10 Tips for Hosting a Successful Candle-Making Class
Here are 10 insider tips from my own experience at Taylor Candle & Co to help you plan and execute a profitable, engaging candle-making class.
Hosting a candle-making class has been one of the most rewarding experiences for me as a business owner. It’s not just about teaching people how to make candles; it’s about connecting with your audience, building trust, and creating an unforgettable experience that leaves them wanting more.
If you’ve been thinking about hosting your own class, here are 10 tips from my personal journey to help you nail it. Let’s dive in!
1. Start with a Clear Plan Trust me, planning is everything. Before I hosted my first class, I sat down and outlined every detail — from how long each step would take to what materials I’d need for each participant. Having a solid plan made the whole process feel less overwhelming.
My Tip: Use a checklist! I’ve included a super-detailed one in my ebook that takes the guesswork out of planning.
2. Choose the Right Location The vibe of your space sets the tone for the whole class. Whether it’s your home studio, a cute community space, or a local business you partner with, make sure it’s well-lit, spacious, and has plenty of ventilation. Comfort is key!
My Tip: For my first class, I hosted in a cozy cafe and it was a hit. Bonus: It helped with marketing since the cafe promoted it, too.
3. Curate Your Materials Quality matters! I always provide premium wax, beautiful vessels, and unique fragrance options for my students. Plus, I make sure to have extras just in case someone makes a mistake.
My Tip: The supply list in our ebook is a lifesaver. It’s everything you need, all in one place.
4. Personalize the Experience Little touches go a long way. I love giving my students customizable labels for their candles and welcome kits with aprons and tools. It’s those small details that make people feel special.
My Tip: Our ebook includes editable label templates that you can use to add a polished, professional touch to your classes.
5. Create an Engaging Lesson Plan One thing I’ve learned is to keep the class fun and interactive. Break the process down into simple steps and invite questions along the way. People love learning in a relaxed environment.
My Tip: The sample lesson plan in my ebook is designed to help you guide your students with confidence.
6. Use Social Media to Build Buzz Let’s talk about marketing. Social media has been my secret weapon for filling up classes. I share behind-the-scenes content, teasers, and early bird discounts to create excitement.
My Tip: I’ve included ChatGPT marketing prompts in the ebook to help you craft engaging captions and emails that will grab attention.
7. Set Up for Success On the day of the class, I always arrive early to set up workstations with all the supplies neatly arranged. A visually appealing setup not only looks professional but also makes the students feel inspired.
My Tip: Use the setup checklist from my ebook to make sure nothing gets overlooked.
8. Troubleshoot Like a Pro Things don’t always go perfectly, and that’s okay. Be ready to help with uneven wax pours, misplaced wicks, or any other hiccups that might pop up. The key is staying calm and supportive.
My Tip: The troubleshooting guide in my ebook will help you handle these moments like a pro.
9. Add Value with Takeaways One of my favorite things to do is send students home with something extra, like a mini candle or a discount code for future purchases. It leaves a lasting impression and encourages them to stay connected with your brand.
My Tip: The ebook has great ideas for takeaways that students will love.
10. Follow Up Post-Class This part is so important. After the class, I always send a thank-you email with photos, links to my products, and an invite to future events. It’s a simple way to keep the relationship going.
My Tip: I’ve included email templates in the ebook to make follow-ups quick and easy.
Hosting a candle-making class doesn’t have to be intimidating. With a little planning and these 10 tips, you can create an experience that your students will rave about.
If you’re ready to dive deeper and get all the tools you need, grab a copy of my "How to Host a Candle-Making Class" ebook. It’s packed with everything I’ve learned from hosting my own classes, and I know it will help you, too.
Ok Maker - Ready to start hosting your own classes? Download my ebook today and let's get lit!