From Hobby to Hustle: My Candle-Making Journey

Hey there, candle lovers! I want to share the story of how what went from having a simple hobby became a full-fledged candle-making venture. It all started when one of my favorite scents was discontinued at a big box store, leaving me feeling a little lost in the fragrance department. I thought, “How hard can it be to melt some wax, add a few essential oils, and throw in some wicks from the craft store?” Little did I know, I was in for quite the journey!

My first attempt at candle-making was an eye-opener. I quickly realized that creating a successful candle is not as easy as it sounds. There are so many factors to consider - wax types, wick sizes, fragrance loads, and, most importantly, safety! After several failed attempts that resulted in either unsightly or downright dangerous candles, I finally crafted a batch that smelled divine and filled my space with fragrance. I was over the moon!

Excited about my success, I shared my candles with friends and coworkers. Their support was overwhelming, and some even suggested I should sell my creations online or at local markets. At that point, I hadn’t really thought about turning my hobby into a business, but the idea intrigued me. As anyone with a hobby knows, it can become quite an expensive endeavor, and I wanted to keep the candle flame burning without breaking the bank. So, I decided to open an Etsy shop and see where this path would lead me.

To my surprise, my friends, family, and coworkers rallied behind me. Their heartwarming encouragement was a moment of realization of just how much I was loved and supported. For a while, things were going great! However, after a couple of years, I noticed my Etsy sales starting to decline, and I found myself losing my passion for creating candles. I knew I didn’t want to give up just yet though, so I began exploring the idea of in-person sales.

That’s when a fellow creative friend suggested we share a booth at a local market. I jumped at the chance, and it turned out to be an amazing experience—heat stroke aside! While connecting with other vendors, I learned that about 90 percent of them had their own websites. It made perfect sense to me, and I knew I had to take that leap.

So here I am! What started as a simple passion for scented candles blossomed into a journey of creativity and entrepreneurship. My frustration over discontinued fragrances ignited a desire to create my own unique scents, capturing those cherished memories in wax.

Drawing inspiration from a mix of cute, spooky, and gothic aesthetics, I developed a style that set my candles apart. Each creation became a charming yet dark addition to any space, resonating with many who share my love for the unusual.

The crafting process has been a delightful combination of creativity and attention to detail. I’m lucky to have a graphic designer for a partner who helps enhance the visual appeal of my candles. Clean designs and artistic packaging have become hallmarks of my work, ensuring that each product is as visually pleasing as it is aromatic.

And let’s not forget my loyal sidekick! Molly, my gentle pit bull, supervises my creative process with her warm presence. Her companionship brings joy and comfort, ensuring that each candle meets my high standards.

Ultimately, my journey reflects a beautiful transformation from a simple love for scents into a thriving candle-making venture, defined by creativity, uniqueness, and a heartfelt connection to my craft. Here’s to the adventures that lie ahead, and may my candles always fill your spaces with wonderful, dancing aromas!