How To Know When You Are Done Testing And Ready To Start Selling Your Candles | Ep. #32

Summary

In this episode of The Candle Business Podcast, the host shares essential advice for aspiring candle makers on when it's the right time to start selling their candles. Emphasizing the importance of safety and performance testing, the speaker reassures listeners that imperfections are normal as long as the candles meet basic requirements. With practical tips on testing, understanding wax and wick combinations, and overcoming self-doubt, the host encourages entrepreneurs to trust their work and move forward confidently in their candle business journey.

Takeaways

• 😀 Testing your candles thoroughly is crucial before selling them. Ensure they meet safety and performance standards.
• 😀 The candle-making process is subjective, so it’s important to understand what works best for your own materials and methods.
• 😀 If your candles pass testing without major issues (e.g., excessive soot, weak flame), you’re likely ready to sell.
• 😀 Perfection isn’t necessary when starting out—focus on making candles that are safe and functional.
• 😀 Trust your testing results. If the same formula produces consistent, positive outcomes, it’s time to move forward.
• 😀 Don’t wait for perfection. Many candle makers hesitate to start their business because they fear their candles aren’t ‘perfect.’
• 😀 The process of selling candles should be guided by safety and practicality, not a quest for flawlessness.
• 😀 Seek feedback from your audience or peers in the candle-making community to improve your products and gain confidence.
• 😀 Having 'permission' to sell comes from confidence in your product’s safety and performance, not an obsession with minor flaws.
• 😀 The journey to launching a candle business requires persistence. It’s okay to make mistakes along the way, as long as you learn from them.
• 😀 Be open to feedback and support from other candle makers to improve and refine your products before going public with them.

Q & A

What is the main focus of this podcast episode?

The episode focuses on helping candle makers who are stuck in the testing phase of their business, offering guidance on when their candles are ready to sell and reassuring them that perfection isn't necessary.

How can candle makers know if their candles are ready to sell?

Candle makers can consider selling their candles once they've tested the same scent and formula multiple times, ensuring consistent results with no safety issues like uneven burning, excessive soot, or poor burn time.

What should candle makers focus on when testing their candles?

Candle makers should prioritize safety during testing, making sure the wick size is correct, the candle burns evenly, and there are no major issues like the flame flickering or excessive soot.

What advice does the podcast give for overcoming the fear of imperfection?

The host encourages listeners to stop waiting for perfection and to give themselves permission to start selling once the candles meet basic safety requirements, even if they're not flawless.

Why is it important to focus on safety when making candles?

Ensuring the candles meet safety requirements is crucial to prevent any hazards when the candles are used by customers, such as improper burning, excessive soot, or fire risks.

What are some common concerns candle makers might have when testing their candles?

Candle makers often worry about their candles being 'good enough,' such as concerns about the scent throw, uneven burning, or small imperfections that may not meet their standards of perfection.

How can candle makers feel more confident about starting their businesses?

Candle makers can feel more confident by focusing on meeting the basic safety standards and recognizing that small imperfections or minor flaws don’t necessarily mean the product isn't ready for sale.

What does the host mean by 'permission to sell'?

The host is encouraging candle makers to trust their testing process, meet basic safety standards, and give themselves the freedom to start selling their candles, even if they're not perfect.

What role does personal experience play in the advice given in the podcast?

The host acknowledges that their advice is based on personal experiences and testing with specific waxes, wicks, and supplies, which may not apply universally but can still provide helpful guidance.

How can feedback from the podcast help aspiring candle business owners?

The podcast provides encouragement and practical advice to aspiring candle makers, helping them navigate common challenges and move forward with their businesses by focusing on basic safety and consistency in their products.