You've mastered your candle-making craft and launched a successful business––well done, you! But what's next on your entrepreneurial journey? Have you ever considered teaching and sharing your skills? 

Candle making classes are a fantastic way to expand your brand's reach. After the pandemic, there was a surge in crafting hobbies, with people eager to learn and create with their hands. This resurgence makes it a prime time to tap into the trend, drawing in those looking to light up their creativity with candle making. 

Hosting your own candle making class might seem a bit nerve-wracking at first, but don't worry––we're here to illuminate the process for you. From planning to execution, this blog will walk you through the essential steps to make your class not just a success, but an unforgettable experience for your participants. 

Whether it's sharing your passion, building a community or adding an extra revenue stream, candle making classes offer a unique opportunity. So, let's get started on turning your candle craft into an engaging, educational, and fun class that lights up your business in new ways.

Why host candle making classes?

You might be thinking: “hosting candle making classes sounds like a fun idea, but what's in it for me?” Turns out, quite a lot. Let's break down the perks:

✔ Builds a candle-loving community

Imagine this: a cosy space filled with people who are as candle-crazy as you. Hosting a class is more than just teaching; it’s about building a community around your brand. It's the place where connections spark and your brand becomes a beloved gathering spot. In other words, you’re creating a space where like-minded people can bond over a shared passion.

✔ Puts your brand in the spotlight

Every class you host puts you and your brand in the limelight. It's your chance to showcase what makes your candles special. Plus, in the age of social media, expect your attendees to share their experiences online, naturally boosting your brand’s visibility. It's authentic, word-of-mouth marketing at its best.

✔ Creates brand champions

Teaching someone to make a candle creates a unique, personal connection. Your attendees aren’t just learning a skill; they’re getting to know you and your brand. This connection often turns them into some of your most loyal and dedicated customers who'll rave about your products to anyone who’ll listen.

✔ Diversifies your income

Here’s the practical bit: candle making classes can be a sweet addition to your income. And as we’ve established, it’s not just the class fees; hosting classes often leads to an increase in product sales. It’s a smart way to diversify how your business earns and keep the cash flowing.

How to plan your candle making classes

So, having heard about some of the benefits for your brand, you're ready to give candle making classes a try. That’s great! But where do you start? Planning is key to making sure your class is not just entertaining for your attendees, but also informative and smoothly run. 

Here's your step-by-step guide to getting it all sorted:

Step 1: Scout the perfect venue

First things first, find your stage. Whether it's your cosy workshop, a local community centre, or a trendy local café, pick a venue that's inviting and spacious enough for crafting. Think about the vibe––you want a place that sparks creativity and allows easy interaction.

Step 2: Gather your toolkit

Now, the essentials. You’ll need wax, wicks, fragrances, containers and, of course, melting pots. Don’t forget the extras like thermometers, stirrers and safety labels. Make a comprehensive list to ensure you've got everything covered. Bonus points for including unique add-ons like custom labels or decorative accents to give attendees a full candle making experience.

Step 3: Determine your class size

Keep it intimate. A smaller class size ensures personal interaction and hands-on support. This also makes it easier for you to manage and gives each participant enough room to work comfortably. Remember, quality over quantity makes for a memorable learning experience.

Step 4: Set the right price

Now, let’s talk money. Your pricing should reflect the value of the experience, covering your costs while being accessible to your target market. Check out what similar workshops charge, but don’t undersell yourself––you’re offering a unique skill, and that’s worth a fair price.

Step 5: Structure your class

Planning is key, and this includes deciding whether you’ll offer a single session or a series of classes. If you’re aiming to build up your attendees' skills progressively, consider a series that starts with the basics and gradually introduces more advanced techniques. 

Plan each session with a specific focus––maybe start with basic candle making in the first class, then move on to scent blending, and later to decorative techniques, and if you’re feeling bold, sculpted candle making. 

A well-structured series not only keeps your participants engaged over a longer period but also gives them a more comprehensive learning experience. Remember, a well-planned curriculum is the backbone of successful teaching, and it shows your commitment to providing value at every step.

Step 6: Get insured and emphasise safety

Before you start, ensure you have the right insurance in place. This protects you and your attendees in case of any mishaps. Additionally, make candle safety a key part of your curriculum. Teach the best practices for handling hot wax, managing flames and what to do in case of an emergency. Safety is an integral part of responsible candle making, so it’s really important to not skip this step!

How to market your candle making classes

Now that you’ve got your candle making classes planned out, it’s time to fill those seats! Marketing is where the magic of communication meets the charm of your craft. Here's how to get the word out and make sure your candle making classes get the publicity they need for a successful launch. 

Marketing Angle	Description	Tips
Social Media Buzz	Utilise platforms like Instagram and Facebook to create excitement around your classes.	Post engaging content, behind-the-scenes sneak peeks, and testimonials from past classes.
Email Marketing	Send out newsletters to your existing customer base with all the juicy details about your upcoming classes.	Include attractive images, class details, and a clear call-to-action.
Collaborations & Partnerships	Partner with local businesses or influencers to broaden your reach.	Team up with craft stores, cafes, or local influencers who share a similar audience.
Word-of-Mouth & Referrals	Encourage your current customers and friends to spread the word.	Offer incentives for referrals, like discounts on future purchases.
Community Engagement	Get involved in local events, craft fairs, or workshops to promote your classes.	Set up a booth or conduct a mini-demo class to give a taste of what you offer.
Targeted Advertising	Use paid advertising on social media or Google to target specific demographics interested in crafting and candle making.	Focus on targeting based on interests, location, and age groups.
SEO & Content Marketing	Create blog content related to candle making to attract organic traffic to your website.	Write about candle making tips, trends, and tutorials to boost your site’s search ranking.

Create a buzz with social media

Your social media channels are your best friends here. Share posts and stories that showcase what your class offers––think fun candle making sessions, happy faces and beautiful end products. Use relevant hashtags, run live Q&A sessions and maybe even share a few teasers of what attendees can learn.

Leverage email campaigns

If you've got a mailing list, it's time to put it to good use. Craft compelling emails that detail what your class is about, the value it offers, and how they can sign up. Make it visually appealing and hard to resist.

Engage with your community

Nothing beats the good old word-of-mouth marketing. Engage with your local community, participate in events, and maybe even offer a free workshop to spark interest. It’s about creating a presence and a buzz around your brand.

Offer incentives

Who doesn't love a good deal? Offer early bird discounts, bundle deals for multiple classes, or special rates for returning students. This not only encourages sign-ups but also builds loyalty. 

Marketing your candle making classes might seem daunting at first, but with the right strategies and a bit of creativity, you’ll soon see your classes filling up. Remember, it’s about showcasing the bespoke, hands-on experience you offer and connecting with your audience in a way that resonates with them.

How to deliver your candle making classes

Now comes the exciting part––delivering your class! A well-executed class can turn first-time attendees into long-term students (and loyal customers). Here’s how to make sure your candle making class is as enjoyable to attend as it is for you to teach. 

Beginning: Setting the stage

Start by setting a welcoming and relaxed tone. As your students arrive, greet them warmly and perhaps offer a brief introduction to candle making. This can include a bit of history, the basics of candle making, and what they can expect to learn throughout your candle making classes.

Sample schedule:

• 0-10 mins: Welcome and introductions. Let attendees introduce themselves.
• 10-20 mins: Brief overview of candle making, including its history and importance.
• 20-30 mins: Discuss the day’s agenda and what they’ll be creating.

Middle: Engaging and educating

The middle of the class is where the hands-on magic happens. This is your chance to demonstrate techniques while allowing your students to try them out themselves. Be approachable and ready to assist, but also give them space to explore.

Sample schedule:

• 30-60 mins: Demonstration of basic candle making steps–melting wax, adding fragrances, etc.
• 60-120 mins: Attendees start making their candles, with you walking around the stations, providing hands-on guidance and answering questions.
• 120-150 mins: While candles set, discuss different types of waxes, scents, and their properties.

End: Wrapping up

End the class on a high note. Allow time for attendees to show off their creations, and perhaps share what they enjoyed or found challenging. Offer them tips for future candle making projects and encourage them to continue practising the craft.

Sample schedule:

• 150-170 mins: Attendees showcase their candles. Group discussions about the experience.
• 170-180 mins: Provide final tips, answer any remaining questions, and thank attendees for coming. 

Post-class engagement and feedback

After the class, keep the flame burning by engaging with your attendees. A follow-up email thanking them for their participation goes a long way in building lasting relationships. Encourage them to share their experience on social media or with friends, as word-of-mouth can be a powerful tool. 

Additionally, seek their feedback––what they loved, what could be improved, and ideas for future classes. This not only shows that you value their opinion but also helps you refine your teaching methods and class content, ensuring each class you host is better than the last.

Ready to share your skills and spotlight your brand?

So there you have it, candle connoisseurs––a comprehensive guide on transforming your passion into a masterclass in candle making. We’ve established that it’s more than melting wax and wicks; it’s about creating a vibe, a space where people come to learn and leave as part of your candle-loving community. 

Each class is your stage, and you’re the star, sharing your candle wisdom and making everyone’s day a bit brighter. Hosting a class is like throwing a candle party, and guess what? You’re the host with the most. So, go on, embrace this new adventure with all the enthusiasm of a kid in a candy (or candle) store. 

Your know-how and passion are the secret sauce to a class that’s as fun as it is informative. Light that candle-making fire in others and watch your brand glow!