In the hustle of daily life, especially after a demanding career in healthcare, Melody Chung was seeking something to bring her peace. With long shifts, constant hand-washing, and the stresses of balancing family life, the idea of creating something special, something that felt deeply personal, began to take shape. This spark of inspiration led to the creation of Zen Garden Aromas, a brand born from her Taiwanese heritage and a passion for providing a sensory escape in the form of handcrafted foaming hand soaps.
Zen Garden Aromas is not just a soap company; it is a celebration of the diverse fragrances that define Asian and Pacific Islander cultures. With scents derived from regions like Taiwan, Japan, Korea, China, Thailand, and the Philippines, the company offers an aromatic journey through Asia’s rich olfactory tapestry. Melody and her husband, Dennis, both second-generation Taiwanese Americans, are the heart behind this local, woman- and AAPI-owned small business in Rockville, MD. Together, they have created a product line that bridges generations, communities, and cultures, all while promoting self-care and mindfulness.
A Vision Born from Heritage and Healthcare
Melody’s journey into entrepreneurship was anything but traditional. As a dedicated healthcare provider, she spent over a decade navigating the demanding nature of medical training and long shifts at the hospital. With each passing day, the need for creative expression grew stronger. After speaking with many patients about their daily stress and anxiety, the idea of a self-care product that provided more than just a functional benefit began to take shape.
One night, while seeking a moment of tranquility away from the chaos of her medical career, Melody began to reflect on her Taiwanese heritage. She remembered the rich and varied fragrances from her childhood—delicate florals, fresh fruits, and the distinct aromas of Taiwan. Inspired, she envisioned a collection of hand soaps that could capture these smells and bring them to life in everyday routines. As she began experimenting, her soaps transformed into a sensory experience designed to transport users to another world, a world steeped in cultural tradition and designed for self-care.
Dennis’s Support: Turning Vision into Reality
While Melody quietly nurtured her dream, Dennis, ever the extrovert, took matters into his own hands. A seasoned professional with diverse skills in culinary arts, photography, and business, Dennis saw immense potential in the idea and became the catalyst for moving it forward. Without missing a beat, he sent out a poll to 50 people, asking them about their favorite scents. This decisive step catapulted them from the realm of dreams into the reality of building a business.
“I realized we had something special here,” Dennis recalls. “There was an authentic desire for culturally inspired products, and it felt like the perfect way to honor our heritage while making an impact.” The duo then launched Zen Garden Aromas in April 2025, offering a curated line of soaps featuring scents like Yuzu, White Peach Tea, Peony Lychee, and Matcha Milk Tea, all carefully crafted to transport customers to the regions they represent.
A Product Line with Purpose
At Zen Garden Aromas, the soaps are more than just skincare products; they’re about celebrating cultural heritage and creating meaningful sensory experiences. The brand’s diverse range of fragrances evokes the true essence of each region. Whether it’s the bright, refreshing Yuzu or the playful, comforting scent of Matcha Milk Tea, each soap offers something unique.
The soaps are made with carefully selected ingredients—phthalate-free, paraben-free, vegan-friendly, and cruelty-free—ensuring that every pump delivers a moisturizing, skin-loving experience. Beyond the quality of the products, Zen Garden Aromas aims to infuse every purchase with a deeper sense of connection to Asian-American culture.
Melody’s pride in the authenticity of her scents is evident: “We meticulously test every fragrance to ensure that it truly represents its origins. We want our customers to feel like they’re experiencing the essence of each country. It’s about more than just the product—it’s about creating a cultural bridge.”
Crafting the Perfect Gift and Sensory Experience
The uniqueness of Zen Garden Aromas makes it perfect not just for personal use but also as a thoughtful gift. Whether it’s for a housewarming, holiday, or baby shower, the handcrafted soaps offer something personal, meaningful, and culturally resonant. Melody emphasizes, “We see our soaps as a perfect way for people to experience different cultures in their daily life. They’re beautiful, functional, and meaningful.”
For those looking to make their weddings, receptions, or other events extra special, Zen Garden Aromas also offers bulk orders for customized gifts. This unique feature allows customers to bring a piece of cultural tradition into their special occasions, making it a memorable experience for all involved.
Additionally, the couple is open to partnerships with retail stores, hoping to expand their reach and share their authentic, sensory-driven products with a wider audience.
Overcoming Challenges and Staying True to Their Vision
Of course, running a business isn’t without its challenges. For Melody and Dennis, there were moments when they questioned whether they could turn their vision into a thriving business. But their shared commitment to honoring their heritage and providing an innovative product kept them focused.
“We are proud of where we’ve come so far, but we’re also focused on growing and continuing to deliver exceptional products that people can rely on,” Melody shares. The duo remains motivated by their mission: to unite communities, transcend cultural barriers, and deliver a sense of peace and beauty through their thoughtfully curated collection.
A Sensory Journey with Every Pump
Today, Zen Garden Aromas is not only a local favorite in the DC/MD/VA area, but it’s also expanding online at www.zengardenaromas.com, giving customers nationwide access to their culturally inspired products. Whether it’s a fragrant gift, a moment of self-care, or a way to connect with the rich aromas of Asia, Zen Garden Aromas offers an experience that transcends the ordinary.
“We want people to feel that moment of peace when they use our products,” Melody reflects. “In a world that moves so fast, a little bit of calm can go a long way.”
Explore the Rich Aromas of Asia Today
Zen Garden Aromas is more than just soap; it’s an invitation to experience culture, peace, and beauty through your senses. If you’re looking to bring a unique, sensory-driven product into your home or find the perfect gift for a loved one, look no further than Zen Garden Aromas. Visit their website today and embark on a sensory journey that celebrates the richness of Asian-American heritage.
