Teaching candle making classes can be an interesting and profitable sideline for an experienced candle maker.
Running Candle Making Classes
Many established candle makers get asked if they can teach their skills to other people. This can be a very satisfying experience. Not only is running and teaching candle making classes a new potential revenue stream for a candle maker, it is also a great way to start selling candle supplies. Students attending candle making classes will need a good reliable supplier of basic materials. Buying from their teacher is the ideal solution.
Running Private Classes or Through Another Organization
One of the most important things to consider is whether to offer private classes directly or to offer classes through another organization, such as an adult learning program or church group. There are advantages and drawbacks to both approaches.
When offering private classes, the teacher has complete control over the number of students accepted, the prices charged, the course outline and everything else related to the class. When offering a class through another organization, there is less flexibility. On the other hand, a larger and more experienced organization will have better contacts and a marketing program in place to promote candle making classes.
Type of Class Offered
A candle maker who is seeking to start teaching candle making classes will need to decide what type of class will be offered. This includes whether the class is for complete beginners; if it be a specialized class such as making gel candles, floating candles or soy candles; and whether the class will take the form of single stand alone workshops or be part of a progressive-learning course. This information will help to form the structure of the class.
Number of Potential Students
Candle making involves working with a lot of potentially dangerous materials. As such, the numbers in the class need to be carefully regulated. In addition to this, another factor to consider when deciding on the number of potential students is how many people the teacher will be comfortable teaching. Some people prefer working on a one to one basis, whereas others are happier working in small groups.
Venue
While a candle maker's workshop might seem the ideal place for teaching candle making, there may be other alternatives such as community centers or village halls. If these venues have the right facilities, they could be a good option. They will also have good parking and access.
Insurance
Before starting to offer any candle making courses or classes, it is important to ensure that insurance can be obtained. Some insurance companies will charge a premium if classes are being run on the premises and it is useful to find this information out upfront to make sure that the additional costs don't make the venture too costly.
Teaching Candle Making Classes Information
There is a wealth of information available here at LoveToKnow Candles as well as links to some other great candle making Web sites. Do check the copyright conditions when using information from other Web sites, however. Some sites may prohibit the use of their materials for commercial purposes.
The National Candle Association also offers a lot of information about candles and candle safety. The Craft and Hobby Association has a wealth of important information for professional craftspeople as well.
Teaching candle making can be an interesting and rewarding sideline to a candle making business that offers a great way to meet other like-minded people.
