How to Start a Candle Business in 2025 (From $200 to Profitable)

If you’re looking for a small business or a low-budget startup that has real growth potential, candle making is a great place to start. I started making candles in August 2023 with just $200 in my tiny kitchen. Most of that went into basic supplies, about $50 on soy wax, $40 on fragrance oils, $20 for wicks, and around $60 for jars and molds I found at local shops. The rest covered a few simple tools like a pouring pitcher, thermometer, and scale.

At first, it wasn’t easy—I spent months learning, making mistakes, and figuring things out as I went. But that didn’t stop me, and it shouldn’t stop you either. Whether you’re starting with almost nothing or just a simple idea, you can turn your passion into a business. If I could grow from selling to a neighbor to building a website and reaching local markets, so can you.

Why Now Is a Great Time to Start a Candle Business?

We’re living in the golden age of home fragrance. The global candle market is projected to hit over $10 billion by 2030. That’s not hype—it’s demand. People are craving calm, connection, and a personal touch. Your handcrafted candles? They can deliver all three.

What’s more, it’s one of the most accessible businesses to start from home. Whether you’re starting with $50 or $5,000, the barrier to entry is low and the creative potential is sky-high.

Step-by-Step Guide to Starting a Candle Business at Home

Have you ever dreamed of turning your love for candles into something more, something profitable? Then this guide is for you. We’ll walk you through how to start a candle business from scratch, with or without money, and help you avoid the most common (and costly) mistakes new chandlers make.

Step 1: Find Your Candle Business Niche

Finding the right niche is crucial for standing out in the crowded candle market. If you rush or pick a niche without doing your homework, it can slow down your growth or even cause your business to fail. Take the time to find a niche that fits you and has demand. Here’s how:

• Look at the candle market to see what’s popular and where there’s space for new ideas.
• Use tools like Ahrefs, SEMrush, and Google Trends to find what people are searching for.
• Look for keywords and trends that show demand but have less competition.
• Spot gaps in the market where your unique candles can stand out.
• Match these insights with your passion and strengths to choose a niche that feels authentic and profitable.

Step 2: Start Small (Even With No Money)

You don’t need a big budget to start making candles. If buying jars feels out of reach, use what’s affordable and available. Many new chandlers begin with silicone molds or basic containers from local stores to create a wide variety of candles without overspending. It’s not about having everything perfect from the start — it’s about getting started with what you have.

• Use low-cost molds or thrifted containers instead of expensive jars
• Start with simple shapes like pillars or wax melts that don’t need fancy packaging
• Put your first few sales back into supplies so you can grow without overspending

Starting small isn’t a setback — it’s a smart way to grow at your own pace.

Step 3: Master the Craft (and Keep It Safe)

It took me about three months to get the hang of candle making — not just making something that looked good, but something that burned evenly, smelled amazing, and felt professional. I made a lot of mistakes in the beginning. Every time I messed up a batch, I wrote down exactly what went wrong, what I tried, what worked, and what I’d do differently next time. I tracked how much wax I needed for two or five candles. How much fragrance oil is safe and enough in my candles? Which wick worked best for each container?

• Track everything: wax weight, fragrance ratio, burn time, wick size
• Start small and test every new combination before selling
• Learn from mistakes and document your results — that’s how you level up

The more you test and tweak, the better your candles will get. Mastering the craft takes time, but once you know your process, you’ll create candles people trust and come back for.

Step 4: Write a Candle Business Plan 

You don’t need a 20-page document to get started, but having a clear plan makes a huge difference. It helps you stay focused, set goals, and make smart decisions as your business grows. Even a simple one-page plan can guide you in the right direction.

• Your business goals
• Target audience and niche
• Startup budget (and how you’ll spend it)
• Product types and pricing
• How you’ll sell (online, local markets, etc.)

Your plan doesn’t have to be perfect — it just has to exist. You can adjust it as you grow, but having it written down gives your business real direction from day one.

Step 5: Understand the Legal Requirements

Starting a candle business means doing things the right way — even if you’re working from home. Taking care of the legal side early helps you avoid problems later and builds trust with your customers.

• Register your business name and choose a legal structure (like sole proprietorship or LLC)
• Check local regulations and obtain the necessary licenses for selling handmade products in your area. 
• Understand labeling rules — include candle safety warnings, ingredients, and burning instructions.

You don’t need to hire a lawyer to get started. Just take it step by step, and when in doubt, check with your local small business office or website. A little effort now will keep your stress level low.

Step 6: Set Up Production at Home

You don’t need a professional studio to start making candles — a small, well-organized space at home is more than enough. Many chandlers begin in their kitchen or a spare corner of a room. The key is to make your workspace clean, ventilated, and safe. Set up a flat surface where you can melt, mix, and pour without distractions.

Keep your tools — like a digital scale, thermometer, heat-safe containers, and pouring pitchers — within easy reach. Store your wax, fragrance oils, jars, and wicks in clearly labeled containers to stay organized. Even if your space is small, treat it like a real production area. It not only helps you work more efficiently but also prepares you for growth when your business starts to scale.

Step 7: Price Your Candles for Profit

Your pricing isn’t just a number — it’s the foundation of your business. Even when starting small, make sure each candle covers your costs and earns you a profit. Don’t guess. Know what you spend, value your time, and price with purpose. If you’re unsure where to start, check out my full pricing guide How to Price Your Candles Without Guessing. It breaks down everything you need to know.

Step 8: Build a Brand People Remember

Your brand is more than just a logo or a name. It’s the feeling your candles give, the way your packaging looks, and the message you share with your customers. Choosing the right name is a big part of this — pick something memorable that reflects your business. When your brand feels clear and consistent, people are more likely to remember it and trust it.

• Choose a name that reflects your style
• Design a logo and label that feels professional
• Develop a brand voice (funny, cozy, elegant, etc.)
• Build an understanding around your candles (unboxing, scent names, messages)

Your brand is what people talk about after they’ve bought your candle.

Step 9: Start Selling (Online and Offline)

To raise your candle business, market both online and offline. Start online by creating brand pages on Instagram, Pinterest, TikTok, and other platforms. Post regularly to engage your audience. When you’re ready, open a store on Etsy, Shopify, or build a simple website with WordPress. Keep your social media active by sharing beautiful photos and engaging posts, and people can discover and connect with your brand.

Offline, sell at local markets, craft fairs, and pop-up events to meet customers in person. You can also ask local shops to carry your candles. Keep your brand visible to build trust and honor.

Pro Tip:

Marketing is about reaching the right people. Choose the best places to share your candles. People can’t buy what they don’t know about. Share your story — people connect with people. Show before-and-after photos. Offer samplers or giveaways, or team up with small influencers. Track what works and focus on it.

How Much Does It Cost to Start a Candle Business?

The cost to start a candle business depends on how you begin. When I started, I spent about 200$ on the basics like (wax, wicks, fragrance oils, and containers). You can buy affordable materials from nearby stores. If you want to grow faster or build an online store, you’ll spend more on packaging, branding, and marketing. But honestly, you don’t need a big budget to get going. What matters is creativity, patience, and being willing to learn.

How Many Scents Should You Start With?

When you’re just starting, it’s best to keep things simple. I began with three to five scents to test what people liked the most. Three to five scents are the sweet spot; it gives you enough variety without overwhelming yourself or your customers. A good mixer could be one best-seller like (vanilla, lavender, or citrus, one seasonal scent) and one that feels unique to you. Start small, test them out, gather feedback, and adjust as you grow. That’s how you find what works.

Finale

Every candle business starts with a single pour. Don’t wait for the perfect beat, the superior idea, or the perfect logo. Start with what you have, learn as you go, and grow from there. Your candles could bring calm to someone’s chaos, joy to their routine, or a bit of magic to their space. That’s powerful. So what are you waiting for? Start your candle business today — the world is ready to smell what you’ve got cooking. And if you get stuck or have questions along the way, feel free to drop them in the comments. I’m here to help.

FAQs

Is a candle business profitable?

Yes, a candle business can be very profitable. Candles often have a high markup, especially when you buy materials in bulk and build a strong brand. It may take time to grow, but once you understand your market and what sells best, your profit margins can be impressive.

What is the formula for candle making?

A common formula is 100 grams of wax from 6 to 10 grams of fragrance oil. This ratio can vary depending on the type of wax, jar size, and fragrance load. Always push your blends to uncover the flawless balance for your candles.

How many candles could 1kg or 5kg of wax make?

It depends on the size of your candles. With 1 kg of wax, you can make between 5 and 8 medium-sized candles, each about 200 milliliters in volume. With 5 kg of wax, expect to produce 25 to 40 candles. Be sure to test your container sizes for more accurate calculations.

Is a candle business hard?

Like any business, it comes with challenges, but it isn’t hard if you enjoy the process. You’ll need patience, practice, and consistency. I spent months learning, testing, and adjusting before I felt confident. The best part is you can start small, learn as you go, and build something rewarding.

What is the best-selling candle size? 

The best-selling candle size is typically the 8 oz jar. It’s affordable, easy to ship, and offers a good burn time, making it a favorite for both customers and small business owners. If you’re just starting, this size is a smart and reliable choice.