OUR ROOTS

Founded in 2007 by John Berglund in the quaint seaside village of Grand Case, St. Martin, Tijon has gradually but steadily turned into a leading destination for travelers visiting the Caribbean. Today, Tijon is one of the only known establishments with the resources to provide a lab experience where locals can gather to create custom perfumes with the ability to re-purchase in the future.

Berglund chose St. Martin as the foundation for Tijon to physically and spiritually capture the indigenous ingredients and allure of the French West Indies. While a variety of other brands may claim “The Caribbean,” Tijon’s origins are true to the region of its founding.

 
 

INSPIRED BY IT’S PARENT COMPANY’S ORIGINS IN THE FRENCH CARIBBEAN, TIJON’S CHARLESTON LOCATION IS A NICHE PARFUMERIE built on the belief that anyone can discover their own scent.

 
 
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OUR STORY

Ben, Meredith, and Ellen have been the best of friends for years, sharing a vault full of cherished memories stemming back from their college days together. After living through the lockdown of 2020, the friends planned a Thanksgiving getaway to St. Martin where they anticipated nothing but drinks on the beach and sun on their faces, enjoying soaking up everything the Caribbean had to offer. Once gaining their bearings of the Island, they discovered Tijon: a make-your-own fragrance class - and couldn't resist the experience!

After an unforgettable experience, each creating a custom fragrance tailored to their liking, they continued chatting with Tijon's founders, John and Cyndi Berglund, learning more about the Island, their journey, and future plans for Tijon. Their interest was sparked when John and Cyndi expressed their interest in opening a franchise location in Charleston, South Carolina. They could not believe the coincidence and from there, Tijon's Charleston location took on a life of its own.

 

 
 
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MEREDITH MILLENDER

Meredith Millender is from Greenwood, South Carolina but has lived in Charleston since 2007. With almost 20 years in the commercial real estate business, she has become well versed in the industry and well connected within the Charleston market.

She’s a momma to a sweet little boy, wine lover, and fiercely loyal friend. "I've lived, shopped, and worked in real estate in Charleston for so long and I'm thrilled to bring a new business to the table for locals and tourists alike."

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BEN DAVIS

Ben Davis is a Columbia local, but Charleston regular! Davis is an insurance agent by day, and dabbles in a number of entrepreneurial endeavors by night: investment properties, real estate, and perfumeries are currently in the mix. Tijon is a step into the Charleston retail scene that he's thrilled to make this summer.

"I left Tijon St. Martin feeling like I had made the best perfume there ever was. I want to share that feeling with our customers in Charleston!"

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ELLEN RICKENBAKER

Ellen Rickenbaker is a College of Charleston graduate with a deep love for the Holy City. Her Charleston roots tie back to her childhood vacation home on Folly Beach. Rickenbaker is currently pursuing her master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling, but she is no stranger to retail. Back in her college days, she worked at Noah's Nook, now Charleston Christmas Collectibles, in the Market!

"Bringing an experience to people like the one we had in St. Martin is never going to get old. We had so much fun together, and I still love and wear my custom perfume every day."