You’ve got the creativity, the passion, and the dream to start your own candle business. Feels exciting, right? But growing a candle brand takes more than just great scents and beautiful designs.
You’ll require a clear plan that helps you find your customers, price your products right, manage supplies, and build a business that keeps growing.
Wondering how to draft one?
No worries! This candle making business plan sample is here to help you.
Candle Making Business Plan Sample
Let’s take a look at the Velmora Candles business plan sample to better understand the important details and key sections you need to include in your own plan.
1. Executive Summary
Velmora Candles is a small artisan candle studio based in Asheville, North Carolina. We create handcrafted soy wax candles using pure essential oils and eco-friendly materials. Our candles are made to bring calm, comfort, and a peaceful feeling to everyday life.
We sell our products online, at local craft markets, and through boutique partnerships. Our focus is on offering beautifully designed, sustainable candles for customers who care about quality, wellness, and the environment.
Mission Statement
We aim to bring calm, creativity, and conscious living into people's homes by crafting high-quality, sustainable candles that inspire meaningful moments.
Products and Services
At Velmora Candles, we offer a variety of products and services to create special experiences for our customers. Our main offerings are:
- A signature candle line is available year-round with carefully crafted scents.
- Limited edition seasonal scents are inspired by the beauty of each season.
- Gift sets and bundles are perfect for holidays, weddings, and special occasions.
In addition to that, our services include:
- Subscription plans that deliver new candles to customers each month
- Custom packaging and labeling for corporate or bulk gifting.
- Wholesale supply options for boutique stores and wellness spaces.
Target Market
We proudly serve a wide range of customers, including:
- Eco-conscious shoppers who look for sustainable home products.
- Home decor lovers want beautiful, minimalist designs.
- Wellness enthusiasts, like yoga lovers and meditation practitioners.
Marketing Strategy
We plan to connect with our customers through:
- A beautifully designed eCommerce website optimized for SEO and easy shopping.
- Active social media marketing on Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok, showcasing our candles, brand story, and behind-the-scenes content.
- Building relationships with businesses for custom gifting partnerships.
Financial Highlights
Velmora Candles is seeking $70,000 in funding to upgrade equipment, expand product inventory, create custom packaging, build a professional eCommerce website, and support marketing efforts.
Our financial projections show steady growth within the first three years as we build brand awareness, increase direct-to-consumer sales, and grow our wholesale partnerships.
| Category | Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Revenue | $320,000 | $480,000 | $680,000 |
| Cost of Goods Sold (COGS) | $128,000 | $192,000 | $272,000 |
| Gross Profit | $192,000 | $288,000 | $408,000 |
| Net Profit | $38,400 | $60,000 | $104,000 |
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2. Company Analysis
Velmora Candles is a small candle business in Asheville, North Carolina. We specialize in handcrafted soy wax candles infused with real essential oils. Our candles are simple, clean, and made to make people feel good at home. We sell our candles online, at local craft fairs, and in small shops. We care a lot about using safe ingredients and taking care of the environment.
Vision Statement
We want Velmora Candles to be a brand that people across the country love, a brand that feels real, cares about the earth, and helps people make their homes calm and cozy.
Core Values
Our core values show what matters most to us and guide how we make every candle:
- Sustainability: We try to use materials that are good for the environment.
- Quality: We put care and attention into every candle we make.
- Customer care: We want every customer to feel happy and proud to have our candles in their home.
Business Model
We are set up as an LLC (Limited Liability Company). We make money by selling candles through our website, at craft shows, and in boutique shops. We also make custom candles for weddings, gifts, and businesses that want something special.
Background History
Velmora Candles started because our founder, Harper Winslow, loved candles but couldn’t find ones that felt safe, natural, and well-made.
Harper wanted better candles—ones that smell amazing, look beautiful, and don’t harm the environment. So, she started making her own, one small batch at a time. That’s how Velmora began.
Growth Potential
More people want natural, handmade candles now. They care about what they bring into their homes. We believe Velmora Candles can grow by offering great products that people trust and love.
3. Products and Services
At Velmora Candles, we offer a special collection of handmade candle products and custom services made to brighten everyday life, special events, and business gifting. Here’s a list of our main products and services:
| Product/Service | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Signature Candle Line | Year-round collection of soy wax candles infused with pure essential oils in minimalist designs. | $28–$38 per candle |
| Limited Edition Seasonal Scents | Small-batch seasonal candles inspired by nature and changing moods, available for a limited time. | $32–$42 per candle |
| Custom Candle Services | Personalized candle creation for weddings, events, and corporate branding with custom packaging. | Starting at $250 per order |
| Monthly Subscription Boxes | Curated monthly delivery of seasonal and exclusive candle scents. | $45 per month |
| Gift Sets and Bundles | Pre-arranged themed sets ideal for holidays, birthdays, weddings, and corporate gifting. | $55–$120 per set |
| Wholesale Supply for Retailers | Exclusive artisan candle collections available to boutiques, spas, and lifestyle retailers. | Custom pricing based on volume |
| Corporate Gifting Solutions | Beepoke candle packages tailored for businesses seeking premium eco-friendly gifts. | Starting at $500 per package |
Our products and services are made to meet the needs of eco-friendly shoppers, home decor lovers, gift buyers, and boutique stores, all while keeping the best quality and beautiful design.
4. Market Research
The candle business is growing fast as more people look for candles made from good ingredients and careful craftsmanship, and the demand continues to rise. In the U.S., it’s expected to reach $2.43bn by 2025, with steady growth over the next few years.
So, this is the perfect time for Velmora Candles to grow. People want products that not only look nice but are also good for the environment.
Asheville, North Carolina, is a great place to run this kind of business. The local community loves handmade products, cares about nature, and enjoys supporting local businesses.
Target Market
Velmora Candles is made for people who want more than just a candle—they want something beautiful, meaningful, and eco-friendly.
Our customers are:
- Eco-conscious shoppers: People who care about the planet and choose sustainable products.
- Home decor lovers: Those who enjoy decorating their homes and making them feel warm and stylish.
- Wellness and self-care seekers: People who use candles for yoga, meditation, or just to relax after a busy day.
- Gift buyers: Shoppers looking for thoughtful gifts for birthdays, weddings, holidays, or special events.
- Boutique owners: Stores that want to offer their customers high-quality, handmade candles.
- Corporate clients: Businesses that want custom candles as gifts for their employees, clients, or events.
Market Trends
Here are some trends that are helping businesses like Velmora Candles grow:
- People want candles made with soy wax, natural oils, and no strong chemicals.
- Eco-friendly packaging matters. Customers like recyclable and reusable options.
- Candles are popular gifts for birthdays, holidays, or just to brighten someone’s day.
- Many people light candles to relax, meditate, or make their home feel cozy.
- More shopping happens online now, so a good website helps customers find and buy easily.
5. Competitive Analysis
Velmora Candles operates in a vibrant and competitive artisan candle market, where both small-batch artisans and larger lifestyle brands cater to eco-conscious and design-oriented consumers.
Below is an analysis of our key competitors:
Key Competitors
1. P.F. Candle Co.
A well-established brand known for its minimalist aesthetic and fragrance-forward approach to soy candles.
Strengths
- Strong brand recognition and loyal customer base.
- Extensive retail presence both online and through national retailers.
- Consistent product quality and attractive, unisex scent profiles.
Weaknesses
- Limited customization options for personal events or corporate gifting.
- Brand saturation may deter customers seeking niche or exclusive products.
- Higher prices in certain markets compared to newer artisan brands.
2. Brooklyn Candle Studio
An eco-luxe candle brand emphasizing sustainability and sophisticated design.
Strengths
- Elegant, upscale branding with a focus on natural materials.
- Strong social media presence and influencer collaborations.
- Offers a mix of core and seasonal, limited-edition collections.
Weaknesses
- Less focus on personalization or private label collaborations.
- Premium pricing may limit accessibility to mid-range buyers.
- Limited experiential marketing or community engagement initiatives.
3. Homesick Candles
A niche brand specializing in location- and memory-themed candles that evoke specific places and feelings.
Strengths
- Unique emotional branding is linked to memories and nostalgia.
- Popular for gifting occasions like graduations, weddings, and relocations.
- Wide distribution through major retailers like Nordstrom and Amazon.
Weaknesses
- Relatively narrow scent design focused on themed experiences rather than broader lifestyle appeal.
- Heavy reliance on novelty value may limit repeat purchasing once the theme connection is exhausted.
- Larger-scale production may reduce the "handcrafted" feel for some buyers.
Competitive Advantages
Velmora Candles differentiates itself in the crowded market through the following key advantages:
- Customization and personalization: Offering personalized candles for weddings, businesses, and events, with custom scent blends and label designs.
- Sustainability commitment: Using only soy wax, lead-free cotton wicks, and pure essential oils to appeal to eco-conscious buyers.
- Emotional resonance: Carefully crafted scent profiles designed to connect with moods and memories, not just thematic locations.
SWOT Analysis
6. Marketing and Sales Strategies
At Velmora Candles, we’ll connect with customers using a mix of online and community-driven strategies through which trust building, meaningful relationships, and an easier shopping experience can be formed.
Marketing Strategy
User-friendly website
We’ll create an easy-to-use website where customers can order candles and schedule local deliveries, making shopping convenient for busy buyers.
Social media platforms
We’re going to share pictures of our candles and interact with customers on Instagram and TikTok. Also, post useful home decor tips, product features, customer experiences, and behind-the-scenes moments.
Email campaigns
We’ll keep customers updated with regular email newsletters. These will include product recommendations, exclusive discounts, event announcements, and helpful candle care advice.
Sales Strategy
In-store experience
Our store will be designed to create a warm and welcoming shopping experience. We’ll offer personalized recommendations to help customers find the right candles for their needs.
Workshops and events
Hosting candle-making workshops and local craft events will educate our customers, but it’ll also make them want to come back to our store and connect more with our brand.
7. Management Team
Velmora Candles has a team of people who love what they do. They work hard to make great candles, grow the brand, and keep everything running well. Everyone on the team has important skills that help the business get bigger and better.
Key Managers
Harper Winslow (CEO and Owner)
Harper started Velmora Candles. She leads the business, works on new ideas, builds the brand, and plans how to grow. She cares a lot about the environment and wellness, which shapes everything the company does.
Evan Treadwell (COO, Operations Manager)
Evan takes care of the daily work, like making sure candles get made, supplies are ordered, and orders go out on time. He keeps things organized and running smoothly.
Layla Monroe (CFO, Chief Financial Officer)
Layla looks after the company’s money. She handles the budget, checks the numbers, makes reports, and ensures the business follows all the financial rules. She helps keep the business strong and ready to grow.
Organization Chart
8. Operations Plan
At Velmora Candles, our mission is to deliver premium, eco-conscious candles while ensuring that our operations remain smooth, efficient, and customer-focused.
Production Process
At Velmora Candles, we start by getting eco-friendly materials ready, like soy wax, pure essential oils, and natural wicks.
We measure, mix, pour by hand, and let the candles dry fully. After they set, we check each batch to make sure the candles look good, smell nice, and work well when lit.
We make small batches to keep everything high quality and consistent. When they pass all checks, we pack them in eco-friendly boxes with our brand on them.
Staff Training and Development
We are committed to continuous skill development for our production and operations team. Staff members are trained regularly on:
- Proper handling and blending of raw materials.
- Advanced pouring techniques for small-batch candle production.
- Safety procedures for working with wax, fragrance oils, and heat equipment.
- Quality control standards to uphold the Velmora brand promise.
We keep learning by joining workshops and online classes about the latest market trends, new candle-making techniques, and ways to stay eco-friendly in the candle world.
Equipment or Tools Used
At Velmora Candles, we use good-quality tools like wax melters, thermometers, custom molds, and safety gear. These tools help us make candles in a smooth, safe, and reliable way. We also check and take care of our tools regularly to make sure everything works properly and stays in good shape.
Inventory Management
We keep track of all our materials, like wax, oils, wicks, and packaging supplies. Our system helps us know when we are running low, so we can order more on time and avoid any delays in making candles. This way, we can always keep production moving without any problems.
9. Financial Plan
Velmora's financial plan shows how we expect to make profits, manage cash, and grow steadily over the first three years. It gives a clear path for how we plan to succeed and keep the business strong.
Profit and Loss Statement
The profit and loss statement shows what we expect to earn, what we expect to spend, and how much profit we hope to make. It gives a simple and clear view of how Velmora Candles plans to grow.
| Category | Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue | $320,000 | $480,000 | $680,000 |
| Cost of Goods Sold (COGS) | $128,000 (40%) | $192,000 (40%) | $272,000 (40%) |
| Gross Profit | $192,000 | $288,000 | $408,000 |
| Operating Expenses: | |||
| - Salaries and Wages | $60,000 | $90,000 | $120,000 |
| - Marketing Costs | $40,000 | $55,000 | $70,000 |
| - Packaging and Supplies | $20,000 | $30,000 | $40,000 |
| - Office and Studio Expenses | $12,000 | $18,000 | $22,000 |
| - Miscellaneous Expenses | $8,000 | $12,000 | $18,000 |
| Total Operating Expenses | $140,000 | $205,000 | $270,000 |
| Operating Profit | $52,000 | $83,000 | $138,000 |
| Interest Expense | $4,000 | $8,000 | $8,000 |
| Taxes (Estimated at 20%) | $9,600 | $15,000 | $26,000 |
| Net Profit | $38,400 | $60,000 | $104,000 |
| Net Profit Margin (%) | 12.0% | 12.5% | 15.3% |
Cash Flow Statement
The cash flow statement highlights cash inflows and outflows, ensuring that Velmora Candles maintains healthy liquidity throughout its initial growth years.
| Category | Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cash Inflows: | |||
| - Customer Payments | $320,000 | $480,000 | $680,000 |
| - Loan or Funding Proceeds | $70,000 | $50 | $50 |
| Total Cash Inflows | $390,000 | $480,000 | $680,000 |
| Cash Outflows: | |||
| - Operating Expenses | $140,000 | $205,000 | $270,000 |
| - Marketing Campaigns | $40,000 | $55,000 | $70,000 |
| - Equipment Purchases | $20,000 | $5,000 | $5,000 |
| - Loan Repayment | $10,000 | $15,000 | $15,000 |
| Total Cash Outflows | $210,000 | $280,000 | $360,000 |
| Net Cash Flow | $180,000 | $200,000 | $320,000 |
| Ending Cash Balance | $180,000 | $380,000 | $700,000 |
Balance Sheet
The balance sheet captures Velmora Candles’ financial position, reflecting its stability and capacity for future expansion.
| Category | Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assets: | |||
| - Cash and Cash Equivalents | $180,000 | $380,000 | $700,000 |
| - Accounts Receivable | $20,000 | $30,000 | $45,000 |
| - Equipment (Net of Depreciation) | $30,000 | $25,000 | $20,000 |
| - Inventory | $25,000 | $35,000 | $50,000 |
| Total Assets | $255,000 | $470,000 | $815,000 |
| Liabilities: | |||
| - Loan Payable | $60,000 | $45,000 | $30,000 |
| - Accounts Payable | $15,000 | $20,000 | $25,000 |
| Total Liabilities | $75,000 | $65,000 | $55,000 |
| Equity: | |||
| - Retained Earnings | $180,000 | $405,000 | $760,000 |
| Total Equity | $180,000 | $405,000 | $760,000 |
| Total Liabilities and Equity | $255,000 | $470,000 | $815,000 |
Funding Request
Velmora Candles is seeking $70,000 to invest in critical business areas that will drive production capacity, marketing reach, and brand establishment. Here’s a detailed breakdown of how we’ll use those funds:
| Category | Amount (USD) |
|---|---|
| Production Equipment | $15,000 |
| Product Inventory Expansion | $12,000 |
| Custom Packaging Design | $8,000 |
| eCommerce Website Development | $10,000 |
| Wholesale Partnership Development | $7,000 |
| Targeted Advertising Campaigns | $12,000 |
| Operational Buffer | $6,000 |
| Total Funding Requested | $70,000 |
Download a Free Candle Making Business Plan Template
Are you ready to kickstart your candle-making business plan writing? But need help with that? Well, look no further! Here’s our candle-making business plan template PDF to get started.
This investor-ready template has been crafted specifically for candle-making businesses. It comes with step-by-step instructions and practical examples to help you draft a solid plan that covers all the essential elements.
Conclusion
Now that you have a clear understanding of all the key sections of a candle-making business plan and how to structure them, creating a detailed plan should feel much more manageable.
However, if you still have any doubts regarding the details or need additional help to draft your plan, consider using our AI business plan creator, Bizplanr. It can help you make the planning process much faster and easier.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do I really need a business plan for candle making startup?
Yes, having a business plan is essential for your candle making startup. It helps define your goals, product offerings, pricing, marketing strategies, and customer analysis. A solid plan is also useful if you need to apply for funding or partnerships. Most importantly, it keeps you on track and helps your business grow in a smart, sustainable way.
What strategies should I consider when promoting my candle business?
You should consider using social media marketing to share beautiful images of your candles and connect with potential customers. Participate in local markets and events to reach your community and build brand awareness. Additionally, offer promotional deals or discounts to attract first-time buyers and encourage repeat sales.
Where do I get a free candle business plan example (PDF)?
You can find a variety of candle business plan templates and downloadable PDFs on platforms like Upmetrics, LivePlan, Bplans, and SCORE. These resources offer free examples to help guide you in creating your own business plan.
Why conduct a competitive analysis for my candle making business?
Here are a few reasons why you should conduct a competitive analysis:
- To better understand market trends
- To identify competitor strengths and weaknesses
- To map out your pricing strategy
- To find ways to stand out
- To make better marketing decisions
How often should I review and update my candle business plan?
You should review and update your candle business plan regularly, ideally once a year, to reflect changes in financials, market trends, and business progress. Additionally, revise it whenever there are major changes, such as introducing new products, adjusting pricing, or changing your marketing strategies.
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