mzphee

My wife and I do (sort of). I get a pension, and my wife get Social Security. That amounts to about 20% of our yearly income; the other 80% comes from our candle business. We have been full-time in the business for eleven years. We have a store and a warehouse/factory. Three employees work for us at the store, and one works at the warehouse/factory. We started our selling to friends and family, then graduated to craft shows, fundraisers and candle parties. At the time we lived in the country and later built a building because we had outgrown our home. About this time we both retired (2001) and started candle pouring full-time. We opened a store in 2002 and closed it in 2006. We opened another store in 2005, and that's where we are now. We quit craft shows, fundraisers in 2006 (no time). Presently we have a bunch of wholesale accounts, but still get the majority of our business income from retail sales. We should gross a little under 400K this year. BTW, the couple who started Circle E candles started out about the same way. We have learned a lot over the years, but give God all the praise. We have been able to see His Hand in so many of the decisions we have made. We are truly blessed.

WHERE IS THE LIKE BUTTON, Phil 4:13...

I'm not sure but would you like to sell some of your spiced pear, I have a few samples of this from Aztec not so good to me

we have a womens lifestyle show here in peoria and booth fee is $650...thats horrible for a one day 9-4 show

ok I to love this scent my question, is the tart better then the votive? they were out of tarts so I got the votive but it seemed a little light.

Hey Lauren I just wanted to encourage you to keep going you will get it, I just got my IGI 6006 to a place that im ok with, but like the others said it doesnt work with all of my FO I carry way more scents in melts. Dont give up, and just my opinion you dont have to pay anyone you have a wealth of information here. Im not an expert but I will help you research once you find a wax that you think you may like. Stella would always post that you have to learn the wax..lol I never knew what they meant until I learned my tart blend wax.. and soy does have a mind of its own....lol .... I have tested one jar from the beginning 7oz elemental jars now that I have it, im ready to find and test a larger jar to add to my line. so I do understand...keep pusing girl you can do it

my first thought is lavender also....or a aloe,vanilla maybe?

I purchased Amish Harvest from Aztec when they had they $1 oz sell to try. I use ecosoya Piller Blend/Excell mix and this scent is very strong. I placed a tart in yesterday at 8am and its officially 24hr and I can still smell it. I test using the hot plate warmers from Levines and I think they get very hot. I dont turn my warmer off, I test to see what I get. I know 24 hrs is nothing to some ..lol but to me thats good especially with my mix..

I do I do...I agree I love to support...and compare..lol

Birthday Cake, Orange Chiffon Cake, French Vanilla, Sweet Pumpkin Spice, Peppermint Kiss...

I hate the Cappuccino Hazelnut, and can't get Mulberry to throw.

I like Creme Brulee, but wonder if there's a better one out there.

have you tried candle science, creme brulee? I love it its very strong in my calmshells,2oz portion cups and my 7oz elemental jars...a little goes a long way

Monkey Farts is one of my best sellers, at first I wanted to changed the name but my husband said not to, he said it will be a conversation piece and its true, I have alot of people from my church as customers also and they love the name Monkey Farts(especially the lil boys). But I did change "Butt Naked to Grown & Sexy...I just could not take that to church...and this is my Pastor and his Wife favorite scent lol

I use this base also, and I do have that problem, I thought that's just how it was so on my label I advertise shake, point, and spray. I would love to know if there's another way

does anyone know of any where I can go to get a heads up on craft/holiday events. I have looked in my local paper, google.....and only the mall shows which are very very expensive are listed....Im in central illinois and willing to travel a few cities to a good event

i got mine off of ebay for $60 I think, the company was Southern Cross? I think thats the name

I just found a post from last year for pumpkin buttercream, and theres alot of blends for the fall in the thread to...yay!!

ok I have search the fo finder and cant find this..it sounds really yummy! does anyone have any suggestions on what I can mix to get this scent? I have buttercream, and ordered a spiced pumpkin, and I was thinking a good vanilla . any suggestions

I am in love with their lemon lavender....its great

Thank you ..I'm excited for our peak season to start I'm still looking and testing scents for fall/winter...also unique was to present as gifts

thank you Kitn

thank you I was only able to have one table so I had to make it work

thank you, so much how are you guys doing?

thank you

thank you Ravens, Im going to check it out now. have you ever use their MP before? if so how do you like it

Thought I would post a few pictures of my set up from Saturday. I was invited to set up at our State Park for membership day. Because of the heat that has been in our area they offered me an inside spot, which I thought would be good until the day came and the weather outside was beautiful. There was alot of foot traffic outside and very little in the area I was set up in. so heres a few pictures. tell me what you think I am open for suggestions

I agree with all the above advice, my story is the advice chefmom and blacktieaffair gave wraped in one...lol I started with none wicking items and worked with candles as money would let me. I havent been doing this as long as many and my system is a little different. I wasnt one of the ones who loved candles before I started making them, I LIKED CANDLES, but I LOVE SCENTS!! but once I began to work and see the product created after hours, days, months of testing it is a JOY...its like watching your baby grow through stages of life!!! If this is what you really want to do then do it, BUT please take in consideration all the advice that is given to you, read read read...I still fall asleep at my computer or with a book in my lap from information overload( its like Im in college again...lol)..have fun, be safe ...and always think about the safety of your customer....that is all...welcome to the board!!!

I do the same.

I third the motion..lol