Looking for a boutique retail concept that blends hands-on experiences with clean, beautifully branded products? Sea Love offers an experiential candle bar and lifestyle boutique where guests create custom scents, shop curated goods, and connect through fragrance-driven moments.
Opening a Sea Love franchise typically requires an initial investment between $108,850 and $281,350 for a single unit, with ongoing 6% royalty and 2% brand fund contributions. Multi-unit development ranges from $171,350 to $515,350.
In this guide, you’ll learn what Sea Love is, how the model works, what the startup costs and fees look like, who thrives in this business, and how the brand supports franchise owners—from training and marketing to site selection and ongoing coaching. You’ll also find FAQs and investment tables you can use at a glance.
This article is sponsored by Sea Love. The content has been created in partnership with the brand to provide insights into its business model and franchise opportunities.
What is Sea Love—and what makes it different?
Every franchise has a story, and Sea Love’s roots come from a very personal place. Founders Stacy and Barry Miller developed the concept after Barry’s asthma led them to explore non-toxic candle formulations. Their commitment to clean, sustainable fragrance became the foundation of the Sea Love brand.
Sea Love boutiques are more than retail spaces. They are sensory destinations where guests can blend custom candles and reed diffusers under the guidance of Certified Scent Stylists. The atmosphere is coastal-inspired, calm, and welcoming—making every visit feel like both a shopping trip and a personal experience.
In 2025, Sea Love partnered with Oakscale Franchise Partners to expand nationally, signaling a commitment to growth while preserving its boutique, high-touch feel.
This blend of wellness, hospitality, and experiential retail positions Sea Love uniquely in today’s market, where consumers value both products they can trust and experiences they can share.
How much does it cost to open a Sea Love franchise?
For many entrepreneurs, startup costs are the first deciding factor in pursuing a franchise. Sea Love provides a relatively accessible entry point compared to other retail concepts, making it appealing to first-time owners and seasoned business builders alike.
Sea Love — Estimated Initial Investment (Single Unit)
| Category | Low Estimate* | High Estimate* |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Franchise Fee | $49,500 | $49,500 |
| Construction & Leasehold Improvements | $10,000 | $80,000 |
| Lease Deposits (3 Months) | $2,500 | $15,000 |
| Furniture, Fixtures, Equipment & Office | $10,000 | $60,000 |
| Signage | $1,000 | $4,000 |
| Computer, Software & POS | $1,000 | $2,500 |
| Grand Opening Marketing | $6,350 | $6,350 |
| Initial Inventory | $15,000 | $35,000 |
| Utility Deposits | $500 | $1,000 |
| Insurance Deposits (3 Months) | $500 | $1,000 |
| Travel for Initial Training | $1,000 | $2,000 |
| Professional Fees | $1,000 | $5,000 |
| Licenses & Permits | $500 | $5,000 |
| Additional Funds (3 Months) | $10,000 | $15,000 |
| Total Estimated Initial Investment | $108,850 | $281,350 |
By knowing these upfront ranges, franchisees can plan with greater confidence. The boutique footprint of around 1,500 sq. ft. and lean staffing model also helps keep operations approachable for new owners.
What are the ongoing fees for a Sea Love franchise?
In franchising, ongoing fees ensure that franchisees benefit from collective marketing, shared resources, and brand-wide support. Sea Love’s fee structure is simple, keeping contributions straightforward and predictable.
Sea Love — Ongoing Fees.
| Fee | Amount* |
|---|---|
| Royalty | 6% of gross sales |
| Brand/Marketing Fund | 2% of gross sales |
| Local Marketing (recommended) | 2–5% (brand guidance) |
These fees are designed to fund brand initiatives, operational support, and marketing activities that benefit the system as a whole.
Is there an option for multi-unit development?
For entrepreneurs with a growth mindset, Sea Love offers a Multi-Unit Development Agreement. This option allows owners to secure a territory and commit to opening multiple boutiques under a single framework.
Sea Love — Multi-Unit Development.
| Category | Low Estimate* | High Estimate* |
|---|---|---|
| Development Area Fee | $62,500 | $234,000 |
| Estimated Initial Investment for One Boutique | $108,850 | $281,350 |
| Total Estimated Range | $171,350 | $515,350 |
This agreement provides a pathway for franchisees who want to grow beyond one location, with defined territorial rights and the ability to expand under one plan.
What products and services does Sea Love offer?
Sea Love blends experience-driven retail with carefully curated products. This hybrid model appeals to customers seeking both unique activities and premium home goods.
- Experiential workshops — candle and reed diffuser blending, private parties, seasonal events.
- Retail products — clean candles, diffusers, lifestyle goods, and décor.
- Omnichannel options — online ordering, subscriptions, and wholesale opportunities.
By combining interactive workshops with boutique retail, Sea Love offers franchisees multiple ways to engage customers, from in-store experiences to products and digital channels.
Who is the ideal Sea Love franchise owner?
Every franchise has a profile of owners who thrive within its system. Sea Love looks for entrepreneurs who embrace hospitality, love design-forward environments, and enjoy building community connections.
Strong candidates often:
- Lead small teams with positivity and accountability.
- Enjoy customer service and hosting events.
- Are comfortable with local marketing and social storytelling.
- Value clean products and wellness-forward branding.
By attracting franchisees who align with its culture, Sea Love ensures that each boutique remains authentic, consistent, and community-focused.
What training and support do franchisees receive?
Launching a boutique retail business can feel overwhelming, but Sea Love provides structured guidance every step of the way. From site selection to scent-stylist training, the brand’s system is designed to set new owners up for success.
Franchisees can expect:
- Pre-opening support — location selection, design, build-out, and inventory planning.
- Comprehensive training — scent blending, POS, merchandising, and brand standards.
- Marketing resources — content templates, brand fund support, and local strategies.
- Ongoing coaching — regular check-ins, annual conferences, and a dedicated support portal.
This framework gives franchisees confidence during launch and ongoing growth, creating a collaborative environment where no owner feels alone in their journey.
What are the competitive advantages?
In today’s retail landscape, standing out requires more than products—it requires a strong brand identity and memorable experiences. Sea Love delivers both, giving franchisees a unique edge.
Key strengths include:
- Experiential workshops that create memorable, shareable moments.
- Multiple revenue channels including e-commerce and subscriptions.
- A coastal-inspired aesthetic adaptable to local markets.
- Recognition as a 2025 Top Emerging Brand.
These differentiators highlight Sea Love’s positioning within experiential retail, with brand elements designed to appeal to today’s consumers.
Is Sea Love the right fit for you?
Franchising with Sea Love isn’t just about running a store; it’s about creating experiences, leading a small team, and building a community around wellness and design. For the right entrepreneur, it’s a chance to align passion with business ownership.
With its clear investment ranges, ongoing support, and growing recognition, the Sea Love Franchise provides an appealing opportunity for entrepreneurs drawn to experiential retail. If you’re ready to explore, the Franchise Brokers Association can guide you on the next step of your journey.
