How To Start A Candle Business From Home: Your Complete Guide

Are you passionate about creating candles and want to turn your hobby into a business? 

Working from home to run a candle company can be a profitable venture, as the candle industry is growing significantly and is forecasted to reach $13.59 billion globally by 2029.

In this article, we provide comprehensive guidance on starting a candle business from home. Follow our essential steps and expert tips to transform your passion for candles into a successful home-based business. 

Let’s dive in!

Why Start a Candle Business?

Here are the reasons why you should start selling candles from home today.

1. Low start-up costs

Starting a candle business is highly affordable. With minimal financial investment, you only need supplies like wax, fragrance oils, containers, and wicks. No costly equipment or retail space is required, making it accessible for almost any budget.

2. Scalable production

Unlike many businesses, candle-making lets you scale up easily and affordably as demand grows. Control your output by adjusting batch sizes, making it perfect for novice entrepreneurs.

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3. Growing market demand

There is a strong consumer appetite for artisanal, unique scented candles. In 2024, the Home Décor market segment is projected to generate an impressive revenue of US$133.60bn globally, with an anticipated annual growth rate of 3.89% (CAGR) from 2024 to 2029

Especially, starting an online business on platforms like Shopify is now a familiar and effective strategy. Shopify serves as a powerful "online marketplace", providing an ideal launchpad for your business.

Learn more: Start Your Online Business with Shopify–Only $1 [2024 plan]

4. Satisfying creative outlet

For many merchants, candle-making is a relaxing and enjoyable creative process. Designing new scents and combinations, custom packaging, and developing brands are forms of self-expression. Running this type of business allows individuals to monetize their artistic talents from the comfort of home.

5. Profitable lifestyle

Based at home, you have full control over your own hours and schedule, plus being able to enjoy a child-friendly working environment. For many people exploring business opportunities, this flexibility and work-life balance are extremely important.

There is a rising popularity of scented candles. (Source: Unsplash)

How To Start A Candle Business From Home? 

Let’s move on to the most crucial part of the article: explaining the essential steps to effortlessly build a candle business from home.

Step 1: Research and Plan Your Business

One notable tip is to research current trends and look for trending candle styles that can help you make informed decisions. 

For example: 

If you're planning on using wax, you'll have options like paraffin, soy, beeswax, or custom blends, each with its own unique properties.

If you consider scent, fragrance oils and essential oils can create a signature scent that will appeal to your customers.

Step 2: Choose Your Candle Type and Design

The first step in starting a candle business from home is to decide on the types of candles you want to make. Consider factors like the type of wax, scents, and shapes. 

Will you focus on pillars, container candles, votives, or tarts? 

Create a unique brand identity, including your logo, packaging, and overall aesthetic.

Step 3: Source High-Quality Materials and Necessary Equipment

Finding a reliable supplier is crucial for your candle business. Start by consulting other candle makers and checking online reviews to identify wholesalers that offer high-quality ingredients at reasonable prices. Negotiate order amounts to get better rates without compromising quality.

If you prefer to make your own candles, gather the basics: a double boiler, thermometer, and other essential tools to perfect your creations. Don't forget protective gear—safety first to avoid hot wax accidents!

Focus on refining your skills by experimenting with techniques like layering scents and embedding flowers. This practice will yield unique candles and sharpen your expertise over time.

Pro tip: If you are seeking a supplier for ready-made candles rather than DIY products, consider white label goods manufacturers. Selling white label products is also a profitable model to opt for as it enables you to lower maintenance and per-unit costs.

You can choose from some common options to start with, like tealight or taper candles. (Source: Unsplash)

Step 4: Pricing your product

Let's talk about money - specifically, how much you should charge for your candles. First thing first, add up what it costs you to make each one from raw materials to the finished product. Don't forget extras like shipping supplies too.

Knowing your numbers lets you set a profit margin above costs that feels fair for your time and talents. Be sure not to undersell, though!

Do some browsing online and at stores too. See what similar candles go for so you fit in with the market. You can beat competitors on quality and service, but price needs to make sense.

Pro tip: Consider offering different size options at varying price points. Like votives in a grab bag for easy gifts. That expands your reach to different budgets.

Step 5: Set Up Your Workspace

Choose a well-ventilated area in your home, free of flammable materials. Keep your workspace simple and clutter-free to maintain safety and efficiency.

Step 6: Legalize Your Business

You need to check and comply with your local regulations for selling candles. Register  your business name and obtain any necessary permits.

Step 7: Create and Test Your Products

Refine your candle-making skills by experimenting with different techniques like layering scents and embedding flowers. Test your candles for burn time, scent throw, and overall performance to ensure high quality.

Step 8: Marketing Your Candle Business

Branding is so important to capture people's attention. Social media acts as free advertising. Post vibrant photos showcasing your latest creations on platforms like Instagram and Facebook. You can also engage your growing audience with detailed descriptions highlighting fragrance notes and thoughtful gift-giving ideas. Don’t hesitate to run contests or giveaways to build excitement.

Customer service deserves emphasis. For example, you can offer helpful guidance for burning techniques. Moreover, online surveys can provide valuable feedback for product refinement.

Learn more: How to Connect Shopify to Instagram in 6 Easy Steps

It is crucial to find the best candle supplies to suit your needs. (Source: Adobe)

Step 9: Scaling Your Candle Business

As a candle business grows successfully, there are various avenues to consider for expansion. Taking on larger wholesale orders from retailers provides an additional revenue stream while distributing products to new audiences. 

When partnering with other businesses, it's important to maintain brand alignment. Introducing new product lines such as scents, complementary home items, or seasonal accessories keeps customers engaged over time. 

Physical scaling could involve supplying more stores, opening additional locations with thorough market research, or franchising the established business model to new markets with rigorous training systems. 

Operations must also efficiently scale up as well through optimized manufacturing, fulfillment, inventory levels, and a larger workforce managed strategically over time.

Having an online store or physical retail space allows you to reach a much larger customer base. (Source: Unsplash)

Pro Tip: Boost your sales strategy by leveraging diverse marketing channels. Build an online storefront using Shopify with the GemPages page builder for complete control over your brand's design and aesthetics.
This "virtual boutique" lets customers effortlessly browse and shop your products 24/7. Additionally, optimize your website content for search engines to increase organic traffic and attract more potential buyers.

Case Study of Starting a Candle Business

1. Brooklyn Candle Studio

Brooklyn Candle Studio, a sustainable candle brand, has successfully leveraged Shopify to build a thriving online business.

Founded with a commitment to sustainability and craftsmanship, Brooklyn Candle Studio specializes in creating 100% vegan soy candles that draw inspiration from nature. Their product range is diverse, including limited-edition candles that evoke seasonal themes and nostalgic scents. 

For instance, their Herbarium Summer Candle Collection features unique fragrances like Green Tomato and Matcha, appealing to customers looking for fresh and herbaceous aromas. Additionally, their Escapist line transports users to various locations through scent, such as the Maui Escapist Candle, which captures the essence of a salty sea breeze.

Brooklyn Candle Studio effectively utilizes Shopify’s eCommerce platform to enhance its online presence. The website is visually appealing, featuring clean aesthetics that reflect the minimalist design of their products. This aligns with their branding strategy, which emphasizes simplicity and elegance.

2. Mala The Brand

Mala is a leading candle company that puts sustainability at the forefront.

Mala The Brand is a thriving Shopify-powered candle company based in Vancouver, Canada. Founded in 2018 by friends Avery and Sophia, Mala emphasizes sustainability and reducing its environmental impact through tree-planting initiatives. The brand creates all-natural, high-quality soy candles in captivating scents that have earned a devoted following.

Beyond scent, their mission "Buy a candle, plant a tree" has already supported over 76,000 new trees through global reforestation programs. This dedication to sustainability extends to Mala's thoughtful packaging as well. The brand strives to operate as carbon-neutral as possible through offsets and recyclable materials.

Through their engaging digital storefront, Mala shares their sustainability story while treating customers to creative product displays, educational founder videos, and a fun online community. 

Learn more: 10+ Top Trending Niches in eCommerce [with Statistics] - 2024

Conclusion

Selling candles online offers a lucrative opportunity to tap into the growing demand for unique, handmade products. Platforms like Shopify make it easy to create a professional online storefront, while various marketing tools help you reach a wider audience. 

With minimal startup costs and the flexibility to scale, you can focus on perfecting your products and building your brand. By leveraging social media, search engine optimization, and engaging content, you can attract and retain loyal customers. 

The key to success lies in creativity, quality, and consistent marketing efforts, making the candle business an ideal venture for aspiring entrepreneurs.

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