How to Start a Candle Making Business

Time & Money
Starting a candle-making business can be done with a moderate investment of time and money. You’ll need to purchase supplies like wax, wicks, fragrance oils, molds, and containers to get started. The process can be time-consuming initially as you perfect your recipes, design your candles, and create your brand. Additionally, you’ll need to account for costs related to packaging, labeling, and marketing to attract your target audience.

Difficulty
6/10

Weekly Time Commitment
10-20 hours

Earnings Per Month
$1,000 - $5,000

Is a Candle Making Business The Right Side Gig For Me?

If you have a passion for creativity and enjoy crafting, candle making can be a fun and profitable business to start. This business allows for plenty of room for customization, from choosing unique scents to designing eye-catching packaging. However, it might not be suitable if you're not interested in the hands-on aspects of making candles or are not willing to dedicate time to perfecting your products.

Preparing Before Starting a Candle Making Business

Before you create your candle making business, you will need to research candle making techniques, safety standards, and potential suppliers. Next, invest time in experimenting with different waxes, fragrances, and designs until you find your unique niche. You will also need to develop a strong brand so that you can shine above your competitors. So plan out your logo, packaging, and create a message that appeals to your ideal customer. Lastly, you will need a vessel through which to sell your products. Consider setting up an online store, so that you have access to the whole internet.

Execution

Master the Craft of Candle Making

Start with basics like choosing the right wax, wick, and fragrance oils for candle making. Try different kinds of waxes like soy, beeswax, or paraffin to see which suits your style and customer preference. You learn by practicing, so try different combinations until you get a suitably fragrant candle.

Branding and Packaging

Branding sets your candles apart in a competitive market. Develop your logo, brand colors, and story for your market. Refine your candle packaging and put due effort into your labels, as this is often what customers see first. You might decide to design your candles in packaging that appeals to a certain market such as gifts or home decor.

Create an Online Store and Start Selling

Start selling your candles online via sites like Etsy, Shopify or even your own website. Focus on producing professional product photography for your candle listings. In addition, write concise product descriptions which describe the candles' scents, materials, and burning time.

Marketing Your Candle Business

Build your brand on social media and spread awareness around your candles. Post behind-the-scenes content about your candle-making process, promote seasonal or limited-edition products, and engage your audience with interactive posts. Offer giveaways or promotions so people see your candles more often. Network in your local community so that you can sell at local craft fairs.

Bumps In The Road

Managing Production and Inventory

Candle production takes time, especially when your orders grow. Producing is difficult when you also have marketing and packaging to balance, and without the proper preparations, you can feel like you're burning the candle at both ends when things get crazy (pardon the pun). To combat these stresses, keep a beady eye on your inventory levels so you always have enough material for production, and plan your time well to avoid overcommitting to orders.

Competition and Standing Out

There are many small businesses and big brands that are likely to make similar candles to you if you take the generic route. Standing out in a competitive market requires a strong brand identity, unique fragrances and high quality products. Find your niche and sell luxury candles, eco-friendly options or seasonal designs.

Meeting Regulatory Standards

Making candles at scale requires adhering to various safety requirements such as labeling, fire safety and material use. Be careful when you make your candles & include warning labels on your packaging. Infractions to safety standards could create liability and consumer trust issues.

Conclusion

If you read this guide and still have no idea how to start a candle making business, the best advice is to get started. You can research, plan, and ponder how to make a business work until the cows come home, but the winners are those who make a start. It is hard work running a candle making business - but equally rewarding if you enjoy it. So take the jump and get started today, it's time to shine.