Candle Making Business

Candle makers create scented and decorative candles sold through Etsy, craft fairs, wholesale to boutiques, farmers markets, and direct sales.

You source wax (soy, beeswax, paraffin), fragrance oils, containers, wicks, and create candles with unique scent combinations, aesthetic presentation, and branding.

Success requires understanding candle science (proper wick size, wax ratios, fragrance loads), scent curation, aesthetic design, and marketing.

Pricing candles at $15-40 depending on size with margins of 60-70% after materials.

Starting requires equipment and supplies totaling $500-2,000 - wax, fragrances, containers, wicks, thermometer, melting pot, and labels.

Building business involves developing signature scent line (6-12 scents), consistent branding and packaging, testing for proper burn, and listing products across channels.

Revenue comes from online sales (Etsy, own website), craft fairs, wholesale accounts, subscription boxes, and seasonal gift-giving (holidays, Mother's Day).

Operating costs include materials (wax, fragrances, containers), packaging, labels, and selling fees.

Challenges include competitive market, seasonal sales (fall/winter stronger), fragrance regulations, and shipping challenges (heavy, fragile).

Success requires unique scent combinations, beautiful aesthetic packaging, consistent quality (proper burn, scent throw), seasonal offerings, and strong brand identity.

Many candle makers scale by automating production, hiring help, wholesale partnerships, or teaching candle-making workshops.