Introduction?

Question

Hi. My name is Patti. I am from the Buffalo, NY area. I have been working with soy candles for about a year and I have been selling to small store owners. I have only done containers and am planning on moving forward with other kinds "down the road"
I am also here to learn more about the soy candle making to be sure I can give my customer the best candle possible.
I am also trying to find out how to get involved in the craft shows. Is there a group I need to belong? I never know that they are coming up til the day they start.
Making candles has calmed my nerves and decreased my anxiety meds. It is a natural relaxant for me. Something I never expected from candlemaking.
I am thrilled to be a part of this group and will gladly share info as I am able.
Patti

Answer 1

The best way to find your local craft shows is to watch your local papers, community center bulletin, church bulletins, senior centers... etc. Sometimes local fire depts. or schools will have crafts shows. When you do your first show you can ask around to the other sellers to see where they set up, and be sure to get your name on any local mailing lists that deal with craft vendors. Also, when you do see a show being held, even if it's too late to rent a space, make sure you speak to the show's coordinator to get your name on the mailing list so you can get advanced notice of the next show they have.

Answer 2

Hi Patti, I am Freeflower. To get involved in craft shows (at least here in Australia), all you need to do is get in touch with the organisers and book a stall/table/section for yourself. When one is one, there is usually a telephone number or email addy to contact the organiser of the event. Just get in touch that way. The other way is to attend one of these shows and one of the stallholders will direct you to where theorganiser ahs set up for the show; they are always present as they want to make the show bigger and better every year so they are present to drum up business. Ask around at some of the stores you sell your candles in; they are usually on mailing lists and will be advised of these evenst from time to time.
Other places for your candles - don't forget new age/spiritual shops as they uses candles by the bucket load. I am just starting to research making soy candles here in Australia, but I have the business knowledge I have just shared from other ventures I have been involved in.
I wish you all the best success Patti.
Kind regards, Freeflower

Answer 3

Hi Patti! Try contacting the Buffalo chamber of commerce and asking about upcoming craft events sponsored by the city. If you check with New York's tourism department, maybe you can get a brochure with a list of all festivals and fairs in the state (hopefully some nearby), along with contact numbers. Maybe consider contacting churches and schools; they commonly have holiday bazaars, or spring or fall craft fairs to raise money. I've also included some links below that you can check out, and you could search for the craft fairs. Good luck!!!!!!!

Answer 4

Well thank you for letting us know you're here. I have always been interested in making candles because, like you, I find them to be really relaxing. I also find knitting to be extremely relaxing for me.

If you search your local paper I'm sure you would be able to find some craft shows. Usually here in Ohio craft show season is in the fall and spring time.

Good Luck!

Answer 5

What you will want to do is read the guidelines. It's not a group like a message board or chat group, so we don't do conversations per se. In fact, your introduction may get deleted because it falls under "chatting" and it gets in the way of the mission, which is just to ask and answer questions. But feel free to add folks to your contacts list and converse with us elsewhere!