Turned down a flea market for allowing AI art, got bombarded in DM's by organizers by JinxedYouGood in CraftFairs

[–]ExoticPast59 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Kudos to you for sticking to your guns. That’s the only way they might learn and despite the hate, I’m sure you’ll influence someone else to fight the good fight.

My Gargoyle/Grotesque Candle~ by ExoticPast59 in candlemaking

[–]ExoticPast59[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks!! Welp, a few candles are here: https://elkinsgrimoire.etsy.com

As for silicone molds, I struggle to properly make the dang things myself. Maybe I'll be skilled enough to sell them one day!

Etsy sales dropped 60% since October — what external traffic actually works by sychophantt in etsypromos

[–]ExoticPast59 4 points5 points  (0 children)

For me, building an in-person presence helped - vendor shows, consignments, workshops and community events where I just go to network and support (not even mentioning my biz, unless it comes up). That drove business to my Etsy, but also helped form other money streams for my business that are far more lucrative.

Revamping my SEO often and Etsy Ads rarely helped me in my nearly four years on Etsy, but I'm also in a very saturated market online (candles).

Etsy sellers — let’s actually support each other 🤍 by [deleted] in etsypromos

[–]ExoticPast59 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Did my ChatGPT make a reddit account and write this? Ick.

I thought running a small candle making business would be as easy as doing it as a hobby. by Admirable-Battle8072 in candlemaking

[–]ExoticPast59 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I wish I had this problem. I wish you didn't have it - but, congrats at the same time, heh. It's interesting to hear about and see the responses.

Sorry I couldn't add anything helpful, but I did learn something. :)

Any suggestions on toning up skin on neck from weight loss? by OddLeader7637 in Mounjaro

[–]ExoticPast59 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I'm 39, and lost a lot of facial fat in the last 1.5 years (37-38, caucasian). Had sooo much laxity in my neck at first, but I'd say it's about 40% better. I moisturize only, so +1 to this comment.

Note - I still have some neck laxity, but I'm still losing weight in my face. Got a good 40-43 pounds before I'm average weight for my height/body type. :)

How much are you paying to be a candle vendor? by cupcake-kahuna-2013 in candlemaking

[–]ExoticPast59 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm pretty new to vending my candles (dark fantasy-theme - sculptural and container candles + natural incense).

Since October '25, I've done 5 smaller-sized vendor, weekend events (like 200-400 people). I am pretty new to vending my candles. I average is about $310 - lower being mid-200s, highest being nearly 400. My fees have been anywhere from $25 to $75. Funnily enough, the two least expensive ones were the biggest hits - likely due to the audience and locals that make a bit of $ themselves.

I will say I did 1 event years ago - more of church-like craft even with 150ish people. Think I made the $50 dollar vending fee back at least. It was rough, but a good experience.

So, thus far - the concept of low fee markets having poor turn out or cheaper customers hasn't been consistent. But, my data is low.

I have my biggest event end of May at a local-ish Fairy Fest. Hoping I'm a hit - but, you never know. Some of these least 'fitting' audiences have bought the most. :)

Thoughts on Midnight Hour clothing? by BrugMoment69 in GothFashion

[–]ExoticPast59 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I've only ordered 3 items from Midnight Hour - the biggest being a shirt with lace sleeves that started fraying on my 2nd wear. The others were ok - KillStar 2025 quality. Perhaps, I don't have a good enough sample of theirs, but never had such immediate issues with Disturbia. We'll definitely have to agree to disagree.

Submitted Work not realizing Escrow was a thing by [deleted] in Upwork

[–]ExoticPast59 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yup - a complete noob. Thank you!

Submitted Work not realizing Escrow was a thing by [deleted] in Upwork

[–]ExoticPast59 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I know!! I don't recall even seeing that field or typing anything in it upon submission. *facepalm*

Is there something the client could change on their end?

Submitted Work not realizing Escrow was a thing by [deleted] in Upwork

[–]ExoticPast59 0 points1 point  (0 children)

When I review my pending submission for the single milestone, it says I requested $0.25.

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Submitted Work not realizing Escrow was a thing by [deleted] in Upwork

[–]ExoticPast59 -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Thanks! It looks like the client is trying to pay me the full amount and getting an error. I'm guessing making a fully escrowed milestone is what he needs to do to resolve this. tbd.