Tips that’ll save you time + money
When I started Sincerely Sunday almost 3 years ago, I had no background in candles or branding—just a vision and a need for a second stream of income.
Since then, I’ve grown this business from my apartment, made every mistake in the book (and continuing to do so), and learned more than I ever imagined.
Here are 3 of the biggest lessons I wish I knew before starting:
1. You need good margins — If you only calculate your cost of goods, you’re missing the full picture. There are hidden (and sometimes unpredictable) expenses everywhere—markets, wholesale cuts, ads, packaging upgrades, etc.
You have to build in enough margin to survive the fluctuations and still pay yourself. Don’t price yourself into a hole.
2. Get f*cking visible — For a long time, I was scared to post, let alone show my face. So I didn’t. I thought maybe the product would speak for itself… but spoiler alert: it didn’t.
What did move the needle? When I finally showed up—every day. Once I started sharing behind-the-scenes, my story, my face, everything changed. I got new followers, customer orders, collab opportunities, even private label requests.
The doors opened because I opened them.
3. Be clear about everything — It’s not just about being clear in your branding or packaging. You need clarity in your purpose, your why, your pricing, your content strategy, your partnerships—everything.
When you’re intentional, it shows. Your brand becomes more cohesive. Your messaging makes sense. And when people trust you, buying becomes frictionless.
If you’re just getting started, I hope this helps you avoid some of the bumps I ran into.
Starting a business is not easy—but it can be incredibly rewarding ❤️
#candlemaking #candlebusiness #businessgrowth #lessonslearned #businesstips
Starting a business can be a daunting yet rewarding journey. To navigate this path effectively, it’s crucial to understand some fundamental principles. One of the most common pitfalls is miscalculating your margins. Many new entrepreneurs focus solely on their cost of goods, overlooking other fluctuating expenses such as advertising and packaging. To thrive, ensure your pricing strategy accommodates these variables, protecting your profit margins. Visibility is equally important. In today’s digital landscape, consistent engagement with your audience is critical. Many entrepreneurs find their products outstanding, yet fail to realize that without an online presence, their potential customers can’t buy. Embrace social media as a tool not just for marketing, but for storytelling. Showcasing your journey, including behind-the-scenes content, can significantly increase your engagement and open doors for future opportunities. Lastly, clarity is key. A well-defined brand identity and transparent messaging enhance trust with your audience. When customers feel they understand your brand and its values, they are more likely to convert into loyal buyers. Thus, address every aspect of your business intentionally—from your branding and marketing strategies to your pricing. By focusing on these core areas, you can avoid common mistakes and position your business for growth in an increasingly competitive market.
I have everything ready but I'm scared of making content since I don't like showing my face and don't know how to do it and English is not my first language