Despite her best efforts, Jahdayna Samuels couldn’t find a shampoo that properly cleaned her horse. She dreamt of a product that not only removed dirt but also left Precious’s mane and coat feeling soft and silky, and smelling wonderful. Yet, shampoo after shampoo failed to meet her expectations.

With no other options, Jahdayna decided to take matters into her own hands and created her own solution. The result? Dreamy Scents ― a versatile shampoo now available in select stores and through direct order.

According to Jahdayna, it doesn’t just clean horses, it also works wonders on dogs, cats, and all kinds of furry friends.

“I've had my horse for 21 years and I've always had to care for her, so my love for her is what made me start this,” she said.

“Shampoo is something that all animals need; all animals need a bath at some time. So I wanted a product that would benefit all animals, not just horses.”

After a lot of research, she began experimenting with different ingredients and eventually created Dreamy Scents.

“Science was my favourite subject in school and when I was in college, we had to do things along that line. So I took my interest in science, and my love for my horse and kind of put them together.”

Jahdayna, 29, started riding at the age of 5 and got Precious three years later.

With 21 years of companionship to celebrate, she poured a lot of love into the recipe for Dreamy Scents and was thrilled with the result.

“It lathers well, it smells nice, but I [was really impressed by] how well it cleaned Precious and the shininess in her coat,” she said.

“You know, they go out in the field, they run around, they roll, they like the water and the mud puddles. And I saw how well it cleaned. I know I made it for my horse but I have dog owners that are loving it as well.”

The idea began taking shape in 2023, but with a full-time job, it wasn’t until last summer that Jahdayna was able to dedicate the hours needed to develop her shampoo. “It took about seven months to put it all together,” she said.

The business is a first for the equestrian, who, after representing Bermuda in international competitions, decided to channel that same dedication into something else she was passionate about.

“I just said, ‘Take a bet on yourself and go for it’,” she said of her decision to become an entrepreneur.

“It’s just the one shampoo for now. I'm in the process of making more things, so stay tuned. I have conditioners coming, fly sprays are coming this summer.”

She makes the shampoo by hand, in her own home. “I make it in batches, in bulk, and then I have my dad bottle them for me every week. I get a fair amount done.”

The name Dreamy Scents, like the shampoo itself, was inspired by Precious.

“Precious’s show name is Dream Catcher. So, since it was [initially] for me and Precious mainly, I wanted something with ‘dream’ in it. That's where dreamy came from. Dreamy Scents.”

The journey from consumer to entrepreneur was not “completely easy”.

“I'm learning as I go. It's my first business so I'm open to all the advice that I can get, and I'm just taking it as I go,” she said.

The response from pet owners who have given Dreamy Scents a try has been “great”.

“The people who have bought it have reported back that their animals had shiny coats afterwards, they felt soft. Everyone loves the smell. I've had some really great feedback from it so far. So that makes me happy.”

Because it’s made locally, she can offer a promise that overseas companies cannot: stores will always have stock available.

“It will always be here. You don't have to worry about it getting stuck on a shipment or if it gets discontinued or if they don't ship to Bermuda any more, it will always be here. It’s locally made. You get the product, you love it, it’s always there.”

• Dreamy Scents is available at Inwood Stables in Hamilton Parish. Orders and deliveries can be arranged via Instagram:dreamyscents.xo