There has always been something about the twinkle of candlelight that has captured your eye. The scents, the colors, the way a smell can pull you back to a moment. You’ve loved candles since way back when, and now, that adoration has you hand-crafting candles of your very own. The time has come to grow beyond your online or backroom space and bring it to life – bricks and mortar style.
The BLOQ parq (tBp) offers micro-retail, office, and residential spaces amidst high traffic areas and is designed for groundbreakers and artisan-makers just like you. Now that you’ve been introduced to the right place to pursue your passion. Let’s take a look at what goes into making the perfect product and achieving maximum success.
Define your candle design.
Now that you’ve decided to go live with your business, you’ll want to step back and re-evaluate your product base; and that would be your candles. Just like you, people love candles and for a variety of reasons. Determining what you will carry in your store in addition to your creations is an important consideration.
Will you make and sell creative, intricately designed pillars? Will you offer high-end décor holders and candelabras? Are you looking to stay with a themed approach to the store, informed by your favorite product line (i.e., country kitsch)? Discovering your niche in the marketplace will help define your business. With definition comes clarity, allowing those that desire what you sell to find you with ease.
Make scents that make an impression.
People often look to add a specific scent or scents to their homes. One way to get a feel for preferences is to gather feedback through an online survey. You can then use that information to inform your decisions on what scents sell best.
“It is scientifically proven that scented candles can play an essential role in the physiological effects of mood, stress, working capacity, and overall mental health.”
– Chryssa Chalkia, an accredited clinical integrative psychotherapist and cognitive-behavioral therapist
Once you have an idea of what works, experiment with different smells and find which ones you whip up best. Making your business known for a specific scent is a great way to build brand awareness along with a unique reputation. And remember, customers want to sample the candle scents before purchase, so ensuring your packaging allows for this will quicken their impulse to breathe in the aromas and buy!
Provide a light source that lasts.
Burn time is a significant factor that matters to candle buyers. Your product should offer a reasonable burn time, guaranteeing your customer’s satisfaction with your candles. The longer the candle burn time, the greater the chance you’ll have repeat customers who aren’t shy in spreading the word about your business.
Smaller candles with smaller wicks will burn at a rate of 7 to 9 hours per 28g of wax used. Larger candles with larger wicks consume wax at a faster rate. The larger wicks are expected to yield 5 to 7 hours of burn time per 28g of wax used.
Source: Chemistryviews.org
A great way to educate yourself on the best burn times is to experiment with different wicks and wax styles. This process allows you to find the best combination for a longer burn time and ensure your product consistently gets thumbs-up reviews.
There is undeniable excitement in transforming a part-time passion into a full-time business. tBp is here to cheer you on and keep that entrepreneurial spirit burning bright.