Welcome to the behind-the-scenes of a home-based candle business, where the daily grind is anything but mundane. As the sole proprietor of this endeavor, I've learned that running a candle business is a delicate balance of creativity, organization, and hustle.
Each morning, I step into my workspace, a corner of my home transformed into a workshop of wax, wicks and fragrance oils. The day starts with a checklist of tasks: inventory check, production planning, and correspondence. While the image of an artisan might evoke visions of custom-blended scents, my reality is mostly straightforward when selecting fragrances for my candles. While some are custom mixed scents, others come from already blended fragrances, selected with the intention of evoking special memories for my customers.
With sleeves rolled up and apron on, I begin my candle-making day. The process is methodical yet gratifying, as the wax melts, then it's poured into the containers to set. There's a certain satisfaction in seeing rows of candles take shape, each one a testament to the hours of labor put into the detail of each one.
Once the candles are set, it's time for labeling. Although lacking a graphic design diploma, I personally craft, each label with a simple yet impactful design, ensuring brand recognition and distinct names for each fragrance. It took four iterations to perfect the labels, but I believe I've succeeded! Once the designs are finalized, they are transferred to a program for printing and cutting, followed by application onto each jar. However, before even designing the labels, naming each new fragrance presents a unique challenge, which can be a time-consuming process in itself.
But running a candle business involves more than just making candles. Marketing and sales are equally crucial components of the equation. I become a one-person marketing team, managing social media accounts, updating my website, and booking markets to showcase my products. It's a constant hustle to stay visible in a crowded marketplace, but the connections forged with customers make it all worthwhile.
In between production and marketing, there's a myriad of other tasks to tackle – from purchasing and picking up stock to bookkeeping, shipping and organizing workshops for eager candle enthusiasts. It's a juggling act that requires careful planning and organization, but it's all part of the entrepreneurial journey.
However, within the hustle and bustle, there are moments of exhaustion and overwhelm. As a single woman, I grapple with the challenge of juggling the demands of managing my business, worrying about my aging parents who don't live near me, being there for my children and grandchildren, and maintaining my home and yard, all while trying to carve out extra time for self care. There are days when I want to connect more deeply with my customers, to be socially present everyday and physically present at every market and workshop, yet often finding myself spread too thin. but find myself stretched thin. In those times, I remind myself of the importance of nurturing my well-being. Whether it's lacing up my sneakers and hitting the trails for a refreshing run, or going on a hike with my faithful dog, spending time in my garden and reconnecting with the earth, or simply carving out moments to visit friends and cherish time with my grandchildren, these acts of self-care are essential for recharging my spirit and maintaining balance amidst the balance of life's challenges and entrepreneurship.
In those moments, I remind myself of the importance of setting boundaries, and prioritizing my well-being. Running a home-based business is a marathon, not a sprint, and pacing myself is key to long-term success. And though the path ahead may be paved with challenges, I take comfort in the flickering glow of my candles, each one a resilience and determination in the face of adversity.
