Shop In person
At Our Beautiful Store in the Bay Area
In The Elmwood Neighborhood in Berkeley
Phone
(510) 898-1283
TOLL FREE:
(866) 787-3863
Hours
Mon – Thurs | 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Fri & Sat | 11:00 AM – 7 PM
Sun | 11:00 – 5:30 PM
Our Story…
At Scents by the Bay, we are a proudly women-owned handcrafted boutique. We take immense pride in offering a diverse range of exclusive, handcrafted products and experiences that cater to your holistic well-being and self-expression.
Our mission is to create a haven for seekers of quality and uniqueness, a sanctuary where each item tells a story, born from the hands of our artisans who infuse their creativity and passion into every product we make. With our engaging classes and events, proprietary massage oil candles, soaps, shower steamers, soy melts, crystals, aromatherapy jewelry, over 600 perfume and essential oils, and custom bath and body products, we aim to enrich your life and elevate your senses.
We are committed to an ongoing effort for ethical sourcing and eco-friendly practices ensures that each product embodies a conscious and sustainable approach to beauty and wellness.
Exceptional customer service is the cornerstone of our promise. Our knowledgeable and caring team is here to guide you through our extensive range, offering personalized recommendations and ensuring that your experience with Scents by the Bay is nothing short of extraordinary.
We believe that self-care is a holistic journey, and our boutique is a reflection of this. From the calming flicker of our massage oil candles to the energy of our crystals, the enchantment of aromatherapy jewelry, and the artistry of our custom bath and body products, we aspire to inspire moments of reflection, healing, and empowerment.
Join us in experiencing the beauty of handcrafted, proprietary creations and the warmth of exceptional customer service. Together, we will ignite your senses, elevate your life, and celebrate the strength and creativity of women artisans worldwide, one unique creation at a time.
Frequenty Asked Questions:
What sets us apart from other handcrafted companies?
Our unique branding, our hundreds (yes hundreds! of scents) and of course, our proprietary Massage Oil Candles! All of our candles are hand-poured with skin loving, organic ingredients, that not only burn clean in your home – but feel amazing (and oh-so-hydrating) on your skin!
Besides that, we have an AMAZING team! Customer service is a priority to us – whether you’re cominging in for Essential Oils in Berkeley, or looking to create your own scent, or even simply just looking for your next crystal, our knowledgable and friendly staff is here to help. Not satisfied with your purchase? Come on back, we will work hard to make it right (and you happy!).
Why choose perfume oils instead of designer perfume sprays?
Oils do not contain alcohol or water – so they don’t break down and are much more true to scent. They tend to last longer on your skin, and much longer in the bottle (up to 12 years if stored in a dark place!). A small 1/4 oz bottle of our oil is equivalent to 2-3 spray bottles you find in the department stores.
Are our Products Tested on Animals?
NO! We work with Vegan and Creulty free brands for our Custom Bath & Body Bases, candle waxes, and more. We love our furry friends, and would never do anything to harm them.
Why do I think you need Scents by the Bay in your Store for Wholesale?
We work hard to create organic products, source as local as possible, and work to utilize recycled (and often reusable!) packaging. You can even work directly with us to create a unique private label for your own brand – design, custom scents, and the works.
We can’t wait to work with you, so what are you waiting for? Contact us today to learn more!
Meet the Team…
Meet our Owner, Tarah Ornelas.
Tarah Ornelas is the heart and soul behind Scents by the Bay, which she has proudly owned since 2007. In May 2023, she opened the doors to our brick-and-mortar location in Berkeley, bringing her passion for handcrafted fragrance and wellness experiences to the community in a whole new way.
You may have seen Tarah at one of our many pop-up events across California or visited one of our earlier storefronts. With a BA in Marketing, BS in Visual Communications, and an Executive MBA, she brings a rare blend of business acumen and creative vision to everything she does.
As a Master Blender, Tarah holds numerous certifications in Essential Oils and Perfumery, and she formulates each of our signature products with expertise and heart. She’s also the friendly face behind many of our hands-on workshops, and she loves teaching classes—whether it’s perfume blending, aromatherapy, or candle making—guiding guests through the creative process and helping them discover the power of scent.
In addition to Scents by the Bay, Tarah runs a second business: Lil’ Frog Creations, a graphic design and marketing company. Through this venture, she uses her design and branding expertise to create all of the marketing, packaging, signage, and visuals you see throughout Scents by the Bay—ensuring that every detail reflects the brand’s handmade, heartfelt spirit.
Meet our Store Manager, Sheila Watamaniuk!
Sheila joined the Scents by the Bay team in January 2023 and has been a true asset ever since! With a background in Environmental Science, she brings outstanding organization, efficiency, and a strong work ethic that helps keep our store running smoothly and our team supported every step of the way.
Sheila’s deep knowledge of crystals and stones has allowed us to expand and enrich our crystal and metaphysical offerings, helping customers connect with products on a deeper, more meaningful level.
She also worked hard to expand her knowledge of essential and fragrance oils, and has discovered a real passion for scent blending. Whether she’s working with oils or curating product displays, Sheila brings creativity, thoughtfulness, and care to everything she does.
And beyond all that? Sheila is simply one of the kindest, most wonderful people you’ll ever meet. Her warmth and positivity make her a favorite among customers and staff alike. We’re so lucky to have her as part of our Scents by the Bay family!
Meet our Assistant Store Manager, Madison!
Madison joined us when we opened our Berkeley store in May 2023 and has been an absolute joy from day one! Promoted to Assistant Manager at the start of 2024, she’s been thriving in her role—driven, organized, and full of creative energy. Madison has a special talent for crafting our Intention Bracelet line and many of our bath & body products, and she brings a designer’s eye to every display. Her fresh ideas, dedication, and bubbly personality have made her a favorite with both our team and our clients!
Meet Marz!
Marz joined the Scents by the Bay team at our San Francisco location in 2023 and quickly became a standout team member. When that location closed in July 2023, we were thrilled when Marz chose to transfer to our Berkeley shop!
Now working part-time while pursuing their degree, Marz brings a wonderful balance of dedication and enthusiasmto our team. With excellent customer service skills, a curious mind that’s always eager to learn, and a fun, creative spirit, they brighten every shift and help make the shop a welcoming space for all.
We’re so lucky to have Marz as part of the Scents by the Bay family—and we can’t wait to see all the amazing things they’ll do next!
Meet Ella!
Ella is the daughter of our owner, Tarah, and has been part of Scents by the Bay since she was little—helping out at pop-up events, wicking candles, and soaking up the magic of scent from behind the scenes.
Now officially a part-time team member, Ella is stepping into her own at the shop. She’s learning the art of fragrance blending, assisting with production, and adding her own creativity and style to everything she touches.
Currently a high school student (Class of 2026) and a dedicated softball player, Ella juggles school, sports, and work with heart and hustle. We’re so proud to watch her grow into her role and can’t wait to see where her journey with Scents by the Bay takes her next!
A Peek into our Berkeley Home…
A look into our beginning…
Since helping to manage the San Francisco Fragrance Bar on Pier 39 when in college, to purchasing the inventory and rebranding to Scents by the Bay in 2007 – it has been a wild ride! Owner, Tarah Ornelas, started online only, then started stepping her foot into the event world with small Pop Up Events in El Sobrante, and the greater Bay Area.
After leaving her full-time Marketing gig in 2018, Tarah hit the “road” so to say, and grew to have multiple teams offering pop-up-shops all over California. When Covid took the world by storm, initially business was halted. However, with creativity in her roots, Tarah managed to use the ever-changing environment of in-person-shopping and used it to her advantage to open her first ever Brick and Mortar store in San Francisco in 2019!
As we are growing and changing with the environment, and after searching the Bay and doing events all over (checking out open retail locations on the way!) we decided in February 2023 that Berkeley would be a better fit for us. You can read the stories below about our first 2 locations, however in our permanent home in Berkeley, we launched a regular class schedule for Perfume Blending, Aromatherapy, Candle Making – as well as random “Open Beading” and “Wax Days” where you can make your own Aromatherapy bracelet, refill your candles, or make a custom candle! So if you’re interested, please contact us to get your name on the list!
So come on in top shop in person (and see new products before they even hit the website), come smell any number of our over 500 perfume and essential oils, create your own custom bath or body product, and pick up something for yourself (or a perfect gift!). We can’t wait to see you soon!
Our previous locations…
Every book has a few chapters before it begins to develop into a beautiful story – and that is what our first two locations were.
Our previous locations…
Every book has a few chapters before it begins to develop into a beautiful story – and that is what our first two locations were.
San Francisco
PREVIOUS ADDRESS:
Stonestown Galleria
3215 20th Avenue, Space 155
San Francisco, CA 94132
Our SF Location, opened in late 2019, and provided the “foot-in-the-door” to a brick and mortar store for us. We thoroughly enjoyed crafting the growth of our brand here, and all the relationships we developed.
Unfortunately we lost our lease in Stonestown mall due to a big box store taking our place in July 2023. However, we are excited to all the doors that will open once we can really focus on products, developing classes, and a creating a wholesale division. Stay tuned to learn more!
Pleasanton
PREVIOUS ADDRESS:
Stoneridge Mall
1432 Stoneridge Mall Road
Pleasanton, CA 94588
Our Pleasanton Location, opened in mid 2021, and we were SO EXCITED to have a second location serving the Bay. Our first year that was great – but as the climate of the area changed, so did the popularity of the mall in that area of the Bay. It no longer felt like a “home” to us, so when another store decided to take our lease over, we let it go in April 2023, and have never regretted the decision! The neighborhood feel, the regular clients, and the footprint of the store we moved to in Berkeley has never felt more like home. We are LOVING it here!
Please Come Visit us in Berkeley!
Scents by the Bay
Located on the The Elmwood Districe in Berkeley, CA
Info@Scentsbythebay.com
866-787-863