After testing Scented Pages Workshop in local Vancouver markets and online, I began thinking about how we could expand our mission to reach more young readers across North America. The idea of turning a local project into a scalable business excited me, but it also brought new challenges.
I researched market trends for scented products and literary-inspired gifts in the US, analyzing competitors and identifying potential gaps. I learned about international shipping rates, customs procedures, and the importance of product certifications for safe sales in different states.
To prepare, we started optimizing our Shopify store for US customers, adjusting shipping settings and payment options, and planning a launch campaign on TikTok targeting young book lovers across North America. We also began reaching out to independent bookstores and local art fairs in Seattle and Portland to explore potential partnerships.
One of our goals was to test the viability of a subscription box model, allowing customers to receive a new literary scent each month, paired with a reading prompt or playlist, making the classics an ongoing multisensory journey.
Taking steps toward international expansion taught me how to think strategically, balancing creative vision with practical logistics and market research. It pushed me to understand the scale and discipline required to turn a passion project into a business that can sustainably grow and reach more people.
This expansion journey reinforced my belief that young entrepreneurs can build global businesses rooted in creativity and purpose, and it motivated me to continue learning about supply chain management, digital marketing, and cross-border e-commerce, preparing for the day I can bring Scented Pages Workshop to readers around the world.