| We are frequently asked how a candle crafter can | | | | that gives your candles a signature look, (2) label and |
| turn a passion for candle making into a successful | | | | package your candle containers in a visually appealing |
| business. With so many folks out of work and looking | | | | way to make a strong first impression, (3) choose |
| for ways to put their skills and creativity to good | | | | stand-out fragrances and "green" waxes such as |
| use, the crafter has easy access to a business that | | | | Elevance's NatureWax C3 soy, (4) make your colors |
| can yield significant long term income. For over five | | | | trend right for the season, and (5) give your |
| years, I've watched thousands of candle makers | | | | company a polished and professional image. The |
| start very small. They build a part-time candle making | | | | results would astound you. Libbey glass containers, |
| hobby into a million dollar wholesale and retail business. | | | | for example, sparkle on store shelves giving you an |
| So the real question is: what separates the successful | | | | edge on less vibrant glass jars; C3 is designed to |
| candle manufacturer from the hobbyist? The salient | | | | adhere to the glass walls in a unique way that gives |
| features are (1) a well thought out business plan, (2) | | | | your colors special vibrancy; undiluted soy-certified |
| a solid product differentiation strategy, (3) adequate | | | | fragrances have great throw; a professional name |
| capital and (4) a strong advisory team. | | | | and logo make your candles look like they came from |
| I would recommend starting with a business plan. This | | | | a major manufacturer. The bottom line: the image is |
| is fundamental to the business' transformation into a | | | | the reality! |
| professional candle making operation. If you have | | | | The last and most critical component of starting a |
| never written a business plan, there are many | | | | business is money. You need to have adequate |
| resources available to assist you. Start with the local | | | | capital (or credit lines) to get through the start-up |
| SBA. Free meetings with Score, the SBA retired | | | | phase, buy your supplies in bulk to lower your costs |
| executives group, will enable you to speak with a | | | | and increase competitiveness, and cover any slow |
| very experienced advisor. Talk to your friends, family | | | | periods where cash might be tight or you are waiting |
| and neighbors and see if they know any good books | | | | for payments from customers. Spend some time |
| you can read that will help you think in a strategic | | | | with your advisors and test your cash on hand and |
| way about your business. You can pick up many of | | | | credit lines against your projected sales and cash |
| them at the local library. Once you have a handle on | | | | receipts to ensure that you will be able to weather |
| business planning, put together a draft and make | | | | the chaotic and exciting start-up period of your |
| sure you know your financials cold. Then meet with | | | | candle business. This self-discovery and research |
| professional advisors to make sure your plan is sound. | | | | process, although time consuming, is essential. A |
| Another and equally important aspect is | | | | candle maker's chances for success improve |
| differentiation. This involves intense market research. | | | | dramatically and most that follow this process are |
| You need to differentiate your candles from the | | | | able to distribute their candle jars through a wide |
| pack; (1) find a unique glass jar or container shape | | | | variety of retail and wholesale channels. |