Owner brought to tears as home fragrance brand opens at new high street location

By Matthew Hancock-Bruce 20th Feb 2025

Scents & Sassology has opened at Dukes Court (Credit: Scents & Sassology)
Scents & Sassology has opened at Dukes Court (Credit: Scents & Sassology)

A business owner was brought to tears as she opened the doors to her new shop in Macclesfield.

Scents & Sassology arrived at Dukes Court this week, taking over the unit previously home to Duchess Cocktail Bar.

It marks an exciting time for the home fragrance brand, following a few challenging years that involved a change of ownership and several relocations.

Owner Leanne Barber said: "We're shining proudly on the high street, and it feels incredible.

"People can finally see us, walk in, and experience our products properly. And the support we've had? It's been overwhelming. On our first day in the new store, I actually cried at the end of the day—it was that emotional."

She added: "This is just the beginning.

"Now that we're in the right location, I can focus on growing the business in ways I've always dreamed of."

Scents & Sassology sells a range of home fragrance products, including wax melts and room sprays (Credit: Scents & Sassology)

Leanne initially worked as an employee for Scents & Sassology's previous owners, before taking over in 2021.

"I took a huge risk when I bought this business," she said.

"I was scared. I wasn't sure if I'd made the right decision. But looking back now, I can say with absolute certainty—it was the best thing I've ever done.

"When the opportunity came to take over in early 2021, I had to make a decision—stay safe or take a chance. And even though I had doubts, I knew I had to do it."

The road hasn't always been easy.

Scents & Sassology has moved locations multiples times, from Sunderland House to Sunderland Street and then to a previous space at Dukes Court.

"The business always did well online, but in-store was a different story," Leanne said.

"Our locations made it difficult for people to find us, and that was frustrating.

"There were moments where I wondered if I'd made the right call. But I refused to give up."

The shop opens Monday to Saturday and on Treacle Market Sundays (Credit: Scents & Sassology)

Now, everything has finally fallen into place with the brand moving into its new home in Unit 2/3 Dukes Court on Mill Street.

Inside you will find everything from wax melts and room sprays to air fresheners and bath bombs

Leanne said: "I want people to walk in and feel something—whether it's excitement, comfort, nostalgia, or just pure joy.

"Fragrance is powerful. It connects to memories, to emotions. And I love being part of that."

Leanne runs the shop, which opened on Wednesday (February 19), while being a single mum to two little girls.

She added: "Yes, it's hard. Some days, I feel like I'm being pulled in a hundred different directions. But I wouldn't change it for the world," she shares. "I want my daughters to see that you can take risks, chase dreams, and build something amazing—even when it's tough."

"We've worked so hard to get here, and now, I just want to keep going. The love and support we've received from the community has been unreal. I'm so grateful."

The shop opened on Wednesday, February 19 (Credit: Scents & Sassology)

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