Today we’d like to introduce you to Marie Allen Kelly Doyle.
Hi Marie Allen, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
We’ve both cherished The Releafery since it first opened its doors in 2019. We loved treating ourselves to the incredible selection of handmade and perfectly curated products and found it to be our go-to spot for the perfect gifts for friends and family. In the fall of 2025, while Kelly was shopping around, the previous owner casually mentioned she was moving out of the area and closing the shop, almost jokingly suggesting, “Unless you want to buy it!”
Without hesitation, Kelly called Marie to share the exciting news. The thought of owning our favorite local store and working alongside our best friends felt like a dream come true!
From there, the wheels started turning quickly. We began spending as much time as we could at The Releafery, eager to learn more about the business. It was essential for us to ensure this was the right decision for both of us and our families.
After a lot of conversation, we realized it was a no-brainer; this was the right move for us. We are incredibly thankful that we got to work hand-in-hand with the previous owner for a seamless transition, and as of April 2026, The Releafery was officially ours!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Is anything ever a smooth road? 😊 But honestly, for the most part, our transition has been pretty seamless! We’re incredibly thankful to our loyal customer base who have been so patient with us while we learn about the different products, re-organize the store way too often until we found the best layout for us, and set up a new POS system.
That said, the biggest challenge has been learning to juggle being small business owners while also stepping into the roles of social media managers and content creators. You think running a store is all about buying, selling and making products, but wow-who knew just how much time and energy goes into crafting the perfect Instagram post?!
Another challenge has been managing the demands of owning a store alongside family obligations. For Kelly, balancing a full-time job on top of co-owning The Releafery and two small kids adds another layer of complexity. It’s not always easy, but at the end of the day, it’s incredibly rewarding! Shoutout to each other for always having one another’s backs from the beginning of our time together!
We’ve been impressed with The Releafery, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
The Releafery is a small, women-run business located in Scranton, PA, specializing in natural, handmade botanical soaps, clean skincare, and eco-friendly accessories. We craft high-quality, bath and beauty products, ranging from lotions, sugar scrubs and facial creams, to the best-smelling body & room sprays!
In addition to our own creations, we feature a curated selection of hand-made products from other like-minded makers, many of whom are local to our community. We’re also passionate about sharing skills and knowledge, and love to host DIY workshops to encourage creativity. At The Releafery, our mission is to make thoughtful, sustainable solutions accessible and meaningful for everyone.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
We enjoy following small business owners, industry professionals, and thought leaders on platforms such as LinkedIn, Substack, and other professional networks to stay inspired, discover new ideas, and learn best practices. We are also active members of local networking groups that host regular meetups and coffee check-in’s, providing valuable opportunities to connect with other entrepreneurs and makers. These gatherings create a supportive space to share challenges, exchange ideas, collaborate, and receive feedback from others who understand the unique experiences of running a small business.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thereleafery.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_releafery/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thereleafery
