Sinkholes and How to Deal with Them

Even on a perfect day, the most carefully crafted soy wax candles can sometimes develop sink holes, leaving unsightly craters in the once-smooth surface. But what exactly causes these sink holes to form? Let’s delve into the science behind this perplexing and annoying phenomenon. Understanding Soy Wax Composition: Soy wax is derived from soybean oil, […]

Why are soy candles more eco friendly?

Soy candles are considered eco-friendly for several reasons: In summary, soy candles are eco-friendly because they are made from a renewable resource, have a lower environmental impact, burn cleaner, and support sustainable manufacturing.  Is this conversation helpful so far? Need more advice? Give us a shout: hello@illuminacandlesupplies.com

Essential Oils Vs. Candle Fragrance Oils

Essential Oils Vs. Candle Fragrance Oils in Candle Making

Essential Oils vs. Candle Fragrance Oils: Why Candle Fragrance Oils Are a Better Choice for Your Candles When creating candles, choosing the right fragrance is key to delivering a pleasant and long-lasting scent experience. You may have heard of both essential oils and fragrance oils, but knowing which one is better suited for candles can […]

Should I Use Rattan or Synthetic Diffuser Sticks

When it comes to creating the perfect reed diffuser, the choice of sticks plays a crucial role in how your fragrance is dispersed and how your diffuser looks. Rattan and synthetic diffuser sticks are the two primary options available, each offering unique benefits and characteristics. In this blog, we’ll explore the differences between rattan and […]

How to Calculate Your Candle’s Burn Rate

There are a couple of ways to determine a candle’s burn time (or burn rate). We recommend using the first method for more accuracy when approximating a candle’s burn time. Note: For both methods below, we suggest slightly lowering the estimate to account for any remaining wax after the candle has extinguished itself. Method 1: […]

How to Wick Test

Wick Testing: A Must Do for all Candle Makers! Wick testing is crucial for fragrance container soy wax candles for several reasons: Optimal Burn Performance: Wick testing ensures that the candle burns efficiently and evenly. A wick that is too large can cause excessive heat and rapid burning, leading to tunneling or uneven melting of […]

How to price a candle

Determining the selling price of a candle (diffuser/soap/cream) involves considering several key factors, including the Cost of Goods Sold (COGS), labour costs, OPEX (operating expenses), and the market price.  When you are just beginning, it is very tempting to exclude key price indicators, such as labour, however you can fall into the trap of undervaluing […]

Outsourcing vs. In-House Manufacturing: A Candle Maker’s Dilemma

In the world of small businesses, particularly in industries like candle making, the decision between outsourcing manufacturing and producing in-house can be a crucial one. Both approaches come with their own set of advantages and drawbacks, and understanding them is essential for making an informed choice. Let’s delve into the pros and cons of each […]

Fragrance Calculation Tools

Use our calculators to update the fields according to your needs – if you have any issues or need more help please feel free to reach out and get in touch with our team on hello@illuminacandlesupplies.com When the volume of Soy Wax Flakes is known: Volume of Soy Wax Flakes used per candle (g): Density between […]

Transitioning Your Candle Making Business: Scaling Up from Garage to Small Factory

How to Measure Wax and Fragrance

Embarking on the journey of scaling up your candle making business from a garage operation to a small factory is a significant milestone that holds tremendous potential for growth and success. This transition requires careful planning, strategic decision-making, and a clear vision for the future of your business. In this blog, we’ll explore the essential […]