Franchisee Spotlight - Tina Smagala in Estero FL

Originally from western New York, Tina Smagala and her family have recently made Florida their home, and now she’s bringing her passion for candles to the Sea Love family. With 25 years of leadership experience in HR, Tina has dedicated her career to talent management and employee development. She has run her own global training and development firm and worked with a Fortune 100 company—experiences that have shaped her entrepreneurial spirit.

Throughout her life, Tina’s love for candles has been a constant. During the pandemic, as she transitioned from a corporate office to working from home, lighting a candle became a simple yet meaningful ritual that illuminated her days. While reflecting on what she wanted the next chapter of her career to look like, inspiration struck. “I was drawn to the flickering flame of the candle in my office and wondered, what business could I do with candles?” A quick Google search led her to Sea Love, and the connection was immediate. She knew this was the perfect next step—an opportunity to own a Sea Love store, spread joy, bring people together, and create unforgettable experiences.

Tina shared, “When I discovered Sea Love, its values—its ‘guiding lights’—immediately resonated with me. The brand’s commitment to clean, sustainable ingredients and its serene store environments felt like home. I watched customers step into Sea Love stores and be instantly captivated—smiles and laughter abound as they created and poured their custom-scented candles and perused the boutique’s coastal-inspired products.”

As a lifelong coastal enthusiast, Tina has always been drawn to the water, spending family vacations along the Carolina and Florida shores. Now, as the owner of a Sea Love candle bar and boutique, she is combining her entrepreneurial spirit, love for candles, and passion for coastal aesthetics into something truly special.

For Tina, this venture is about more than business—it’s about kindling joy.
We are beyond excited to welcome Tina to the Sea Love family as she brings our brand to the beautiful Southwest Florida community! Her passion for creating memorable experiences, love for coastal aesthetics, and commitment to spreading joy perfectly embody what Sea Love is all about. We can’t wait to see her store become a place where people gather, connect, and discover the magic of scent.

Congratulations, Tina—we’re so thrilled for this next chapter of your journey!