From Candle Making to College Savings: My Journey of Starting a Business at 9

Starting a business at a young age may seem overwhelming, but for me, it was an exciting adventure. At just nine years old, I discovered my entrepreneurial spirit through a simple hobby: making homemade candles. What began as a fun project on a rainy afternoon turned into a successful business that helped me save for my college education. In this blog post, I’ll share my story, the challenges I faced, and the valuable lessons I learned along the way.

The Spark of Inspiration

My journey started when my dad bought me a candle-making kit to do at home. I had always loved different arts and crafts, so I decided to give it a try. As I melted the wax, adding my favorite fragrances, I felt a sense of accomplishment. The first candle I crafted looked beautiful, and that moment sparked an idea: what if I could turn this hobby into a way to save for college?

The Business Plan

With my newfound passion ignited, I knew I needed a plan. I researched candle-making techniques, learning about various wax types, wicks, and scents. For instance, I discovered that soy wax burns cleaner and lasts longer than traditional paraffin wax. I set a financial goal for myself: to save enough for my first year of college by the time I graduated high school. To make this happen, I needed to sell my candles. I created a straightforward business plan covering pricing, marketing strategies, and a budget for supplies.

Setting Up Shop

Once I had my plan in place, it was time to set up shop. With help from my parents, I transformed a corner of our kitchen into a mini candle-making studio, filled with supplies and vibrant colors. I started by making candles for family and friends, who provided great feedback and support. Their encouragement pushed me to take the plunge into local craft fairs and farmers' markets.

I vividly remember my first craft fair. Nervous yet excited, I set up a small table featuring colorful candles, each labeled with their scent. To my amazement, I sold dozens of candles within just a few hours. I made $350 that day alone, and it filled me with pride, knowing my hard work was recognized.

Overcoming Challenges

Although my candle-making business took off, challenges were inevitable. Balancing school and my business was tough. I faced weeks of state testing and homework while I struggled to figure out how to manage my inventory. To overcome this, I learned the importance of time management. By creating a schedule to allocate specific hours to my candle-making while still focusing on schoolwork, I became more organized. This experience taught me skills that remain invaluable today.

Marketing My Candles

With my business gaining traction, I realized it was essential to market my candles effectively. I began by designing colorful flyers and business cards that I distributed at local events. Additionally, word of mouth was crucial to my success. Friends and family shared their experiences, which helped me establish a loyal customer base.

To reach a wider audience, I created a simple website where customers could place orders. I actively utilized local community groups on social media, which expanded my reach and generated more sales. While I am still struggling to get the word out, learning about impactful marketing has been instrumental in advertising my candles.

The Financial Aspect

One of the most rewarding elements of my journey was watching my savings grow. I meticulously tracked every sale and expense, which helped me grasp the financial side of running a business. Opening a savings account dedicated solely to my college fund was a significant step. I'm also dedicated to giving back to my community. For every sale I make, I donate 10% to my church and I participate in charitable donation drives whenever possible. I am still working to recoup my initial investment, but I am proud of every dollar I have earned!

Lessons Learned

Throughout this journey, I learned several key lessons that are beneficial for anyone considering starting a business:

1. Passion Drives Success: Choose something you love. My passion for candle making fueled my motivation and creativity.

   
   

2. Planning is Essential: A viable business plan serves as a roadmap. It helps you stay on course as you grow.

   
   

3. Manage Your Time Wisely: Balancing studies and entrepreneurship can be challenging, so effective time management is essential.

   
   

4. Adaptability is Crucial: Challenges are part of the process. Being adaptable and problem-solving are essential skills in entrepreneurship.

   
   

5. Celebrate Every Success: Whether it is a sale, positive feedback, or growth milestone, each success should be celebrated to maintain motivation.

   
   

Looking Ahead

As I prepare for college, I am proud of what I am accomplishing through my candle-making business. Not only have I started to save for my education, but I have also gained skills and experiences that will serve me well in the future.

I plan to keep my candle business running while pursuing my studies. The lessons I have learned will continue to benefit me in college and beyond.

Reflecting on My Journey

Starting a business at nine years old has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. From candle making to college savings, my entrepreneurial journey taught me the importance of passion, perseverance, and planning.

If you have a dream or hobby that excites you, don’t hesitate to explore it further. You may be surprised by the opportunities it brings your way!