Name of your website?
The Candle Kitchen
Your name?
Jan Thompson
Your Location (city, etc)
Friendswood, TX 77546
Please give us a short summary of your website?
An awesome collection of handcrafted, highly scented candle creations. These candles are all made by me, in my home.
What inspired you to launch your own website?
A website is the perfect place for prospective customers to get a look at what I make and sell. It is also great exposure to a ton of people!
When did you launch your first website, and what was it?
My first website was back in 2000 when I first began making candles. We had a family emergency in 2003 and sold the business. Now I am more than ready to get back to doing what I absolutely love doing!
How did you decide on a name for your website?
Since most of my candles are food related I wanted something to reflect that. The Candle Bakery was taken at the time so I decided on The Candle Kitchen.
What makes your website different from other, similar offerings?
There are not too many who make the same type of food candles I make. At least not as pretty as mine! LOL Seriously, I have people that just can't believe I have made the creations that I have. Makes me feel really good!!
What is your eventual goal? (To sell it, keep it for income, secure a book or other mainstream media deal?)
I would like to do this from now until I just can't do it anymore! Hopefully this business will give my husband and I some retirement security in the future.
How does your investment of time and money balance against your success?
When we first opened back in 2000 the business grew really fast! At the time of our closing, we were in the process of moving to a larger place, outside our home, and hiring a couple of employees. We've just started back to work so we'll see how things go.
If you had an unlimited development budget for development, how would you change your site?
I would move to a place, outside my home. It's nice working from home but there just isn't the room you need for all of the supplies needed for making candles!
If your site got really big, really quickly, would you be able to keep up with the demand?
Oh yes! My husband was a huge help before and is ready to step back in when needed. We also have our 11 year old daughter who loves to help, also.
What unexpected costs and headaches have you had to deal with?
None so far. But as with any business, I know some will come up and we'll deal with them.
What has been your biggest challenge?
Making candles in my kitchen and having to clean up before I can make dinner! Before I had my front living room turned into my work room. But after we closed in 2003 we made it back into a computer/music room.
What method has been most successful for promoting your website?
Word of mouth, business cards, brochures.
How has running your website differed from your expectations?
It's really been better than I had expected. I've had a ton of visitors to my site, which can only mean customers on the way! lol
How long have you run the site already, and how long will you continue to keep it up if you don't enjoy big gains in traffic, income or popularity?
This site has only been up since November, 2008. I'll keep it up as long as I have my business.
Why did you choose bakery type candles?
When I was researching candle making back in 1999, I wanted to make something no one else was making. I found someone on the internet who sold wax fruit, cookies, etc. and from there I designed my candles! I just wanted something that was a little different than the normal votive, jar candle, pillar, etc.
What is your website address?
The Candle Kitchen
