Forging Community Through Fragrance - Thuy Ha @shopflorra
- Kindred Curiosity
- Sep 26
- 5 min read
Wellness is found in a variety of forms. From meditation to mindfulness, there are countless ways to practice wellness in your daily routine. One way that Thuy Ha has expressed self-care is through fragrance: scents and botanicals play a crucial role in creating a safe, mindful environment. Read below to learn about Florra and Thuy's journey into wellness!
What made you curious about the wellness industry, specifically the perfume business?
Honestly, my path into wellness wasn’t just about curiosity — it was something I really needed for my own healing. After years of not paying much attention to my body, I started dealing with some health and autoimmune issues. That pushed me to explore holistic and natural ways to feel better. I discovered that simple daily rituals and natural ingredients, especially plants and essential oils, made a huge difference in how I felt.
Scents and botanicals became a big part of my healing journey — they weren’t just pleasant smells, but things that truly helped me relax and feel grounded. About a year after opening the store, it just felt right to bring those beautiful scents and essential oils to our customers through a clean perfume bar. It seemed like the perfect way to share something that helped me so much, while offering a fun and immersive experience for others.
What is something about the wellness industry that you think more people should know about?
There’s so much going on in the wellness world — everywhere you look, there’s a new trend, a must-have product, or some “miracle” ingredient that promises to change your life. But what I really wish more people knew is that wellness doesn’t have to be complicated or overwhelming. It starts with intention.
True wellness is found in the small, simple things we do with care — like lighting a candle before bed, applying a scent that makes you feel beautiful, or just taking a quiet moment to check in with yourself. It’s those little rituals, done consistently and with love, that create real, lasting well-being.
That’s the heart of what I hope to offer through Florra — products that aren’t about chasing trends, but about helping you slow down, feel more present, and turn everyday moments into something beautiful and nourishing.
Can you tell us about key milestones and significant events that have shaped your business’s journey up to the present day?
September 2021—Established LLC
March 2023—Grand Opening of Florra
September 2024—Launch of the Scent Bar
September 2025—Another launch, coming soon!
What do you tell yourself whenever you encounter a challenge or setback with your business?
Challenges are plenty when you’re building something from the ground up — especially when you’re doing it with heart. What helps me is how I choose to see those challenges. I don’t see them as problems to fix, but as opportunities to grow.
Florra has pushed me to grow in ways I never expected — as a business owner, yes, but also as a human being. I’ve come to realize that my personal growth and the growth of the business are completely intertwined. So when I face a setback, I try to ask myself: What is this here to teach me? Because every challenge is also a mirror, showing me where I need to evolve — with more patience, more clarity, more courage.
It’s not always easy, but I try to trust that every obstacle is shaping me into someone more aligned with the vision I’ve set out to create.
What is your favorite way to unwind at the end of the day?
Evenings are when I really come back to myself. I have a few simple rituals that help me slow down and feel grounded before bed:
A warm, nurturing drink — usually a Sleeptime Latte from Clevr Blends or golden moon milk
My skincare routine
A grounding body oil — I love calming scents like clary sage and lavender
A magnesium or grounding lotion foot rub
One minute of breathwork — to slow down my mind and ease me into sleep
How has your cultural identity influenced your journey so far, if at all?
I’m sure my culture has influenced me in ways I’m still learning to understand. But honestly, my path back to myself — toward purpose, alignment, and wholeness — has felt deeply connected to the shared experiences of being a woman.
It’s about recognizing the strength and challenges we face: the pressure to do it all, the need to slow down and listen to our bodies, and the courage to honor our true selves. This has shaped me in profound ways and continues to guide how I show up in my life and work.
Your brand is big on partnerships, from promoting small businesses in your shop to hosting community events with Yelp. Could you walk me through your process of selecting and following through with a partnership?
Like much of how I run the business, the process of selecting partnerships has been very organic for us. It all comes down to alignment — whether we reach out to potential partners or they come to us, the key ingredient is resonance. There has to be shared values and a genuine connection to the mission, whether that’s supporting community, uplifting women, or promoting mindful, sustainable living.
From there, it’s about open communication and collaboration to create something meaningful together. I want every partnership to feel like a natural extension of Florra — something that benefits everyone involved and brings real value to our community.
You recently celebrated 2 years of Florra– congratulations! What are your three biggest takeaways from the past two years of running this business?
I actually wrote about this in detail on our blog. If you’re curious to dive deeper, you can check it out here: Two Years of Florra: Celebrating Community and the Beauty of Self-Care.
Your brand focuses a lot on women empowerment and connection, which we especially see from your private scent events. What inspired you to make this a key element of your business?
As I mentioned, my journey has felt like a very profound and shared experience that many modern women encounter—the balancing act of so many roles, the longing for deeper connection, and the desire to reclaim time and space just for ourselves.
That’s why creating workshops and private scent events became such a natural extension of Florra. These gatherings offer a beautiful, intimate space where women can slow down, connect with themselves and each other, and experience something joyful and nurturing.
It’s not just about the scents—it’s about the community, the stories shared, and the gentle reminder that we’re not alone in this. Supporting women in these moments of connection and self-care is at the heart of what I do.
Share another Asian-women-owned small business or entrepreneur that inspires you!
What is the last thing you were curious about?
I’m always curious—always seeking to understand the deeper layers beneath the surface. Lately, I’ve been reflecting on femininity in the modern world: how we can reconnect with our feminine essence while navigating the fast-paced, often masculine-driven demands of daily life. I’ve been exploring how to create space for softness, intuition, and beauty without losing touch with practicality and purpose. It’s a question that feels both personal and universal, and one that inspires much of my work.
What can the community help you with?
Reaching different communities is always important to me—especially when it comes to building genuine connections across cultures and backgrounds. I’d love for this community to help amplify the heart behind my work, introduce me to other women-led and Asian-owned businesses, and open doors for collaborations that celebrate beauty, wellness, and intentional living.
Thuy's story demonstrates the importance of balance, intentionality, and enjoying life's simple pleasures. To learn more about and visit Florra, use the links below:
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