Breath of "freshie" air

Mary Reyes, of Page, was simply looking for something extra to occupy her time, when a conversation with her sister and brother-in-law led to a fresh idea.

For nearly a year, Reyes has been creating scented bead car fresheners and selling them under the Godly Irresistible Freshies label.

She said the process is painless.

First, she mixes aroma beads with various fragrance oils, which cure for two weeks. During that time period, Reyes shakes the bottles four to five times a day.

"I walk by and shake the jars. At one time, I had 38 quart jars curing. I had them everywhere and had another 70 ready for use," she said.

Once ready, she grabs a mold, adds the scented beads and bakes it. After the item cools, she removes it from the mold, smooths the edges and paints highlights to accentuate the design.

The final touch: placing an eye screw in the shape and adding wooden beads and string for a hanger.

Her inventory ranges from sunflowers to Santa, Jason Aldean to buckin' broncs, sports teams to schools and everything in between.

Since St. Patrick's Day, Reyes has traveled to area craft shows and consigns her wares at the Farmers Store in Page, as well as two O'Neill and one Omaha locations.

Reyes has noticed which fragrances her customers favor.

"Mahogany teakwood, whipped coffee, black cherry and Baja cactus are the top sellers," she said.

When it comes to shapes, sunflowers, Jason Aldean and a patriotic Trump bar top sales.

"I find my best sales are with the younger generation. It's weird, but the younger generation go for this product," she said. "Every time a new fragrance or shape comes out, they buy one. One for mom, one for dad, one for their brother," she said.

Each freshie is different and that's been key to sales.

"Some people like strong smells, others mild or fruity. It's funny because a lot of women are drawn to the mahogany teakwood. They just love it," Reyes said.

People can mix and match shapes and fragrances.

Want a snowman that smells like watermelon? No problem. Prefer a sunflower with a pine scent? Reyes can create that blend.

She has filled large orders for individuals to distribute as gifts.

"I always have enough beads ready in case I get a large, special order," she said.

She recommends avoiding direct sunlight hitting the shape. Freshies should not be exposed to temperates exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit since they may melt in extreme temperatures. They also aren't for use in a wax burner.

Freshies aren't only used in vehicles. Reyes has customers who hang them in laundry rooms or the kitchen.

She also makes small sachets of aroma beads, ready to be tucked into a dresser drawer.

"I'm busy," she said. "I enjoy doing it."