Dawnee

I like that one. good choice! Glad you could finally make a decision one this one. cross fingers for me... one day I'll do the same!

I think I'm in the same situation as you katshe! There are a few words that I am really stuck on when thinking of a name for my (future) candle biz. But when I combine them, none of them really seem to jump out like "OH THATS THE ONE!" I read this article about trying to name a business. Put all these words down and any more that appeal to you, then play around putting them together, pick out some favs, then try them out on people around. Wait let me just give you the link to that one too. Its very informative. http://www.yudkin.com/generate.htm The only reason it hasn't quite helped me pick one is because I'm really indecisive!! lol

Not sure if you had this yet, but below is the link to the US patent and trademark search engine. http://tess2.uspto.gov/bin/gate.exe?f=tess&state=scoq09.1.1 This is where you'd want to check for name availability. I did see that there was one already listed for Luxury Lane. However it is an online home decor store. It believe as long as you are not in the same line of work then you are okay. But I'm not 100% sure on that one. KD Essentials is nice. What about maybe combining your two other favs and calling it Serenity Essentials? Just a thought.

I like #1 and #3. My only concerns for the first one would be the high amount of detail. If you were printing the labels yourself you might lose some of that detail. I really like the simplicity of the third one and the shape of it. I think it would work better when designing your labels. But I would maybe have them try adjusting that logo a bit. I do like it the way it is, but I would be curious to see what it'd look like using the font used for "Central Coast" in the first logo and maybe switching the colors. Have "Central Cost" that yellowish color and the "Scents" white.

Hello and welcome to the joys of soy candlemaking! I use C-3 as well and I definitely had all the same problems when I first started out, so I can surely relate! If you are looking for depth in color I would suggest using dye flakes. I started out using liquid dye, but soon found it isn't possible to get darker colors, unless you use alot of dye, which would cause burning issues. You will find on the deeper colors you will still end up with some slight frosting, if you are using the C-3 straight (with no additives). This is the nature the wax. I found adding 2-3% universal soy additive helps with this as well as smoothing out the appearance of the wax. You can find this stuff and Just By Nature or Candlemaker Store (this is where I get mine from). As far as where to purchase the dye flakes, the only two I have tried are BCN and Candle Cacoon. Both work well. If you want to try several different colors at small amount I would recommend Candle Cacoon for that, they sell by the 1/2 oz and I believe they are only $1.75 Dawn

Also you could try just putting quote marks around the phrase. That tells the search engine to only search for that exact phrase. Also if you are checking to see if it is trademarked, you will want to check here: http://tess2.uspto.gov/bin/gate.exe?f=tess&state=8uv6tr.1.1

Cissy, I think I have Works at home (at work right now) I don't really use it much, but I can help you out. If you haven't figured this out yet that is. Since I don't use it often I'd have to play around with it a little bit. Why don't you email me the content that you wish to have on your label or maybe a picture of the labels you are currently using. If you have any pictures on the labels, I'd need the image files as well. I can at least help you get started on creating your own labels!

Another option is to get your site listed on places like these... http://www.candleandsoapstuff.com/Suppliers_by_State.html http://www.scentforum.com/

If your both working full time on this and still can't manage to get everything done in time, I would say you definitely need to hire some help!! It sounds to me that you're business is really growing, in order to continue that growth you have to accomodate.. know what I mean. I guess you just have to take that chance when it comes to your concerns about the person you hire running off and creating their own business. I suppose it could happen. Something to consider.. there are alot of people out there that may just want to make the candles, but don't have it in them to run their own business, not everyone is cut out to do that or even has an interest in doing so. Until you make that decision, I would say closing the site down for like a week or two is not a bad idea, just to get ahead of the game. I've seen many internet sites that have said they were closed for a week for vacation! I don't see why you couldn't do that (shame you wouldnt be able to actually take a vacation!!) I can only imagine how stressful all that is, on a positive note... Your business is successful! that is awesome! Most of us only wish to have that one day. It's time for you business to expand with your success! Good Luck

Another option that I find the easiest is to zap the top with a heat gun. Melting down just enough of the top to level things out. If you don't have a heat gun, I suggest you get one, its one of those must have supplies!! Until you get one you can use a hairdryer, you just have to be careful that you don't blow melted wax all over the place.

I am in the same boat as you. I have a few name ideas but just can't make a decision! My vote is for the LunaEssence!! Never heard of the makeup line myself... if the name isn't trademarked I think you can use it. If it is maybe add something to it like... LunaEssence Candles or LunaEssence Candle Works. I also really like Wick-It Elements!

Target has a few... not sure if these are exactly what you are looking for, but its a start... http://www.target.com/gp/search.html/601-5433635-3293708?field-keywords=folding+bookcase&url=index%3Dtarget&ref=sr_bx_1_1

I might be wrong but I think they carry those at Fillmore. I think for 4.55/12. with lids, It'd come out to about 6.35/12 (but that depends on which lids you choose) I haven't ordered them myself, but from your description it looks like what is on their pic... with some smooth sides. http://www.fillmorecontainer.com/product.asp?deptID=3&sku=G16%2D01C&sID=M4L78NB66XS88PAQRWKV0AQBF54P2XHC

Well its some image I had saved on my computer, I'm not even sure where I got it from I've had it so long. I did alter the orignal a bit (changed color and rotate flowers).... does that count as making it myself?!?! I understand what you mean, I wouldn't want to have to pay for use of any images either. I'd be happy to send you the files for it, if you'd like to save it for future use. Maybe someone with more knowledge can chime in on what the legal issues are with images, when we don't know who the "owner" is?!

I really liked your first one better, but with a little tweeking. I had an old image of a flower I thought might work... so I thought I'd try it out....

I found this information very helpful for coming up with a business name. http://www.yudkin.com/generate.htm They also have a pdf version of this that you can download. I haven't decided on a name yet myself, but this has been helpful in coming up with some good ideas.... maybe I'll post the ones I came up with, if I ever actually make a final decision! Don't forget to go here too. Do a search to see if the name you came up with is already trademarked. http://tess2.uspto.gov/bin/gate.exe?f=tess&state=5d2k67.1.1 HTH Dawn

I use C-3 and do it this way too! As soon as I see it start to cloud, I pour. Also, I use 3% USA, which raises the melt point slightly, so I usually see the cloudyness start about 145-150. glass adhesion is perfect and tops are mostly perfect, only a slight imperfection around the wick.... one quick zap of the heat gun and that is all gone. I've tested many different wicks....right now I am on the cotton cores, so far they are my favorite. haven't tried the CDNs yet, but have heard good things with them in this wax, so I may be forced to give them a try!

Whoops....guess I was posting the same time as Vicky...

I don't use these wicks, but from what I have read on this board, they are different from the other type of cotton cored wicks you'd find at from other suppliers. If you go to Peak's site they do give a recommendation for wick sizes. The C-65 says it is for 2.5"-3" dia. containers, but as we all know if you are using soy you usually have to wick up a size or two. So maybe a C-75 would be a good starting point?! Maybe someone who uses them can jump in. Also, what type of wax are you using? It usually helps to know that.

There is a variance of opinion for what exact temp to heat your wax, add FO, and pour. Location, weather, type of soy wax, and type or manufacturer of FO used effects these what temps will work for you. But a general rule of thumb you should be heating your wax to 170-195°, remove your wax from your heat source then adding FO at 150-170°, and finally pouring at 100-140°. And an important note..soy wax definitely needs to cure! Some say as long as two weeks, some say 3-5 days, this again depends on your wax, and of course personal preference. I personal don't have the patience to let candles cure for two weeks. So if my hot/cold throws aren't great after a few days, I'd find a new FO, but that's just me. To R.S.: I would say your you hot throw problems could have to do with the temp you are adding FO, I'd try adding a little hotter. You didn't mention cure time, so if you are burning them the day after pouring, that could be a problem too.

I don't use the GB444, but I read that its supposed to have 2% of the soy additive already in it. I would say that if you are still having problems with glass adhesion and smooth appearances you could probably add a bit more of this to your wax.

I haven't used those companies. But I do use the universal soy additive. I get mine from the Candlemaker's store, for $3.89 a pound. http://www.thecandlemakersstore.com/product/ADUSOYA I believe Just by Nature's has the same thing for about the same price, but for me the shipping was cheaper at the candlemaker. I use this in C-3.. and I have to say if you are considering trying it out, definitely do it!! I love this stuff!!!

I also use C-3. I add beeswax to mine (.5 oz per pound). But you certainly don't have to use beeswax. Are you having problems with you wax? Dawn