During the pandemic, Nikki Borrego-Hogan found herself with extra time and decided to learn how to make candles. However, she stumbled upon aroma bead air fresheners and taught herself how to create them. This newfound hobby quickly turned into a full-time side hustle for Nikki and her wife, leading to the birth of BoHoma Scent Co. in January 2021.
BoHoma Scent Co. offers Aroma Bead Freshies, Felt Air Fresheners, candles, and wax melts. Initially only available online, their products have expanded into various local businesses in El Paso, including Chuco Relic who offers an exclusive El Paso freshie you can only find in their store, Love Alumni Boutique, In Bloom, and Uptown Cheapskate.
Incorporating El Paso into their products has contributed to their popularity within the local community. “We try to go with whatever we think El Paso is going to like because I think it’s cool to have something in your car that represents who you are and not just something that you might find at Walmart,” said Nikki.
One of the most sought-after products from BoHoma Scent Co. is their Cactus Aroma Bead Freshies. A freshie is an air freshener that is created out of aroma beads. Unlike other fresheners, many people think the air freshener would evaporate once the scent is gone, but BoHoma Scent Co.’s aroma bead fresheners don’t. Instead, they become cute decorations that you can keep.
Nikki has perfected the six-step process for creating their popular Cactus Aroma Bead Freshies. The process begins by coloring the aroma beads with mica powder. Then, the colored beads are poured into the mold corresponding to the type of freshie ordered. Once the mold is properly filled, it is placed in the oven to bake for the necessary time. Once the baking is complete and the freshie has cooled, add-ons, such as the rolled flowers for the Cactus Freshie, are added. Now the freshie is complete and ready for a string to be attached so the customer can hang it in their car.
Nikki encourages anyone interested in starting a small business that El Paso is the best place to start. Nikki exclaimed, “El Paso supports local; like no other.” The support they have received from the local community pushes Nikki and her wife to keep growing their business, “We pride ourselves in having our original design trying to make it as El Paso as possible.”
