A Signature Scent-sation for Any Occasion
In May 2018, Rob and Susi Brucato of Geneva, IL, founded Inluro. Inluro is a unique custom scent creation experience specializing in candles, home fragrances, and bath and body products. In addition to candles, their products include fragrance mist, reed and car diffusers, disinfectant spray, diffuser bracelets, liquid hand soaps, shower gel, lotion, sugar scrub, and roll-on fragrance. Inluro sources the finest ingredients and prides itself on delivering an exceptional customer experience.
Shortly after launching, Susi attended a workshop with the Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC) of Waubonsee Community College, where she met her first SBDC mentor, Harriet Parker. The couple was instantly impressed with the services offered through the SBDC network. “Before making our connection with Harriet and the SBDC, we only had a retail shop, but now we have a manufacturing and production facility, which was a direct result of our interaction with Harriet and the SBDC,” Rob shared.
Upon expanding their facility, the Brucato’s began working more independently and focusing on solidifying their continued growth. It wasn’t long before they came across an ample opportunity; Inluro was being vetted into a business relationship with Hawaiian Tropic. The success of this relationship caught the attention of Hawaiian Tropic International, who was impressed with the flexibility of customization that Inluro offered. They wanted to expand the current relationship to an international level.
The Brucato’s faced a new obstacle - navigating the international export challenges. “We weren’t planning to go international, but we were thrilled for the opportunity to expand. We just had no idea how to get started,” Rob said. Their first response was to contact their trusted mentor from SBDC, Harriet. She had recently retired; however, she still listened to their situation and knew just who they needed to turn to - Jim Foley, Director of the Illinois SBDC International Trade Center (ITC) at Bradley University, and Harriet gladly made the introduction.
During the discovery call, the Brucato’s appreciated the extensive knowledge Jim was offering them. “He had done his homework to learn about our business, which was very impressive,” they shared. He immediately jumped into solving their shipping, logistics, and customs needs, which the couple had no previous experience with. Jim gave them a few recommendations for logistics companies he had earlier successes with, one of whom stood out above the rest. “It was just a seamless and helpful experience. I could not speak more highly of the logistics company, which was based solely on Jim’s recommendation,” Rob stated.
In addition to making an outstanding first impression, Jim also connected the Brucato’s with resources from the US Department of Commerce, which was vital in navigating the international shipping protocols and meeting various customs policies. These stepping stones were key in successfully meeting the needs of their new global partners. Up against an aggressive timeline, the Brucato’s followed Jim’s trail of connections, and within three short months, Inluro’s scents were shipped to five countries.
Since the completion of that contract, Inluro has continued to strengthen its relationships with the local community of Geneva. “Seeing customers come into the shop and watching them leave differently due to the experience provided at Inluro, that’s what makes what we do meaningful,” Susi shares. “Hearing them say ‘that was the best day ever’ is so fulfilling.”
The values and mission at Inluro are growing roots in the community for customers and employees. Often welcoming college students to the team, Inluro takes pride in the culture they’ve created for their employees, and they’ve done so intentionally. “I know we have succeeded because past employees come to visit even after they’ve graduated and moved on in their professional careers. They just stop by to visit and stay in touch,” Susi shares.
The Brucato’s and their team at Inluro are developing strategies to grow the wholesale side of the business. Their Scent Your Brand program offers companies a unique, compelling, and impactful way to stay top of mind with customers and enhance customer loyalty. “Scent branding is often more impactful than visual marketing and branding,” Rob shared. Smell is the strongest of the bodily senses, often impacting many layers of a person's perception, drawing on memories, and triggering an emotional response. Scent Your Brand offers an extraordinary take on leaving a lasting impact on marketing efforts.
Inluro isn’t just in the business of crafting scents; it crafts memories and experiences. At Inluro, customers aren’t just consumers but creators who are welcome to customize their signature scent and craft it into household products. They also offer DIY kits online to set the mood for your next crafting party, date night, or as a gift to loved ones for any occasion. Craft your own, or explore the tried-and-true favorites of Inluro’s signature scents by visiting their store at 211 W. State St., Geneva, IL, or stock up on signature scent-sations for any occasion by visiting their website.
Contact Info: (630) 730-9302 | Inluro.com