By CL Candles & More
If you’ve ever walked through a craft show and smelled a cozy candle burning at one of the
booths — that might’ve been me.
For years, CL Candles & More grew one market at a time. I loaded up my tables, packed my
candles, tees, and tumblers, and set out to share what I love most — handmade comfort.
Today, my small business reaches people across the country. But that didn’t happen overnight.
It happened through lessons learned, little wins, late nights, and a lot of love.
Here’s what I’ve learned going from craft show tables to an online handmade brand.
🌿 1. Craft Shows Taught Me the Power of Connection
There’s nothing quite like market days. The smell of wax and coffee in the air, the laughter of
other makers, and the joy of meeting customers face-to-face.
✨ Cassie’s Reflection:
“Craft shows taught me how personal handmade really is. When someone picked up a candle
and said,
‘This reminds me of home,
’ I knew I was doing something that mattered.
”
Those early days taught me the importance of storytelling, of eye contact, of kindness. Online,
it’s easy to scroll past a post. But in person — people feel the heart behind what you do.
💛 Cassie’s Tip: “Even online, try to keep that same personal connection. Every thank-you
message, handwritten note, or package wrap matters.
”
🕯 2. I Learned That Every Setup Is a Story
At first, I thought craft shows were all about sales. But over time, I realized — they’re about
presentation, personality, and presence.✨ Cassie’s Reflection:
“Each market setup became a mini version of my brand — candles burning, warm neutrals, cozy
signs, and simple farmhouse style. It wasn’t just décor — it was storytelling.
”
When I moved online, I carried that same energy into my website and social media — warm,
intentional, and welcoming.
💛 Cassie’s Tip: “Your booth, your website, your packaging — they should all tell the same story
about who you are and what you create.
”
☕ 3. Growth Happens One Customer at a Time
Whether it was one candle at a time at my first market or one online order from a new state,
every purchase mattered — and still does.
✨ Cassie’s Reflection:
“There’s something magical about realizing that your handmade creations are sitting in homes
you’ve never even been to.
”
The truth? You don’t need thousands of sales overnight. You just need people who believe in
what you make — and that belief spreads naturally.
💛 Cassie’s Tip: “Focus on serving the customers you already have, and the rest will follow.
Word-of-mouth is your best marketing.
”
🎨 4. Handmade Is Heart Work
No matter how much your business grows, handmade will always mean personal.
✨ Cassie’s Reflection:
“Pouring wax, pressing designs, or building displays — it’s not about mass production. It’s about
meaning.
”
Going online didn’t change my process — it just expanded my reach. I still pour every candle
with care, design each tumbler with intention, and pack every order with love.
💛 Cassie’s Tip: “Keep your handmade roots strong, even as you grow. People connect with the
story behind your hands.
”💻 5. Going Online Brought New Challenges — and
Freedom
Moving from craft shows to online selling came with a big learning curve — product photos,
website design, shipping, and digital marketing. But it also brought freedom — the chance to
reach new people, tell my story on my terms, and share cozy living beyond local markets.
✨ Cassie’s Reflection:
“The first time I got an online order from someone I’d never met, I cried. It meant my little
business was growing beyond what I could see.
”
🩶 Cassie’s Note: “Online sales connect you to strangers who become supporters — and
supporters who become friends.
”
🌸 6. Community Over Competition
Craft shows taught me to cheer for other makers. The online world can feel big, but community
still matters — whether it’s another candle shop across the country or a local crafter who
inspires you.
✨ Cassie’s Reflection:
“When we lift each other up, we all grow. There’s enough room at the table for every handmade
dream.
”
💛 Cassie’s Tip: “Share, support, and celebrate other small businesses — it always comes back
around.
”
💌 Final Thoughts
From folding tables to digital storefronts, one thing hasn’t changed — the heart behind CL
Candles & More.
Every candle I pour, every tumbler I make, every post I share comes from the same love of cozy
that started it all.
✨ Because handmade isn’t just what I do — it’s who I am.Thank you for following my journey, supporting my craft, and making this dream possible —
from my little market booth to your home.
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