Candles are a common accessory in most homes, so candle businesses are very popular today.  Starting a candle business might be your ticket to becoming a successful WAHM.  There are two ways you can start your own candle business – through a direct sales company in which they supply the candles and you see them or you can make your own candles to sell.

When making your own candles, it will help for you to know the process of heating, scenting, and pouring was.  If you know someone that has experience with this, ask if they can show you how to do it.

Whether you decide to make and sell your own candles or sell through direct sales, you will need to be comfortable with people and be able to sell your product.  With direct sales, you will doing candle parties, so you will need to be able to speak clearly in a room full of people.

What do you need to get your candle business up and running?  With direct sales, you can probably purchase a kit from the company that gives you most everything you need to start.  It will include enough candle merchandise to at least get you started selling.  If you make your own candles, you will need wax (beeswax or paraffin), candle molds, various scents, wicks, dyes, and a pan or something to melt the wax in.

So how do you get started with your candle business venture?  Internet access is helpful so you can create a web page to advertise the candles.  This helps you build an easily accessible online presence.  You can even sell your homemade candles online.  But don’t forget about local markets, such as flea markets and craft fairs.  These are great sources for selling and advertising.  To get your name out there, consider giving away some of your candles at first.  Word of mouth can help you immensely.

Join message boards or forums where people are talking about direct sales or candle sales.  You cannot only learn handy marketing tips, but you may also get new ideas for products for your business.

Business cards and flyers are always good marketing tools.  If you know any friends that have businesses, ask if you can set up a display there advertising your candles.  Check local bulletin boards at places like grocery stores or the library.

As with any new business, getting your candle making business off the ground will take a lot of time and work.  Good businesses don’t happen without either of those things.  Keep a schedule of your time and a record of your expenses and when you do have a small success, treat yourself.  Don’t let any setbacks you may experience deter you from reaching your goals!