How did my love for scented candles begin? I can’t quite recall the exact instance, however I vaguely remember my first time setting foot in a Bath and Body Works. The fragrance was overwhelming, and yet distinctly invigorating. It was the sort of scent that made you excited and hungry, which is perfect if you’re looking to drop some serious dough on candles.

That was roughly three or four years ago, and since then I can safely say that my desire to acquire candles has yet to slow down. In actuality, that desire turned into a burning passion for the craft of candle-making itself, which eventually led me to churn out a very limited quantity of candles for myself and loved ones over the holidays. I still have the better half of a 5kg bag of soy wax chips sitting in the bedroom, patiently waiting to be melted down and mixed with delightful fragrances, then given as gifts to friends and family.

So what’s holding me back? Why haven’t I made any more candles?

A few reasons, naturally, but I think I have reached the point in my candle-making where I wish to improve the quality of the finished product. I need to order some new containers for the candles, and I am still quite undecided as to whether or not I should continue using tins or upgrade to glass jars with metal lids. Aesthetics are really important to me, especially if I’m giving the candles as a gift or if I ever intend on selling them in the future. Ideally I think I would rather splurge and go all out on the packaging — gorgeous and luxurious glass (or perhaps ceramic?) jars with beautiful, sleek label designs made with gold foil. Ugh. That would be dreamy!

Of course I want the best when it comes to creating something, but I’m not really sure how to justify spending so much money on a hobby unless the eventual goal is to earn a profit from it? I’m very undecided about whether or not I ought to invest in candle making, even though I really do love the entire process and the end result! It just seems like a bit of a pipe dream at the moment so I don’t see much value in pursuing this hobby as a career just yet. Maybe one day, though. We shall see.