Key Points
- The Abundo couple signed up for a candle making class in a bid to bring in some relaxation and calm into their home during the stressful pandemic period.
- Setting up the business cost upwards of $500. This excludes waste expense due to their recurring mistakes while mastering their candle formulation.
- They offered wax melts and diffusers first because production process was straight forward. On the side, they were secretly trying to perfect the formulation of their candles.
'May PERAan' is SBS Filipino's podcast series which features practical, creative and effective ways to earn money.
The candle industry sparks a steady following with revenues amounting to US$ 81.87 million in Australia in 2023, according to Statista. Luckily, it didn’t take long for couple Jess and Dan Abundo, who are both registered nurses to learn this.
JobKeeper subsidy helped in setting up the candle business
With some savings from the JobKeeper payment, or the subsidy given by the Australian government to eligible employees and businesses affected by the pandemic, they pooled their funds to ignite their candle business in 2020.
Amid the lockdowns, and career uncertainty as they were both being transitioned to work from home during the pandemic, the Abundos knew they had to earn extra as they could no longer fully-rely on their jobs. For them, it made sense to bring in a relaxing atmosphere into their home, which is a stark contrast to what they encounter in hospitals or their workplace.
“We grabbed the opportunity to sign up for the candle making class while using the JobKeeper. We didn’t really think of it as a business but as a creative outlet. We would mix oils at home and it was so therapeutic, just the kind of calm that we needed during the stressful times during the pandemic,” Jess Abundo shares.
Trial and error gets the job done
They were under the perception that candle making was simple and a straightforward process. But it was not the case. Despite wasting so many candle sets and racking up a few hundred dollars for their recurring mistakes in mixing oils and finding the right temperature to make their candle formulation, the Abundos persisted.
“We didn’t want to give up on the candle formulation so we secretly worked on that while offering other products such as wax melts and diffusers to family and colleagues. Candle making involves art and science so you can come up with nice smelling candles that are safe to burn,” Abundo adds.
Handcrafted soy wax candles
Lampara, which sells handcrafted candles online using 100% biodegradable soy wax and fusing them with pure cotton wicks. It is paraben and paraffin-free, vegan and safe to burn.
Apart from candles, they also produce waxmelts, diffusers and fresheners that are now being offered for wholesale. Candles are priced at a premium beginning at $45.
For wax melts, which are wick-less scented tiny slabs of natural soy wax infused with handcrafted and artisan fragrances, they are priced at $10.
To grow the business, the Abundos have opened up their distribution to wholesalers. They’re also keen to collaborate with suppliers who are willing to resell their products.
Be open to ask for help and learn from others
For those who are hesitant to try their luck at any form of side hustle, Abundo offers this advice. “Just go for it. Make sure you do things that can contribute to your goal.
"If you think you’re calling is with the creative side, just follow your passion and before you know it, you can come up with something beautiful. Also, don’t be afraid to ask for help and keep an open mind so you can learn from other people who have more experience in that field,” she shares.
