Building a Bright Future: 6 Mistakes to Avoid as a New Soy Candle Maker

Starting a soy candle business can be an exciting venture, filled with creativity and potential. However, it's easy to fall into common traps that can hinder your progress. Here are six mistakes to avoid as a new soy candle maker.

1. Starting Out with Too Many Scents

When you're passionate about creating candles and starting a business, it’s tempting to use all the scents you love. However, starting with too many can be overwhelming. I began with eight scents and looking back, that may have been a little too much for me. For beginners, five to eight scents is a good range to work with, and helps keep costs down. This allows you to perfect your formulas and thoroughly test each one. Testing involves not just the scent but also the wick performance, heat throw, and burn time. Ensuring your initial offerings are of high quality will set a strong foundation for your business. To be honest, I still struggle with buying too many fragrance oils; I have tons of samples sitting in my studio and ones I have had to throw out because I never got around to testing them. And, I am not talking about the free ones you get with orders. Once you’ve mastered your initial scents, you can gradually expand your range.

2. Selling Too Soon and Rushing the Testing Process

Patience is crucial in candle making. Rushing to sell your products without proper testing can lead to disappointing results. Before you sell or even gift your candles, they must be thoroughly tested. This includes evaluating the wick's performance, ensuring an even burn, and achieving a strong scent throw both hot and cold. There’s nothing worse than receiving feedback that your candle’s scent is too faint. Comprehensive testing not only ensures customer satisfaction but also builds your reputation for quality.

3. Comparing Yourself to More Established Makers

It’s natural to look at successful candle makers and feel a pang of envy. However, comparing yourself to those who have been in the business longer can be detrimental. Remember, every successful candle maker started where you are now. Focus on your own journey and progress. Set realistic goals and celebrate your achievements, no matter how small. This positive mindset will help you stay motivated and avoid the discouragement that comes from unfair comparisons. It’s okay to draw inspiration from others, but be careful not to fall into the pitfall of comparison, which can cause paralysis in your business.

4. Getting Discouraged and Quitting from Not Making Sales Fast Enough

Building a successful candle business takes time and patience. It’s easy to get discouraged if sales don’t happen as quickly as you’d hoped. Understand that "fast" is a relative term in business. Consistency is key. Continue to promote your products, engage with customers, and refine your craft. Over time, your dedication will pay off. Remember, many businesses don’t see significant growth until after the first year. It is even more challenging if you are solely selling online, because there are so many things that go into getting people to your website (more to come on this topic). Stay patient and persistent.

5. Not Treating It Like a Business

If you want your candle making to be more than just a hobby, you need to treat it like a business. This means creating a business plan, setting financial goals, and keeping track of expenses and income. I treated my candle making as a hobby for too long, which stunted my growth. Establishing a professional approach early on will help you stay organized and focused on growth. Invest in good record-keeping software or system, create a marketing plan, and set regular business hours to ensure you’re treating your venture with the seriousness it deserves. Setting times to work on your business is especially important if you are balancing a 9 to 5. We can easily defer our dreams when we are overwhelmed with a job that pays the bills.

6. Buying “All the Things”

It’s easy to get carried away with purchasing supplies, especially when you’re excited about your new venture. However, buying every fragrance oil or accessory can quickly become expensive and overwhelming. Start with the essentials and gradually expand as you gain more experience. Focus on purchasing high-quality materials that you know you’ll use. Avoid the temptation of buying in bulk until you’re sure of what works for your products. Now buying in bulk will save you money when you are ready to sell, but initially, there may be a lot of waste if you buy too much. This cautious approach will help you manage your budget effectively and avoid unnecessary waste.

Conclusion

Embarking on a soy candle-making business is an exciting journey filled with opportunities for creativity and growth. By avoiding these common mistakes, you can set a strong foundation for your business. Remember to start small, test thoroughly, stay patient, treat your venture as a business, and manage your purchases wisely. With dedication and persistence, your candle business can bloom into your successful and fulfilling dream business.