And It Begins Again

Settled to some extents and I am starting to make candles again.  I am somewhat excited and looking forward to the next steps in Betty's Only.  There have been many changes in my life and it is time to be still.  I have decided to really do something with this.  Nothing beats a failure, but a try.  So here it goes again.  Over time, many people of been asking for candles, but I wasn't in a place to do anything. 

The beginning of the month someone asked for 4 boxes of the 25 candles.  Also, my mom box 30 of them @ $3.  I didn't realize I had so many in stock.  Still haven't come up with label ideas, but I have many match books.  What I am thinking is to sell the candle with the match book and that can be the label.  I am excited about making them again and I want to thank my friends that believe in my candle making!  Let's see where I can take this.  I will post pictures of the new candles. 

Another thing about Betty's Only Candles is that they are mixed with a variety of fragrances.  The hard part is keeping up with the mixture and coming up with a name for the candle.

Making Candles

Making candles, have been on and off for a few months.  There is a market on Saturdays here in the city, been thinking about getting a table.  Have to invest in self in order to make some cash.  I don't know how much the tables cost, but I can find out.  Below are the things I need to do in order to make this work.

Table
Labels
pricing
banner with logo
Find out how much booth costs
Chair
Make up candle baskets

Let's see if I can make this work.  I also need to see what and how I can make a candle website for the candles that I have on stock. 

Noticed I may be afraid of success and this is filtering into many aspects of my life.  There has to be something done for this to stop.  Be back soon, will try not to stay away so long.  Neglecting something that I am passionate about.  I came up with a phrase for the company, I have to find it.  Cheers!

Making a Come Back

Betty's Only has been around for a long time. This is something that truly brings me joy. To be honest, in many aspects of my life I don't see my worth. I love making candles, I love to see my clients faces light up when they smell them. Being able to create something that can be used in a variety of ways makes me feel good deep inside.

I haven't made candles for real in a long time. They create a type of peace for me. Kinda making things slow down and gives me something to focus on that is not drama and chaotic.

This has been a really hard time for me, a really huge transistion. During this time, I have been asked about the candles. I even found all of my equipment. At my job, someone mentioned to some students that I knew how to make them. They asked me to make them three for their assignment. I did, so this is how I started making candles again. Thank you Mrs. Claiborne! If you hadn't have done that, the fire wouldn't have been lit to get this thing going again!

I bought some wax. This is what is looks like, I took it outside and broke it up. Beside it are the swirling towere and extended tepee molds. Trying to get the side room organized for candle making. Not complaining cause at least I can make them now.

There is a plan that I thought of. Don't really know how to put it in action though. What I am thinking is let people know that I am selling candles for $2-$4. This will give me a chance to promote them. Something of a welcome back.

I also told myself that I would do a craft show within the next 6 months to a year. Have at least $2,000 in profits. Candles sets, baskets, floaters, burners, candle holders too. Everything candle. Have to get on it! This is my life and I have to live it!
The swirling tower and extended tepee filled with wax.
The bar helps to hold the wick in place










The candles that were in the molds.










Must fill all of these molds.

Cooled wax to be placed in molds to give a marbled look.

Chipped wax, now to fill with another wax.

Filling the jars. A work in progress.

Trying to get the room organized. The candles are on the dryer. Work with me please. Slowly filling all the jars.

An addition to the first two. Burning heart, maybe I will make a gift set.

How Things Work

Things work out so funny sometimes. Currently, I know longer work at Baker Middle School, now I am at Fort Middle. Mrs. Claiborne has bought candles from me before, she works with me. From time to time she would ask me about the candles. Of course, I would say I know I need to make some, give me a little time.

One day in my class, three girls came to me and asked if I could make them some candles. Before they asked, I was thinking how I could get the side room together where I could start back making them. The girls where doing an assignment for their ELA class and needed them. They wanted me to show them how to make them, but the time was too short. So, I made them four candles. They wanted them in Fort colors, but I didn't have any plain wax.

This is how I was forced to make candles. Things happen so strangely from time to time. I spent a little time in my side room and moved some things around. I can set up my hot plates and start making candles again. What I don't realize is this is a way for me to make a little extra money. As always, others see more in me than I do. That is sad!

When I get some money I am going to purchase some wax and make candles for the holidays. I have several jars that I will fill and sell them for $3.00 a piece, just to get rid of them.

I found some candles that are old so I decided to place them around the house. I am using them too. A friend said they make the house look more comfortable and warm. This is something that I love to do, just haven't been doing it.

What is Going on With Betty's Only

Time hasn't permitted me to write here. Actually, I haven't made candles for a really long time. I just made some Friday evening. It was something to do. I have been thinking that it is time to stop playing and move forward with Betty's Only. This has been something that I have wanted to do, I just haven't put forth the time, money, and effort it takes to promote Betty's Only.

My domain name expired. It was reinstated the other day. I don't know how to log into my account to check my email. There is a vendor opportunity on Broadway, I think I am going to participate, I have sent an email to find out more information. I have been wanting to do an event, but I am scared. That is a mess. I know, but I just don't want to fail. How do I know if I will fail if I don't try? That is the main question.

Since I haven't been making candles for so long. I have decided to put some money toward Betty's Only. I need to get some more item to make Betty's Only better, it needs to be revamped. The website updated. I need to offer more types of candles, more items, and a variety of things. Promotion is the one thing that needs to be done.

Things Needed

more wicks for votives

jars (variety)

leveler

I am about to see this thing through. Betty's Only is my candle company and I want others to know. I do understand that I have to work to make it grow to what I know it can be. It is going to take me to take it to the next level. The way it is packaged now doesn't offer the fragrance. It does give me a way to display the business card, you can see what the candle looks like, and they are matches too.

I truly enjoy candles and I know that they can offer many things to individuals.

light a candle after a long days work and just relax

give them as gift ideas for any occasion

color coordinate them to fit in any setting

us them to light up a room

A Variety of Different Candles

Vessel of Aroma with Business Card

Jars I Bought at the Attic Sale for 25 cents.

I would upload more photos, but it keeps distorting my paragraphs. There is a change coming for the best tired of being mediocre. There is enough out there for everyone to prosper. Now it's my time.

I Really Don't Know What to Say

Betty's Only has not had anything going on. Remember I had some candles on consignment. I didn't sell any candles there. I removed them in January. The place was not air conditioned, some of them started to melt. I had to change my formula. In the house I have many candles, but don't know what to do with them. I know I can sell that but the question is where and how do I go about doing that? I thought about the beer commercial, I make them and someone else sells them. I am somewhat at wits end. Betty's Only is about to expire. It has been up for one year and I haven't sold anything on it. Now, that is sad!

There have been some suggestions. For instance, contact big name brands and send some samples. Or send a few samples out just to get them out. I really don't know what to do. I just started back making candles about a week ago, that was my first time since December. I know.

I have the business cards, but don't pass them out. Ok, what I will do is make a card to put on the candle. I think my packaging will be a burlap bag with ribbon and a name tag. I think that is what I will do. I need help! I can make money, but I just don't know what to do to get them out there to the public eye.

I am making candles now. I have done this time and time again. Don't get me wrong, I have been selling candles, but not like I should. I will make 10 candles of each and at that point sell them so kind of way. There are so many things that need to be done, just a matter of handling it.

Happy Holidays and Enjoy your Time

I haven't been here in a while. Things have been moving so fast, I can hardly keep up. I started coaching basketball at my job. That has taken time away from Betty's Only. To be honest, I haven't even checked my mail. Some things that are still in the working: brochure, pictures, magazine, online candle sells.

Candles have been sold, overall about $250.00 worth for the Holiday Season. About $750.00 short of my goal. Something is better than nothing right?

I am off unil January 5. I need to sort out my to do list for my break!

Below are some candle websites.

http://www.candlemaking.uk.com/

http://parentingteens.about.com/od/candlemaking/Candle_Making_Projects_and_Ideas_for_Candlemaking.htm

http://www.wicks-wax-scents.com/





Maybe these will help!

I was told that I am afraid of success. Maybe I am, I know I need to work hard for the things I want out of life. Why do I always sobatauge myself. Betty's Only has made many advances, I can't stop now. Keep watching, my growth wil be great!