From Hobby to Business: My Journey Crafting Candles, Bath Salt, and Jewelry at Home

When I first decided to explore my creative side, I never imagined how these hobbies would evolve into a small business. Crafting has always brought me joy, but it was during those quiet evenings at home at the time I decided to launch a candle-making business, I had three kids and began to brainstorm how to create the candles. I purchased the necessary supplies and started crafting them in sets. I then launched my website and sought guidance from a business coach, believing this would lead me in the right direction, but unfortunately, it didn't work out. The coach I was supposed to collaborate with turned out to be a scam, resulting in a significant financial loss. Despite this setback, I managed to make at least two sales during my two years in business. I took a break for a year due to the arrival of another baby, then resumed for an additional two years, achieving three more sales. After pausing for six months, I continued refining my business approach and officially restarted three years ago. Now, as a single mother of five, I'm working to grow my business and am hopeful for new customers. Considering my kids, I thought, "Why not create a business that involves the whole family? By the time they're old enough, they will already have the skills to manage it themselves." what began as a relaxing pastime has transformed into a passion I now share with others.

Discovering My Craft

It all started on a rainy weekend when I was drawn to various DIY projects. After watching a few online tutorials, I quickly became fascinated by the idea of crafting aromatic candles. The combination of soothing scents and the flicker of a candle flame created an instantly cozy atmosphere in my home.

With supplies I ordered online, I kicked off my first candle-making adventure. The entire process was thrilling—melting wax, blending in fragrance oils, and pouring the mixture into molds. In just a few hours, I had produced six lovely scented candles. Seeing them take shape filled me with joy and accomplishment.

Expanding into Bath Salts

Once I felt confident in my candle-making skills, I was eager to explore another creative outlet. Bath salts piqued my interest due to their calming benefits. I researched various recipes combining Epsom salts, essential oils, and vibrant natural colors.

The first time I treated myself to a bath with my own handmade bath salts was truly special. The comforting scents filled the air, and as the salts dissolved, it felt as though I was enjoying a luxurious spa experience in my own home. The positive feedback from my daughter was so surprising so this encouraged me to think about sharing them with a wider audience.

Jewelry Design: A New Avenue

While I enjoyed making bath salts and candles, my daughter creative energy propelled me into jewelry design. Armed with simple tools and materials like beads and wires, I started crafting unique pieces that mirrored my personal style.

What I loved most was incorporating natural elements such as semi-precious stones and recycled materials. Each piece I fashioned told a story influenced by my travels and life experiences. The vibrant colors and designs brought my creations to life, making this process a true art form and a personal expression of my individuality.

Bridging the Gap to Business

As I refined my skills in crafting candles, bath salts, and jewelry, the idea of transforming these hobbies into a business slowly took root. I reflected on the joy my creations brought to friends and family and imagined sharing that happiness with a larger audience.

I set up a website and want to pop-up events on a handmade marketplace to showcase my artisan creations. I crafted product descriptions that emphasized their unique qualities and benefits, including the calming effects of my bath salts and the soothing fragrances of my candles. To my excitement, sales started to come in slowly.

A vibrant collection of handmade candles, bath salt and jewelry in an inviting setting.

Reflecting on My Journey

From a spark of inspiration on a rainy day to turning hobbies into a thriving small business, my creative journey has been fulfilling and transformative. Each step has taught me resilience, creativity, and the joy of following one's passion.

If you're considering diving into crafting, I urge you to explore your interests. You might be surprised by where your creativity leads you! Remember, every masterpiece starts with a single step. Perhaps your hobby could evolve into something truly remarkable, just like mine did.