First, we have started making our own signature concrete jars! This will help us lower prices for customers, and save us on glass expenses. I'm sad to say goodbye to our Crisa glass because it's been our esthetic since we started this business over three years ago, but the glass is now almost triple the cost compared to when we started. It's just not sustainable for us or our customers long term.
We are running a huge online candle sale until May on our current scented glass candles, then that sale will also begin for our In Store customers Memorial Day weekend. The sale will run until we have completely transitioned into our new jars. The price of our scented candles in the new jars will be $20, and candle exchanges for In Store Customers will be $16. We will eventually offer candle refills to online customers as well.
There will be no changes to wax melt jars or pricing at this time.
Second, we will be attending the Great Lakes Medieval Faire every weekend in July and the first two weekends in August this year. Our retail store will be closed for those six weekends, but you can still order online and have items shipped, or choose in store pick up. The retail store will be open Tuesday through Friday every week of the faire 11am to 7pm. We will be at the faire 11am to 7pm Saturdays and Sundays.
Third, we have started wax hands! Available Saturday afternoons through Memorial Day weekend. After Memorial Day weekend we will start offering this service during the week.
Lastly, we are offering private and mobile parties with more availability compared to previous years. We have an online booking system in place, but we recommend calling or emailing ahead for details.
Stay tuned for more exciting news, sales, and events, and as always, thank you all for supporting us during this journey!
💚 Gloria
]]>I'm writing to announce we are extending wax melt refills to our online customers! You do not need to return your jar. Everyone who has previously ordered wax melts online can now enter a code at checkout to receive a 50% discount on our leaf wax melt refills. The system will automatically recognize that you ordered a jar of wax melts previously.
Directions to Order and Other Info:
💚 Add "Leaf Wax Melt Refills" to cart in each scent you prefer.
💚 Enter Code "WaxMeltRefill" in checkout.
💚 You will still be responsible for any tax and shipping costs.
💚 You will not receive a new wax melt jar. Wax melts will be in a biodegradable ziplock bag.
💚 Customers who have not previously purchased Leaf Wax Melt jars will not be able to use the code.
💚 There is no limit to how many times you can use the discount code.
💚 Discount code cannot be used in combination with other discounts.
]]>We moved to a new building that had been totally remodeled on the inside in January. We did a soft opening in February. Then we custom built a candle bar inside the store in March. After that we were just waiting on nice weather to start on the outside of the building.
The Candle Bar has been a hit! Our customers love being able to walk in and make their own products, and we are the only candle bar between Mentor, OH and Erie, PA. Our goal is to attain our liquor license in the next year or so to expand on our candle making experience.
We started the storefront transformation in late April, and just finished it this week. You can watch the building go from what it used to look like to the picture below on our Facebook and on our Tik Tok. It looks like a totally different building!
We have a ribbon cutting and customer appreciation day scheduled for June 24th at 11am for anyone local who wants to come check is out!
We have also expanded Carved Candle Oil Lamps to a location in Streetsboro called Rooted Oaks. Go check them out if you are in that area!
In other news, we are gearing up for the holiday season, and already making plans for some equipment upgrades for next year! Next spring we will hopefully have our custom candle carving machine delivered and we will be adding wax hands to our products and services! The new machine will also allow us to add a lot more color options to carved candles. We are super excited for this addition! We also have some other goals that will be announced later on, so stay tuned. We are so appreciative to our customers, family, friends, and business partners who help us continue to grow this dream! 💚
]]>So you may be looking at the website and thinking, everything is way different. It is! We decided midway through last year that we needed to refresh the look of Hemp Wick Candles to match what it's always supposed to of been; a luxury brand. So this is something we have been preparing for in the background and figured moving into our new physical location in 2023 would be the best time to reintroduce ourselves. If you have been with us for awhile, I'm sure you have noticed our growth in branding over the past few years. It's been quite the journey.
Let's talk about the changes, and why. All of our product photos look the same. This was to create a more professional and cohesive look. It also makes it easier to add more fragrances to the collections without spending a ton of time and money on photography. We realized in 2022 that we had to find ways to cut unecessary costs without affecting product quality. This was one of those things.
Labels are different! Some may not be thrilled about this change, but we are so excited for these new labels! We went from making our own labels in an online program that wasn't ideal and was really costly, but worked for the time, to professionally printed luxury labels. The new labels feature embossed foil stamping with a matte black background. They are very high end.
But where's the fragrance name? The name of the fragrance will be on the bottom warning label. Many luxury candle brands use this method of labeling, and we wanted to secure our place in that category. We are working on expanding to a nationally known brand, and we need to be sure our branding matches that goal.
The new labels will also help in our new candle exchange and refill programs. The new labels are easier and cheaper to change out long term as we are able to order nicer labels in larger quantities and get bigger discounts compared to our old labels. Our old foil labels also experienced cracking over time, which was a big factor in our decision to change to higher end labels.
Speaking of candle exchange and refill programs! All wicked candles bought can be exchanged for a new candle for $14. We had to raise our candle prices due to rising costs that aren't going away anytime soon, so this is to help our loyal returning customers save money over time. It also helps us save money on glass, which is astronomically priced right now. Refills will only be for wickless candles, which will launch around summer of 2023.
Our packaging has also been upgraded! We are so excited for this! We have always tried to have packaging that matches a luxury look, and we finally have it! Our new matte boxes are beautiful and made of recycled materials! They are now wrapped in high end professionally printed sleeves. Fragrance names will be on the box sleeves in a designated area so that you always know where to look for the fragrance name. This change is due to us noticing that we were not consistent in our packaging through 2022. Some of that was due to supply shortages and costs. The new packaging should prevent those inconsistencies.
Finally, we moved into a new space! The new storefront is in a higher traffic area, brand new inside, and larger. This is great for expanding classes for customers, and for candle maker's coming in to take business related workshops. The shop has a very organic luxury boutique feel compared to our last space.
More on classes and workshops! We will now be offering Walk in Wednesdays for local customers to come in and make their own candles. No booking required! We will also be offering booked classes and private parties.
For candle maker's, we are building virtual and in person workshops to learn the art of carved candle making and the basics of starting a candle business. The carved candle workshops will also include optional apprenticeships.
We are also in search of unique vendors to rent shelf space and teach their own classes to customers! Contact us for information at info@hempwickcandle.com!
Last but not least, VIP Memberships have launched. You can either purchase a membership for exclusive deals and events and free shipping, or you will be automatically enrolled after spending a certain amount. Please see our membership page for more info!
]]>So I was curious what customer's thought, and have been surveying them throughout the year as they return. Results below:
Customer's who burn candles every day:
3 Weeks to Two Months
Customer's who burn candles once a week:
Three to Four Months
Customer's who burn candles a couple times a month or at random:
Six to Eight Months
Customer's who add our wax melts to their burner once a week:
One to Two Months
Customer's who add wax melts to their burner once every couple weeks:
Three to Five Months
Customer's who add our wax melts to their burners at random:
Six to Seven Months
Bonus Questions:
How long does our shave whip last?
One Year
How long does our beard oil last?
Nine Months
If you have one of our candles from a year ago, how does it smell now?
70% said the same and 30% said they weakened. Based off of their purchases, we determined that food fragrances weakened before others. Coffee, fruit, and cologne like fragrances held up the best over time.
How would you compare the longevity of our products to other retail stores you bought similar products from?
Lasts much longer for the price: 82%
Lasts the same for the price: 13%
Didn't last as long for the price: 5%
So there you have it, the detailed answer from our customer's rather than from us! Hope that helps, and as always, thank you for continuing to support my small business!
Gloria 💚
]]>Why do I use Hemp? Several reasons; it's organic, a renewable resource, and makes my candles burn way longer than any store bought candle on the market. I know because I tested it, or you can ask my customers. They love it! 💚
Hemp is not a drug. The hemp ingredients I use do not contain THC or CBD. However, it does come from the same type of plant as Marijuana, which is Cannabis Sativa. So what's the difference? The legal definition, which was used in the Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018. Hemp is any Cannabis Sativa plant that contains 0.3 percent or less of THC. The amount of THC is so low that it is unable to cause any type of psychoactive effects. The term Marijuana is used to represent Cannabis plants that contain more than 0.3 percent of THC and will cause one to get "high". The level of THC in a Cannabis plant depends on how its grown. Hemp products must go through rigorous testing in the United States to ensure it does not contain more than 0.3% THC to be used in products and sold. Hemp is legal in all 50 states, and is used in health and wellness products, fabrics, as an alternate building material, candle wicks, and for many other products because it grows fast and has little negative affects on the environment like other crops do. I buy my hemp products from reliable suppliers in the United States so I know they have passed the required testing to be legal.
Am I a hippie? I'm not really sure how to answer that. The short answer is no. However, I do believe in using anything we can to help our environment, our health, and supporting other small businesses. So maybe the answer is yes? My candle business was never meant to be another head shop though. My goal is to normalize the hemp plant as a sustainable resource in products we use everyday. As we evolve, and concern for the environment grows, it's important to see that the products we use everyday can be both a luxury and eco friendly. We don't have to sacrifice one for the other.
Will you fail a drug test using my products? I doubt it, but I'll never make a claim either way because I'm only using products that the FDA has already tested and approved in the farming phase. I can only describe my experience with hemp products. As I previously mentioned, the government requires hemp to be tested to ensure it contains less than 0.3 percent THC, which are very trace amounts that do not cause you to "get high", which is what makes the use of hemp federally legal. I have used other product brands with hemp seed oil in them for years and have never failed a drug test. I have used my own products and never failed a drug test. So the the required testing of the farmers producing the hemp must be accurate from my experience.
The tie dye question is a joke...I think. Most people associate Hemp and Marijuana as being the same thing, which they kind of are, but aren't. Tie dye, along with other paraphernalia, and Hemp/Marijuana is part of the stigma that have been attached to this plant since the 60s. Don't get me wrong, I love tie dye, and I might sell tie dye on hemp fabric at some point, but it's not my business style or goal. The point in my business is to get rid of the stigma surrounding hemp. That includes any "jokes" or affiliated mainstream associations with hemp. Hemp Wick Candles is a luxury hemp product brand made to be affordable, sustainable, and renewable. That's also why my products focus on the story behind the fragrances and not so much the ingredients they are made with. Yes, it's literally in our name, but the name is just a technicality of ingredients.... and because I was shocked someone else hadn't used the name yet, so I jumped on it. Which is also why my brand is in the trademark process.
If you research it, you will see that hemp is in our near future to be used as a more earth friendly material in all sorts of home products. I just wanted to be ahead of the game.
Resource:
https://www.healthline.com/health/hemp-vs-marijuana
https://www.usda.gov/farmbill
]]>I decided to write a blog post after a discussion I had with a customer today. I was asked how long would soy candles last. I've always gone by the typical year. However, I decided to research a little more and found that soy candles last for two years with a lid. If soy candles are not covered with a lid, the top layer of wax will lose its scent after a year, but the wax further into the candle will remain for two years. The same goes for wax melts. It's also common for candles and wax melts to change colors over time, but it does not affect how the candle smells or burns. It just happens due to soy being a natural product.
This is good news for wholesale and private label customers who may be buying a large stock of inventory for their business.
It's also good for retail customers to be aware of. I mean how many times have you bought a candle and it was months or even years before you used it, and thrown it away as soon as you lit it because the scent wasn't very strong? I'm guilty of it.
The more you know!
]]>Let's start with a little background on wax types. Soy wax, which is what we use, is an organic vegetable based wax, and tends to have a softer fragrance when burning. Most store bought candles are made with paraffin wax, which is a petroleum based wax that has had some controversy surround it due to it containing toxins that cause everything from headaches to cancer. The studies on it tend to be all over the place though, and some candle makers prefer it because it gives off a very fragrant candle. When I started making candles and founded Hemp Wick Candles, I decided not to risk it and went with 100% organic soy wax for this reason. I knew that the scent would be much fainter than with paraffin, but like studies claim, my children and I do experience headaches and sinus issues with store bought candles containing paraffin.
Another note on store bought mass produced candles. Popular store candle brands are generally poured with machines and get "topped off" with a stronger shot of scented wax before packaging. This ensures the candle is very strong when smelt in the store, but after a few lights they lose their strength. We do not double pour and stick to our fragrance oil suppliers' recommended percentage of fragrance oil to wax for safety here at Hemp Wick Candles. This includes lots of math when we custom blend our oils as well. Every one of our candle batches are small and completely hand poured. Unfortunately, customers who are used to "topped off" candles can sometimes be disappointed when they switch over to hand poured organic candles.
So what's the solution? It depends. Some fragrance blends are naturally stronger than others in soy wax. That is why I test every scent in the wax before selling it. I test for safety reasons as well, but that is a whole other blog post.
Your wick also has a great deal of how much fragrance you will get. If you have been with us for a little while, then you know that we started out using 100% organic hemp wick. However, we switched to organic cotton wrapped hemp wick because we were concerned with the stability of organic hemp wick in larger candles. The organic cotton wrapped hemp wicks are more stable and provide a better scent disbursement in the larger jar candles. We still use the organic hemp wick in our tea lights as they are not as tall and do not weaken due to having a much smaller pool of hot wax when lit. Currently we are testing organic hemp wick in beeswax pillar candles, which also have small wax pools, if any at all.
What about the hemp? The hemp plays an important role by itself. Its an organic ingredient and will not be harmful to pets or people when burned. It doesn't contain THC or CBD, and will not cause headaches like bleached cotton wicks or wicks containing zinc. It allows for a longer candle burn than cotton alone, which allows your fragrance in your candle to distribute more evenly. However, to get the most from these wicks, you must be sure to trim them before each light. Otherwise they will get too hot and cause the glass to get too hot. This could cause the glass to burst and your fragrance oil to just burn off the wax in the candle. Burning a candle longer than the time on the warning label is for safety, but it also affects the fragrance and longevity of your candle overall. I recommend only burning our candles for no more than 3 hours at a time before extinguishing them to get maximum safety and fragrance from them. This way you can enjoy them longer.
Anyway, the best way to gauge how many candles you need is by looking at the room sizes in your home that you would like to use candles in. If you are using candles in an average sized bathroom then you can get away with a 2 to 4 oz. candle. Average sized bedrooms use a 5 to 8 oz. candle. For very large open spaces use one 6 to 8 oz. candle per 10 square feet.
What about the leaf wax melts we put in our warmer? Wax melts are a little different because they have a different heating source and no wick. They tend to be a little stronger, especially when using them in electric warmers. This is because they melt faster than a candle with a wick. However, if you burn them more than two hours at a time then the fragrance in the melts could burn off the wax. Then when you melt again you won't have any fragrance at all. It's also a fire hazard. The best way to use melts is to ensure you are using enough melts for your warmer size. Let them rest after two hours of warming and allow them to completely solidify before melting them again. If you have large open spaces, you may need to use more than one warmer to get an even strong fragrance throughout the space.
I hope this answered a lot of questions! If you have a question you would like me to answer, then email us at info@hempwickcandle.com.
]]>For stubborn wicks adhered with high heat adhesives you can pour alcohol in the jar after removing the wax and let sit for a couple hours to loosen the glue. Glue removal products also work well.
Here is a list of uses for your new jar:
1. Small planters
2. Jewelry holder
3. Toothbrush holder
4. Pencil holder
5. Wrapped candy
How do you reuse your candle jars?
Visit the store to see what kind of jars we use for our candles at www.hempwickcandlesllc.net
]]>I recently read an article on an easy hack to fix the tunneling and make sure you don't have any wasted wax in your candle. They used tin foil! Apparently if you wrap tin foil around the candle jar and create a small lip around the top edge around the jar and relight the candle, it will cause the heat to melt the wax from the sides and even back out into the other melted wax. Game changer!
Do you have any candle care hacks that you use to get the most out of your candles?
]]>First, is wandering wicks are a common occurrence in candles. Especially in candles that use softer wax, such as soy, and wicks that are not self trimming. This can also happen if the wick moved slightly during the hand pouring process.
At Hemp Wick Candles LLC we see this happen in our own candles at times. Those candles are discarded, but can sometimes go undetected.
If you have received a candle from us and you find your wick wanders from the center of the candle, we want you to put out the candle immediately and do not relight the candle as this can cause the side of the jar to get too hot. Please take a picture of the candle and contact us for a replacement or refund. Then discard the candle.
Second, is the importance of inspecting your candle as soon as you recieve it. We all know the mail is not very careful with our packages no matter how many fragile stickers we put on the box. What does this have to do with candle safety? The efficacy of the glass. Any glass candle you receive should be thoroughly inspected by customers when they receive them. This is whether you order online or buy from a store, because likely the glass or candle was shipped at some point, and defects can be missed. Glass that has chips, cracks, or breaks can be dangerous once heated and become a fire hazard. If you see any chips, cracks, or breaks DO NOT light that candle. Contact whoever you bought the candle from to receive a replacement or refund. That includes Hemp Wick Candles LLC.
Third common issue, not trimming candle wicks each time you light a candle. Wick trimming is a safety measure. Not trimming your candle wick to at least 1/4 inch before lighting your candle can result in a high flame, overheating of the glass, and wick wandering. ALWAYS trim a candle wick if it is above 1/4 inch before lighting, whether it is the first light or subsequent lights. Hemp Wick Candles LLC recommends trimming our candle wicks to 1/8 inch before lighting.
The fourth common candle safety issue is letting a candle burn too long. Candles should not be burned for longer than 3 to 4 hours per light. This is because high heat on any glass for an extended amount of time can cause the glass to explode or the candle flame to get dangerously high and wander outside of the container. It's that time of year where power outages are common in many places. Please do not use candles longer than 3 to 4 hours at a time in these circumstances because fire can result. Find a safer alternative light source for long periods of power outages instead. It is also recommended not to let a candle continue to burn if its been less than 3 to 4 hours and the candle has more than an inch of melted wax melted in the container. In this instance please blow the candle out and allow for the wax to cool completely before relighting.
Something a customer mentioned to me in casual conversation recently was burn time on wax melts. Wax melts, such as our wax shots, should not be melted on a wax melter for longer than two hours at a time. It is tempting to let the warmer melt your wax all day, but this can be a fire hazard as well due to overheating. Instead after two hours, turn off your burner, let wax cool until solid, then turn back on once the warmer bulb has also cooled. If you use a tea light warmer, allow the tea light wax to solidify and cool before relighting or replace the tea light with a new one.
On the subject of putting candles out to cool. Consumers should never let a candle of any type burn down to the metal wick holder. Discard candles when there is about one inch of wax left in the container to prevent overheating and fire.
Lastly, never leave candles or wax burners unattended. Don't leave your home, fall asleep, leave the room, or leave around children or pets alone with lit candles or wax burners. This can lead to a very dangerous situation. It's also important to keep these items away from curtains, home decor items, Christmas decorations, or anything else that could catch fire.
Hemp Wick Candles LLC strives to provide the utmost quality products to our customers, but we also care about the safety of our customers. We urge customers to reach out to us for any questions or concerns they have about our products. We also want customers to know that if they have any doubt in our products, to please contact us before using any product purchased. We will do our best to remedy any product issues and provide the best information available to address concerns.
Thank you for supporting small buisness and we hope everyone has a safe and healthy holiday season, and Happy New Year!
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