I make scented candles for a living AMA

[NowhereNearTheHighSt]

It started as a hobby 5 years ago thought it would be really easy but soon discovered there was a lot of science involved.

I do as well, well nearly, I lay the blame completely on MN as I read s thread s few years ago and decided to give it a go

I make candles and melts too. Didn't realise how much maths would be involved!

its very addictive isn't it. Do you guys make container candles or pillar candles

Oh watching with interest! This is something I'd love to get into. I know it's hard work to build a business but I'd love to do something from home to supplement my income! Can only commit to park time work as I'm disabled. Not many employers can realistically work around chronic illness!

How did you start it off op?

Do you get bored?

I started off by watching stuff on youtube, I got into it originally by seeing a picture of citronella candles in recyled heinz cans and thought i could do that. Made lots of mistakes in the beginning, didn't realise the differnce in the molecular structure of waxes so wasn't using enough frgarance. The most important part of the candle is the wick, its basically like the engine.
I perservered and about a year ago Iwon a beauty shortlist editors choice award so i say go for it , you never know where it will take you

@greentheme23 no i don't get bored as i run candle making workshops as well so i get to meet lots of people so that keeps me sane

I’ve never made scented candles before but would love to try. Many questions:

Where do professionals buy the wax and perfume from (and do you need a membership)?

Do you use real essential oils at all? Is that easy or do they evaporate?

What are the wicks made of? Can you make your own?

Is there a good book or video on you tube that is really straightforward and tells us everything we need to know to make a few candles for home use (ie not shelling out mega bucks, just enough to make a few tea cups or something)

Thanks

@Elieza you don't need a membership some suppliers are www.supplies forcandles.co.uk www.candle-shack.co.uk www.scentperfique.com

i use mainly candle making fragrance oils , i have a couple of aromatherapy blends but not many as essential oils are expensive. Essential oils are trickier to work with in candle making i have found.

The wicks i use are made of cotton and linen, i buy them pre waxed but you can hand dip your own.

Good forums to get info on are face book groups eg candle making for candle makers uk or candle shack have a facebook group too

Thanks! I’m off to look into that tonight

No worries good luck it all

Can you recommend a book or a website? I make them too but not sure I'm good enough to sell them yet.

Do you make much money ?

@MissBattleaxe i taught myself on Youtube initially, there is a good candle supply website www.candle-shack.co.uk with lots of good info

@FireCrotch69 yes i make very good money, i have an online business run candle workshops and sell in shops

Which known brand scented candles are good and which are a waste of money, in your opinion?

Do you use any platforms like Etsy / Not on the high street OP? and how did you build your customer base? Thanks for sharing your experiences!

I started making candles during lockdown and would quite like to develop this into a business. How long have you been doing it OP and what sort of income do you make from it, 20k, 50k? Was it very hard in the beginning to make much money and how did you build your customer base? I have a boring but very well paid job atm so would be good to get an idea of what sort of income can be made.

Can I pm you and ask what candles you make?

I used to make hand dipped beeswax and tallow candles 20 years ago and it was great fun.

I'd love to do something similar again, but very aware now of the health concerns that have emerged about burning certain types.

Do you use paraffin wax or one of the safer alternatives?

If you use paraffin wax, is there any legal warning you have to put on the packaging about it's toxicity and potential harm to health?

I am wondering whether product liability insurance would be a problem if the products are potentially harmful?

Do the wicks you buy have lead cores?