Hi Ashley! I just found your videos and I have so enjoyed watching them! I have had my soap and candle business for 16 years and also had a dance fitness studio that I sold in the midst of it. I have done dance fitness for 12 years and had my studio for two years and I actually grieved the sale of that business as silly as that sounds. I lost myself for a bit and it was really hard to separate my identity from that. I’m actually still working on it! But I so enjoyed your video!!
It doesn’t sound silly at all! It’s a huge relationship in your life so grief, mourning, celebration all of the above are well suited for that experience around your business! Thanks for being here!
I make soap and cosmetics and have recently added candles. My market is super saturated with both but everyone seems to offer their own unique spin. I’ve been at markets where people will shop from me and other soap makers to fit all their needs. I finally decided to add candles but created my own special spin after researching my market. I debuted a “sneak peek” on insta yesterday and received a lot of traction. after 15 years in the maker realm I’ve realized that having a diverse line of products has helped me stay in business even during slower times. I just keep my head down and do my thing. Best of luck with everything! It has to be difficult to let go of something that you put so much effort into.
You mentioned the number of people who have jumped into the candle business in the last year or so. Also, sales have slowed down a bit. You are the second maker on UA-cam talking about the downturn in sales. It is very common when sale are good, people jump into the business. Many of them will fall away as sales slow down. I saw this same trend when I was a realtor. Hot housing market, everyone wants to be a realtor. Typically they are the folks chasing the dollar rather than trying to build a business. You and other makers that are building businesses may experience the slow down, but if you stay the course and can ride it through, your business will be bigger and stronger on the other side.
Fuck the haters. Keep laughing and being yourself. Everyone loves your authenticity and that’s why we follow you!! Takes a lot of balls to come in here and bare your soul while helping others. Don’t stop!
Such a great video. I have been typing while listening. And I do think we do need to look at when things can keep going and when they need to be let go of. Not giving up, but for sure expanding in other areas.
I always take the approach that the customer is right and try to figure out what is the best way to make the situation better based on what I would want to happen!
Congratulations on the sale of your yoga business! I'm sure it's bittersweet. The mental load gets me too with all the decisions running a business requires. Congrats to Sabrina on her new job as well! XO
I live in Jamaica and seasonal releases makes no sense because we have 12 months of Summer 😂😂😂 so I just stick to the most relaxing scents from every category...so yes I have relaxing gourmands, fruits and "holiday" blends offered year round
@@UpsideGoodsCo I will always stop by because the warmth and wealth if I formation is top notch...Thank You for your time and transparency it's really appreciated and all the best with your future endeavors 😊
Noticing more and more candlemakers leaving the market ..I think the saturation of people who ran to it from COVID are starting to leave . That over saturation is starting to peak. And buyers are getting picky they want to know if this is a hobby or a real business. I think the bad players have educated buyers on more than just price
I just found your channel and I can relate to allll of the things you said. I make soap, perfumes and creams and have also noticed a change in sales this year. I'm doing a bit of a pivot too and planning to do more on youtube going forward, which is kind of fun. I do have someone who helps me in the studio now and that has been such a huge help. I stopped doing markets last year because there were so many soap makers that it just made it too difficult to make the money I needed to for all of the time and effort markets entail. I wholesale as well and have a website and Etsy store (Etsy is a whole other discussion). Anyway, great discussion here!
"we never talk about the mental capacity to make these decisions..." YES YES YES. It takes A LOT, which is an understatement still, to run a business, let alone two! One decision leads to the next, one goal leads to more tasks and it just multiplies. It's never ending! Thank you for this validating statement. It's always something I expect from you and wish more business owners talk about! Not that we have to talk negativity, but the level of thinking it takes to decide for the business is just beyond any kind of education out there. MOST especially if one isn't privileged enough to have a degree in business or don't have relatives who can help or knows how to run a business.
It’s the most underestimated piece of “living the dream” of being your own boss and it’s the most crushing factor too! And it’s never talked about. It’s always how to’s!
Hi Ashley. I LOVE your videos!!!! I can so relate to you, your energy, your "calamity Jane style" (your words) :) I learn something new every time I watch your videos and am always inspired by you. As for Sabrina moving on....Yay for her, boo for you :) I saw the fragrance review video you both did and thought the whole time, this must be her niece....they flow so well together! You're not the only one who "digresses." Just wanted to say, thanks for being real, honest, and "you." Wish more people were like that. Thanks again for sharing your knowledge, time, and being willing to help others like me. I'm soon going to be launching my candle and soap business (in a recession, why not?!). I may reach out to you for some of that 30 for 30 you speak of. I live in Virginia and operate my business out of my house - for now. Ok, guess I should wind up this book I've written to you. Thank you again! :) And, I wish you the absolute best success with your business going forward.
Hey girl! Thanks for stopping by and watching these videos! Sabrina is the best. I’d love it if she was my niece! I consider her my lil sister from another mister! I had the privilege to meet her when she was in HS and I’ve been able to stay in touch and stay connected ever since. She’s good people! And yay on your upcoming launch! Your going to crush it, I can feel it!
Been in business for just over 3 years. Been extremely tough for me. And up until this year, I didn’t have to spend one marketing dollar. My candles went viral and are very popular in Toronto. Never saw this happening. Ugh. So sorry I can’t be more positive
Hi Ashley, I had a similar experience with my last market. There were 3 candle makers, and I was situated at the back end of the event. By the time the customer got to me, they were already sporting candle bags :) You can't win them all!! If I live in New Mexico, I would definitely work for you he he he.
Totally! And I like the other candle makers! I want everyone to have a seat at the table because there is plenty of room, I just wish there was a roster when signing up that you could pay for a certain spot or decide based on how many in a category if you even want to go for it and then have a clear picture instead of waiting until the week of to get the map and you are just buckled in for take off. I think I'm getting into my old lady years with some markets - ha! And come on over to the Land of Enchantment and let's do some work! :)
Would you mind doing a video on advice you would give your past self? More specifically, after testing and experimenting, did you buy your starting inventory on a whim or did you have pre orders? I’m beginning to look like a hoarder and I’m curious if this is normal?
I’ve always stocked materials for the price breaks. And yes I could do this. If you search my channel for the word mistakes, I share a lot of things I wish I’d done differently until I make something specific!
Ashley love your videos!! I use ec26 because you use it!! BUT, I am thinking of changing to Coconut Apricot to get a better ht. I would love to hear your opinion on Coconut Apricot with some Sp487 thrown in.
See being in Ohio I find more opportunities to make money in the late spring/early summer due to every festival and event happening once we hit 75°! Last year I had a 3 day event and made cost of event before the end of day one but also a lot of drunk people bought candles so that was fun egging them on to do it hahaha
I decided not to release collections this year, and it’s been the best decision I’ve made! I’m just sprinkling new scents as I want to. It’s definitely taken the pressure off and has allowed me time to focus more on each scent and spend time hyping each one up individually. Not sure who made us feel like we have to have collections for every season and holiday, but I’m happy to be taking my own path. Thanks for the update!! Always love your videos.
Great update Ashley!!! I feel you on the multiple business aspect. I have a successful massage therapy business as well as my bath and body product company. I've had my massage company for 30 years. The bath and body company, which I started in late 2019, has picked up so much momentum in 2023. It may be time to pass the torch on massage and really focus on making. What to do... What to do... Keep it up with your amazing rambles and awesome laugh!!!
It’s the hardest decision I’ve made in a very long time and I’m still not certain even though it’s a done deal but I know deep down it’s okay, it’s alright and it will be for the best! Good luck to you!
Hi Ashley! I just found your videos and I have so enjoyed watching them! I have had my soap and candle business for 16 years and also had a dance fitness studio that I sold in the midst of it. I have done dance fitness for 12 years and had my studio for two years and I actually grieved the sale of that business as silly as that sounds. I lost myself for a bit and it was really hard to separate my identity from that. I’m actually still working on it! But I so enjoyed your video!!
It doesn’t sound silly at all! It’s a huge relationship in your life so grief, mourning, celebration all of the above are well suited for that experience around your business! Thanks for being here!
Congrats on the sale of your yoga biz!
Thanks so much!
I make soap and cosmetics and have recently added candles. My market is super saturated with both but everyone seems to offer their own unique spin. I’ve been at markets where people will shop from me and other soap makers to fit all their needs. I finally decided to add candles but created my own special spin after researching my market. I debuted a “sneak peek” on insta yesterday and received a lot of traction. after 15 years in the maker realm I’ve realized that having a diverse line of products has helped me stay in business even during slower times. I just keep my head down and do my thing. Best of luck with everything! It has to be difficult to let go of something that you put so much effort into.
Good on you for branching out, paying attention to results and doing what you can to stay relevant. That’s about 95% of it in my experience!
You mentioned the number of people who have jumped into the candle business in the last year or so. Also, sales have slowed down a bit. You are the second maker on UA-cam talking about the downturn in sales. It is very common when sale are good, people jump into the business. Many of them will fall away as sales slow down. I saw this same trend when I was a realtor. Hot housing market, everyone wants to be a realtor. Typically they are the folks chasing the dollar rather than trying to build a business. You and other makers that are building businesses may experience the slow down, but if you stay the course and can ride it through, your business will be bigger and stronger on the other side.
I couldn't agree with this more!
Fuck the haters. Keep laughing and being yourself. Everyone loves your authenticity and that’s why we follow you!! Takes a lot of balls to come in here and bare your soul while helping others. Don’t stop!
Hi Julie, did we just become best friends? Yep! 🤍🤍🤍
Such a great video. I have been typing while listening. And I do think we do need to look at when things can keep going and when they need to be let go of. Not giving up, but for sure expanding in other areas.
100%!
Your rawness is refreshing. THANK YOU! And cheers to the future upsides.
Thank you friend!
Omg, sorry to power post but I didn’t launch spring scents either! Lol
Yes, it's nice to take that power back!
I don't know if I'm learning from you but I appreciate your honesty and videos. I enjoy watching them. Hits so close to home.
That's about all one can ask for!
how do you handle customer service ? I would love to listen to your approach Thank you !
I always take the approach that the customer is right and try to figure out what is the best way to make the situation better based on what I would want to happen!
Congratulations on the sale of your yoga business! I'm sure it's bittersweet. The mental load gets me too with all the decisions running a business requires. Congrats to Sabrina on her new job as well! XO
oh so bittersweet but definitely for the best!
I live in Jamaica and seasonal releases makes no sense because we have 12 months of Summer 😂😂😂 so I just stick to the most relaxing scents from every category...so yes I have relaxing gourmands, fruits and "holiday" blends offered year round
Ahhhh 12 months of Summer, what a time to be alive! 🤣🤣! Thanks for stopping by!
@@UpsideGoodsCo I will always stop by because the warmth and wealth if I formation is top notch...Thank You for your time and transparency it's really appreciated and all the best with your future endeavors 😊
Noticing more and more candlemakers leaving the market ..I think the saturation of people who ran to it from COVID are starting to leave . That over saturation is starting to peak. And buyers are getting picky they want to know if this is a hobby or a real business. I think the bad players have educated buyers on more than just price
Absolutely agree!
I just found your channel and I can relate to allll of the things you said. I make soap, perfumes and creams and have also noticed a change in sales this year. I'm doing a bit of a pivot too and planning to do more on youtube going forward, which is kind of fun. I do have someone who helps me in the studio now and that has been such a huge help. I stopped doing markets last year because there were so many soap makers that it just made it too difficult to make the money I needed to for all of the time and effort markets entail. I wholesale as well and have a website and Etsy store (Etsy is a whole other discussion). Anyway, great discussion here!
All of this! Yes!
I love your videos. Always On Point and Real!! Thank you ❤
Thank you for this!
"we never talk about the mental capacity to make these decisions..." YES YES YES. It takes A LOT, which is an understatement still, to run a business, let alone two! One decision leads to the next, one goal leads to more tasks and it just multiplies. It's never ending! Thank you for this validating statement. It's always something I expect from you and wish more business owners talk about! Not that we have to talk negativity, but the level of thinking it takes to decide for the business is just beyond any kind of education out there. MOST especially if one isn't privileged enough to have a degree in business or don't have relatives who can help or knows how to run a business.
It’s the most underestimated piece of “living the dream” of being your own boss and it’s the most crushing factor too! And it’s never talked about. It’s always how to’s!
Hi Ashley. I LOVE your videos!!!! I can so relate to you, your energy, your "calamity Jane style" (your words) :) I learn something new every time I watch your videos and am always inspired by you. As for Sabrina moving on....Yay for her, boo for you :) I saw the fragrance review video you both did and thought the whole time, this must be her niece....they flow so well together! You're not the only one who "digresses." Just wanted to say, thanks for being real, honest, and "you." Wish more people were like that. Thanks again for sharing your knowledge, time, and being willing to help others like me. I'm soon going to be launching my candle and soap business (in a recession, why not?!). I may reach out to you for some of that 30 for 30 you speak of. I live in Virginia and operate my business out of my house - for now. Ok, guess I should wind up this book I've written to you. Thank you again! :) And, I wish you the absolute best success with your business going forward.
Hey girl! Thanks for stopping by and watching these videos! Sabrina is the best. I’d love it if she was my niece! I consider her my lil sister from another mister! I had the privilege to meet her when she was in HS and I’ve been able to stay in touch and stay connected ever since. She’s good people! And yay on your upcoming launch! Your going to crush it, I can feel it!
Been in business for just over 3 years. Been extremely tough for me. And up until this year, I didn’t have to spend one marketing dollar. My candles went viral and are very popular in Toronto. Never saw this happening. Ugh. So sorry I can’t be more positive
Congrats, thats awesome!
I really like your videos. It’s like have a business bestie. I’m not even the candle space but a lot of what you say applies to my work
Hey Business Bestie!!! I like it! It feels right 🤍
Always good to get an update 🥰
🤍🤍🤍
Thanks for the honesty, I thought my business slowed because something I was doing.
Likely not! Keep pushing though!
Hi Ashley, I had a similar experience with my last market. There were 3 candle makers, and I was situated at the back end of the event. By the time the customer got to me, they were already sporting candle bags :) You can't win them all!! If I live in New Mexico, I would definitely work for you he he he.
Totally! And I like the other candle makers! I want everyone to have a seat at the table because there is plenty of room, I just wish there was a roster when signing up that you could pay for a certain spot or decide based on how many in a category if you even want to go for it and then have a clear picture instead of waiting until the week of to get the map and you are just buckled in for take off. I think I'm getting into my old lady years with some markets - ha! And come on over to the Land of Enchantment and let's do some work! :)
I have a question. I am trying to do soy candles but the wicks keep burning wayyyy to fast. I’ve tried a few an not sure why it’s happening.
Sounds like you need to go back to testing and change the formula/wick/wax ratios!
Would you mind doing a video on advice you would give your past self? More specifically, after testing and experimenting, did you buy your starting inventory on a whim or did you have pre orders? I’m beginning to look like a hoarder and I’m curious if this is normal?
I’ve always stocked materials for the price breaks. And yes I could do this. If you search my channel for the word mistakes, I share a lot of things I wish I’d done differently until I make something specific!
Ashley love your videos!! I use ec26 because you use it!! BUT, I am thinking of changing to Coconut Apricot to get a better ht. I would love to hear your opinion on Coconut Apricot with some Sp487 thrown in.
Whew, I stay in my lane! I have no advice to give as I'm a strict EC 26 girl!
See being in Ohio I find more opportunities to make money in the late spring/early summer due to every festival and event happening once we hit 75°! Last year I had a 3 day event and made cost of event before the end of day one but also a lot of drunk people bought candles so that was fun egging them on to do it hahaha
Ohio has SOOOO many events to choose from!
I decided not to release collections this year, and it’s been the best decision I’ve made! I’m just sprinkling new scents as I want to. It’s definitely taken the pressure off and has allowed me time to focus more on each scent and spend time hyping each one up individually. Not sure who made us feel like we have to have collections for every season and holiday, but I’m happy to be taking my own path. Thanks for the update!! Always love your videos.
FREEDOM! Ahh the sweet release! I’m glad you took your seasonal release power back! It’s been nice over here too! 🤍🤍🤍
Great update Ashley!!!
I feel you on the multiple business aspect. I have a successful massage therapy business as well as my bath and body product company. I've had my massage company for 30 years. The bath and body company, which I started in late 2019, has picked up so much momentum in 2023. It may be time to pass the torch on massage and really focus on making. What to do... What to do...
Keep it up with your amazing rambles and awesome laugh!!!
It’s the hardest decision I’ve made in a very long time and I’m still not certain even though it’s a done deal but I know deep down it’s okay, it’s alright and it will be for the best! Good luck to you!