Starting A Candle Business? Here’s My Advice | business insurance, comparing yourself to others, etc

[@MemoryBoxCandleCo]

***I’m getting my new microphone on Wednesday. I apologize for yet another video with low quality audio. I’m looking forward to having higher quality videos very soon. I appreciate you all for baring with me!***

[@mrcld_th3390]

I was about to leave a comment about it. I can barely hear you because my washing machine is loud 😅 I guess I will wash my clothes later and watch your video first 😉

[@MemoryBoxCandleCo]

Lol I’m so sorry!! 🤦🏼‍♀️ ❤️

[@samomojnick]

It's an awesome video as always! Can you share what you are using to edit your video?

[@OneWealthyTeacher]

LOL, I was listening on my drive to work and kept turning it up. Thought it was my system until the Waze app screamed at me. 😂😂😂 Thank you for all of your videos and insight on the candle business.

[@MemoryBoxCandleCo]

@@samomojnick it’s called lumafusion on my iPad! :)

[@maddie3239]

I’ve been watching you for about a month now and somehow you always make me feel better about my business. I just recently had a customer send me a photo of one of my candles... that had basically exploded. She left the candle burning all day and there was less than an inch of wax which made the wick move and bust out the glass. After that I didn’t go into my candle room for a week because I was so freaked out. I’m in the process of getting my insurance so that’s good but it still made me feel like a failure and made me feel embarrassed. Sorry for the rant, basically what I’m saying is thanks for doing what you do. Us small businesses really appreciate it!!

[@MemoryBoxCandleCo]

Oh no!! Honestly things happen (and that’s why insurance is so important!) but you are not a failure. Never let fear stop you from continuing forward! So glad my videos help you ❤️❤️

[@Abeocanto]

First time I hear someone talking about suffocation in candle making, happens to me all the time (gives me headaches too), fortunately I enjoy the process a lot :)

[@MemoryBoxCandleCo]

Yeah it really sucks that something I enjoy so much can make me feel not so great. But I do the best I can!

[@butterflymuse2707]

I know this is kind of an insane suggestion regarding the smells, but.... Get a weed tent, haha! They make different sizes but the tents come with a very strong carbon filter and a fan that keeps air circulating and will draw it all through the carbon. The smells stay in the tent and the outside air is fine! 👌 My husband first got one for his Resin 3D printer (resin smellllllllllllsssss!), but my soap business has gotten more traction this year and all of the fragrances give him an instant headache - so he got me a weed tent and I'll be damned if it doesn't keep the house from smelling like fragrance oil, lol! It's wild!

[@toyshiajohnson8604]

I’m a science teacher and I love the reference to changing only one variable….. I will take my time and hopefully launch by Jan - Feb testing products and waxes

[@rossinava837]

Finally...I have been researching candle hack videos, candleprenuers, candle groups and this is the first time I have heard someone say - Stop and Think when wanting to start a candle business...many people think starting a candle business out of nowhere and in a week they become "experienced candle makers". I've been making candles for 20 yrs and made candles as a hobby for few yrs before I wanted to sell them.

[@LaserCutProjects]

I made a video a week ago discussing the importance of having an LLC and business insurance. This is something that not a lot of the new candle makers are aware of. Thank you for posting this video talking about it, I know you have a larger audience so it's really good that the new candle community becomes aware of these topics !

[@MemoryBoxCandleCo]

Oh I love that! It’s definitely important to talk about but I always want to talk about it in a responsible way, because I know it’s necessary!

[@teeh5251]

Erica you have no idea how much you have impacted my life! I tell everyone how the information you share has help me launch my business in the right direction. I learned with weeks to keep the area ventilated. So I don't have that issue anymore. I have purchased 2 candles from your line and they are apart of my Fall decorations on my dining table. I've gotten so many compliments on my candles (your formulas are 100%) and I always tell them I pattern business direction from all the information you share.

[@MemoryBoxCandleCo]

You are so sweet!!!! I’m so beyond happy that my videos could have such a wonderful impact on you! Thank you so much for watching! 🥰🥰🥰

[@tori6342]

yup!!! always make sure ur brand name isnt taken!! i was going to name my candle brand Noor Candles (wanted to include my baby girl's name noor) and apparently its taken so now im naming it Natural Noor Candle Co. 😍❤️ and it sounds soooo much better i love it Lol

[@gwengermond397]

I just want you to know that I will be trying to get into my business very soon, and your videos are EXTREMELY helpful! Thank you so much, it makes me so happy to know that I have a place to go to get advice!! Thanks again :)

[@kuzken]

Omg this channel is gold. I know nothing about candles and not really interested in candles either. But the positivity in your videos is just so inspiring! I'm in a slight depression right now from this aweful year and your videos made me feel more happy than i have been in a few weeks. Thank you!

[@MemoryBoxCandleCo]

Oh my gosh, what a sweet comment!! I’m so happy that my videos can bring some positivity to you!! That’s amazing ❤️❤️❤️

[@yan.1111]

I just noticed the advices you give can be applied in any situation or any business starting. Thank you for sharing your time and wisdom Erica 😄

[@dora8292]

Hi! Can you make a video discussing candle making insurance?

[@briannacapper724]

Love love love your videos! They have helped me so much with starting my candle business 🥰🥰

[@MemoryBoxCandleCo]

I’m so glad!! Thank you so much for watching! 🥰

[@shellymclauchlan]

Hey there watching from New Zealand. I haven’t started selling candles yet but this video has given me some good perspectives on what to do before I even start!

[@chantalgagnon904]

@MemoryBoxCandleCo Trademark register office or the office of intellectual property will also help you figure out if you can use the name of your company in your category.

[@dora8292]

Hi there! You are right. There is a legal way to check if a business name has or has not been taken IN YOUR STATE. Like you said, I would check social media and domains, but if you go to your state government's website, you can type in your business name to see if one is already taken. You have to search for a business entity basically, and if nothing pops up, then that business name has not been taken! I'm starting up an e-commerce candle business, and just registered with Michigan as an LLC! Your videos have been a great help to me!

[@MemoryBoxCandleCo]

Oh so it’s only necessary to see if the name is taken in your state? So since I live in California, someone else in Texas could technically do business under the name “Memory Box Candle Co”? Thank you for the information! So glad my videos have been helpful for you :)

[@dora8292]

@@MemoryBoxCandleCo You are right. Business names are registered on a state-by-state basis because the fact that a business in another state has the same name as yours is probably not a cause for concern. BUT there could be issues regarding property (name and trademark) when two businesses have the same name! Hope this helps! Thanks again!

[@brianda1147]

Hi! I just wanted to say thank you for sharing all your knowledge with us. A few months ago I watched a video on how to make soy candles and it caught my attention, so I looked for more videos and I found your channel. You inspired me to start my business. I just made some candles for the very first time and I’m so excited!!! Oh and congrats! Your channel is growing so much, you deserve it.

[@MemoryBoxCandleCo]

Hi!! You are soo very kind! ☺️ I’m so extremely glad that you found my channel and that it has helped you! Congrats on making your first candles!! ❤️❤️❤️

[@amandahairston7518]

You have been so helpful! I'm getting ready to dive into candle making because I absolutely love candles and eventually want to start my own business.

[@tinasmith2570]

To find out if a business name is being used you can go to the government site for your state that you register your business on and they should have a name search for you to see if someone else is already using the business name you want to have.

[@MadysonAncell]

I've been struggling with the supplier thing too!! I have had to scratch my jars and find something new!

[@nataliemarin9920]

Always so excited for a new video!! Thank you girl❤️

[@MemoryBoxCandleCo]

Thank you for watching! ❤️❤️

[@ElwoodJ.R.]

Hi Erica, thank you very much for mentioning the respiratory protection in this video. It makes me feel great because I know I helped inspire this topic from my comment on another video :) I feel very well heard. For anyone who is reading this, I recommend checking out DIY chemical fume hood videos on KZbin. I built a fume hood (not safe for use with toxic chemicals) to make my candles in. I can't make very many candles at a time, but it is great because the amount of fragrance that escapes is less than how it would smell if I had a single candle burning in the room. My fume hood cost about $45 to make so it is a small investment in terms of protective equipment. I still use my 3m organic vapor respirator just in case I accidently spill a bunch of fragrance oil because I want to be well protected. I hope this helps many other candlemakers continue their businesses/hobbies safely and comfortably.

[@BluerosesT]

I love how much your channel has grown! Wishing you the best of luck and thank you as always for the advice on candle making! ❤️❤️❤️

[@MemoryBoxCandleCo]

Thank you so much!! ☺️

[@deniseduarte271]

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you

[@chelseadanielle1464]

Just want to say I love all your videos! They're super informative and I'm learning so much, been taking lots of notes over here. I just ordered all my ingredients to enter the testing phase before starting my business so thank you for putting out so much valuable and helpful content! 🕯

[@gsadono]

You are a Godsend! All your videos are very helpful and I am actually going to start my candle business soon. Thank you so much for all the infos and advice you give!!

[@MemoryBoxCandleCo]

Yay thank you so much for watching!! ❤️

[@jwnniferropee1343]

Omg! Your videos have helped me so much in just about every aspect of candle making. Thank you Much ♥️

[@ladytkeepinit1002]

Thank you Erica ❤️. Your videos are a part of my holy grail Girl! Always on point and transparent 💯. Much appreciated 🥰🥰🥰

[@MemoryBoxCandleCo]

Thank you so much ☺️

[@sonicamy4518]

Thanks for sharing, Erica! Hope everything is coming along in the shop. Unfortunately I've been so busy I haven't been able to check in very often! It'll slow down after the holidays!

[@ghazalehmt5037]

Thank you so much dear 💝 you are so sweet and I learn so much from you

[@emsizzle234]

Love your videos! Could you talk about glass vs tin containers?

[@ericabeltran7716]

Hi Erica!! You’re the best. What about a DBA? do we have to get one? Also what do they require for business insurance?

[@MemoryBoxCandleCo]

As far as I know if you will be doing business under any other name other than your legal birth name, you need to get a DBA for your the name you will be doing business under. And for business insurance, look for general liability with product liability coverage (I have liberty mutual) But as always these are just suggestions because I’m not a legal professional ❤️

[@abbiejohnson9626]

Erica thank you for yet another video! They’re so helpful! Just a friendly little feedback. I don’t know it it’s just me but I often listen to your videos on my drive to work and lately I have to turn the volume up in my car as high as it will go to hear you and then when the ad comes on I about give myself a heart attack bc it’s so loud. I don’t know if you can maybe make the volume in your recording louder so it’s closer to the volume in the ads? Or maybe it’s just me I dunno. Thank you!!

[@MemoryBoxCandleCo]

I’m so sorry! 😖 that’s so awful. I’ve been having audio issues ever since I switched over to my new camera I’ve been filming with. I have a new mic coming in the mail this week and I’m hoping that will improve my audio quality a ton. Thank you for baring with me and again I’m so sorry! :/

[@EdinaWeasley]

Love getting tips videos from you! You're so inspiring and helpful♥️

[@MemoryBoxCandleCo]

I’m so glad! Thank you so much for watching ☺️

[@madelinedelahoz9084]

You ROCK!! Thank you Erica for your great tips & advices.. I can relate to all! 😁🙂

[@denicev5740]

You're so kind!

[@sunflowernamedfern]

Look up patents on name you want for your business and if it's free purchase the patent! So many small businesses get their name stolen and then they're sued by the people that purchased the patent! Cya!! Cover your ass!

[@katiewile7898]

I have a bit of a business question and candle making combo. I know that you like to weigh out your ingredients with the gram method but what I'm wondering is when you are figuring out your pricing do you convert what you did in grams to ounces to make it easier to calculate the pricing? I hope that this is making sense

[@MemoryBoxCandleCo]

Hi Katie, this is such a great question! It’s actually easier (in my opinion) to calculate pricing of everything I use in grams rather than in oz. For instance, I use 25 grams (or 0.88 oz) of FO per 9.5 oz candle I make. As an example, if I buy a 16 oz bottle of FO for $23, I would do this calculation to find the cost per oz: 23 / 16 = $1.44 per oz. Now, what’s hard about the imperial system is that 1 oz is the smallest unit of weight, so we cannot break down that number anymore. So it gets a little complicated when you’re using 0.88 oz of FO and it costs $1.44 per oz. The best part about grams is that you can break down that $1.44 even more by dividing it by 28 (since there are 28 grams in 1 oz) $1.44 / 28 = $0.05142857 So all you would do now is just multiply how many grams of FO you use per candle (in this case it’s 25 grams per 9.5 oz candle) $0.05142857 x 25 = $1.29 So it would cost me $1.29 in FO per 9.5 oz candle. I hope that makes since!! It’s so much easier to break down to find the FO cost per gram and just multiply it by how many grams you use per candle!

[@ProudEve1]

1 year experience? You sound like you gave 5+ years of experience. God bless so kind of u to teach others.

[@MemoryBoxCandleCo]

Oh I’m so glad!! Thank you so much ☺️❤️

[@diamonddenise524]

Hey can you make a video on how to calculate/separate your testing materials from intentory.?

[@nonexistencelife594]

Thanks for the incite. Helpful info!

[@MemoryBoxCandleCo]

Thank you for watching! ❤️

[@marielaarguedas9125]

Thank you so much for sharing all this info ❤️

[@ssears715]

Hi there! Thanks for yet another great video! Would you mind sharing where you got the desk behind you?

[@jennifermoody3903]

Thanks for sharing such helpful information.

[@MemoryBoxCandleCo]

Thank you for watching ☺️

[@jeaniewilliams-hill4040]

So helpful thank you!!!

[@sincerelysamantha_xo]

You should link Jeff Standley’s video in the description ☺️

[@MemoryBoxCandleCo]

I always forget to do this 🤦🏼‍♀️ thank you!

[@sincerelysamantha_xo]

Lol. It’s happens. You’re welcome! Also, thank you for your advice. 💗

[@nataliacorral9281]

Girl, I am so glad I found you. I’ve been watching all of your videos. It’s helped me a lot. What do you do to improve your hot throw for your candles? My candles smell amazing before being lit but they’re subtle when lit. I wanna be able to deliver a great smelling candle.

[@msdivastyle77]

This is the issue I've been having as well

[@MemoryBoxCandleCo]

There’s so many different factors that can affect the HT, what wax, wick, FO type and percentage are you using? Also what are your pour temps? For me I realized that the quality of FO mattered, and that I needed two wicks in my diameter vessel ❤️

[@denicev5740]

Thank you so much!

[@theaoklinicke8566]

Yay a new video!!!

[@bri-leighxo]

Hey Erica! me again literally have been been watching all your vids for weeks now! So thankful for your videos . Getting ready to launch and do you recommend me starting an LLC? I found a business name that’s not taken. %100 strongly value your opinion!!

[@simplyblessed_]

Thanks for the information

[@Justthefurofus]

Thank you so much for the video!!

[@laryssapena6342]

Thank you 💗

[@olivialynncole]

Hi I just wanted to let you guys know that if you plan on getting a quality e-commerce website then you should know that buying a domain is a waist of money due to the fact that you can just buy it with any good package.But if you use something like Shopify do what Erica said!

[@fetesha]

I always use namechk.com to figure out what handle/website name to select.

[@kendaddy316]

Just some advise, I have noticed it on alot of your videos cause I watch all of them, usually your volume is very low compared to every other video on youtube. This one is EXTREMELY quiet. I just had to turn my iMAC all the way up to full volume to hear it. Just trying to help as its usually an easy fix :)

[@MemoryBoxCandleCo]

I know I’m so so sorry about that 😔 I just got a new camera and the audio has been a challenge to figure out. I actually just ordered the Rode wireless go lavalier mic to HOPEFULLY help. I appreciate you still watching and baring with me through this change! 🙂

[@kendaddy316]

@@MemoryBoxCandleCo no problem. It was low even on your phone before but it wasn’t a dealbreaker to turn it up. I use the m50 as well and have for years and a prior KZbin channel. The in-body mic is not good at all. I just used a shotgun mic and it worked great

[@MemoryBoxCandleCo]

Thank you so much, I appreciate the advice! ☺️

[@alejandrabarrios7072]

♥️♥️♥️ thank you so much ♥️

[@starciacockett3695]

For samples and testing, could you use the same style jar but smaller? I was planning to hand out a bunch of 2 oz samples so I'm really thankful you addressed this. Your videos have been so helpful thank you ❤

[@MemoryBoxCandleCo]

If you are making samples you could definitely do little 2 oz samples, but when it comes to testing for your full-sized candles, make sure you are using the exact jar ☺️

[@emilydodaro8425]

Your videos are super helpful! I have a quick question. If I am preparing my wick before actually sticking them in the glass jar and fill the jar with wax, the wick I have requires me to dip it in wax and let it hang upside down for 10 minutes. Is this all prior to gluing the metal piece down and filling the candle jar? Will the wick still light properly if its dipped in wax?

[@MemoryBoxCandleCo]

Oh woah I’ve never heard of that before, what kind of wick are you using?

[@amandaharris10723]

How long do you let your candles set for before burning them for the first time?

[@MemoryBoxCandleCo]

It depends on what I’m testing, if I’m just testing HT then I will wait about 3-5 days, if I’m testing wicks then I want to wait at least a week. All wax is different though!

[@aestheticjawn]

Do you have to file a Schedule C tax form? It would be really helpful if you could do a video on taxes

[@jessicavaladez3]

Thank you so much for this video! I came across your channel about a month ago & you kick started my interest for candle making. ❤️ I’m currently in the testing stage & made my first batch of candles. Quick question, is it normal for soy wax to cause sink holes after the first burn? Or does that indicate something is not right?

[@MemoryBoxCandleCo]

I’m so happy my videos have helped you!! And sometimes with 100% soy wax it is just the nature of the wax. A lot of times people will try blending it with coconut oil or other waxes to stop that form happening, but from what I have learned it can be very normal! Unless they are huge sink holes and prevent the wax from burning properly, usually soy wax just causes bumpy uneven texture after burning

[@thedreydiaries1009]

Hi erika! 💕 can you make a video on how to cure candles? I feel like whenever I leave them in my room to cure, without the lid, the scent isn't as strong once I light them. Please advise. Thank you. 💕

[@jennifertorpey5541]

Hi Erica just found your channel and loving the content. I have one question regarding your testers. Do you make all you testers before your make the final product's? Jen from North Wales UK 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@thaddeusd2174]

Hey Erica, thanks so much for your informative and transparent videos! I'm a new candle maker in the testing phases currently. I've been using/testing 444 wax with wooden wicks and have been considering switching to 6006. In your experience and what you've seen, do you think customers are super concerned or care if a wax is pure soy or a blend? I'm trying to achieve great hot throw. Thanks🕯!

[@ImaniWoodward]

This is off topic but I’ve watched most of your videos and checked out your shop and I just want to know how many candles and wax melts you make for each of your fragrances? Like what quantity of wax melts and candles would you consider “fully stocked”?

[@MemoryBoxCandleCo]

This is such a great question! I typically like to have 6 in stock of everything! (6 large candles, 6 small candles, 6 wax melts all in the same scent)

[@lagomco9539]

Sophocation part is a BIG deal to all of us.

[@dothuy4519]

Hi, thank you for sharing! Could you please recommend a good insurance provider? I have been doing lots of research but still so confused.

[@carianin5293]

And how much does that candle insurance cost?

[@MemoryBoxCandleCo]

For me it was $400/year but I’m sure it varies based on where you live

[@bobbysmith8615]

32k ??? Holy snap u grow fast

[@keshlovenatural4358]

Hey hey great video! I really want to start a tart wax business. Question: How many pounds of fragrance do you add in your wax oil and when you get the standard clamshells 6ct ( I don't know if companies make the same size containers but what size labels do I need.

[@crystalrosado3927]

Hi love! Do you still use liberty insurance or have you since found better? I am in California myself. Thank you for all you do!

[@amberthe86]

Love your videos :) do u have any info on how to claim taxes at the end of the year. Im starting next year so I have time to learn.

[@MemoryBoxCandleCo]

I will be making a video on this soon ❤️

[@vinabenson]

Hey! What made you switch from next insurance?

[@MemoryBoxCandleCo]

Next insurance doesn’t have product liability and won’t cover manufactured candles 😕

[@vinabenson]

@@MemoryBoxCandleCo so if someone damaged their property with your candle , it wouldn’t be covered?

[@MemoryBoxCandleCo]

@@vinabenson I am under the impression that it would not be covered by Next

[@lilyrizo2628]

At what point do you recommend getting candle insurance? Right before we launch?

[@natasegraves9499]

Hi. I’m new to candle making and have been watching your videos. I have a question should I go ahead and get llc before testing my candles? Or just before I start selling?

[@symphonymejia6503]

Are you still using the same wixs? I was thinking about changing mine up

[@MemoryBoxCandleCo]

I’m still using the same wicks :)

[@lilys8733]

Did you ever create a business plan?? What kind of scents do you like?

[@kims2467]

If possible do you recommend making candles outside? It would that have too much of an affect on the candles

[@MICHELLEEVANS33]

Does it count if the business name is the same but the company is in a different category? Like one is a floral company and you want the same name for a candle company? Can you do that?

[@karamele6241]

Hello, does anyone know of wicks that are made without paraffin? I am looking for a sustainable alternative

[@tiaraevans1994]

Can you use a virtual address for your candle making business even if you won't be making candles at that exact location? I run a candle business from home but I live in New York so I have to publish my address in 2 newspapers for 6 weeks in each with the full address. I want to get a virtual address in the same city and state as my home address but I will be making my actual candles at home. Does this fall into the guidelines?

[@Bobbyssportsphotography]

Sound is really low

[@katharinebrooks5555]

Do you recommend having more than 1 avenue for your business? I have the Square free website but I'm just worried that I would be paying for fees more than selling any candles or my crafts.

[@gabrielpetermunoz]

I made a goal to start a small home based business.So I choose candles and wax melts.However, pricing is what i'm trying to get down. I'm also unsure if I should go ahead and build my website now with such limited candles and wax melts. I don't want to do etsy because for all the charges I would simply do a website. Also i'm having supplier issues because it cost so much money for shipping. Also do you have any pointers on what the cost for shipping is?

[@sayeemasultana7478]

Erica, your videos are just amazing! I am at the testing phase now, but I am scared. Not sure where to find proper legal help that I can afford for Canada. Is anyone able t help me out pls?

[@MemoryBoxCandleCo]

Do you have any local business attorneys in your area?

[@sayeemasultana7478]

@@MemoryBoxCandleCo I don't know and I am not sure how to find that information either honestly. I googled, but still am not sure which will be reliable and trustworthy

[@Reann1510]

do you have a DBA or an LLC?

[@sara_s_]

Volume is a bit low.

[@MemoryBoxCandleCo]

I know I’m so sorry 😔 I’m having a hard time figuring out the audio on my new camera, I have my new mic coming in the mail this Wednesday so I’m really hoping to improve the quality very very soon! ❤️

[@brownskinb5084]

Can someone help me understand, I see a lot of people with the Co at the end of their candle business name. Does that mean it’s not an LLC?

[@MemoryBoxCandleCo]

No not exactly, co is just short for “company” 🙂

[@brownskinb5084]

@@MemoryBoxCandleCo thx

[@Asset80]

Just heads up your mics really low. :) ty for advice

[@shahdmadni6769]

Nis

[@KetanPatil]

volume is too low. it's really hard to listen to you even on full volume. Could you please increase the volume while editing 🙂

[@MemoryBoxCandleCo]

I apologize, I’m getting a new mic this week which should fix the problem I’ve been having 🙂

[@KetanPatil]

@@MemoryBoxCandleCo thanks for considering and you don't have to be apologetic for it 🙂

[@Gorillatagvr7]

Candle insurance to protect yourself from stupid people?

[@angelinaloera4973]

Hi Erica ! I was wondering if you recommend legal zoom for your business 🤍 thank you for all the tops