Fragrance bar expands into new space with help from Legal Services of Eastern Missouri

ST. LOUIS, Mo. (First Alert 4) - A local entrepreneur has followed her heart, and her nose, toward a successful business that’s been steadily growing.

Shelby Marie, the owner of the Shelby Marie Fragrance Bar, just moved into a new building on Lindell Boulevard from a smaller storefront in Florissant.

She makes and sells custom perfumes and hosts parties for trying out new scents.

Marie said she developed a love of perfumes as a child.

“It started with my mom,” she said. “She was one of those jazzy ladies who wore fancy fragrances all the time.”

Marie started small, selling fragrances at popup events. Over the last ten years, she’s developed her business with help from the Legal Services of Easter Missouri’s Microenterprise Program, which has assisted more than 500 entrepreneurs since its 2012 inception.

Marlene Elliot, who runs the program, said they are currently helping Marie register her brand’s trademark.

“We help with forming the business, creating contracts, reviewing commercial leases,” Elliot said.

Many of Marie’s customers, like Tasha Johnson, have followed her for several years, too.

“I’ve been going to her for years,” Johnson said. “To see her vision coming to life is amazing.”

Marie hoped her new storefront would open her business up to a diverse clientele in a thriving shopping district. She encouraged small business owners to take the same leap of faith she did.

“The most important thing for business owners to do is to get out of their head and start,” she said.