniff the scents and sift through the catalog while he works on their hair.

"I can expose more people throughout the day without having people over in the evening," Joshua Pappan said.

For Scentsy salespeople, the job is not just about the check it's about relationships and changing lives.

"I think it's just what it's done though friendships," said Merchant. "We support each other and we give."

"I am fulfilled," said Duncan. "I feel like I am doing something worthwhile."

If are interested in making Scentsy a career, check out:

Robin Duncan's Web Site

Shelley Merchant's Web Site