Shop In person
At Our Beautiful Store in the Bay Area
In The Elmwood Neighborhood in Berkeley
Address
2926 College Avenue
Berkeley, CA 94705
Phone
(510) 898-1283
Hours
Sun – Thurs | 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Fri & Sat | 11:00 AM – 7 PM
Our Story…
At Scents by the Bay, we believe fragrance is more than something you wear—it’s a way to tell your story, create lasting memories, and connect with the people around you.
As a proudly women-owned business, we’ve grown beyond a traditional bath and body boutique into an immersive destination where creativity and self-expression come to life. Whether you’re blending your signature perfume, pouring a luxurious massage oil candle, exploring aromatherapy, discovering the perfect crystal, or learning the art of perfumery through our Academy, every experience is designed to inspire.
Everything we create is handcrafted in small batches using thoughtfully selected ingredients and over 900 perfume and essential oils. From custom fragrances and proprietary massage oil candles to bath and body products, aromatherapy, CBD wellness, crystals, and personalized gifts, our collections are made with quality, craftsmanship, and intention.
We’re equally passionate about bringing people together. Our perfume blending experiences, candle workshops, private parties, and corporate team-building events create meaningful moments that guests remember long after they leave.
Above all, we believe exceptional service begins with genuine connection. Our knowledgeable team is here to guide, educate, and help every guest discover something uniquely their own.
Whether you’re visiting to create, learn, celebrate, or simply treat yourself, we invite you to experience the artistry, craftsmanship, and joy that make Scents by the Bay unlike anywhere else.
Meet the Team…
Tarah Ornelas
Master Blender/Properietor
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 discover the power of scent.
In December 2025, eScential Beauty was born – a beauty collab with an old employee where you can not only visit our intimate blending bar, but also get an array of beauty services.
In addition to Scents by the Bay, Tarah runs a second business: Lil’ Frog Creations, a graphic design and marketing company since 2004. 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—with details reflecting the brand’s handmade, heartfelt spirit.
Jamie, Store Manager since 2026
While Jamie joined the team at the beginning of 2026, she has been around Scents by the Bay since it was in Tarah’s garage!
Jamie is the Store Manager at Scents by the Bay, bringing nearly 20 years of leadership and beauty industry experience. A licensed cosmetologist since 2006, she has successfully managed and opened multiple salons, building expertise in customer service, team development, and creating exceptional guest experiences.
Beyond her career, Jamie is passionate about helping others. As a gestational surrogate, she has had the privilege of helping two families grow by carrying and delivering three surrogate babies—a reflection of her compassion, resilience, and generous spirit. We are lucky to have her has part of our team.
Madison, Assistant Manager since 2024
Madison has been a valued member of the Scents by the Bay team since the opening of our Berkeley store in May 2023. Promoted to Assistant Manager in early 2024, she quickly proved herself through her leadership, creativity, and dedication to exceptional guest experiences.
Madison is the creative force behind our Intention Bracelet collection and many of our handcrafted bath and body products. With an eye for design and a passion for creating beautiful displays, she helps bring the spirit of Scents by the Bay to life throughout the store. Her positive attitude, attention to detail, and genuine care for our guests make her an invaluable part of our team.
Ella
Scent Stylist, since 2023
Ella (middle front) 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. Recent HS grad, she will be moving off into the world on her own soon, but still an integral part of the team working remotely + coming back for events & shifts.
Tehya
Scent Stylist, since 2025
Tehya (right) became part of the family through softball (her and Ella have played on the same team) and you may even hear her call Tarah “Mom”! She joined our team as in early 2025 and her sweet personality and drive to learn have made her available valuable part of the team. Also off to college in the fall of 2026, snag an blending appointment with her soon!
Abby
Scent Stylist, since 2026
Abby (back right) joined us early 2026, and comes from a strong background of retail, with over 9 years at Blue Mercury. Abby’s sweet personality make her a client favorite, and she is a gem to have around the shop.
She is almost ready to join the teaching team, so come on in and let her practice her Scent Experience with you!
Marz
Supervisor, since 2023
Marz (second from right) joined the team at our SF location in 2023 and quickly became a standout team member. When that location closed in July 2023, Marz came with us to out Berkeley shop. They bring a wonderful balance of dedication and enthusiasm to our team. With excellent customer service skills, a curious mind that’s always eager to learn, and a fun, creative spirit, they help make the shop a welcoming space for all.
Early 2026 Marz moved on to a job closer to their career goal, however they are still a part of the team coming in to aid in product creation + on call events.
Kiki
Scent Stylist, since 2026
Kiki (right) joined the team early 2026 with a background in customer service and a HUGE passion for fragrance! She is a fast learner for the Scents by the Bay lingo, however her knowledge of the Designer Fragrance world has been a true asset to the team. Kiki was recently released to the floor teaching Standard Perfume Blending Experiences – so come book an experience and you’ll soon fall in love with her bubbly personality and knowledge..
Kiki also takes product shots in the fragrance industry and helps with the Bay Area Scent Collective on the side.
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!
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 Cruelty 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!
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