What I wish I knew before starting a Candle Business

Lights, camera, action! Well, it turns out I was playing with fire… and I don’t mean in the cool, pyrotechnic way. Starting a candle business is anything but a breeze. Here are the eye-opening lessons I wish I had grasped before embarking on this scented adventure.

Cost

Every business requires an investment, but for some reason, I naively believed that candle making was as simple as strolling into Hobby Lobby and snagging a couple of kits. Abracadabra! Suddenly, Yankee Candle would be begging me for advice, right?

But alas, that’s why the word “Hobby” is right there in the store’s name… I didn’t need another hobby! So, I delved into researching what I actually needed to kickstart my candle-making empire, and oh boy, it hit me like a hot wax splatter. I needed to buy a whole lot of stuff.

Wax, wicks, fragrance oils, wick stickers, wax melter, liquid thermometer, wax cutter, heat gun, wick trimmers, silicone trivets, pouring pitcher, protective rubber feet, labels, and safety gear… the list went on and on.

Oh, and let’s not forget about the fancy candle jars. Why settle for ordinary when I could make my own concrete candle containers, right? So naturally, I had to add a few more items to my shopping cart:

Silicone molds, pigments, vibrating machines (yes, my candles like to groove), scales, mixing utensils, buckets, cleaning supplies, and a heap of Cement All…

Sure, I could have skipped a few of those things at the start, but let’s be honest… I’m a go-big-or-go-home kind of person, aren’t we all?

Candle making, as cool as it may be, turned out to be a lot pricier than I ever imagined. It’s like my wallet was having its own candle-lit ceremony.

Time

From wobbly beginnings to wax wizardry, every venture in life has its own learning curve. Think about it—right from the moment we were born, the quest for knowledge began. It took us five months to crawl, twelve months to walk, and a whopping twenty-four months to finally sprint like champs.

Basically, we weren’t born as speedy deer who leap out of their moms’ fanny packs and dash away. Oh no, it took time to master the art of running.

Now, when it comes to understanding the time it takes to master the craft of candle making, we must acknowledge that it’s a delicate dance between science and art.

Let’s face it, if you’re diving into the world of candle making, your artistic skills probably outweigh your scientific prowess. I mean, if you were a scientific genius, you’d be shopping for frog cadavers, not candle wax, right?

But don’t fret, my creative friend! Candle making demands a smidgen of scientific know-how. Not Einstein-level brilliance, of course, but some basic understanding.

You’ve got to unravel the secrets of candle wax and fragrance oils in relation to temperature. The room’s ambient heat plays a role in the final outcome of your creations. You need to grasp the ideal oil-to-wax ratios for that impeccable hot throw, creating the most heavenly scented candles.

Remember, not all waxes are created equal. As a candle scientist, you’ll need to determine which waxes, wicks, and fragrance oils harmonize perfectly to give birth to safe and high-performing candles.

Sure, you could seek answers in those Facebook communities, and while they can be helpful, they’re far from a guaranteed problem-solving hotline. It takes time.

Oh, and let’s not forget the tedious task of selecting the right wax. Are you an eco-friendly candle connoisseur or a budget-conscious traditionalist? Once you make that decision, you’ll need to dive into the subtleties of your chosen wax and how it interacts with different wicks and fragrance oils.

By the way, did I mention I also create concrete candle jars? That’s a whole other dimension of time-consuming artistry.

And even if you’ve got your shopping list nailed down, finding time to actually create your masterpieces is a challenge in itself.

Oh, and brace yourself for the thrilling waiting game. Candle wax needs its sweet time to cure, ranging from a few days to a mind-numbing two weeks.

Yep, my friend, candle making is an art that dances to the rhythm of time.

Testing

OMG! Hold on, I’m not here to douse your enthusiasm. Truly, I’m not. But let’s talk about testing—because it’s not just time-consuming (as we’ve established), it’s also quite the undertaking.

You’ve got to put your waxes through the ringer, experiment with various wicks that play nice with those waxes, and don’t even get me started on the fragrance oils.

And here’s the kicker—every time you tweak any of those elements, you’re back to square one with another round of testing.

But wait, there’s more!

You also have to put those elements to the ultimate test by seeing how they dance with your candle jar. And since I’m a genius at making my own jars, I have to put them through their paces before I even get to test the actual candle itself.

But that’s not all! You need to test the hot throw and cold throw—because let’s face it, your candle should make noses twirl with delight. And hey, you can’t just rely on your own judgment here. You’ve got to rope in someone else to play guinea pig and make sure your creation is marketable to the masses. I mean, just because you’re head over heels for it doesn’t mean Aunt Gladys will be.

Hmm, let me think…

Oh, there’s more, my friend!

You need to play the temperature detective, monitoring the surface heat of your jar, ensuring the flame reaches the perfect height, and of course, guaranteeing the overall safety of your candles.

And brace yourself for the grand finale—a start-to-finish test. Depending on the candle size you’re dealing with, that’s a whopping 40 to 60 hours of burn time testing.

Now, I’m not trying to extinguish your flame of excitement, but there are some businesses that, from the outside, seem all fun and games. You know, like a candy shop, an ice cream parlor, or even a wine taster.

Who would’ve thought?

But candle making, my friend, is a business that will put your testing skills to the ultimate test. And just when you think you’re done… you guessed it… it’s time to test again!

So buckle up, because the journey of candle making is filled with endless testing adventures.

Hard Work Doesn’t Guarantee Success

Ah, the unmistakable scent of hard work in the candle-making realm. It’s a business, my friend, and just like any other business, it demands some serious elbow grease. I pour my heart and soul into crafting concrete jars, making candles, and even running my YouTube channel that ties it all together.

The family mantra of “Work hard and you’ll succeed” has been passed down through the generations. Classic, right?

But let’s get real here… success is a multidimensional beast. Sure, hard work is one ingredient in the recipe, but it’s not the only secret sauce.

If you’re fueled by passion, avoid stumbling into as many blunders as possible, set goals, manage that budget like a pro, and surround yourself with a supportive community of like-minded folks who can cheer you on or lend a hand when you’re feeling low… well, then you’re giving yourself a better shot at success.

Oh, and let’s not forget the sprinkle of luck. A little serendipity never hurt anyone.

Now, here’s the truth about success—it’s no straight path. It arrives in these adorable little packages, and I often have to remind myself of that.

Creating a safe candle? Boom, success. Scoring my first subscriber on YouTube? Oh yeah, that was a sweet taste of success. Making my very first dollar from this business venture? Oh baby, that was a triumphant moment.

And guess what? The fact that you’re watching this video right now? Yep, that’s a success too.

Sure, I work hard, but there’s a whole world of factors that play into the grand tapestry of success. It’s like a symphony with multiple instruments playing in harmony.

So, my friend, embrace the truth that success isn’t just about burning the midnight oil. It’s about finding the perfect blend of passion, perseverance, community support, and yes, a dash of good fortune.

Responsibility

Let me tell you, candle making is like being the fire marshal of the miniature flame brigade. You’re basically bringing controlled fires into people’s homes, and it’s your sworn duty to ensure those fires stay in line. We’re talking about responsible pyromania here, folks!

It’s no joke, though. You better make sure that candle flame doesn’t go rogue and turn your customer’s living room into a fiery spectacle. And hey, let’s not forget about the importance of preventing that jar from turning into a searing hot potato that burns unsuspecting hands.

Sure, we slap safety labels on our candle jars, urging candle enthusiasts to follow the rules. But let’s be honest—who actually reads those labels? What happens when our beloved candle devotees doze off, step out, or simply forget to extinguish their flickering companion?

Sure, business insurance might act as a safety net, but deep down, would you feel good knowing your candle sparked a fire or caused a house inferno, even if it’s not directly your fault?

Believe it or not, there are approximately 10,000 candle-related fires each year, and a staggering 37% of those fiery fiascos kick off in the cozy confines of the bedroom. Talk about a passionate flame, huh?

Now, don’t get me wrong—I love the idea that my candle made it into the bedroom and may have contributed (even in a tiny way) to future generations. Wink, wink. But the thought of anything happening to anyone due to my candle craftsmanship? No, thank you!

Candle making isn’t just a craft—it’s a hefty dose of responsibility. So buckle up, my friend, because you’re playing with fire, figuratively and quite literally. Safety first!

Hire a Candle Mentor

When it comes to finding a mentor, don’t rush into hiring one from day one. Extensive research is key. Ask yourself, “Do I even have a burning passion for making candles?” Once you’ve determined that this is your path and have a flicker of an idea about the process, that’s when you should consider enlisting the guidance of a candle mentor.

Now, you might think hiring a candle mentor is an extravagant expense, but hear me out…

Sure, you can go the DIY route. Many people have and have succeeded, but they’ll also tell you about the countless blunders they made along the way—time wasted, money lost, and headaches ignited.

Oh, and did I mention money?

You could dive into a confusing pool of 10 waxes, 7 wick series, and 50 fragrance oils, attempting to solve the nearly impossible puzzle all on your own. Or, you could be wise and hire a mentor who will shed light on their experiences, guiding you away from those costly mistakes that are bound to happen.

A mentor will show you what works like a charm and what doesn’t, and with any luck, they’ll help you avoid falling victim to shiny object syndrome.

You know, that irresistible urge to chase new candle-making ideas without considering their actual benefits.

Believe me, if I had known back then what I know now (and I’m still a fresh flame in this industry), I would have hired a candle mentor, even if it was just for a spark of time.

It’s About Helping Others, Not Turning a Profit

Wrap your mind around this challenging concept—it took me some wrestling too. Why should we prioritize helping others over making money? And how on earth does making or selling candles actually help people?

Let’s consider the example of major corporations. Take Apple, for instance. When they launched their first computer, their “Think Different” commercial featured renowned figures like Albert Einstein, Martin Luther King Jr., Muhammad Ali, and Mahatma Gandhi, alongside a young girl symbolizing someone embarking on their life’s journey. Apple wanted viewers to associate thinking differently with their computers, and it worked like a charm.

What did all those iconic figures have in common?

They helped others.

Now, I’m no Mahatma Gandhi or Martin Luther King Jr., although I do have my Einstein-like moments. But here’s the deal—our candles make a difference in people’s lives.

Why do people buy candles, and why should they choose yours or mine?

There are countless reasons…

To add a touch of elegance to their homes, To escape from the mundane, To ignite positive vibes, To embrace a bit of aromatherapy, To infuse a dash of romance, For self-care, To find motivation, To experience tranquility.

Are you getting the picture? We are here to assist and uplift people. It shouldn’t be solely about the money. The money will naturally flow if we prioritize our customers and what we can do for them.

Believe me, it took me some time to grasp this truth.

Consider my YouTube channel, for example. I’ve helped numerous individuals, and if you’ve stumbled upon me in one of the many Facebook candle groups, you’ll know I lend a hand there too.

All that assistance has earned me the trust of some people (not all, and that’s alright). As a result, those individuals might buy a product through an affiliate link I recommend, watch a revenue-generating YouTube video, or perhaps purchase a candle or product directly from me.

I hope you see my point. If we prioritize our customers and what we can do for them, the money will naturally follow.

It’s Not All Fun & Games

Listen up, candle-making enthusiasts! It’s time to dim the lights on this notion that it’s all fun and games. Testing, learning, trial and error—it’s a business, my friend, and it’s a rollercoaster ride that’ll leave you dizzy at times.

Sure, making candles should be a blast, like a cozy candlelit party. But let me tell you, it’s tougher than it looks. It’s like juggling flaming torches while riding a unicycle on a tightrope. Yep, that kind of tough.

And here’s the kicker—things will happen that you haven’t even begun to fathom. It’s like the universe has a twisted sense of humor and throws curveballs your way.

Picture this: I was busy filming a video on cleaning my silicone molds. I had just finished crafting a bunch of exquisite concrete candle jars, ready to be filled with melted wax. In my genius move, I placed all the molds in the utility sink, plugged the drain, and turned on the faucet to let it fill up. Then, wouldn’t you know it, the phone rang…

Guess who completely forgot that the water was running? Yours truly. And you won’t believe how long that water kept flowing. Thirty-three minutes. Yep, thirty-three glorious minutes of waterworks flooding my laundry room, basement, closet, and even my beloved YouTube studio.

It took an epic eight-hour cleanup operation and nearly a thousand bucks to fix the damages. And to top it all off, I had to face the music and explain this watery mishap to my dear wife. Talk about a comedy of errors!

Now, I must admit, this may be an extraordinary tale. Chances are slim that it’ll happen to you…hopefully. But mark my words, my friend, things will come knocking at your candle-making doorstep when you least expect them.

Let’s dive into another example from a recent message I received. A distraught newbie crafted a whopping 25 candles, only to find out that when they lit one up, the flame transformed into a menacing inferno. Yikes! That’s not a candle you can sell, my friend. All that time, effort, and energy gone up in smoke.

Can you imagine the heartache? It’s like watching your dreams dissolve in a blaze of disappointment.

Believe me, these situations arise more frequently than you can wrap your head around. It’s like candle-making has a secret pact with Murphy’s Law.

So buckle up, fellow candle crafters, and prepare for the unexpected. Candle-making may have its magical moments, but it’s also a wild ride that’ll keep you on your toes. And hey, who doesn’t love a little adventure sprinkled into their wax and wicks?

There is So Much Confusion, Misinformation & Regurgitation

Let me tell you, the candle-making realm is a swirling vortex of confusion, misinformation, and regurgitation. It’s like a wild jungle with no clear path, and it’s enough to make your head spin. And you know what? One of the culprits behind this chaotic mess is the lack of proper standards. We’ve got some best practices floating around, but no solid rules to follow.

Now, when I first delved into this candle-making adventure, safety became my number one priority. Because let’s face it, setting someone’s house ablaze won’t exactly boost your customer loyalty, right? Safety matters, my friend!

So, I got fixated on one particular question: What’s the ideal surface temperature for a candle jar? And boy, did I get bombarded with answers when I turned to those trustworthy Facebook groups (note the sarcasm).

Here’s a taste of the chaos I encountered:

“Some say max at 175, but try to stick around 150.” “Keep it under 170 degrees, my friend.” “Nah, aim for under 160 degrees, that’s the sweet spot.” “Go lower, shoot for under 150 degrees!” “Under 140 degrees is the magic number, according to the almighty ASTM standards.” “Well, big box stores say 140 degrees is the limit, but 150 to 160 degrees works elsewhere.” “As long as you can pick it up and hold it, you’re golden!” “I have no clue, mate. Let me just follow along.” “Just hold it for a cozy 5 seconds, and you’re good to go.” “Oh, and for glass, tin, and concrete, it’s 140 degrees, but metal gets a max of 125 degrees.”

The list goes on and on, my friend. It’s a never-ending saga of contradictions and uncertainty. So, what’s the answer? Brace yourself, because it’s a wild ride.

You see, the prestigious ASTM standards, which by the way are not mandatory, don’t even mention surface temperature requirements in their candle standards. I reached out to Bob Nelson, an ASTM Candle Subcommittee member, and he dropped this bombshell on me:

“There are no surface temperature requirements in F2147 or any other ASTM candle standard. In 2006, we flirted with a surface temperature standard, but we didn’t take it any further. Some testing labs might have added their own requirements, but they’re not part of the ASTM candle standards.”

In plain English, you can make your candles scorching hot if you so desire. But seriously, don’t even think about it. However, the big boys like Kohl’s and Walmart are misquoting the ASTM standards and claiming that the surface temperature of a candle jar must not exceed 140 degrees, or else it’s a failure.

So, even though the big shots are misrepresenting the ASTM, their 140-degree threshold is the closest thing we have to a logical answer. Mind you, it’s still unclear since they’re not getting it right.

Now, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, most adults will suffer third-degree burns when exposed to water at 140 degrees for a whopping 6 seconds. Yes, that’s just enough time to realize you’ve touched something scorching and safely put it down.

Curiosity got the better of me, so I conducted my own little experiment. I gingerly dipped my hand into a pot of 140-degree water. I could handle it for about 3 seconds, but after that, I had to yank it out like lightning. Believe me, it was HOT! So anything over 140 degrees is just hotter, my friend.

So, my savvy candle-making aficionados, what’s the moral of this haphazard tale when there’s no clear winner in sight? Well, buckle up and get ready for some real research, my friends. It’s time to venture beyond the treacherous realm of Facebook comments and dive deep into the abyss of knowledge. To make sound decisions in the candle-making business, you need to separate the facts from the fiction, the truth from the trash. Because let’s face it, in this world of chaos, misinformation, and regurgitation, you’ve got to light your own path to success.

Mean People Still Suck

Ah, the bitter pill of mean people. It’s like a dash of vinegar in the sweet lemonade of life. Most of the time, I’m surrounded by love and positivity, but every now and then, a sour soul decides to rain on my parade.

And let me tell you, it stings. Ouch!

Let’s take a look at some prime examples of their delightful comments:

“Jai, lay off the caffeine, will ya? Your voice is unbearable.”

Now, I suspect this critic might be my better half. Can’t say for sure, but it has that familiar ring to it. Funny thing is, I haven’t touched caffeine in over three years. Oops!

Then we have this gem:

“Jai, you are so stupid!”

Ah, yes, my beloved spouse strikes again. Pure poetry, isn’t it?

But hold on tight, because here’s my personal favorite:

“The fucking basic rule of cement: PUT CEMENT ON WATER. NEVER PUT WATER ON CEMENT.”

Well, this one isn’t from my dear wife, as she happens to possess a fine intellect. Ironically, though, that rule applies to plaster, not cement. Thanks for the miseducation, pal.

Now, even though I could crack a joke about these situations, let’s be real—it still sucks. I mean, hey, I’m a living, breathing human being with emotions. This ain’t some fairytale, folks.

Why do people feel the need to hurl hurtful comments? Does it make them feel like superheroes?

I know, I know, I shouldn’t pay these haters any mind. Usually, I hit that magical delete or block button and bid them farewell on my journey. But let me tell you, it still stings like a swarm of angry bees.

And here’s the deal, fellow creators, like yours truly: In the candle-making business, you’re bound to stumble upon the occasional meanie. They could be lurking in the depths of social media, sneering from the counter of a sour-faced merchant, or grumbling away as a cranky customer.

No matter where they rear their ugly heads, it still sucks. Period.

If you would like to see the full video to what I wish I knew before starting a Candle Business, click here.