Hey Erica! Can you do a “You’ve launched your business now what?” Kind of video. When should we add or take away collections on our shop? Is it appropriate to change certain things about our products after them being on the market for some time? Etc..

One reason I believe you have so many loyal viewers is because you share little pieces of your life that make you real and relatable. Like how you appreciated lights as a kid…sold FBA…practicing makeup for your wedding, etc. You’re credible, instructional, but also just a great person! Thanks for your video today 😊

1. It can be expensive (hold inventory, legal consultation, cpa) 2. get started for organization and system for the stock 3. it is not a quick money maker (If I don't make money in next two to three years am I okay? It's a long-term thing, active in social media and advertise yourself in the competitive market but it is possible) 4. It is super fulfilling, you choose every-little detaill 5. poeple love candles,set the mood, set the ambience, so don't worry :) Thank you for the info!! It's realistic yet encouraging :)

I'm glad you touched on not making any money for quite a while with your business, I am going through this myself and believe me it is very hard to keep the momentum going. You're doing a fabulous job!

It definitely isn't cheap, but I do doordash to fund everything. I don't purchase it unless I earned it from doordash that day. It definitely is doable, I plan on doing pre-orders in the beginning stages. Great information 👍 love your channel.

I appreciate you for being open, transparent, and truthful about the ins and outs of the candle business, the good and not so good, Erica!

I was headset on starting a soap making business a while back. Turns out making soap is really, really hard haha. Now I'm just treating it as a learning experience

You’re absolutely right. I funded my candle business, Mspired Room, through my side service business. It was a big investment, but prepared me for large orders and much more. I wouldn’t change a thing either.

You are my go to resource for everything candle making, cannot recommend your channel enough, I’m lucky enough that I work for a candle company and am starting my own journey very slowly. Congrats on your wedding 👍🏼

Loved this. Just launched in January, and everything you said is so true! But I wouldn't change a thing about my journey leading to now. This craft is my passion. Thank you!

Oh my gosh! I know I’ve been blowing up your comments but seriously 💯 on not a get rich quick but definitely less than other business ventures. And 💥 yes! This is totally different than reselling. This more personal. You are the creator, the artist.. a beautiful experiment.

Erica: Keep things and inventory in a designated space or you're going to be like, I have candle things everywhere. Me: (looks around)...........uh.. oh no. I really do have candle things everywhere. I don't even expect to make a lot of money from this, but if I can buy groceries, I'm winning! You are absolutely right about every point in this video that in my own experience I too have come across so far. You just nailed these key aspects with the artistry and all of the things. Anyway, thank you for the inspiration and information as always.

I appreciate your videos! You were recommended by the guys at California Candle Supply. You've given me a master class! May your business continue to be blessed! 🕯🙌🏾

You're going to be a beautiful bride. May God bless and expand your love for many years to come. Thank you for all this valuable information.

You’re even better than a unicorn, because you’re real.

For me it's soap and not candles, but yes I have stuff everywhere! I've been able to condense supplies and tools to a small closet I converted into a little studio and finished products are in my storage unit. It still feels out of hand though and I could really use that closer for actual storage. Tonight I'm actually going to look at a very affordable shop nearby that includes utilities - it's a bit risky to go for a storefront but the cost isn't much more than my storage unit and it allows people to come in and purchase. Also it's very near the markets that I sell at during farmers market season, so it feels like a win. I've set aside some money to pay 6 months rent up front 🤞

FYI: if you are a veteran you can save money on some of your business start up fees that you file with your state. I Iive in Pennsylvania and don't have to pay fees for filing a fictitious name. Check with your respective state to see what your benefits are.

I recommend going heavy with your makeup. It may seem like a lot of makeup looks ridiculous but your photos will turn out amazing! Makeup tends to photograph very lightly.

I have got courage and confidence from this video. Thank you for that

Thanks for telling us the truth unfortunately the truth sometimes is hard to hear but it's definitely necessary

Whattt a wedding?? Congratulations!! And thank you again for being so transparent, I have told a few people this. It’s not easy but it’s so worth it when it’s a passion ☺️

Oh my inventory. I’ve made multiple trips to my local Walmart getting 5-shelf bookshelves for $30 or so because I HAVE CANDLE THINGS EVERYWHERE (still do). My fiancé also got me a rolling cart with drawers and space so the kitchen can be clearer 😅 which has helped a lot. Thanks for another great video!

Your makeup looks so beautiful. How fun getting ready for the wedding. My best makeup tip is to use a regular/non-waterproof mascara under the layer of waterproof mascara. (I like Voluminous by L’Oréal). This helps to give volume, and not get runny if you get teary. But also, it’s easy to wash off with eye makeup remover or coconut oil because the non-waterproof is what is actually touching the lash. It keeps your lashes healthier too. I also love using cream shadow under regular eyeshadow so it stays all day. Growth eyelash serum is a must for me now because my eyelashes weren’t what they used to be back in the day. Ok, didn’t meant to write so much. I just like to share. Lol .

The price for all supplies has gone up CRAzY

Hey Erica, I’ve been binge watching your videos. You’ve really inspired me to start my own candle business. Thank you so much! 🤍

Everything you said is the honest to God truth 💯 and I think it's awesome of you to put this stuff out there to help people...and I thnku....

It is nice to hear from chandlers, (candle makers) the truth on the business side. I am hobbyists but definitely may see this growing. Love learning from different people, and you are one at the top of the list.

You did not discourage me, actually I got so motivated cause I’m in the saving money and testing process and I thought I was the only one thinking “OMG such a path” thank you so much for making this videos

Thank you for getting honest! There are so many videos out there that make it “look” easy and super quick to make money 💴!

we need the honesty! i have been trying to be more vocal of this! it's why i opted into doing wax melts instead of candles because my gosh the packaging and candle jars can be super expensive

Thank you for your honesty! I think every business is hard to start & there will be also competition. I own a refrigeration company and since the climate change business runs well. But, i dont like this work anymore at all. I found a new Passion and its making candles. Right now, not for business, just for hobby purpose & testing out what i can achieve wiht it. But maybe in the long term i will create a small business with this. I think that candles have a great future. So yeah since all busineses are hard, if you do what you love, with passion and heart, it will work. Invest in long term no matter what you do. And my biggest advice is to learn new things. Learn SEO, martketing, social media. If you dont have the money for an agency, do some of it yourself. Its time consuming and hard to do this maybe after a full time job. But keep going. 1 year 2 year 3 years. Get better and just keep going. No matter if you make thousands of dollars or hundreds of dollars.

Erica I love the fact that you’re so real. Thank you for all your knowledge. ❤️

Something I would highly recommend to people based in the EU or pretty much anywhere other than the US is to get informed about the legal requirements of the place where you're based. I am based in Germany and I watched tons of videos and read all the blog posts and articles on candle making I could find, noting down all the tips and tricks, without even considering that I was only learning about the way things are done in the US. So imagine my surprise when I found out how different things are in the EU. From the things you're not allowed to do (food imitation, which is big in the US), things you may do but need to pay a lot to do it (blending your own oils), and smaller but highly important and annoying things like CLP, UFI numbers, and the list goes on and on. So get acquainted with all that stuff because it may be way more than you can chew and it can quickly be discouraging. It's something you don't want to find out after having invested a lot of money into the testing process.

I haven't watched many of your videos (or anyone's really) in a while because I've been recovering from covid and covid pneumonia (and now long covid - ugh!) so I haven't heard that you are getting married!! Congratulations Ericka! How wonderful!! Your make-up looks fantastic by the way.

Thank you for sharing everything. It's greatly appreciated!! I'm just starting and doing research

We are benefiting from your experience. Much appreciate you

Been binging your videos for a few months now. I’m just in the starting process of testing and getting my quality down first. I appreciate how authentic you are in all of your videos. You’re one of the only people I’ve found I can connect with while researching this topic. I’m going for a career and something fulfilling to myself not an get rich quick thing like a lot of other channels are making it seem.

You look amazing, your hair looks amazing. Wow thanks.

Your make up looks great!! You’re so pretty 😍 Thank you so much for these videos. I honestly would be so lost without them! I just got some of my scents in today and am so excited to test them! I am hoping to start up my small candle business in the next couple of months. You have been such an inspiration! Keep rocking, girl! I look up to you so much ❤️

This is so helpful! Thank you Erica all your vid is so helpful. Tbh is you who motivated me to make candle again after 4 years of trying and trying and not getting that perfect candle that i want. But after following and doing all your tips watching your vid for a month now and shadaaaaa finaly i’m going to launch my candle business so soon.. ❤️ keep motivating everyone and u did a good job for those who wants to start this candle journey…

RawBeautyKristi is an amazing channel to watch when you're practicing and learning more about makeup! (:

Hi 😊I love watching your videos I’m getting ready to start my candle business I’m supper excited

I love the makeup look. As soon as I started your video, I said to myself “bougie, she’s got more makeup on” 😂 Looking good girlfriend

Wedding? I didn’t know this. Congratulations!

I took on extra side job to save up for my candle and soap business. It has paid off tremendously. Also, my side job (babysitting all my friends kids along with mine) has grow into a business also😜😜😜. Now I have a hard time saying no to making extra cash almost weekly and realizing I am running out of time to make candles and soap. But I am working towards a more balanced option. But I wasn't going to take a start up money for my candle and soap business out of our family budget.

I am starting my own business because I want my efforts and knowledge work for me not for corporations.

Yaaasss girl love the makeup! I have probably done my makeup like 4 times since the pandemic started so I definitely need to get back into it myself 😅😅

Makeup looks great, darlin. 💗

Great info! Organization is what struggle with, my little apartment is no longer mine lol I’m a year and thousands of $ in and I’m still not profitable, but I knew that would be the case.

Great insights shared here!

Thank you for being honest! I love your makeup ❤️😍

Great video!:) What do you like to keep your inventory at? Like how many candles at a time..

Make up looks great!

I appreciate your honesty.

Aww that was so cute your preparing for your wedding day that made me smile lol happy for you and your business and your engagement congratzzz :D

Erica, thank you so much for the information. This was very eye opening and i will go have that talk with myself :)

I'm grateful to know you.

Thank you for your honesty!

Congratulations 🎊 you’re getting married. I had a store on eBay years ago and it is one way to get some extra cash I am new to candlemaking I’m not gonna rush in to anything right now I am testing the candles that I make trying out different waxes getting to know my wick for candles eventually I would like to start a candle business and that’ll probably happen next year 2023 because right now I am just in the process of making candles testing everything that goes with candles and I’m sure it’s not easy running a candle business you have to put your heart and soul to your business if you want to be successful so that is where I am at the moment again congratulations on your marriage

Thanks for this! I’m definitely needing another income for this testing.

your makeup looks amazing! congrats on your upcoming marriage! :D (and as always thanks for sharing your brain files)

Jars ? I can’t find the black jars . For my business

Your makeup looks great!

Just curious, what do you do for health insurance?

Hey Erica, great video as always! And you look beautiful 😍

I absolutely LOVE your channel! You have given me sooo many gems that I need to get my candle business underway. I would like to ask why you chose an LLC for your business and not a Sole Proprietorship? Is an LLC a better fit for a candle business? Did you obtain a business license to sell your candles online?

Hello! I love your makeup! I am new to your channel and loving all of them. I am curious how you keep the cost of making your candles so low? What suppliers you use? Could you do a video like that? Thanks for all your golden content and congratulations on your wedding!

I’m a beginner. I’m using second hand mugs for my candles, would you suggest me switching to jars? Or do you think I could thrive on thrifted mugs? I’m trying to have my product be reusable & better for the earth.

I just love how open you are about starting a business. I have just started my candle business and I am having so much trouble with putting my products online. Do you have any recommendations?

Maybe tie in both Instagrams at the end? Ironically I just retreived my wooden wick co package. I've been in testing phase. And since I want to lean more towards using essential oils and coco wax, it can get a little costly. It also took me sometime to research and decide on the vessel I want to use after fragrance testing/etc.

Hi thank you for the infos i appreciated the knowledge and your work.. I'm a massage therapist from PH I want to try new experience with this wax candle with my regular clients and I can sell it too..

Great video. My very first question. Do I need to setup a limited company for a candle making and selling business if I am situated in North America?

hello Erica, Thanks for all this good information. I am beguining stage testing but my candle does not smell as I want. which supplier do you use, if is possible to share this info. I think the quality of the materials he to make better candle.

Whats the best way for marketing

You are so gorgeoussss

once testing prototypes is all done, how many different types of candles would you say is safe to initially start with i.e 1 or 2 candles then adding to collection as you you grow. I have 3 different ombre type candles and 2 aromatherapy do you think i should release them one by one?

Loved the video ! Do you think you'd be willing to make a video on how the fab process worked? I signed up to be a seller for like 2 months now and im not sure what to do from here . and I am trying to start my candle business - would amazon allow that to be sold as well?

Excellent video.

Hey Erica, thanks for another great video! Just wanted to ask if you have a video talking about your experience with Amazon and specifically FBA? I have my candles listed on Amazon, tried advertising but haven't been able to make any sales and it's been months. I'm wondering if basically you don't get sales unless you do FBA and wanted to ask your advice? Thanks 🥰🙏🏿

Does anyone know what is the right temperature for storing soy wax candles? Thanks 😍

Thank for the video

I am struggling with trying to make my own labels and if I should need a regular printer with a label printer. I would really appreciate your feedback to help me moving forward

My ex-wife started a candle making business about two years ago, it started off slow, but today shes constantly making candles to stay on top of inventory and she’s also having to ship orders everyday. She had to build up to having a website of her own in order to sell candles online, which accounts for probably 60% of her total sales each year now, she’s got her candles in a few Ma and Pa businesses which accounts for about 25% of her total sales each year, and she sets up at a few flea markets 1-2 days a week which accounts for 15% of her total sales each year now… this is her 3rd year and she’s sold approximately $64,000 (9.5 months) worth this year, so she’s on pace to sell a total of at least $80,842! My wife and I are planning on buying our first home together this coming March and we are seriously wanting to start a candle business of our own once we buy our first home and get settled in there! It will be a side thing that we work on together as we both have decent careers!

Roughly how much does it cost to start up??? Thank you for the video!!!

What's your opinion on wickless candles?

Hello ther.. thank you for this information… i am planning to start my candle business…so currently i am waiting for my candle supplies so i can do a trial n test… however i am concern more in candle vessels. Where i am located right now, its quite hard to look and purchase… so i am wondering would you be able to share where you purchase your vessel? So i can choose as well thank you.

Who do you use for insurance?

What kind of insurance do you need ?

I wonder how inventory works especially when you do testing, does that count into your inventory or do you exclude it?

I have been looking for candle maker's insurance, any recommendations for someone based in California?

Definitely a couple thousand dollars to start it is NOT. Unless you have previous experience, testing wick types/sizes and fragrances plus initial supplies will set you back at least 1k and about 6 months. That's before you even buy any actual inventory to sell. Also the least talked about subject is by far the most expensive and that is LABELING AND SHIPPING SUPPLIES! In my opinion the reason a lot of people don't turn a profit quicker is because they're pricing way to low but want to offer the "best"... Example? The nice black jars in her background with bamboo lids are around $4 each wholesale. Don't think you can buy these and sell a finished candle for $20 and make a living cause you won't.

So your cons are very strong and specific, the pros are …not so much. The pros are a little weak. I have been watching your channel and 2 others. What they said was pretty similar, but your list is actually a lot more negative than the others. I would really like to know if having a candke company is something you always wanted to do, or is it something you got into because your other businesses weren’t doing what you wanted them to do?

Thank you!!!!

If everyone starts a candle biz, isn't there gonna be a lot of competition and saturated?

Heeeyyyyyyy

you are getting married?? NOOOOOooooo000000ºººººº!!!!!!!!!!!