1 00:00:04,440 --> 00:00:05,010 Hi there. 2 00:00:05,310 --> 00:00:06,060 It's Sue. 3 00:00:06,120 --> 00:00:08,700 And thanks for joining me for tips and talk day. 4 00:00:09,330 --> 00:00:13,290 These are bite-sized topics that I pull from community questions and 5 00:00:13,290 --> 00:00:16,830 things that I'm observing in the world of handmade small business. 6 00:00:17,310 --> 00:00:18,900 If you'd like to submit a topic, 7 00:00:19,200 --> 00:00:22,710 DME, over on Instagram at gift biz unwrapped, 8 00:00:24,630 --> 00:00:27,750 It's a dark and dreary Saturday afternoon, 9 00:00:28,260 --> 00:00:30,000 and you have an idea. 10 00:00:30,810 --> 00:00:33,330 You have scissors and a ball of string in the kitchen 11 00:00:33,330 --> 00:00:38,220 drawer. You have a bunch of half burned pillar candles in 12 00:00:38,220 --> 00:00:39,690 all sorts of colors. 13 00:00:40,380 --> 00:00:43,830 There are Mason jars in the basement from last year's canning. 14 00:00:44,250 --> 00:00:44,940 And of course, 15 00:00:44,970 --> 00:00:46,620 pots and pans in the kitchen, 16 00:00:47,580 --> 00:00:51,810 you decide I'm going to try my hand at candle making. 17 00:00:52,590 --> 00:00:55,680 So you pull up a YouTube video, 18 00:00:56,100 --> 00:00:58,260 follow the step-by-step directions, 19 00:00:58,320 --> 00:01:02,280 substituting equipment and ingredients with what you have on hand. 20 00:01:02,700 --> 00:01:06,180 And while you've made a candle, 21 00:01:07,050 --> 00:01:07,530 you know, 22 00:01:07,530 --> 00:01:10,650 it needs some time to set for awhile and the color 23 00:01:10,680 --> 00:01:11,910 isn't that great. 24 00:01:11,940 --> 00:01:15,720 Since you remelted and combined wax colors that you had on 25 00:01:15,720 --> 00:01:17,880 hand. Yes, 26 00:01:17,880 --> 00:01:21,000 it's a little chunky and you don't know yet if it'll 27 00:01:21,000 --> 00:01:22,920 burn or smell like anything, 28 00:01:23,580 --> 00:01:24,420 but you did it. 29 00:01:24,510 --> 00:01:25,920 And the process was fun. 30 00:01:26,460 --> 00:01:29,550 You tested your innovation and creativity, 31 00:01:30,150 --> 00:01:33,690 a wonderful activity for a Saturday afternoon. 32 00:01:34,560 --> 00:01:37,020 Can you now call yourself a candle maker? 33 00:01:37,890 --> 00:01:39,060 I guess you can. 34 00:01:39,420 --> 00:01:39,990 I mean, 35 00:01:40,140 --> 00:01:41,010 you made a candle, 36 00:01:41,010 --> 00:01:43,800 right? Having patients, 37 00:01:44,100 --> 00:01:46,350 you wait a while to light your candle. 38 00:01:46,740 --> 00:01:49,170 Clearly the string didn't work. 39 00:01:49,590 --> 00:01:50,910 The flame burnt down. 40 00:01:50,910 --> 00:01:52,860 As soon as it touched the wax, 41 00:01:53,760 --> 00:01:56,490 your experiment didn't produce what you expected, 42 00:01:56,910 --> 00:01:57,900 but it was fun. 43 00:01:58,140 --> 00:01:59,580 And you want to try again, 44 00:02:00,270 --> 00:02:04,290 but not with your nice double boiler and this time with 45 00:02:04,290 --> 00:02:05,910 the right ingredients. 46 00:02:06,420 --> 00:02:07,980 So you plan for round two, 47 00:02:08,490 --> 00:02:09,570 purchasing candle, 48 00:02:09,570 --> 00:02:12,360 wax, a couple of essential oils, 49 00:02:12,570 --> 00:02:14,940 real candle wicks this time. 50 00:02:15,240 --> 00:02:16,350 And you begin again, 51 00:02:17,220 --> 00:02:19,590 some of the steps are easy now because you've done it 52 00:02:19,590 --> 00:02:20,430 once before. 53 00:02:20,970 --> 00:02:24,030 And you've learned that you need to position the WIC as 54 00:02:24,030 --> 00:02:25,140 the wax cools. 55 00:02:25,350 --> 00:02:27,210 So it doesn't flop over to the side, 56 00:02:27,210 --> 00:02:28,230 like the last time, 57 00:02:28,950 --> 00:02:32,130 yay. Your results are so much better. 58 00:02:32,190 --> 00:02:34,560 And your candle actually burns. 59 00:02:35,610 --> 00:02:40,290 Are you now a candle maker As time goes on you 60 00:02:40,290 --> 00:02:41,310 perfect. Your candle, 61 00:02:41,310 --> 00:02:42,480 making skills, 62 00:02:42,720 --> 00:02:46,320 test out and decide on the product elements you like best 63 00:02:46,770 --> 00:02:47,850 which wicks, 64 00:02:47,880 --> 00:02:52,260 which type of wax and you've experimented with all sorts of 65 00:02:52,260 --> 00:02:57,000 containers that you now know are called vessels in the industry. 66 00:02:57,930 --> 00:03:02,260 You've also learned about sinkholes sent loads and burn rates. 67 00:03:02,800 --> 00:03:06,670 You've even added some creative elements to your candles with dried 68 00:03:06,670 --> 00:03:08,260 rose pedals from your garden. 69 00:03:08,500 --> 00:03:10,360 And even some dried herbs, 70 00:03:11,080 --> 00:03:14,320 your candles are looking and smelling pretty fabulous. 71 00:03:14,320 --> 00:03:16,120 If you don't say so yourself, 72 00:03:16,660 --> 00:03:19,180 and you're now giving them away as gifts to friends and 73 00:03:19,180 --> 00:03:23,740 family, whether you call yourself a candle maker yet or not, 74 00:03:24,160 --> 00:03:27,520 your becoming known as one in your personal circle, 75 00:03:28,360 --> 00:03:30,730 your passion for your candle making grows. 76 00:03:31,120 --> 00:03:33,190 You never knew how rewarding it would be. 77 00:03:33,190 --> 00:03:35,620 When people comment on your candle gifts, 78 00:03:36,010 --> 00:03:39,010 they praise you for their quality and beautiful scent. 79 00:03:39,610 --> 00:03:42,610 Some like them best because of the artistry you've added. 80 00:03:43,120 --> 00:03:44,170 Unlike others, 81 00:03:44,170 --> 00:03:47,440 they've seen on the shelves at local big brand stores, 82 00:03:47,920 --> 00:03:50,980 and they want you to make more of them and they'll 83 00:03:50,980 --> 00:03:52,030 pay you to do so. 84 00:03:52,810 --> 00:03:53,410 In fact, 85 00:03:53,410 --> 00:03:54,190 they say, 86 00:03:54,550 --> 00:03:57,220 I bet other people would want your candles too. 87 00:03:57,640 --> 00:03:59,470 Have you ever thought of selling them? 88 00:04:02,290 --> 00:04:03,370 You're taken aback, 89 00:04:03,520 --> 00:04:05,950 selling them well, 90 00:04:06,370 --> 00:04:08,980 yes. The idea had occurred to you, 91 00:04:09,370 --> 00:04:11,350 but only as a far-fetched dream, 92 00:04:12,430 --> 00:04:12,880 you know, 93 00:04:12,880 --> 00:04:15,790 others have turned their handmade products into a business, 94 00:04:16,060 --> 00:04:19,870 but you have no training in that area in response to 95 00:04:19,870 --> 00:04:21,100 how much you would charge. 96 00:04:21,100 --> 00:04:23,080 If someone wanted to buy your candle, 97 00:04:23,440 --> 00:04:25,120 you pull a price out of the air. 98 00:04:25,900 --> 00:04:27,580 If you charge for the candles, 99 00:04:27,580 --> 00:04:29,320 your friend requested at all, 100 00:04:30,310 --> 00:04:31,990 and then it happens again. 101 00:04:32,590 --> 00:04:34,690 Others ask for your candles too. 102 00:04:35,890 --> 00:04:37,060 Are you a candle maker? 103 00:04:37,060 --> 00:04:39,850 Now at this point, 104 00:04:39,850 --> 00:04:42,760 it's pretty obvious that yes you are. 105 00:04:43,150 --> 00:04:47,110 And the idea of making money from this seems more realistic 106 00:04:47,860 --> 00:04:50,470 given that you decide to give it a go, 107 00:04:51,280 --> 00:04:53,260 you choose a name for your business. 108 00:04:53,350 --> 00:04:55,060 Sign up for a small church, 109 00:04:55,090 --> 00:04:57,160 Bazaar and prepare for the event. 110 00:04:57,880 --> 00:05:00,670 Yes, the nerves and anxiety kick in. 111 00:05:01,180 --> 00:05:03,070 But with your friends support, 112 00:05:03,400 --> 00:05:04,510 you do it anyway. 113 00:05:05,080 --> 00:05:08,920 Your table display is kind of mediocre compared to some of 114 00:05:08,920 --> 00:05:09,640 the others, 115 00:05:09,940 --> 00:05:11,410 but you pick up some tips. 116 00:05:12,160 --> 00:05:13,810 It's exciting to make sales. 117 00:05:13,960 --> 00:05:14,890 And once again, 118 00:05:14,920 --> 00:05:17,710 see positive reaction to your candles. 119 00:05:18,910 --> 00:05:23,230 Maybe I can do this business thing you think to yourself, 120 00:05:24,010 --> 00:05:26,020 you begin to truly believe it. 121 00:05:27,220 --> 00:05:28,300 As time goes on, 122 00:05:28,330 --> 00:05:29,980 you attend larger shows. 123 00:05:30,340 --> 00:05:31,810 You adjust your pricing. 124 00:05:31,810 --> 00:05:34,630 So your sales will actually be profitable. 125 00:05:34,930 --> 00:05:38,380 Your cousin builds you a website and your businesses growing. 126 00:05:39,010 --> 00:05:41,050 There are definitely bumps in the road. 127 00:05:41,350 --> 00:05:43,780 Sales look really great for awhile. 128 00:05:43,870 --> 00:05:45,700 Then some months they get slower. 129 00:05:46,480 --> 00:05:49,090 You have to learn how to make sales on Etsy because 130 00:05:49,090 --> 00:05:52,540 you found that business doesn't come to you just by being 131 00:05:52,540 --> 00:05:56,020 online. And then there's the whole social media drama. 132 00:05:56,380 --> 00:05:59,060 But you're slowly finding your way. 133 00:05:59,810 --> 00:06:01,280 Now at this point, 134 00:06:01,820 --> 00:06:04,190 your not only a candle maker, 135 00:06:04,310 --> 00:06:08,720 but your turning pro you've put in the time, 136 00:06:08,960 --> 00:06:12,920 effort and financial investment to get your products to the level 137 00:06:12,920 --> 00:06:13,490 that they are. 138 00:06:13,490 --> 00:06:17,000 Now, you've experimented with techniques, 139 00:06:17,060 --> 00:06:18,410 special equipment, 140 00:06:18,830 --> 00:06:19,790 and along the way, 141 00:06:19,790 --> 00:06:23,840 added your own techniques to produce the product now available for 142 00:06:23,840 --> 00:06:24,740 sale today. 143 00:06:25,730 --> 00:06:29,780 The truth is you were a candle maker from that very 144 00:06:29,780 --> 00:06:30,950 first candle. 145 00:06:31,460 --> 00:06:32,540 And along the way, 146 00:06:32,990 --> 00:06:35,450 probably without even recognizing it, 147 00:06:36,020 --> 00:06:40,400 you turned pro the pro part is what makes you an 148 00:06:40,400 --> 00:06:41,870 expert in your industry. 149 00:06:42,200 --> 00:06:43,010 And yes, 150 00:06:43,070 --> 00:06:44,960 I am calling you an expert, 151 00:06:46,100 --> 00:06:50,630 the story of your candle making journey from that first Saturday 152 00:06:50,630 --> 00:06:56,720 afternoon, through your trials and challenges and successes to where you 153 00:06:56,720 --> 00:07:01,460 are today is what separates you and your special candles from 154 00:07:01,460 --> 00:07:02,360 all others. 155 00:07:03,260 --> 00:07:04,160 The thing is, 156 00:07:04,550 --> 00:07:06,080 you need to tell this story, 157 00:07:06,770 --> 00:07:08,660 how will anyone else know? 158 00:07:09,530 --> 00:07:11,810 I want you to re-listen to this podcast, 159 00:07:11,870 --> 00:07:12,890 as an example, 160 00:07:13,250 --> 00:07:15,800 and write down your origin story, 161 00:07:16,220 --> 00:07:19,370 the one that's true for you and your product, 162 00:07:19,940 --> 00:07:22,400 and then add it to your about me page. 163 00:07:22,880 --> 00:07:24,050 Do a blog article, 164 00:07:24,050 --> 00:07:29,750 sharing your journey include funny mishaps from your experimentation on social 165 00:07:29,750 --> 00:07:31,790 media or in your emails. 166 00:07:32,420 --> 00:07:36,410 All of these things demonstrate your investment in your craft and 167 00:07:36,410 --> 00:07:40,130 your commitment to the quality and individuality of the products that 168 00:07:40,130 --> 00:07:41,120 you offer today. 169 00:07:41,930 --> 00:07:43,850 Your authentic story, 170 00:07:44,360 --> 00:07:45,680 it's powerful, 171 00:07:45,710 --> 00:07:50,600 brings credibility and honesty to your brand trust in you as 172 00:07:50,600 --> 00:07:55,010 the artist and reinforces your position as an expert, 173 00:07:55,160 --> 00:08:00,530 a specialist and a pro That's a wrap. 174 00:08:00,920 --> 00:08:02,780 I'm a get to the point kind of girl. 175 00:08:02,930 --> 00:08:05,720 And this is what you can expect from these quick midweek 176 00:08:05,720 --> 00:08:10,790 sessions. Now it's your turn go out and fulfill that dream 177 00:08:10,790 --> 00:08:11,510 of yours. 178 00:08:11,870 --> 00:08:14,000 Share your handmade products with us. 179 00:08:14,270 --> 00:08:15,200 We want them, 180 00:08:15,410 --> 00:08:18,290 and they bring us both so much happiness.