Introducing the first of many conversations; The Plain Janes Journal, don't just exist, live!
We focus on people's lives and how they arrived to where they are today. Each month we will be celebrating individuals and their experiences. First to let us unfold their story was the powerful duo behind SSAINT.
Say hello to Ciara and Elle, two lifelong friends, who share an unwavering passion for fragrance. Their mission is to create products and experiences that can beautifully translate emotions and memories into captivating scents and unforgettable moments.
Brit: SSAINT is nearly 3! How does this milestone make you feel?
Ciara & Elle: It's surreal. SŚAINT turning 3 signifies stability, growth, and resilience, which to us, are all essential aspects of a successful business. We’re grateful for the opportunity to reflect on the journey so far, acknowledging our achievements, learning from the challenges, and setting new goals for the future. It’s been a wild ride and we cannot believe it's been 3 years already!
Brit: Both being co-founders of SSAINT, what’s the difference between your two
roles? How did you get to where you are today in the HQ?
Ciara & Elle: Our journey to where we are today in the SSAINT HQ has come to fruition through collaboration, a shared vision, and mutual respect. It began with a shared passion for fragrance, brand innovation and an understanding of the gap in the fragrance market in both Australia and beyond.
We both love getting creative with idea generation and product development. Our roles compliment and mirror each other, forming a symbiotic partnership. We both bring unique expertise with Ciara’s background in Advertising and Sales, and Elle’s skill set of Customer Service and Leadership. We both work incredibly well together navigating challenges, accepting opportunities and driving the business towards our strategic objectives.
Brit: Since starting your entrepreneurial journey, what's the biggest lesson you’ve learnt?
Ciara & Elle: That research is crucial. Market/trend research, supplier and manufacturer research, identifying customer needs and wants, as well as basic business decisions like being diligent when looking into which postage service will be the most cost effective, for example. By being on top of how
the business is running, it helps with identifying potential risks and challenges before they arise, allows us to develop contingency plans and alleviate potential negative impacts on our operations or finances.
Brit: What advice would you give to other people wanting to start something on their own or take the next big leap in their career?
Ciara & Elle: Embarking on a new venture or taking a significant step to start a new career can be both incredibly exciting and terrifying at the same time. But if you are passionate and determined to face the challenges and opportunities the reward is so so worth all the late nights and long hours. We are so grateful to get to work
everyday together along with our beautiful team.
Brit: I’m sure you have big plans in the works, can you share some exciting things that we can all look forward to in the world of SSAINT?
Ciara & Elle: We are working on so many new and exciting things at SŚAINT, that will hopefully be online and in-stores very soon. We can't give too much away, but get ready to elevate your home with these new products.
Brit: What’s your favourite scent?
Ciara: It changes on a daily basis, depending on what we are doing and where we are going. For date night we love to wear Smokeshow as it’s such a deep, rich and sexy fragrance.
Elle: My everyday fragrance is usually Modus Vivendi, I find it such an easy to wear fragrance. It is transeasonal, fresh and earthy so it is perfect everyday wear.
Brit: Describe each other with 3 words only - go!
Elle about Ciara: Resilient, Loyal, Kind.
Ciara about Elle: Supportive, Authentic, Caring
Brit: Favourite holiday destination and where to next?
Ciara & Elle: Our annual family and friends trip to Yamba
Brit: You both have envious style, how do you plan your daily looks?
Ciara & Elle: We’ve always loved fashion and aren’t afraid to admit we jump on fashion trends. Lol.
