2024 Events & Experiences

2024 was Leigh's Melted Moments first year in business. Without having an in person store front I needed a way to connect with customers and gain a customer base. In person events was key.

 

Goal:

I always went to an event expecting to make at least the booth fee. As the goal was to prioritize customer interactions and network, the money aspect was pushed to the back burner. As this started as a side business and I have a full time career, I had the luxury to have this mindset. 

Not only have I built a customer base, but I also built a steady network of like minded individuals who host successful events; this opened up many opportunities for me!

 

Lessons Learned Breakdown 

 

Reviews:

Towards the end of the year I had many repeat customers and great feedback, yet no online reviews. Two improvements I identified was a need for a more robust platform and a way for customers to immediately leave a review. So, I started the transition from Square to Shopify in early 2025 and created a laser engraved sign for customers to scan a QR code and leave a review during my in person events. Towards the end of 2025 I'll be able to determine the overall engagement and benefits of these changes.

 

Craft Fairs & Events:

When I first started I signed up for any and all events. I quickly learned that any outdoor events in the heat were a no go, and to be more selective of the venue. It didn't make sense for me to battle the elements and risk damage to my product for a 5 hour event. While my very first event was so much fun, I would not do that specific event again; it was 98 degrees, windy (my tent flew away), and all my product on the table melted (I had the product I sold in coolers). 

Bring snacks, water, gum, and throat relief. I quickly found these to be necessities.

Bring the amount of cash you expect to make in your till. I ran into some opportunities of not having change due to being conservative. While conducting research to improve my till method, I came across this tip and it has never failed me.

Get creative and really utilize the holidays to promote your product and what you can do. I utilized gift baskets for holiday themes, and even created wax melt ornaments (huge hit!).

I started off with 6 scents and quickly learned I needed to expand my catalog to reach a larger audience. I now have 44 scents, and have some catchy ones that reel customers in, like chocolate chip cookies and bacon. Also great creative with names! My chocolate chip cookie candles are called 'The Realtor's Secret Weapon'; this grabbed the customers attention and also prompted sales.

I never had the same booth set up twice, as I was trying to find what worked best and the more items I added, the more creative I needed to get. 

 

Competition:

It's good, it's healthy, and it can be positive if you treat it as such. I love when there are other candles businesses in the same events that I am in - why? It allows for a better customer experience, and you can gather insights into what your customers really want.

I like to introduce myself to the competition and ask what their top sellers are and if they have anything unique. I explain that if a customer is looking for something and I don't have it, that I may direct the customer to that business - and I do! By doing this, I have gained the customer's trust that I am looking after their best interest, and I gain a great working relationship with my competitor. I have actually had customers buy from me specifically because I directed them to another supplier and relayed to them that while I would love if they purchased from me, it's not about me, it's about them. 

Sharing this mindset has opened doors for me with event coordinators. I found that while you are always able to apply to events, an event can reject your application if they have too many of the same vendor. This is due to many reasons that are obvious, but a coordinator relayed to me that some vendors are unsupportive of similar business and  will not be invited back. Side tip, do not leave an event early; it is noticed and can hurt another vendor's foot traffic. 

 

 

New Improvements for 2025:

Laser engrave all candles and move to glass containers. 

Expand products (ex. Air fresheners and custom accessories like coasters).

Create a catalog with sample sizes to garner an enhanced customer service experience (ex. Kelsie's Apple Orchard).

 

 

I appreciate your interest in my experience, and if anyone is interested in starting their own candle business, feel free to reach out with any questions! I am a firm believer in supporting each other and continued growth.

 

Check out the video below! First year of events from the end to the beginning - It's amazing to see the growth!