WTF Am I Doing With My Candle Business?

Ashley Fathergill | Small Business Owner + Maker

Подписаться 12 тыс.

Просмотров 2,3 тыс.

50% 1

Let's call it how it is because I ask myself WTF I am doing on a weekly and sometimes daily basis and it's not a bad thing. If you're running a small business you've likely found yourself questioning all kinds of things from how am I going to grow this business, what was I thinking when I decided that and many things in between. Todays video is just simply a vow to keep it real with everyone who watches my channel to let you know that you are not alone whether you are running a candle business or any small business as the owner and entrepreneur that you are! It's rough out there so let's just call a spade a spade!
00:00 Welcome
02:30 What am I doing?
04:00 Sure, the possibilities are endless
06:00 What do you want to see?
Shop My Candle Making Store:
www.amazon.com/shop/upsidegoo...
*Shopping Makesy? Use my 10% off code on your next order - AshleyFathergill10
// $30 for 30 // Want to run some roadblocks by me? Let's figure them out together. In these sessions over zoom we can discuss whatever is keeping you and your small business up at night!
*Sign up here: mailchi.mp/upsidegoodsco/ment...
- Join the Candle Collective for candle makers and entrepreneurs: mailchi.mp/upsidegoodsco/thec...
- Join our Facebook Group to discuss business, marketing and strategy tips for your business:
/ thecandlecollective
// CONTACT ME //
For all subscribers, please use this email: ashley@hellomintmarketing.com
For business inquires only, please use this email: hello@upsidegoodsco.com
DISCLAIMER: Links included in this description might be affiliate links. If you purchase a product or service with the links that I provide I may receive a small commission. There is no additional charge to you! Thank you for supporting my channel!

Опубликовано:

17 июл 2024

Ссылка:

Скачать:

Готовим ссылку...

Добавить в:

Мой плейлист

Посмотреть позже

Комментарии : 75

@dmetriuscj 11 месяцев назад

your off the cuff spontaneous perspective is the exact reason why i subscribed to your channel. in my opinion, it's your best content. it's not that your more direct focused content isn't good, it just isn't you. it's what everyone else does, and to be honest, it can get stale. your channel content is raw and refreshing at the same time. i hope this makes sense. keep doing what you're doing, it's greatly appreciated!!!!

@UpsideGoodsCo 11 месяцев назад

Thank you so very much for this! It just made my day! I appreciate you being here!

@mmegwen 11 месяцев назад

100 percent feeling you today! I’m launching my online business in September, and although pretty much keeping to my timeline, I feel so all over the place. Many WTF moments. I love the mix of videos on your channel and your honesty.. Keep it up!

@UpsideGoodsCo 11 месяцев назад

Thank you for this feedback and congrats on your launch in September how exciting!

@kirstenseebald9515 11 месяцев назад

All the Time Ashley, it's an up and down business all the time ,and the down time can be well dam scary. I sell soap as well as body butters and scrubs and candles, my online sales just sucks I do well at shows a lot better , I think because it's a touchy feely I have to smell products. but I have seen with the economy the way it is, that people are not buying or very careful what they buy, which in it's self is scary. I still don't know what I am doing, I know wear I would like to be but struggle how to get there, We put are heart and sole into are business and at the end would love to know where we are heading but do we really know. listening to you is a breath of fresh air, you don't sugar coat which I know a lot of us like, and we can relate, keep the videos coming you are an inspiration and great teacher.

@UpsideGoodsCo 11 месяцев назад

Oh the steps in between are the hardest. Keep going and don’t let the slow rattle the fear that it will be like that forever. It’s an ebb and flow! You’ve got this!

@joniinnocenti431 11 месяцев назад

Girl, I 100% feel this all of the time. It was so nice to hear you talk about this in the video. Thank you for always being so honest

@UpsideGoodsCo 10 месяцев назад

Absolutely! Thanks for watching!

@chocolatesugar4434 11 месяцев назад

I just like to watch your business grow tbh, see what obstacles come up and how you solve them too, and hearing about your plans for the business and why - it’s all very interesting as a fellow candle biz owner (although my biz is very very small in comparison atm due to lack of funding but doing things slowly works for me tbh). Your perseverance and positive attitude is encouraging too ❤

@UpsideGoodsCo 10 месяцев назад

Thank you for sharing this! I appreciate you watching and the feedback!

@mhatch8946 11 месяцев назад

Ashley, you're doing amazing. I've relocated out of state and am trying to get a handle on my business. I've been dealing with trying to figure out where I go from here. You're killing it!!

@UpsideGoodsCo 10 месяцев назад

You've got this! Good luck!

@epiphany_hypnotherapy 11 месяцев назад

Hi Ashley! I love your videos and your sense of humor. I’m a hypnotherapist/massage therapist & I teach reiki. I make soap & topicals but want to get better at candle making and sell some in my tiny office. So I watch a lot of soap tutorials and candle makers. I love that you do multiple things too and I love that you are out here telling the truth because having a young small business is nerve wracking at times. You’re easy to listen to so whatever you talk about is entertaining.

@UpsideGoodsCo 10 месяцев назад

Thank you so much for this feedback and making my day! I appreciate it and thank you for watching! Have a great day, my friend!

@joniperiu8308 11 месяцев назад

Hi!!!!!!!!!!! I am so spinning with you. My mind is on the move and I'm waiting for it to slowwww down.

@UpsideGoodsCo 10 месяцев назад

It's a merry go round, for sure!

@amrutaparmar1652 11 месяцев назад

i have actually learnt so much from you when i was starting out, that words wil never be enough for how thankful i am for you sharing everything so generously over here, your struggles, your wins, and everything in between. i love the fragrance reviews the most and i always make lists when going through your videos. i love your honesty and goofyiness. i am always swinging between hell yeah i crushed it today to WTF am i doing. hehe. you aint alone. i sometime sthink of giving up, but i just cant either. hehe. thank you for being YOU. I LOVEEEEEE YOU! even though we have never met, i feel like we already know each other for ever. have a kick ass dayyou goofy sassy maker!

@UpsideGoodsCo 10 месяцев назад

This just absolutely made my day. Thank you for this and it makes me dedicating the time that is already limited to this endeavor a lot easier and more worth it! So thank you for sharing this with me! xo

@suzanneh3052 11 месяцев назад

100% yes to all of this. I literally just had this conversation with myself this morning. I made the decision to forego a traditional fall candle line this year and go with fragrances that work all year. Sometimes it’s the best thing one can do is to stop just doing what you always do as a business owner and shake the dice in the cup a bit. Thank you for this video!

@UpsideGoodsCo 10 месяцев назад

You're so welcome! Thanks for watching!

@MereofallTrades 11 месяцев назад

I like all your content which is probably pretty obvious since I watch all your videos and comment on most of them. It's nice to see someone else who is questioning things because the imposter syndrome is alive and well. I enjoy your scent reviews, I really like your business and marketing tips and your behind the scenes.

@UpsideGoodsCo 11 месяцев назад

I appreciate you! We’ve been on this journey for a while, my friend!

@scentyful 11 месяцев назад

I totally agree with the comments from demetrius (below). Took the words right out of my mouth! I'm in the process of getting my candle and soap business off the ground. It's been fun, difficult (wicks, right?!!!) I'm also going to soon be including bath bombs to my line. It took me a while to realize I needed to streamline. I was all over the place in the beginning in 2021. I had way too many jars of various sizes, too many ideas, too much of a hot mess. Now, I'm focusing more - which is hard to do when you are ADD. Your videos make me feel normal and you verbalize a lot of what I'm experiencing and feeling, so you are my "unpaid therapist" at the moment :) I love all of the videos I've watched so far and look forward to many more. Cheers to you with your continued success as well as the rest of us!

@UpsideGoodsCo 11 месяцев назад

You are normal, first and foremost! Make a list, those baddies help me daily even when I want to make them the least! You’ve got this!

@civilizeddiva 13 дней назад

9:15-9:28: Soap making Crafting (e.g., Cricut, reactive toner & hot foil, paper) Pseudo-marketer -graphic designer (no technical skills, just RU-vid😅) Your day-to-day business shares, resources (e.g., Makesy) Learning from an entrepreneur

@PartyPlayParenting 9 месяцев назад

Keep doing you.. we love it.. I started with doing kids' shirts, tutus, mugs and tumblers for 2 years which turned into sewing back packs and jelly vinyl party bags for 6 months then randomly spent a week looking into doing more party things (yes i even started to set up a website) got overwhelmed and stopped im on day 5 of this funk with everything currently on a break

@UpsideGoodsCo 9 месяцев назад

Thanks for sharing!!

@pamelastengel3884 11 месяцев назад

p-ha!!! Litterally just said that, so I decided to take a break and there you were! very odd lol I like watching others on my little down times (breaks) and your energy and transparency is what I enjoy 🙂.However, my mind is like a sponge, so all of the tips, tricks, advice etc is very helpful as well. Thank you!

@UpsideGoodsCo 11 месяцев назад

Oh wow! It was meant to be! I’m glad some of its helpful! Good luck out there and thanks for watching!

@Cuterful2 11 месяцев назад

I learned to love candle making in 2020 and admire you for going out there and starting a successful business. So, I find updates on how your business is doing interesting and love candle scent reviews (especially by candle science) lol

@UpsideGoodsCo 11 месяцев назад

That is awesome! We just made another review video and I was told somethings in the mail from CS 🤫 so I’ve got you covered! Thanks for watching!

@maricris2561 11 месяцев назад

I feel this video is absolutely perfect. I’m about to re launch and seeing how you feel gives me confidence. I’m always questioning why would people buy from me when there’s so many more makers or better products maybe. Thank you for helping me see I’m not the only one that gets confused? Doubts? Not sure what the word would be. I love the videos that help with the business part that helps a lot.

@mikellnielsen237 11 месяцев назад

WTF? is my mantra. Been creating my candle biz for the past 7 months. 4 vessel changes, 3 wick changes, 7 different types of wax, fragrances out the wazoo, 12 different label designs, 6 logo revisions, thousands of dollars spent and numerous other things….I’m about to launch in September. I’m not ready. My website isn’t done as well as other business necessities. So, yeah, WTF am I doing? I would love more details about some of the things you have already chatted about. Maybe more about candle making too? For instance were and are your candles perfect or do you experience sinkholes, sweating, etc.? I’m kind of beat down by these things. I love what I’m doing, but I’m not sure what I’m doing. Lol You and your content are very relatable and inspiring. I’m just out here in candle land, winging it. Am I headed in the right direction? Thanks Ashley…you are so generous with your knowledge and time…I’m very grateful. ❤

@UpsideGoodsCo 11 месяцев назад

Hey there! Yes my friend it sounds like you’re going through it. But it also sounds like you need a good sit down with yourself to make some decisions, put some blinders on and focus on what YOU want for YOUR brand. It’s hard. Stop looking at what others are doing, look at what you want. Remove the pressure of your launch timeline, perfect your craft and the rest will fall into place when you remove the clutter. You’ve got this. Likely everything is right in front of you already! Check out some videos on my channel because there are a handful that should reach out and grab you based on where you are right now! Like are you ready to launch?! You’ve got this! And you’re feeling all the normal things!

@mikellnielsen237 10 месяцев назад

@@UpsideGoodsCo Thanks for that reminder!!! I know it and I get off track sometimes. Feeling calmer now. xo

@snapfires5127 6 месяцев назад

I appreciate that you mentioned on top of the video that you are not sure what you will talk about. Half way through the video I realized I am still not sure what this video is about. I don't feel bad since I was warned. After half way I closed the video, no hard feelings.

@UpsideGoodsCo 4 месяца назад

Sounds like it worked out!

@latricejohnson3210 7 месяцев назад

I was just thinking about you last week. Like, where is she?! Good to see you back.

@UpsideGoodsCo 7 месяцев назад

I’m here!!!

@Yellowrosecandleco 11 месяцев назад

I enjoy all of your content and find it 100% relatable. Just updating everyone on how everything is going is so comforting. I can relate with the wtf am I doing headspace. Do I want to do more markets? No. Do I want to go crazy with wholesale? No. I don’t want to do what everyone else is doing but I still want my business to grow. Lol

@UpsideGoodsCo 10 месяцев назад

And here we are all just spinning on this great big planet in a sea of WTF! haha

@AndreaLambert-bi8jj 11 месяцев назад

I think you are hysterical and love your honesty. I’ve been creating my company and testing for over a year and have made a lot of progress but still struggling to get my website where it needs to be among other things. There’s just so much! We all have to enjoy the journey right? I am going to hit you up with a 30 for 30 one of these days once I get my questions nailed down 😂

@UpsideGoodsCo 10 месяцев назад

Awesome! Thanks for watching!

@dejanzec9286 11 месяцев назад

I love your videos. I started making candles in October, then decided to make my own concrete jars . Got soy wax 464 but this week I switched to Coco 83 for a more luxurious look to my candles. I feel like I’m all over the place and I told everyone I’m kicking off this fall season lol. So now I have so much going on it’s a mess . Literally asked myself wtf this morning while testing new wax and wicks and haven’t even started a business yet . Ugh. So I enjoy watching and would love more videos on how to make things feel more luxe but for regular middle class, Midwest crowd. If that makes sense. If not, wtf lol

@UpsideGoodsCo 11 месяцев назад

Oh a last minute switcheroo! I’m familiar! Yeah testing is brutal and disclaimer, it never stops! You’ve got this though. Great suggestion on the making things feel more while on a budget, if you will. I’ll mull that over. Deep breaths!

@hilaryquinn8673 11 месяцев назад

I’m always questioning! I make candles, soaps and bath and body products. I know I make too many products and wonder how it would be just to make one or two. Lol. Great video!

@UpsideGoodsCo 11 месяцев назад

It's a merry go round of questions and doubt! I'm hoping to get off soon :)

@Sweetescapessoapery 11 месяцев назад

Hi! I’m a soap maker and a recent subscriber- followed for small business talk and just hot-mess vibe haha that’s me 😊

@UpsideGoodsCo 10 месяцев назад

Yay! I'm glad you're here!

@mysticalfusions 11 месяцев назад

I am so with you! I am a candle maker. I own Mystical Fusions and I to see the ups and downs and question the what is next, how can I make myself shine in this market. I have pin pointed my weakest link would definitely be marketing/social media. I am a product of my Gen X up bringing and that shit be hard for me. 🤷🏻‍♀️🤣 UGH!!

@UpsideGoodsCo 10 месяцев назад

It's rough out there! I hope you are seeing some light though! Good luck!

@treefortnaturals4738 11 месяцев назад

Good chat!

@UpsideGoodsCo 10 месяцев назад

Thanks!

@cbpapp 11 месяцев назад

Ashley, I want to be where you are. Every time you post a new video I know I absolutely will watch it! I’m sweating it out trying to launch, hell, I don’t know, in September!?! You and your thoughts are NOT alone! You may have already posted this topic, can’t remember? Do you physically take your orders to the post office or do they pick them up from you? I have a shop on Shopify I’ve been paying for for months! I become paralyzed with fear, then I think, “Hey, you got this!” It’s a ping pong world and we’re ALL the ball! Will my candles sell or is the market too saturated?! I do manage to catch myself before I spin out into the Universe. I love your videos, on the fly, or in “your space” which feels very chill to me, it’s calming, I can’t explain why, it just is. I think I just typed a whole lotta shit and asked nothing that would be helpful to you? But, I do know one thing…..I love your happy smile and upbeat attitude! You give me hope that I can be where you are with your candle business, at a point in the future. Thank you for this video! It WAS helpful to know you question your choices as much as I do, so Thank You! Much love to you and your fam! 🙏🏻❤️🕊

@UpsideGoodsCo 10 месяцев назад

Thanks for watching!!

@enlightentheoccasion 11 месяцев назад

I'm here for all of it. Love your realness! Definitely been feeling the wtf moment in my business too! All the hats we wear is so crazy sometimes! My business sells more of one thing than the other. I sell about 90% color tip matches and about 10% candles. I love listening to your videos while packing orders ❤😂😊

@UpsideGoodsCo 11 месяцев назад

You sell matches?! How cool is that? I feel like those are hard to find that aren’t in a jar already branded or decently priced in bulk. Do you sell bulk? I’m so glad you’re here! Thanks for watching.

@enlightentheoccasion 11 месяцев назад

@UpsideGoodsCo 🤩 yes!!! We can do white label, private label, and no label. We have several different sizes too!

@joniperiu8308 11 месяцев назад

Love matches. Awesome that you sell them I still carry matches in my purse/bag. Habbit since the 70s.

@enlightentheoccasion 11 месяцев назад

@joniperiu8308 that is so cool! Do you typically carry a matchbox?

@joniperiu8308 11 месяцев назад

@@enlightentheoccasion yes I do

@cetriyasArtnComicsChannel 11 месяцев назад

Im just starting out so im definitely all over the place

@UpsideGoodsCo 11 месяцев назад

Oh yes! That’s the hardest part for sure. It will shake out and then you’ll just have other bills to climb but it’s worth it!

@candlesbyty 11 месяцев назад

Relatable! I’m currently changing so much and talking with a friend who majored in business so they’re advising me and it’s a lot! If you don’t mind me asking, what are your requirements when choosing fragrances? Does it have to check the phthalate free and prop 65 free box for you to try it? I’ve always went that way but lately I see all these good phthalate free but not prop 65 scents that I wish I could explore!

@UpsideGoodsCo 10 месяцев назад

They have to be phthalate free for sure, if they check boxes more than that, I'm happy to pay more but that's the big one for my business.

@emilystallings4629 11 месяцев назад

Feel this way a lot of days. Then I go into Why couldn’t I be a normal person and work a 9-5 job without getting burned out? Why do I feel driven to do this particular work and not, say, sell real estate or PartyLite candles (hahaha!) instead of doing everything from scratch - making, testing, packaging, advertising, selling, web design, tracking…it’s like having another baby the amount of work I do. And that’s when I go, ah ha. It is my baby, it’s a total labor of love. And the creating, the nurturing, the growing, the tantrums, the complete devotion and time requirements-it becomes a life of its own that I helped create. And I’m so proud!! Wow, that went pretty deep. I was just going to give the video a thumbs up and call it good. So Thanks for the therapy session today!! 😂

@UpsideGoodsCo 11 месяцев назад

Oh the tantrums! Both internal and external. Yes, I feel this sentiment to my core! I’m glad you shared a bit more than a thumbs up! Deep breaths and thanks for being here!

@yvettescreativelab1341 11 месяцев назад

I like your hair ! That’s why I watch .. jk 😆.. not the only reason … you seem like a very quality / quantity type of person .. and in the candle biz .. there is an overwhelmingly number of candle supply companies to choose from .. and I like your honest review on quality products

@UpsideGoodsCo 11 месяцев назад

I appreciate that! 🤣 thanks so much for being here!

@lovefrommichigancandlesand5813 11 месяцев назад

There is not enough time in the day to get everything done. I am considering adding a delivery fee to my local customers to save them and me shipping. I am just not sure about them picking up at my house. There are weirdos in the world and it could possibly open the door for them to think it's ok to show up at my house randomly. Ashley can you go more in-depth on how you manage local orders?

@UpsideGoodsCo 11 месяцев назад

Amen on the time in the day. Girl, I had people at my house, my shop, it didn't matter. Definitely weirdos in the world but if anyone wanted to find my address, they could. They didn't need to buy a $40 candle to do it :)

@amyduda24 11 месяцев назад

For me, I want to change the business name. That's where I am today. I think it's holding me back from growing my current candle biz knowing I want to rebrand. And kicking myself in the butt for using the new name originally or took the time to consider the company name. Ugh

@UpsideGoodsCo 11 месяцев назад

No need to kick yourself. That only slows things down and you are needed for the next step! You’ve got this! It’s all a part of the process so remember that!