Turning Passion into Profit: Can You Start a Candle and Soap Business Without Prior Experience?

Hello, fellow entrepreneurs!

I’m excited to share my thoughts on an intriguing business idea that has been brewing for a while—high-end candle and soap production. After recently losing my job, I’ve decided to channel my energy into a passion I’ve pursued as a hobby for years. Friends and family have been enthusiastic about my creations, often encouraging me to take this to the next level by selling them professionally.

Through my initial research, I discovered several business-to-business (B2B) platforms, such as Amazon and Alibaba, that offer competitive rates for bulk purchasing of raw materials. This gives me hope that I can establish a successful venture without breaking the bank on supplies.

However, a significant hurdle stands in my way: I lack any formal business knowledge. While I’m aware of the plethora of online resources available to help aspiring entrepreneurs, I’m particularly keen on gaining insights directly from those who have successfully navigated similar paths.

To those seasoned business owners out there, I would love your perspective on the three most critical aspects I should be prepared for as I embark on this journey. Additionally, I’m contemplating whether to partner with a friend who has shown interest in joining me. While I value her marketing expertise and believe it could enhance my business, I am cautious about intertwining friendship with business dynamics. My husband has expressed skepticism about this venture, which adds to the uncertainty I feel.

Before I make any significant decisions, I’m eager to hear from others who have transformed a hobby into a thriving business, especially those who started from scratch without prior industry experience. What advice do you have?

Your honest insights would be incredibly helpful as I weigh my options and determine the next steps in this exciting—but daunting—new chapter. Thank you in advance for your guidance!