INTERVIEW AN EXPERT | Tips on Product Branding, Trade Shows, Selling & More | Candle Small Business

[@BlackTieBarn]

Hey friends.. this is a long one, but packed with info, tips, and good conversation. Tara is awesome with product branding, retail, displays, shows, and so on. Please leave a comment below and I hope you all enjoy! 😉

[@ellenbruno8527]

Any insight into which 6 or so fragrance (or fragrance types ) to start with?

[@BlackTieBarn]

@@ellenbruno8527 I actually talk about this a bit in the most recent video that just posted (starting a candle business in 2022). But, truth is it highly depends on your area, your market, etc. My suggestion is a scent from the major categories (clean, floral, sweet, woodsy, classic, etc). A couple unique ones is also a nice touch

[@georgianasalter]

This video is worth it's weight in gold. Fantastic, fantastic information! Thank you both for sharing your knowledge! ❤❤

[@BlackTieBarn]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@LoHa13]

This was very inspiring. I had some retail PTSD listening to some of it that, quite frankly, I didn't know I had. I left retail about 5 years ago and feel very comfortable selling product face to face but here I am, on my way to opening a little online candle shop and moving into soap production and realizing how much marketing I A) haven't done and B) makes me feel like I am still at a shitty retail job. I do know that I am selling myself and my own products that are more than just making money for a corporation. Rationally, I know that it's not the same thing but the emotions I didn't realize I had... I really appreciate this video for bringing this to my attention! This was invaluable marketing knowledge and I thank you both for making it available.

[@BlackTieBarn]

Thanks so much for that feedback and info. That will help others as well! :)

[@amylee5088]

Wade, you have the absolute best videos on candle making and three candle business. Thank you so much! I've seen others, but I stopped watching the other folks after a few of your videos because yours are much more informative, factual, helpful, and entertaining. As a hobbyist thinking about making it a side business, I've learned so much! Thank you!!!!!

[@properandwise]

Wade, you always have the best questions and bring the best information! After each of your videos, I always end up more inspired! Thank you

[@dawnscott4127]

This was so informative, thank you! You talked about some of my concerns about branding which was so helpful! Im creating my business on my own, so to hear you discussing the very thoughts and worries I’ve had about straying from my original concept has really helped me. Tara’s expertise and experience is invaluable!

[@wolfrobots118]

Your videos are really good. They are very informative. I like when you interview people too. Thanks for all the hard work you do to make these very helpful videos. I like that you are willing to share trade secrets. You're awesome!

[@ellenkesters7390]

This was so helpful! Really thankful to have stumbled across this video

[@BlackTieBarn]

Glad it was helpful!

[@sandramuller8806]

Yes! I agreed this was a valuable info thanks, I will watch it again for sure

[@BlackTieBarn]

❤️

[@valeriesuttonpayne7413]

Well, Tara is lovely. Very knowledgeable. Very helpful.

[@Handmadebygas]

Ty Tara this was great! Can’t wait for the next one.

[@BlackTieBarn]

Awesome!

[@lyndawest8612]

Thanks so much. Tara was awesome. So of course are you

[@BlackTieBarn]

Thanks!

[@debt5734]

Hey Wade, I want to thank you and Tara for a very informative video. I’ve been in retail over 30 yrs, all with one company and still learned from you and Tara. It gave me strategies and ideas to work for to start my candle business. So thank you so much. Have a great day!

[@BlackTieBarn]

Thanks Deb. Very much appreciated!

[@JeffLifeInReview]

I wasn’t sure about this video at the onset, but then found it was great and full of real world tips. What a great guest! Love to hear more from Tara and her experiences. Wade your stories were really good to and I got so much value out of the video. Keep up the good work.

[@BlackTieBarn]

Thanks Jeff. Appreciate that!

[@HomeFiresCandleCo.]

Love this aspect of your channel! It would be great to see more videos with Tara again! Thank you both so much for the video!

[@BlackTieBarn]

Thank you. Yes I really enjoyed it!

[@yuyigb]

Amazing!!! Thank you both so much!!!

[@BlackTieBarn]

No problem! Thanks for watchinf

[@kirstenpennington3485]

This was SO good! I took so many notes and am excited to implement lots of the ideas when I start doing craft shows! Thank you so much! Love your channel!

[@robinstewart2256]

Very helpful tips for craft shows. I’m preparing for my first one. Thank you.

[@melindaduncan3073]

I used to be a manager and a make up artist for Lancome. I loved it but retired due to lupus complications. I was so upset because I loved my job but on a good side, I’m learning something new, how to make candles. I’m trying to figure up my name and labels and which vessels to use. The nice thing about this , I can make candles when I feel good. I’m in the beginning stage but I really enjoy it. Thank you for this video. I needed it!

[@BlackTieBarn]

Thanks Melinda for sharing. And no problem at. Happy to help

[@sarahalwix3869]

Excellent help!

[@BlackTieBarn]

❤️

[@alainmiclette7634]

Thank you so much for making this conversation happen and sharing it with us.....the more we learn the more we can eventually earn...

[@BlackTieBarn]

No problem

[@jasoninreddeer8537]

This was a great video with great tips!

[@BlackTieBarn]

Thanks Jason

[@kimeichner344]

Perfect timing. I just booked my first ever holiday market/fair. I have sticky notes with ideas all over the table now!! Thx.

[@BlackTieBarn]

Lol. Thanks Kim. And good luck!

[@avharper8839]

Just watched…. Great tips and nuggets…. Thanks for making the video!!!😊

[@Boldfragrancestudio]

I have watched almost every video you put out and this is by far my favorite and one of the most valuable. Don't know how I missed it

[@BlackTieBarn]

Ty!

[@daniellebartlett9972]

Thank you for this! I have been thinking about doing markets but didn't know how to go about it. This is packed with such useful information. There are so many ways to stick out, and takes a lot of creativity. This video helped a lot.

[@BlackTieBarn]

Awesome. Thanks for the feedback Danielle!

[@cleckleysclassclass5895]

Thank you for making such a resourceful video! Like all of your videos, this was extremely helpful and much appreciated.

[@BlackTieBarn]

No problem. Thanks so much!

[@lenatorres4734]

This is great information. I’m all for brand image. Branding gives you consistency. It also makes your product memorable. The hardest for me would be marketing if doing it on my own

[@BlackTieBarn]

Completely agree!

[@majorspencer3660]

Talking about timing, I was thinking of rebranding two months after starting my business and this has persuaded me it’s the right thing to do. So much information I can use for craft fairs too. Thank you so much 😍

[@BlackTieBarn]

Awesome. No problem at all!

[@rachaelg.4804]

Fantastic content! I'll be saving this to watch again later. Definitely tips that I never thought of. Great marketing ideas!

[@BlackTieBarn]

Thanks Rachael!

[@amarylliscruzjustiniano1053]

Wow, this video is packed with so much great info and business tips! Thank you so much, Wade 🤗 We really appreciate all you do for the community! And also thank you Tara for sharing your knowledge with us!

[@BlackTieBarn]

No problem. Thank you for your support as well!

[@LeeLee-ct2vv]

Thank you for for this video. I learned a lot. The Lady is truly resourceful and understands her trade. I wish you all the best.

[@BlackTieBarn]

I completely agree! She is awesome

[@jaynebennett8398]

Super excellent! Thank you She is fantastic! and I love the way you conducted the interview. If I’d known it was going to be this informative I would’ve had my notebook handy 😄 Definitely going to watch again and take notes 📝

[@BlackTieBarn]

😁 thanks Jayne. I haven't really done interview style videos yet so this was a first for me. I'll get better as well but thank you for the positive feedback!

[@brantleybyjohnbrantley9024]

This has been soooooo incredibly helpful. Thank you so much for the information!!!

[@BlackTieBarn]

No problem! Glad you enjoyed!

[@WickHeadCandleCompany-de1rr]

I literally shut my laptop to get to the farmer's market in the middle of watching ur vid. Don't take offense, I finished watching when I got home. You both got me so motivated, since I want to start my own business, I figured I'd take note, Wade (since I've been watching ur channel for the past couple weeks), and just get started. So I put my spy glasses on (lol), and did my R&D. I'll order wax today. Take homes? Coconut wax did just fine in the ridiculously hot Florida summer heat (June). It's like hell here in the summer. It was not a blend. How? I should've asked where she sourced from, but didn't know if she'd gv her secrets away. There were 2 booths. I noticed the soy vendor's wax was not a smooth top, imperfections. Yet, coco was so smooth n lil glossy but not at all melty. I actually preferred coco's look n smell factor. I don't know where they sourced their FO (1st time using that publicly, yay for me), but there is a HUGE, REMARKABLE difference in cleaner scents. No chemical headache. I will still test w soy, bc it could've been his scent source. I've smelled luxurious soy candles. I ty IMMENSELY, Wade. I'm learning so much from u, u hv no clue that I fall asleep listening to you. LOL. I think ur married. Sorry, just clean fun here. I watched ur Cork & Candle vid yesterday and my brain is on overload, but u r keeping me sane. Ur sharing business practices and trade secrets that I am so grateful for. I don't hv room for error. Not everyone is as generous as you. TY TY TY for ur grace. What a gift u r to all of us here!

[@samanthaanderson1281]

Oh my gosh, this was so helpful. My biggest struggle has been branding. Matching a name to a story to a style... I haven't been able to get it down in like 4 years. The things Tara was saying really made that click for me tonight, which literally makes this content invaluable. Thank you both so much. ❤ Edit: GREAT idea about the bundles!! I'm totally doing that for my shows. I usually have one set up for a drawing to get people's emails, but not for people to buy. Gold, I tell you.

[@BlackTieBarn]

😁 thanks Samantha. Glad to help and I know Tara was happy to do it as well. :)

[@AshleyGasbarro]

Another great video!! Thank you for sharing all of this. Implementing some of these tips at my show this weekend. 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@BlackTieBarn]

Thanks Ashley!

[@chocolatesugar4434]

Great video! Thank you 😊

[@BlackTieBarn]

You're welcome!

[@michellebarclay7138]

Wow! This is awesome and I learned so much today. I did 11 shows last year and have 15 this year, and I got so much out of this video. Thank you for this tip filled content! I worked in Corporate Retail for thirteen years and this is inspiring with my own small soy candle business.

[@BlackTieBarn]

Thanks Michelle. So glad you enjoyed it. These are honestly my favorite videos to do. Lol

[@moircandlecompany]

Excellent tips!! Learned so much from both and I been in retail for long time.. she gave great ideas 💡 and tips thankkkk you so much🌸

[@BlackTieBarn]

❤ of course!

[@townvilleben]

Incredible video with lots of awesome information! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

[@BlackTieBarn]

No problem. Thanks!

[@marlenelopez]

Super helpful. Gonna plan to compliment some of these tips over the next few months. Thank you so much

[@BlackTieBarn]

Np!

[@arthurskye]

Sooo much info! I had a market today and the informmation definitely provided me some ideas. I have an indoor market at a fair. So definitely incorporating these info. Thank u both!!

[@BlackTieBarn]

No problem Regie. Thank you! :)

[@greekozygirl599]

This was such a valuable video, I got so many good notes, and great information I needed, thanks Wade!!

[@BlackTieBarn]

No problem!

[@itsjustjoelle6640]

Great video! Such great information, thanks for bringing that to us!!

[@BlackTieBarn]

No problem Joelle! :)

[@melindat5711]

This is a great video! So much useful information. Thank you for sharing!!

[@BlackTieBarn]

No problem. Thanks for watching!

[@originaldpowers2867]

Great video I will have to watch this over again and again

[@BlackTieBarn]

Ty. I know I have. 🤣

[@joycelyons7435]

Great teaching! Thanks for sharing can't wait to get started!

[@BlackTieBarn]

❤️👌

[@brandijones6283]

Fabulous information. Thank you both!

[@BlackTieBarn]

❤

[@ohsnap7281]

Thank you Tara ! Very informational.

[@BlackTieBarn]

❤

[@BrownButterBeauty]

Thank you for making this video! lots of great information!!!

[@BlackTieBarn]

Of course! Thanks for watching!

[@laurisaspears1202]

This was amazing!!!

[@BlackTieBarn]

❤

[@leslie-annjulien6184]

Amazing information thank you

[@ericabeache]

Thank you, this was very valuable.

[@BlackTieBarn]

Thanks Erica!

[@gemmakitchener8053]

This was a great video! I learnt so much from it

[@BlackTieBarn]

Great to hear. Theme Gemma!

[@robinbaker4751]

Loved this. I think I will look into attending a trade show. Are they better than flea markets? I am a candle newbie. I only started making them because I am a candle fan. I never thought about selling them until I shared one with my daughter and she took some to an event that they were selling at an d i didnt do too bad, but was very early on. I didnt know all the ins and out. Since following you and others I have learned alot and am looking forward making candles again and gettng back out there. Thank for all you have shared. I have gained much knowledge to apply in this next phase of my candle journey.

[@kadinsmomma07]

That was a good conversation to listen to, thanks!

[@BlackTieBarn]

Thanks! :)

[@rebeccahatfield]

Great video! I took some great notes 📝 😀

[@BlackTieBarn]

❤

[@1rsrx]

Great video!

[@BlackTieBarn]

Thanks!

[@akshaya1558]

Helpful video 👍

[@BlackTieBarn]

Thanks!

[@qianaricci4502]

#facts 🎯 💯 nailed it

[@BlackTieBarn]

Thanks Qiana!

[@joycooke4252]

What size sample do you use for wholesale inquiries and do you pare down packaging for these or invest as much in these?

[@margaretmelendez8203]

Absolutely great information. This has been one of the best video's that I have seen in a while. I'm not a candle maker, but I am a soaper and product maker and I'll be watching this video many times over and that is something that I very rarely do. Thank you so much to both of you and Yes, please have Tara back for more videos:)

[@BlackTieBarn]

Awe, thanks so much Margaret! This channel will eventually be getting into other products as well by the way, just have to get caught up and ahead first. Thanks so much for the positive feedback and for being here!

[@tommyjones1357]

I have a heavy background in video editing and production. I’m an old school Chicago native. So my goal is to build a coffee shop for the rest of us. No feminine or LGBTP+ themes. Just old school Americana with an all-inclusive flag that represents all guest that is red white and blue. Fixing to get some old guys together with that old school Chicago twang, maybe a few guys from the hood, and just make a few funny commercials for youtube. Some of those old guys are funny as all heck. God bless!

[@MarciesWhimsySoaps]

Great talk!....too many ads(sorry). Oh! And L'Oreal was my dream job company when I was young💜😊.

[@BlackTieBarn]

Thanks. Sorry about that. Google can place as many or as few as they want. I can help choose appropriate places to put them but sometimes they add a lot sometimes less. It's a long video too so definitely more than other videos. Thanks for watching either way Marcie!

[@Undomesticated_amy]

I do the the local farmers market each weekend and I have a sign that says spend $20 get a free gift, helps me hit my $goal each weekend.

[@BlackTieBarn]

Yes. Great idea!

[@dartagnanv8der613]

Thank you very much Tera for taking the time to share your experience with us. Wade I love you man, but does Tera have a YTchannel ? 😳😂👍🏽

[@BlackTieBarn]

Haha! Nope. But I can ask to have her on more. Lol

[@awalker9461]

Thank you for another AWESOME video! I cant find the samples fragrances on Amazon suggested on 27:50 - Burning Candles During Shows? Can you help please??!!? :)

[@BlackTieBarn]

Hmm I don't recall talking sample fragrances in this video. Are you just talking about making aroma beads? Most suppers sell them. Check Aztec, Flaming candle, lonestar.

[@sandracrawn623]

What's the best way or company to use for your card paying customers

[@roybaker3945]

I tried Soy, I tried Paraffin, but I'm hooked on Gel .... Do you make any, or do you have any experience with this medium?

[@BlackTieBarn]

Hey Ron, not so much yet. But eventually. :)

[@marissa3627]

Hi Wade ! Future bride making candles for wedding favors, here. I Needing a bit of help/ advice. I am making wedding favor candles for my guests for my upcoming wedding. I am repurposing the glass Oui yogurt jars . Which I plan to fill to 3.7 oz wax, fragrance oil is Sea salt and orchid ( from candle science ) at 11 %. I am testing out waxes and wicks and trying to not get discouraged. Please, please, please, let me know your best advice on wax and wick for a jar that size. I am not going to be picky about the wax type or wick type . Truly just wanting what works and will make a beautiful gift for my guests and family. Thank you in advance for any advice 🙏🏻❤️

[@BlackTieBarn]

I will do my best to give some general tips. Do you happen to know the diameter of those jars? That will elp me determine best wax and wick choices. I am thinking they are around 2.5-2.75" If so, I'd probably go with either ProBlend 600 or IGI 464. Just be warned the 464 is all soy and may frost on you a bit. Not a huge deal if not coloring them with any dyes though. My preference would probalby be ProBlend600 from Flaming Candle. If my guess on the diamter is correct, I would probalby start with htp 52 or 62 OR Premier 725 and then adjust if needed up or down a couple sizes. Feel free to share more info and I can try to assist more though.

[@marissa3627]

@@BlackTieBarn aww ! Thank you 😊 . They are 2 1/2 inches . I tried PB 600 with a 725 premier wick. HT was poor but the melt pool and flame size was good. Only used 10% FL . Ps . I’ve only been learning about candles for like a month now. Sorry if my lingo is rough 😂

[@BlackTieBarn]

@@marissa3627 was the HT poor just on one FO? Do you have any others you can try. All oils are different so some perform great, others not so much, or just vary by wax type. I have a lot of hit or miss oils as well. Also, did anyone else get a chance to test out that candle by chance? Sometimes, as the candle makers, we are super critical of our HT while its just fine for others. So just curious if you got any other feedback. Also, definitely dont need to use more than 10% FO load. In fact, I would advise against it.

[@marissa3627]

@@BlackTieBarn I do need to order more of that fragrance. I had used the rest of the sample bottle on 100% soy wax ( those had less HT than the PB) . I did use a different fragrance oil in the same container size and it also had poor HT (was worst than the sea salt and orchid) . My fiancé said the wedding favor test smelled nice but was very mellow. If we think the wax and wick are correct for this size jar. My next thought is perhaps it’s my temperature not being accurate? I’ve ordered a infrared thermometer gun because I’m not confident in the glass thermometer. For PB 600 is it melt to 195, add FO at 180, and pour at 165? Maybe my temp is off/ inaccurate thermometer ? Also, thank you for taking the time to read through all this and help troubleshoot. You’re a true gentleman and I appreciate your help.

[@BlackTieBarn]

@@marissa3627 Hi again Marissa. Thank you for the compliment and feedback for starters. Regarding your FO HT issue. I haven't actually used Sea Salt and Orchid in PB600 yet. But in a couple other waxes it was a good HT. So, definitely not an issue with the FO. Perhaps the thermometer is an issue but unless its SIGNIFICANTLY off I can't imagine it would kill the HT. You may have issues with pouring, etc but I doubt HT. Yes, your process is what I do on average. If you have another wax(s) try the same process and same FO and FO% in them and see if you get better, worse, or same results. Perhaps PB 600 just isn't throwing the FOs that you have used to this point very well. :/

[@bratty2987]

im experiencing a slow growth and low sales right now. im considering advertising on social media. would love to hear your thought on this

[@BlackTieBarn]

Facebook ads can work well but spend some time learning how to do them effectively. You can also hire Helton fiverr for example to help. They can work well you just don't want to waste money without results

[@scottdavis5884]

Do you know of a good template online for a business plan geared towards our type of business?

[@BlackTieBarn]

I do not but that is a good question!

[@kathykat7592]

Yeah, prior Hellmark slave here 😂.

[@BlackTieBarn]

🤣

[@jasonstouder]

if shes sad about her place in life, why would i want to listen to her? I stopped watching this video after I heard her say that. That being said, you are doing good things, sir. thank you.

[@BlackTieBarn]

Thanks Jason. But I think you might have misunderstood what she meant. She is very good snd enjoys what she does. But like others of course we have other ambitions too

[@scottdavis5884]

Do you know of a good template online for a business plan geared towards our type of business?

[@BlackTieBarn]

Unfortunately no.... but I will start looking. Good question