Lighting the Way: The Challenges of Starting a Candle Business on a Limited Budget as a Mother-Daughter Duo

Starting a candle business can seem like a dream come true—a chance to be creative, share your passion, and even create something beautiful together with your child. But for many, including myself, embarking on this journey with a limited budget while balancing the demands of motherhood adds a unique set of challenges. Here’s a candid look at the hurdles we faced as my eight-year-old daughter and I ventured into the world of candle-making.

1. Financial Constraints

With a tight budget, every penny counts. Initial costs for materials like wax, wicks, scents, and containers can add up quickly. We quickly learned to prioritize our purchases. Buying in bulk can save money, but it requires upfront investment that we simply couldn’t afford initially. Instead, we started small, purchasing just enough supplies to make a few candles to test our designs and scents.

2. Limited Time

As a mother, time is always at a premium. Between school drop-offs, playdates, and other commitments, finding the time to dedicate to our business can be tricky. We often had to squeeze in candle-making sessions during weekends or evenings. This meant being creative with our schedule and sometimes working on projects in short bursts rather than long, uninterrupted sessions.

3. Balancing Roles

Working with my daughter presents its own set of challenges. While it’s a wonderful bonding experience, her age means she has a shorter attention span and varying levels of interest. Some days she’s excited to help, while on others, she just wants to play. We’ve had to find a balance between making this a fun experience and ensuring we accomplish our business goals.

4. Learning Curve

Neither of us had prior experience in candle-making, so we faced a steep learning curve. From experimenting with different wax types to understanding fragrance throw and burn times, we’ve had our share of trial and error. Some candles turned out beautifully, while others were less than ideal. Each failure was a lesson, but it also required patience and resilience—qualities I’m striving to instill in my daughter.

5. Marketing and Visibility

Creating beautiful candles is only part of the equation; getting them in front of potential customers is another challenge altogether. With no budget for marketing, we relied on social media and word-of-mouth. This meant learning how to take appealing photos, write engaging posts, and interact with our audience—all while juggling the other demands of life. Building a brand from the ground up takes time, and we had to be patient with our growth.

6. Finding Community

Networking with other small business owners can be a huge advantage, but it can feel daunting, especially on a budget. We sought out local markets and online groups where we could connect with others in the candle-making community. This not only provided support but also inspired us with new ideas and techniques. However, finding these communities took time and effort.

7. Managing Expectations

It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of starting a new venture and envisioning success. However, managing our expectations was crucial. We had to remind ourselves that building a business takes time and that every small achievement is worth celebrating. Setting realistic goals helped us stay motivated and focused on the journey rather than just the destination.

8. The Joy of Creation

Despite the challenges, the joy of creating together has been incredibly rewarding. Each candle we make becomes a shared memory, and it’s heartwarming to see my daughter’s pride when she gifts one of our creations to a family member or friend. These moments are what keep us going, reminding us that our journey is about more than just business—it’s about growing together as a family.

Conclusion

Starting a candle business on a limited budget as a mother and daughter is no small feat. We’ve faced our fair share of challenges, but with each obstacle, we’ve learned and grown together. Our adventure in entrepreneurship is a work in progress, filled with laughter, lessons, and a lot of wax! If you’re considering a similar path, embrace the challenges and remember that the journey is just as important as the destination. Together, we’re lighting the way—one candle at a time.