Secretly Lucrative Candle Side-Hustle!! ($500 Startup)

Kajabi is offering a 30-day free trial to start your own business -- kajabi.com/upflip
Colina Bruce's journey began at the kitchen table, $500, and candles that sold within just three hours of launch!! Let’s dive into this side-hustle turned $564K/Year candle business. Not only does Noir Lux Candle Co. sell candles, but Colina Bruce has also diversified into three more streams of income that most candle makers overlook!
But the real question for us is, how did Colina Bruce go from no experience to the go-to premium candle maker according to publications like the Oprah magazine? What’s the secret sauce setting her apart in the saturated homemade candle market? And how exactly does one scale a simple side-hustle to over half a million dollars per year? And what does it really take to scale a candle business?
Colina's promise… To not hold anything back. Whether it’s how she sold out of her first ever batch in just three hours. The thousands of dollars of free money that’s available to most entrepreneurs, and the costliest mistakes most entrepreneurs make when starting out.
If you’re looking to start your very own candle business, then you must check out the following episodes:
Candle Business Makes $300,000 In 18 Months: • Candle Business Makes ...
$1,370/Day in The Candle Business: • $1,370/Day in The Cand...
Resources
www.noirluxcandleco.com/ - Noir Lux Candle Bar
www.upflip.com/academy - Start, Build & Grow Your Business
www.upflip.com/podcast - The UpFlip Podcast - Biz Secrets Uncovered
www.upflip.com/blog - The UpFlip Blog - Read, Grow, Thrive
www.upflip.com/guest-request-... - Nominate a Guest for An UpFlip Interview
www.upflip.com/equipment-list... Premier Equipment List
Starting a business? Get a .store domain for just 99 cents to supercharge your business at go.store/up1 and get savings worth $2500 at www.elevate.store/upfliplink!
Timestamps:
00:00 - Start
01:10 - Meeting Colina
03:21 - Revenue
05:44 - Transition from 9 to 5
06:52 - Partnerships
08:47 - Standing out
11:23 - Leasing space
15:30 - Candle-making workshop
16:48 - Profit margins
17:44 - Fan Blitz
20:40 - Seattle University
21:20 - Inventory
22:42 - Challenges of scaling
24:16 - Taking a loan
25:18 - Building a candle business
26:00 - Influencers
27:30 - Press
28:55 - Best places to sell
30:53 - Leadership
31:31 - Selling out in 3 hours
33:20 - Free capital sources
36:02 - Advice
36:32 - Outro
#candlebusiness #candlemaking #candlemakingbusiness

[@UpFlip]

The UpFlip Academy is now live! Learn from the best in the industry, join here: www.upflip.com/academy

[@Foratimelikethislife]

Thank You

[@ChromeandClean]

I love how you first highlighted how she basically started at home very small , THATS HOW EVERY BUSINESS STARTS , don't let small beginnings discourage you !!!!!

[@lpupod]

Faith over Fear!

[@UpFlip]

"Everything we want is on the other side of fear!" Every entrepreneur lives by this mantra! 🚀

[@agl5132]

I'm 65 and last year started a fictionl series. I plan on the release of two books by the end of 2024. I've got three others planned. I don't want to be on my death bed saying I shoulda, coulda, woulda but I was too afraid to take that first step.

[@UpFlip]

The best time to take action is always now. Wishing you all the best on your journey ahead! 💪

[@CH_1111]

WOW! That's amazing! Go for it, don't give up! I'm 39, written two first drafts of two books... and they've been looking at me for four years. Your comment motivates me to finish and self-publish them! Thank you and stay blessed!

[@moniquejohns7737]

🙏🏽✨

[@Azrael-Death]

Go for it. I wish for you to have a successful experience.

[@3umphbywill313]

I completely resonate with that!

[@TheCounterCultureInc.]

The people in the comments commenting on her skin color or the way she looks as part of the reason for her success are probably the same people who would use skin color or looks as part of the reason someone might live in poverty. I think there's an element of luck, timing, and connections, but good for her. She tried and succeeded. The real cowards are those who never try or those who tear others down.

[@anaksunamoon8618]

I haven’t seen ONE, not even ONE comment about her skin color. What the hell is wrong with you

[@UpFlip]

Underneath it all, we're all the same. Let's lift each other up instead of tearing others down. She's put in the hard work and deserves every bit of success! 🌟

[@ilbgentyl]

Bit disingenuous, anyways we have a lot of racist laws, culture. That being said I’m glad a small business is doing well when large corps tend to make it so hard. Keeping it simple everyone should utilize any aid they can. No need for us all to fight over the table scraps.

[@kuug6060]

Exactly!

[@JustJoshinYouBro]

Not even true buddy. Black owned companies are always propped up. Did you not hear the part when she had Oprah's seal of approval. Oprah ain't helping white owned candle companies. You're either black and don't want to believe it, or you're brainwashed.

[@Vain-Sparkle]

I loved her story 🥰😍 That fact that she made $105,000 when she was making candles from home gives me the inspiration I need to keep going for my own business.

[@MANI-ee7vr]

Same

[@GNOBNX]

Didn’t she say $150K @ 3:25? 🧐 Just checking…

[@ForeverLuckyLika]

I am the owner of Black Arts Love. Colina is amazing. She made our signature candles 🕯️ and they have sold out - and it’s time to place a new order. So proud of her!

[@ericafisher-mk1lo]

I am the owner of Bombae Brand an online hand made candle and lounge wear company based out of Houston, tx. A friend sent me this video and it definitely made me realize that i need to kick things up several notches. Her story is so inspiring. Thank you for continuing to highlight stories like these.

[@UpFlip]

We hope you've gathered a nugget or two of wisdom! Best of luck with your business endeavors! 🔥

[@Treemonieee]

Do you have a website that we can support??

[@Shanita162]

Do you have a KZbin channel for your brand?

[@ericafisher-mk1lo]

Not currently but I'm about to start one. I've been so focused on IG, it never dawned on me to upload my content to youtube as well. 🤦🏾‍♀️

[@ericafisher-mk1lo]

@treemonieee Yes, It's BombaeBrand... 🫶🏾

[@user-lk5oh3vd3s]

I bought all my supplies right before the pandemic i was ready to start, and then i checked out. All I'm trying to say is that the difference between a successful person and a non successful person is truly just starting. I'm regretting not starting and the waste of all the supplies that i bought and the knowledge that i gained but never used. Congratulations on your success. may you stay blessed ❤❤❤

[@annieb4374]

It's never too late. I pray you'll get the drive to start!! I'm frustrated because I used to be able to flip things on ebay, The RealReal, Etsy. Was able to make $1,500-$2,00/month. It's impossible now!! I've gotten shut down on all the sites. I don't mislead anyone! Then last year I made wreaths, statement t shirts, decor, dog clothes at vendor fairs...spent way MORE than I ever made. 😢😢😮

[@UpFlip]

As they say, it's never too late! Recognizing the issue is one thing; seizing the perfect time to act on it is now. 🙏

[@KrispyBrown]

You can do it. Say a prayer for yourself, forgive yourself, believe in yourself and trust your dream for yourself......... LETS GO. YOU HAVE ALREADY BEEN BLESSED WITH THE VISION.🦋💛🪷🕯

[@ark194]

@@annieb4374I came here to say this!

[@latricejohnson3210]

Just start!!! You can do it, and I know because I did!!

[@dandeve]

I am amazed at the comments for this video. There are plenty of nuggets in here that can help anyone. Big ups to her for living the dream.

[@lpupod]

Thanks so much!

[@crystalmason829]

She has a background in education I’m glad she stayed true to her passions and continues to teach now something that is making her business boom.

[@UpFlip]

Who would've thought she could blend both her background and passion so seamlessly? It's clever! 🌟

[@tavasikachabvonga5026]

I love how she is down to earth and speaks honestly about the successes and challenges. Wish you all the success going forward sister

[@user-ec4ce4kl6b]

My condolences for the passing of your mother. May she rest in his presence. Congratulations on your successful candle making business. I absolutely love candles but never thought making them for myself or as a business. Your faith, tenacity, perseverance, dedication and transparency is 1st class. I will definitely patronage your business. Especially knowing you are a black woman operating with excellence. Your presentation is on point and I am convinced the product is top notch. Blessings to you, your daughter and staff.

[@thejazzi1780]

So I just published my 4th book today. I have had family turn on me, like she said at the end. Don't allow people that don't understand what your doing make you feel like you don't know what your doing or it won't be rewarding. It will & you are enough ❤ Congratulations on all your success sis! Good Interview 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@NipseyMuzzle1]

That's just what it is. You must take off on your own before support comes.

[@pawsoffriendship5007]

This is a very impressive lady ! She did the work and the research. The payoff shows !! As far as her mentioning her skin color, she also mentioned being a woman. Her point was she dug and found every opportunity available to her !! Brilliant.

[@UpFlip]

Agreed! Her strategy is absolutely brilliant ✨

[@soul4u715]

Omg this interview was amazing! I am in the position she was in when she first started now and it was great hearing her journey and her fears and how she pushed through them. I really needed to hear this today!

[@chakastyles8794]

Hey Lady, I don’t know you but I am proud of your accomplishments.

[@lpupod]

Thank you so much!!!

[@UpFlip]

We're incredibly proud of her accomplishments too! 🙏

[@tarynaliyah]

So glad the positive comment are outweighing the negative ! Keep pushing beautiful, black woman .

[@UpFlip]

Let's spread positivity and encouragement throughout our community! 🙏

[@aprilflowersss]

A really good friend of mine sent this video to me and I have not felt more motivated to get my candle business off the ground! It is a very saturated market and it is extremely hard to find and maintain the motivation as well as stay in your own lane while doing it. I appreciate this video A LOT! Congrats Colina ! Keep grinding and motivating aspiring entrepreneurs.

[@iamthatiam9936]

HER VENUE IS FIRE!!!!!

[@sherrycravath1894]

This young lady is soooooo impressive. It would be nice to see small businesses take over.

[@UpFlip]

Hands down amazing! 💪

[@twiggins1827]

Her story is so amazing. I love watching videos like this, gives me hope. I started making candles and I find it to be a little struggle trying to make strong scents that last even after you blow them out, and the smell is still lingering. I didn't know there was a cure time, the different types of wicks to use etc.. so I am still learning and have been reading a lot on candle making. Thank you for this video.

[@BizBob2]

Great video! There are so many "usual" business ideas (candles are nothing new. She learned initially to teach herself) You can model from a "usual" business then figure out your unique selling point. Also Colina's "go getter" attitude gets her far. Rick is generally required.

[@Sheherhis]

She is absolutely amazing I was looking for something else but couldn't stop watching her. Black excellence all the way here and she's doing it in a saturated market. Wish her and her child nothing but success! This was a great interview, thank you for it!❤❤❤❤❤

[@greencupremedies]

I will support one of the followers with a start up candle business…. I’m going out of business. I have 60 Luxury Tins, 10 Matte Black Dream Vessel Nova Glass vessels with Lids and boxes, wood wicks and cotton wicks, Several fragrances and more.. I was just wondering what to do with it and this gave me inspiration. ❤❤❤ If I can help someone get to this, it will be worth it

[@Luxelexx]

I’d love this, I’m starting a candle business

[@keishawright70]

Hi, I'm interested. Can you tell me more?

[@tpaige101]

I am interested, hope do I get in contact?

[@lisac6369]

I’m interested in well are you doing a giveaway ?

[@christieanderson6018]

Oh my goodness girl ❤ you are an angel!

[@NatTayHill]

How absolutely wonderful. Having classes is brilliant!!! So inspiring.

[@lpupod]

Thank you!

[@UpFlip]

It's smart! 💪

[@NatTayHill]

I have an Etsy shop (personalizing/engraving necklaces and bracelets) and am up to $250k in sales a year. I have had my Etsy shop for 12 years and I have grown every year. I love that I work from home, but it’s only me. I can’t wrap my head around hiring someone. It feels overwhelming to not do 100% of everything. This channel is so inspiring. It’s opening my eyes to some things I could change and improve on.

[@leadgenjay]

Colina's story is super inspiring, showing that dedication and smart branding can go a long way. One key strategy for entrepreneurs in this space is to leverage local SEO by targeting area-specific keywords, as many people search for locally-made products. Also, consider collaborating with local businesses for cross-promotion, which can be a low-cost yet highly effective way to increase visibility and sales.

[@peppek8631]

exactly i need to do this with my furniture cleaning smallbiz but b2c mainly.

[@UpFlip]

Thanks for sharing those amazing suggestions! It seems like you've got a knack for success yourself. What kind of business are you running?

[@Ci_beauty]

I like her. I’m trying to start a business as well, and I understand everything she says. She seems very humble as well.

[@jjack1682]

Love this. Keep doing your thing. Upflip is the goat.

[@Foratimelikethislife]

Congratulations! Thank You for sharing Your journey and story with us.🙌🏼

[@TheRealMsBlu]

Love this! Thanks for sharing 🎉

[@JacquelineFalls54]

I was so impressed before I found out you were a Soror. I think it is excellent that you are a member of our Fine Sorority. Good luck from Houston, TX.

[@licorice2083]

I want to buy her candles now! LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS!! Get it girl! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻♥️😃

[@Sun_Flower667]

Wow you’re so beautiful inside and out! Very happy for your success! May God continue blessing you 🙏💕

[@tishaheld5281]

Congratulations Colina. I love your candles and it was such a pleasure meeting at the recent UNCF Ruby Gala.

[@teresamcknight5075]

This is a great video! I really enjoyed it! Congrats 🎉 !

[@makemoremusicnow]

Super cool. Nice to see someone start small, build and then innovate by combining their base business with their own unique skill set. Incorporating her skills as a professor into candle making is an awesome idea and it's really what being an entrepreneur is all about.

[@lpupod]

Thank you! It has not been an easy transition but it's been a fun ride and so far it's been worth it!

[@makemoremusicnow]

@@lpupod No thanks necessary! Successes like yours inspire me to keep working on my own projects despite the setbacks.

[@ShondaD_]

This was a great interview! Colina seems like a really chill type of person. Congratulation 🎉on everything Colina!

[@luvtee63]

What a GREAT inspiration ! Love your story and I'm sure your mom is watching over you !

[@UpFlip]

For sure, she's watching over and beaming with pride! 🙏

[@sergbelo]

She's one gorgeous woman!!

[@lpupod]

Wow, thank you so much!

[@NewInDNow]

This is amazing I’m literally blown away. This is the combination of beauty and brain .keep on blazing 🔥sister.

[@1treyparkerify]

I love this story, I'm just beginning my journey and this made me realize the challenges away. Thank you for sharing.

[@Niarasnicheco.]

I love this interview😊. This definitely inspired me to keep going in my candle business

[@ronettapullam1675]

This interview was very inspiring as well as informative thank you I really needed to see this!

[@RoyalBanks]

This is great! Congrats Colina on all your continued success!

[@Allthatwethink]

I have to go buy some candles from her. Congratulations sis🎉

[@GnomeSlimeAF]

OMG. I don't understand the comments.Sad😔 This is a beautiful interview 🤩

[@lpupod]

Thank you!

[@agl5132]

The unhappy people always sit behind their keyboards spewing negativity. If they only put that energy into creating the life they desire.

[@GnomeSlimeAF]

@@agl5132 This ✨⭐No reason to be mean

[@nadirakhaydarova2950]

Colina is nice and smart, you motivated me to begin my smalliest one business, good luck to you

[@stacyrichardson4997]

I love this as a candle business owner myself I can’t get $300 from sales let alone $150,000 i am so proud of her and hope to be blessed like this one day

[@UpFlip]

Your story is just beginning! Who knows, you might be our next guest. Keep doing what you're doing and continue to improve! 😉

[@sakarisgems7732]

This young lady is a beacon of hope and inspiration! Thank you UpFlip for this content. 😊

[@tipp_montgomery]

Amazing! Congratulations and Thanks for the encouragement.

[@UpFlip]

Glad you found it helpful! Hope she inspired you to start your own business venture! ☺️

[@MaggieMagnoli]

Such an amazing and inspiring story. Thank you for sharing the details of the work you put in an the different resources you reach out to. I learned so much! Thank You :)

[@JourneyOnLove]

This Is So Inspirational!... HalleluYah 🧡

[@lpupod]

Thank you!!

[@UpFlip]

Thanks for watching and supporting our channel! ☺️

[@lotus8285]

This is another beautiful story!

[@colleenfuller9236]

You are so inspiring! I’ve been wanting to start my own business

[@sharonbrooks4004]

Loved hearing your story and about your journey. Congratulations and keep growing.

[@UpFlip]

We appreciate the support. Thank you for watching! ☺️

[@aaronroseman]

Did she have a big social media following prior to starting the business?? How did she sell 120 candles in the first 3 hours??

[@Magical_Makeup_UK]

Good question

[@UpFlip]

Hope you watched the video because she spilled the secret on how she made it happen! ☺️

[@valeriewarren2260]

So happy for her! Love her story!

[@UpFlip]

Hope her story sparked some inspiration for you today! 🔥

[@MANI-ee7vr]

I also enjoyed how you asked all the questions as the host, and I love how she answered them. This video was well done, providing valuable insights into running a small business.🤗

[@UpFlip]

Glad it was helpful! 🙌

[@stephaniejones4417]

Thank you so much for sharing ❤. This is inspiring.

[@aliciaraquel9260]

I LOVE SEEING THIS! So happy for her!

[@alleno2538]

Great video. I love watching these stories like a chef loves watching cooking shows. Thank you. Great channel.

[@KevinJones-vk2vs]

love it, so PROUD OF YOU !SEEYA AT THE TOP BLESSINGS!

[@Onlygirl1INTHEWORLD1]

This was an Amazing video! Thank you sooo much! I'm a new entrepreneur and this answered a lot of the questions that I've been having. I REALLY appreciate the honesty and detailed questions and answers. Congratulations on your continued success with Noir Luxe Candle, Mrs. Colina. UpFlip ,I look forward to more of these great interviews on KZbin and the podcasts!

[@UpFlip]

What niche are you involved in? Hope the lessons shared here are applicable and beneficial to you! 🙏

[@SachesKorner]

This is awesome. Congratulations. 🎉

[@leslacez]

LOVE THIS!

[@juanitawilliams2134]

Love your story ❤God bless you and your Business and may God take you far the you can ever imagine 🙏🏽❤️👏

[@UpFlip]

Amen! 🙏

[@Sheherhis]

@Upflip this is wonderful 👍🏾 interviewing the details in the questions, so informative.

[@freeasiwannabb4738]

🫶🏽🫶🏽 Such a beautiful inspiring woman!! Yes QUEEN 🖤 Yes!! So happy to hear her inspiring story!! She’s such an inspiration!! I used to make candles when it wasn’t as popular as it is now. I live in the same city too 💚 I think I will give this another try. Thank you Colina for sharing and giving me the confidence and courage to start again!! Blessings to you and The Noir Family 🖤🤍 Can’t wait to be featured on this channel soon!! 🙏🏽

[@GlamGetawayz]

ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS, inspiring content 🙌📈👍 this was amazing to see 😊

[@ShalaineParramore]

Great interview, thanks for sharing!

[@UpFlip]

We appreciate you tuning in! Thank you! ☺️

[@qflower4982]

Great interview. Her story is very encouraging and aspiring. Thanks for sharing.

[@Treemonieee]

Go girl. Great job!!! Beautiful brick and mortar!! Beautiful and smart😍

[@mzcandace]

WOW🤩 THANK YOU FOR THIS INFO!!!! CONGRATULATIONS TO YOU 🎉

[@UpFlip]

Hope this inspired you! 💪

[@procurementqueen]

Excellent interview ❤ her personality is great.

[@LeahHannahSpeaks]

This is fantastic! 💖💖💖

[@Ms.Aries888]

This is very inspiring especially hearing the success in an over saturated market. There is hope. Thank you for sharing ❤

[@UpFlip]

Over saturation is just a myth! There's always room for innovation and creativity. 😉

[@Ms.Aries888]

@@UpFlip Saving this for motivation, ❤️ it!!!

[@NaomiEudora]

Congratulations to you beautiful. This video is so inspiring. I just started my business in The Bahamas and I'm looking forward to great success.

[@SandraEScottHealthCoach]

This is a great story. This is the motivation I need to keep me going as I build my herbal products business. It's work, but I know it's going to pay off in time.

[@latricejohnson3210]

Hey, friend!! I love this!!!💜💜💜

[@harfreeka]

This is wonderful and inspiring... Congratulations 🎉😊

[@RodNubianKing]

Congratulations To Her! 👏🏾

[@UpFlip]

Absolutely! Thank you you tuning in! ☺️

[@raesofsunshine22]

I loved this video&&testimony was so refreshing to hear😊❤️ ❤

[@Black_beauty]

Amazing. Congratulations. Im on my own journey to making my own products and sometimes i get the “what if” jitters. When i see these success stories, I get excited . So happy for you.

[@UpFlip]

You'll never know unless you give it a shot! It's never too late to try anything. Good luck 🙌

[@Soulfulandvegan]

Loooove this and congratulations to you Lady ❤🎉

[@UpFlip]

We appreciate you tuning in! Thank you! ☺️

[@alwaystamcam8849]

Congrats on your Success!!! This is Amazing!!!

[@belindarawlings778]

Congratulations❤❤❤. Just wonderful and very inspiring

[@UpFlip]

We appreciate you tuning in! Any business you want to see next? 🤔

[@chanstew8995]

This is so awesome!

[@HLJlovejoy]

Wonderful and gorgeous storefront ❤

[@UpFlip]

One of the best we've seen! 🙌

[@FABGoddess]

This was an amazing video! A lot of gems dropped. I am the creator of a handmade skin and body care business and this interview reminded of things I need to scale so I can walk away from my 9-5.

[@UpFlip]

It's only a matter of time before you do! 🙏

[@StrikingStatements]

WOW! This was so good and inspiring to see. Colina, I'm a fan!

[@UpFlip]

Hope she inspired you to kickstart your own business venture! 🔥

[@shannonevangelista6506]

So inspiring. Thank you.

[@UpFlip]

Hope she inspired you to kickstart your own business venture! 🔥

[@BecomingTheMogul]

Make us proud sis ❤

[@lpupod]

I'm trying!!

[@nickisbeautybar]

Congratulations to her she has done great with scaling and strategy

[@lpupod]

Thank you, still figuring it out but learning and growing and manifesting!

[@UpFlip]

Her strategy is absolutely phenomenal! 👏

[@kaypierre6647]

So proud of you stranger!

[@lpupod]

I receive this, thank you!

[@UpFlip]

Thank you for dropping some awesome suggestions! It seems like you've got a knack for success yourself. What kind of business are you running?

[@480brad]

Great video!

[@RainneRae]

Excellent! I love it!

[@UpFlip]

Thanks for watching and supporting our channel! ☺️

[@gailedwards4661]

Wow…. I dont know you but i am proud of you at your age taking that chance. Its obvious you are an intelligent young woman and setting a wonderful example to ALL YOUNG GIRLS .. wishing uou continued success ❤

[@UpFlip]

Thanks for watching and supporting our channel! ☺️

[@binfig8810]

Congratulations! I wish I can have my own business someday too, lol I love laundromat.

[@600DoubleRR]

This one is really cool. Good profit margins. Good for her.

[@user-ds8fq8cp2f]

Keep going!