jbradshaw Posted December 9, 2017 Share Posted December 9, 2017 My husband and I are thinking of having another baby, and we're trying to figure out how it will effect my business. After a year of testing and learning, I launched in August and have been slowly but steadily growing this business into something I'm proud of. I haven't run into the 464 issues others have (I think this is because I changed containers in January and so I was already testing and identifying wicks in the 'new' wax), and I would hate to put candlemaking on hold for 9 months. So...is it crazy to think I could teach my husband to do the FO parts of the process? I could wick and label all the jars, even start the wax melting, but he'd have to measure the FO and actually pour the candles. We do have a respirator (my husband worked in pharmaceuticals so he made sure it was an appropriate kind for airborne fragrance), and we have windows and could in theory put in an exhaust fan - but I just don't know if I'm comfortable using FO whilst pregnant. Maybe I'm being overly cautious? Anyway - I'm rambling. Just looking for tips, or experiences in teaching someone else your craft. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sarah S Posted December 9, 2017 Share Posted December 9, 2017 Does your husband want to do it? I can't imagine it would be difficult to teach him how, the actual mechanics of pouring wax aren't all that complicated. My concern would be commitment level. But then I can't get my husband to commit to washing the dishes, so perhaps my point of view is skewed. 😂 1 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jbradshaw Posted December 11, 2017 Author Share Posted December 11, 2017 He actually suggested it - he works for himself so his schedule is relatively flexible (especially compared to mine). He's my biggest supporter. It just took me so long to feel confident and feel like I 'knew' my wax - how long to stir, what it looked like at different stages, etc. But he does have a manufacturing background so I think you're right that he could learn. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jcandleattic Posted December 11, 2017 Share Posted December 11, 2017 3 hours ago, jbradshaw said: He actually suggested it - he works for himself so his schedule is relatively flexible (especially compared to mine). He's my biggest supporter. It just took me so long to feel confident and feel like I 'knew' my wax - how long to stir, what it looked like at different stages, etc. But he does have a manufacturing background so I think you're right that he could learn. You can teach anybody anything as long as they are willing to learn, and if he is willing, you will be fine. Even doctors had to be taught how to be doctors, so, ... 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sarah S Posted December 11, 2017 Share Posted December 11, 2017 (edited) 3 hours ago, jbradshaw said: He actually suggested it - he works for himself so his schedule is relatively flexible (especially compared to mine). He's my biggest supporter. It just took me so long to feel confident and feel like I 'knew' my wax - how long to stir, what it looked like at different stages, etc. But he does have a manufacturing background so I think you're right that he could learn. And certainly you could begin to teach him now, before it's an issue, maybe even make a tutorial video for him to refer to. I didn't mean to trivialize the process, of course it's not as simple as "heat to xyz temp, add FO and pour at zyx temp" like the suppliers would have us believe! 😂 But you've already done all the heavy lifting, so to speak, with all the testing and learning the wax. It sounds like he might just need super clear instructions, a little practice and some visual aids. I would be curious to hear some other opinions from the expercienced chandlers too! ETA: my thoughts as well @Jcandleattic! Edited December 11, 2017 by Sarah S 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
barbaranj Posted December 11, 2017 Share Posted December 11, 2017 I am assuming you are not pregnant yet...so maybe get him started now with you by his side walking him through your process. I always need to be hands on when learning anything new! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flicker Posted December 12, 2017 Share Posted December 12, 2017 I poured candles while pregnant with all three of my children. I just made sure we were well ventilated and wore gloves and a respirator mask. My first and second I was pouring about 10 lbs a day. By my third it could be several hundred lbs at a time daily. No problems other than some scents made me sick to my stomach. I worked for a supplier during this time as well. Most women don't give it up, they just work safer. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gary in Canada Posted December 13, 2017 Share Posted December 13, 2017 Sounds to me like you're more concerned with the "fumes" in the air if you're pregnant? As far as hubby doing some of the grunt work...I don't think that would be a problem...most of us males are able to handle such complex tasks...lol.. The only thing I would check out is the air quality..seems that Flicker did ok? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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