AI seems to have gone from something we occasionally heard about to something that appears almost everywhere. The pace of it can feel exciting, overwhelming and, if I’m honest, a little frightening.
I’ve had those worries myself. What happens to creativity? How do we know what’s real? And when we’re buying from a small business, are we still seeing the person behind it?
Those questions matter to me. So, for this week’s Scent Edit Sunday, I thought I’d share how I’ve found myself embracing a little AI help at ReLisa Scent, and what that looks like behind the scenes.
One person, 1,001 job roles
Behind ReLisa Scent is me, working around a full-time job and fitting a lot into the hours that are left.
There are scents to plan, supplies to order, products to make, photographs to take, descriptions to write and a website to update. Then there’s packing orders, getting deliveries out promptly, answering messages and keeping up with social media.
It can feel like I have 1,001 job roles to fulfil, but I absolutely adore creating scents that people love.
Choosing fragrances, pouring melts, putting together a bespoke order and hearing that someone has found a new favourite bring me so much happiness. That excitement is what keeps me going.
Finding enough time to give every part of the business the attention I’d like is where things get tricky. Some evenings, I know exactly what I want to share, but finding the words or creating an image is another task on an already long list.
That’s where a little help has made a difference.
Bringing ReLisa Scent’s darker style to life
You may have noticed ReLisa Scent moving into a darker, moodier look recently.
I wanted richer backgrounds, a little atmosphere and images that help capture the feeling of each fragrance. AI has helped me explore and refine that direction, bringing more consistency to how ReLisa Scent looks.
As a small business, I simply wouldn’t have the funds to hire a professional photographer every time I make a new scent. Every launch still deserves care and a lovely presentation, though, and having help with that has opened up possibilities I couldn’t otherwise afford.
I’ve also learned that it takes plenty of judgement. Sometimes an image looks too artificial, a detail isn’t right or it simply doesn’t feel like ReLisa Scent. Those are things I need to question and change.
The aim is to enhance how I present my products while keeping an honest connection to what you’ll receive.
Finding my own way with AI
I haven’t suddenly lost all my reservations. I’m still learning and deciding what feels right for my business.
Alongside images, AI can help me organise ideas, work through a content plan or turn my thoughts into a starting point for a blog or post.
I still read, adjust and make the decisions. I want the words to sound like me and the images to feel right for the products I’ve made.
Having that support helps me keep showing up, even after a busy working day, when my creativity is still there but my energy is running a little low.
The care behind your order is still mine
Using AI brings a responsibility to be thoughtful about what I share.
Product shapes, colours and details matter. Descriptions matter too. They should help you choose with a clear sense of what you’re buying.
The making, checking, packing and care behind your order are still mine. So are the decisions about which fragrances to bring to ReLisa Scent and what deserves a place on the website.
AI can help with words, planning and presentation. It can’t smell a fragrance, pour your wax melts or feel the excitement I get when you tell me you love something I’ve made.
A little help to keep showing up
I think there’s room to feel cautious about AI and still find something useful in it. That’s where I am.
For me, embracing a little help has made it easier to develop ReLisa Scent’s style and keep sharing the products I put so much love into.
There’s still a real person behind every order: someone with a long list of jobs, plenty still to learn and an absolute love of creating scents that make your home feel lovely.
And sometimes, that person needs a little help getting everything done. 💙
For context, Sea Salt & Vanilla, from my original product photograph to an AI-assisted styled image. This shows how a little help has allowed me to explore ReLisa Scent’s darker, moodier look. I still review the details carefully, because the presentation should reflect the products I lovingly make.
Original product photo
AI-assisted styled image
How do you feel about AI? Have you found a use for it, or are you still a little unsure? I’d love to hear your thoughts.