PennWest Clarion SBDC Client Success Story
Bringing a New Scent to Town

Kimberly Holeva brought a new retail experience to Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania when she launched Violet Mist Perfumery in late 2025. With a background in sales and property management, Kimberly had strong business experience, but opening her own storefront allowed her to combine her entrepreneurial drive with a creative vision.

She saw an opportunity to introduce boutique perfumery to her rural community, something unique that would offer customers a personalized, sensory shopping experience not typically found in small towns. To turn her idea into a reality, Kimberly connected with the PennWest Clarion SBDC for guidance on starting and structuring her business.

“After meeting with the SBDC team, I felt confident and encouraged to move forward with my business. Their support empowered me to take that step, and now I’m receiving great feedback from customers in Punxsutawney. I’m so grateful – I wouldn’t be where I am today without them.”

Working closely with the SBDC, she evaluated multiple storefront locations, ultimately selecting a highly visible space along Punxsutawney’s main business corridor. She also received support in developing her brand identity, including business naming and early marketing concepts, while building her foundational knowledge through the First Step: Starting a Small Business in Pennsylvania seminar.

As her plans progressed, Kimberly navigated key startup steps including securing a commercial lease, obtaining licensing, and forming her LLC, establishing a solid legal and operational framework with support from the SBDC and the Penn State Law Entrepreneur Assistance Clinic.

Violet Mist Perfumery officially opened in November 2025 and quickly gained traction within the community. The store offers more than just retail products—it delivers a personalized customer experience, where customers can sit down one-on-one with a staff member to create a custom fragrance tailored to their preferences through a guided, hands-on process.

The business has generated steady customer traffic, received strong local support, and produced enough revenue early on to cover operating expenses. Today, Violet Mist Perfumery reflects both Kimberly’s vision and the impact of SBDC support—resulting in a $25,000 owner investment, the creation of one full-time job, and a new retail destination that contributes to the vitality of downtown Punxsutawney.