Candle Making Studio✨ Missa

Soy Wax

The most popular choice for container candles. Made from soybean oil.

• Pros: Clean burn, renewable, great scent throw, easy cleanup
• Cons: Prone to frosting, wet spots, longer cure time
• Best for: Container candles, beginners
• Popular types: 464 (smooth top), 444 (single pour)
• Fragrance load: 6-12%
• Cure time: 10-14 days

Coconut Wax

Premium wax with excellent scent throw. Blended from coconut oil.

• Pros: Creamy appearance, amazing hot throw, clean burn
• Cons: Expensive, very soft, requires additives
• Best for: Luxury candles, container candles
• Fragrance load: 10-12%
• Cure time: 14 days

Coconut-Soy Blends

Best of both worlds. Popular choice for small businesses.

• Pros: Great throw, smooth tops, easier than pure coconut
• Cons: More expensive than straight soy
• Best for: Premium container candles
• Popular ratios: 83/17, 70/30 coco/soy

Paraffin Wax

The original candle wax. Petroleum-based with excellent performance.

• Pros: Strongest scent throw, vibrant colors, quick cure
• Cons: Not eco-friendly, some consider it less clean
• Best for: Pillars, votives, wax melts, maximum throw
• Fragrance load: 6-10%
• Cure time: 3-5 days

Para-Soy Blends

Combines paraffin performance with soy benefits.

• Pros: Great throw, smooth appearance, versatile
• Cons: Not 100% natural
• Best for: Those wanting best throw with some soy benefits
• Cure time: 7-10 days

Beeswax

Natural wax from honeybees. Has its own sweet honey scent.

• Pros: 100% natural, air purifying, beautiful golden color
• Cons: Expensive, limited fragrance capacity, strong natural scent
• Best for: Unscented candles, natural/eco markets
• Fragrance load: 3-6% (or none)
• Cure time: None needed

Palm Wax

Creates unique crystalline/feathered patterns.

• Pros: Beautiful crystal patterns, firm texture
• Cons: Environmental concerns, tricky to work with
• Best for: Pillars, decorative candles
• Fragrance load: 6%

Choosing Your Wax

• Beginners: Start with soy 464 — forgiving and popular
• Max scent throw: Paraffin or para-soy blends
• Premium market: Coconut or coconut-soy blends
• Eco-conscious: Soy, coconut, or beeswax
• Pillars/melts: Paraffin or palm wax

Understanding Fragrance Notes

Fragrances are composed of three "notes" that unfold over time:

• Top Notes: First impression, light and bright. Citrus, herbs, light fruits. Fade fastest.
• Middle Notes: The heart of the fragrance. Florals, spices, green notes. Emerge as top notes fade.
• Base Notes: The foundation. Musk, vanilla, woods, amber. Last longest, anchor the scent.

Fragrance Load Guidelines

• Light scent: 6% — subtle, won't overpower
• Medium scent: 8% — noticeable, pleasant
• Strong scent: 10% — fills the room
• Maximum: 12% — check your wax specs first!

⚠️ Never exceed your wax manufacturer's maximum fragrance load. Too much oil = poor burn, seeping, or fire hazard.

Cold Throw vs Hot Throw

• Cold throw: Scent when candle is unlit. Should be noticeable from a few inches away.
• Hot throw: Scent when burning. Should fill the room appropriately for candle size.
• Some fragrances excel at cold throw, others at hot throw — test both!

Fragrance Categories

• Fresh: Citrus, ocean, rain, cucumber, green tea
• Floral: Rose, jasmine, lavender, gardenia, peony
• Fruity: Apple, berry, mango, peach, coconut
• Gourmand: Vanilla, bakery, coffee, chocolate, caramel
• Woody: Sandalwood, cedar, pine, teakwood, oud
• Spicy: Cinnamon, clove, ginger, cardamom, pepper
• Earthy: Patchouli, vetiver, moss, leather, tobacco

Blending Fragrances

• Start simple: Blend 2-3 fragrances max
• Use ratios: Try 60/40 or 50/30/20 splits
• Balance notes: Include top, middle, and base notes
• Test on paper first: Dip strips in each oil, hold together
• Keep records: Document every blend ratio

Popular Fragrance Combinations

• Lavender + Vanilla: Relaxing and sweet
• Coffee + Caramel: Cozy café vibes
• Cedar + Orange: Fresh and grounding
• Rose + Sandalwood: Romantic and warm
• Apple + Cinnamon: Classic fall favorite
• Eucalyptus + Mint: Spa-like freshness
• Coconut + Lime: Tropical escape

Fragrance Oil Quality

• Buy from reputable candle supply companies
• Look for oils specifically formulated for candles
• Check for phthalate-free options if marketing as "clean"
• Store in cool, dark place — oils can degrade
• Don't use essential oils unless they're candle-safe

Wax Weight Formula

This accounts for wax being denser than water. Soy is ~0.86, paraffin ~0.90, coconut ~0.82.

Fragrance Load Formula

Example: 16 oz wax × 0.10 = 1.6 oz fragrance oil for 10% load

Calculating Fragrance Percentage

Example: 1.5 oz fragrance ÷ 15 oz wax = 10% load

Dye Amount

Start light — you can always add more but can't take away!

Cost Per Candle

Material Cost Breakdown

• Wax cost: (Cost per lb ÷ 16) × oz per candle
• Fragrance cost: Cost per oz × oz per candle
• Wick cost: Usually $0.10-0.30 each
• Container: $0.50-3.00+ depending on style
• Lid: $0.25-1.00 if applicable
• Label: $0.15-0.50 depending on printing
• Box/packaging: $0.50-2.00 if used

Retail Price Formula

For 50% margin: Retail = Cost ÷ 0.50 (or Cost × 2)

For 60% margin: Retail = Cost ÷ 0.40 (or Cost × 2.5)

Wholesale Price

Standard wholesale is 50% of retail. Make sure your costs allow for this!

Burn Time Estimate

• Soy: ~6 hours per oz
• Paraffin: ~5 hours per oz
• Coconut: ~6 hours per oz
• Beeswax: ~6.5 hours per oz

Wet Spots / Adhesion Loss

Air pockets between wax and glass — purely cosmetic but frustrating.

• Preheat containers to 100-120°F before pouring
• Pour at lower temperature (closer to wax melt point)
• Cool candles slowly — avoid drafts, don't refrigerate
• Ensure containers are completely clean and dry
• Accept that soy will always have some — it's natural!

Frosting

White crystalline coating on soy candles. Natural and harmless.

• It's a sign of natural soy — embrace it or market it!
• Higher fragrance loads can reduce frosting
• Additives like vybar can help (but aren't natural)
• Heat gun can temporarily smooth it away

Sinkholes

Cavities forming as wax cools — especially around the wick.

• Poke relief holes around wick while wax is still warm
• Do a second pour to fill any cavities
• Don't pour too hot — causes more shrinkage
• Pour in warm room, cool slowly

Tunneling

Wick burns down leaving wax on sides — wasted wax!

• Wick is too small — size up
• First burn is crucial: must reach edges (1 hr per inch diameter)
• Let full melt pool form every burn
• Multiple wicks may be needed for large diameters

Sooting / Black Smoke

Black smoke or residue on glass and ceiling.

• Wick too large — size down
• Trim wick to 1/4" before EVERY burn
• Check for drafts — fans, vents, open windows
• Too much fragrance oil can cause smoking
• Low-quality fragrance oils are more likely to soot

Mushrooming

Carbon buildup on wick tip forming a mushroom shape.

• Normal in some amounts — just trim before next burn
• Excessive mushrooming means wick is too large
• Try a different wick series (CD, ECO, etc.)

Poor Scent Throw

Can't smell the candle when burning.

• Wait for full cure time — this is #1 cause!
• Increase fragrance load (within wax limits)
• Add fragrance at correct temperature
• Stir fragrance for full 2 minutes
• Try a different wax — some throw better than others
• Some fragrances just don't throw well — test before committing
• Wick might be too small — larger melt pool = better throw

Fragrance Seeping/Sweating

Oily beads or pools on candle surface.

• Too much fragrance oil — reduce load
• Fragrance and wax incompatibility — try different combo
• Added fragrance at wrong temperature
• Didn't stir long enough for proper binding

Rough/Bumpy Tops

Uneven, cratered surface after cooling.

• Pour temperature too low — wax setting before leveling
• Pour in one steady stream
• Heat gun to smooth after setting
• Second pour for perfectly smooth top

Wick Won't Stay Centered

• Use wick stickers or hot glue to secure bottom
• Use wick centering tool or pencils across top
• Don't move candle while cooling
• Pour in two stages — first pour to anchor wick

Fire Safety

• Never leave melting wax unattended — wax can ignite if overheated
• Use a double boiler — never direct heat on wax
• Keep water away — water in hot wax causes violent splattering
• Have fire extinguisher nearby — Class B for flammable liquids
• Know your flash points — temperature at which fumes can ignite
• Never heat above 200°F unless specifically required

Flash Points

The temperature at which fragrance oil vapor can ignite. Always add fragrance below its flash point!

• Most fragrance oils: 170-200°F flash point
• Check MSDS/SDS for each fragrance
• Add fragrance 5-10°F below flash point to be safe
• Never add fragrance to wax above 200°F

Ventilation

• Work in well-ventilated area — fragrance fumes can be strong
• Open windows or use exhaust fan
• Take breaks if you feel lightheaded
• Consider a respirator for long production sessions

Skin & Eye Protection

• Hot wax causes serious burns — wear long sleeves
• Keep cold water nearby for accidental splashes
• Fragrance oils can irritate skin — wear gloves if sensitive
• Safety glasses recommended when pouring

Candle Safety Labels

Required for selling candles! Must include:

• Burn within sight
• Keep away from flammable materials
• Keep away from children and pets
• Trim wick to 1/4" before each burn
• Burn on heat-resistant surface
• Don't burn for more than 4 hours
• Stop use when 1/2" wax remains

Testing Before Selling

• Full burn test: Burn entire candle, note any issues
• Check melt pool: Should reach edges in 2-4 hours
• Monitor flame height: Should be 1" or less
• Watch for soot: Excessive soot = wick too large
• Check glass temp: Should be warm but not too hot to touch
• Document everything: Keep test records for each product

Insurance

If selling candles, consider product liability insurance. Candles are a fire hazard and you want protection if something goes wrong with a customer's candle.

Pricing Strategy

• Know your costs: Every material, every minute of labor
• Target 50-60% margin minimum for sustainability
• Research competitors: Where do you fit in the market?
• Don't race to the bottom: Cheap candles = cheap perception
• Factor in your time: Your labor has value!
• Plan for wholesale: If you want to wholesale, retail needs 2.5x markup

Pricing Guidelines by Size

• 4 oz candles: $12-18 retail
• 8 oz candles: $18-28 retail
• 12-16 oz candles: $28-40 retail
• Premium/luxury: Add 25-50% more

Where to Sell

• Etsy: Great for handmade, built-in audience, fees ~12%
• Shopify: Your own website, more control, monthly fee
• Local markets: Farmers markets, craft fairs, pop-ups
• Consignment: Local boutiques, gift shops
• Wholesale: Sell to retailers at 50% of retail
• Social media: Instagram, TikTok, Facebook shops

Branding Essentials

• Unique name: Check trademarks before committing
• Consistent aesthetic: Colors, fonts, photography style
• Professional labels: This is your first impression
• Signature scents: Create 3-5 that define your brand
• Story: People buy from people — share yours

Photography Tips

• Natural lighting is your best friend
• Clean, uncluttered backgrounds
• Show scale — lifestyle shots with recognizable objects
• Capture the flame for "in use" shots
• Be consistent across all products
• Invest in a lightbox for product shots

Packaging

• Protect during shipping — bubble wrap or tissue
• Branded tissue paper elevates unboxing
• Thank you cards build connection
• Include care instructions and safety info
• Consider eco-friendly options if that's your brand

Legal Requirements

• Business license in your city/county
• Sales tax collection and remittance
• Warning labels on all candles
• Accurate product descriptions
• Consider product liability insurance
• Keep batch records for traceability

Spring Scents (March - May)

• Fresh Cut Grass
• Cherry Blossom
• Lilac
• Rain / Petrichor
• Lemon Verbena
• Eucalyptus Mint
• Gardenia
• Honeysuckle

Summer Scents (June - August)

• Coconut
• Mango
• Ocean / Sea Salt
• Citrus blends
• Watermelon
• Sunscreen / Beach
• Lemonade
• Fresh Linen

Fall Scents (September - November)

• Pumpkin Spice
• Apple Cinnamon
• Flannel
• Leaves / Autumn
• Maple
• Chai
• Sweater Weather
• Campfire / Bonfire
• Cranberry

Winter Scents (December - February)

• Evergreen / Frasier Fir
• Peppermint
• Gingerbread
• Sugar Cookie
• Cinnamon
• Fireside / Woodsmoke
• Vanilla
• Hot Cocoa
• Spiced Cranberry

Holiday-Specific

• Valentine's Day: Rose, Champagne, Chocolate, Strawberry
• Easter: Spring florals, Fresh linen, Carrot cake
• 4th of July: BBQ, Watermelon, Fresh-cut grass
• Halloween: Pumpkin, Candy corn, Spooky (smoke, fog)
• Thanksgiving: Turkey dinner, Pumpkin pie, Apple cider
• Christmas: Tree, Cookie, Peppermint, Cinnamon, Mulled wine

Year-Round Best Sellers

These scents sell consistently regardless of season:

• Vanilla — warm, universally loved
• Lavender — calming, spa-like
• Clean Cotton / Fresh Linen — clean home vibes
• Coffee — everyday comfort
• Sandalwood — sophisticated, unisex
• Sea Salt — fresh without being feminine

Planning Your Launch Calendar

• Launch seasonal scents 4-6 weeks before the season
• Holiday candles should be available by early November
• Create limited editions for urgency
• Plan collection themes (e.g., "Cozy Cabin" for fall)
• Retire seasonal scents to create demand next year