Luminarias

Oh thank you ladies...our current logo is far from what we started with. I actually hired a graphic designer a few years ago to redo our logo and I am more than thrilled with the results. That was money very well spent. I had tried for years to come up with my own and actually did have a really nice logo before this one but in the end, I have this logo professionally printed which has been a huge savings in money and "time".

Thanks! and I truly will keep the blog updated as quickly as things happen. The electrician just finished today, I believe the plumber is next(bathroom) and then hopefully the painting of walls and staining of the floor will begin(I have pictures posted soon). M~ www.Luminariascandleshoppe.blogspot.com

Thank you so much!!! M~

Hello there, I have been reading this forum for years and although from time to time I have commented with some knowledge that I had or to give a congratulations I can't remember a time I ever started my own thread. Not that I haven't had questions but I usually found my answers doing a search; but anyway I just wanted to say that I have been a candlemaker for several years now and did as many have done, sold to friends(only after several years of testing of course), then at candle parties then finally at big Gift Shows. Now, I have made the plunge and my first retail location will open in less than 3 months. I have started a blog to chronicle everything between now and then and will continue to keep up with the blog once we are up and running. I thought I would let you know because I know there are others who have the same desire and maybe my experience will help you one day; as many of your experiences have assisted me over the years. M~ www.Luminariascandleshoppe.blogspot.com

I agree about changing the pictures. We just redid our website and although we have pictures up they are not professional ones, but we are working on that as well. We found a commercial photographer in our area using "Twitter". Maybe you can do the same... Best of luck~ M. www.CandlesbyLuminarias.net

I would highly recommend by graphic designer Nicole. You can see her work here ~ www.virb.com/nbcreative. Hope that helps... M~ www.candlesbyluminarias.net

I love them as well...highly recommend! Also, every other week or so they offer a free shipping special so watch out for that~ M. www.candlesbyluminarias.net

Really great article...your parents should be really proud!!! M~ www.candlesbyluminarias.net

We didn't belong to any groups so we advertised in two ways...first, we advertised on local and surrounding area "Craigslists" which was very successful for us. We also advertised at our annual shows; however the consultants themselves really are the key. If you offer a great residual program, along with a great product finding consultants will be easy for you. www.candlesbyluminarias.net

We increase the price of our candles when selling through a fundraiser. We change the price of our 12oz from $12.95 to $15.95 and our 7oz from $8.95 to $11.95. We offer 11 scents from our current collection of 30(which we change up depending on the time of year). We also provide all gift bags, order forms and brochures. The organization receives 50% of total sales... www.candlesbyluminarias.net

We have sales reps. and it was the best decision our company has made. Our consultants receive our products at a 40% discount and added to the fact we keep low price points, they are doing very well. We have a starter kit that a consultant is required to purchase for $32.95(no other fees are required). We are starting a newsletter in January and hope it helps in keeping the consultants motivated. With it being the Holiday season sales are coming easy for our consultants; so little motivation is needed at this time. Hope this helps and best of luck to you... Luminarias www.candlesbyluminarias.net

I just purchased these hangtags...the round 2.25". We participate in a large high end holiday show every year, about 500,000 people. We decorate large christmas trees (we use a pink and mint green tensel tree) and place them as center pieces on our tables, placing some of our candles underneath...as the gifts. We have colorful round labels on our candle jars(each scent is a different color). We plan to print the background of our labels onto the hangtags and use the hangtags as ornaments on the tree. Michelle~ candlesbyluminarias.net

YES, really cool. Congrats! M~ www.candlesbyluminarias.net

I've been lucky to have consultants sell for me. I only have 5 but I must say that is plenty. They keep me very busy and then there are our annual holiday shows. I have been in business for almost three years and although I make money it's all been reinvested for such items as a commercial melter, cabinets and countertops for the inhome candle studio and I keep a large quantity of wax, our scents and glass in stock so I only have to order 4 times a year. M~ http://candlesbyluminarias.blogspot.com

Working on our Holiday scent collection...first holiday show is only 2 months away! M~ http://candlesbyluminarias.blogspot.com/