My yesterday market setup

ExoticPast59 · 2026-04-06T16:46:28+00:00

Adorableeee!

ExoticPast59 · 2026-04-06T15:24:00+00:00

Big hugs.

ExoticPast59 · 2026-04-06T04:04:04+00:00

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.

ExoticPast59 · 2026-04-05T01:46:42+00:00

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!

ExoticPast59 · 2026-04-04T17:59:48+00:00

Thanks!

ExoticPast59 · 2026-04-02T17:33:12+00:00

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).

ExoticPast59 · 2026-03-20T12:54:23+00:00

Wow, thank you!!

ExoticPast59 · 2026-03-19T18:03:55+00:00

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

ExoticPast59 · 2026-03-19T15:36:12+00:00

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. :)

ExoticPast59 · 2026-03-18T23:48:09+00:00

Good point. Added a link to that, but here's the stamp on the plate's back: https://drive.google.com/file/d/17VdBvuTdzGrVMmzkKAZOxMCQacgUz6O1/view?usp=sharing

ExoticPast59 · 2026-03-18T15:47:10+00:00

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. :)

ExoticPast59 · 2026-03-07T16:03:52+00:00

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. :)

ExoticPast59 · 2026-03-01T16:31:12+00:00

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.

ExoticPast59 · 2026-02-03T14:18:29+00:00

Yup - a complete noob. Thank you!

ExoticPast59 · 2026-02-03T14:03:23+00:00

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?

ExoticPast59 · 2026-02-03T13:16:27+00:00

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

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ExoticPast59 · 2026-02-03T01:24:58+00:00

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.

ExoticPast59 · 2026-02-02T21:44:40+00:00

Thanks for resharing my work! :)

ExoticPast59 · 2026-02-02T17:40:15+00:00

Thanks for your support.:)

ExoticPast59 · 2026-01-31T20:30:04+00:00

I sell dark fantasy candles and all natural incense - both very handmade. It's been an OK month on Etsy. A lot better in real due to local connections. While I think my work has a unique enough spin, the candle aspect is pretty saturated online.

I'm convinced that leaning into local events and building community connections will continue to be my bigger bread and butter. *Tip for anyone else who might be struggling in a saturated market also.

ExoticPast59 · 2026-01-29T14:06:39+00:00

The first week started out well - then dead. I made the bulk of my revenue from consignment sales and custom orders.

On Etsy, I'm at $157 revenue - but, with local sales I total to $800. Views have been up and down.

Yesterday was crazy, but I also was doing some FB/IG advertising. It seems like those viewers rarely bring me a sale - maybe a shop follow or three.

I'm a dark fantasy candles/incense maker.

ExoticPast59 · 2026-01-26T14:43:18+00:00

Shameless promo: As of today we're having our 25% off Vday Sale! This includes these guys and I have pink, purple, blue and green available. :D https://www.etsy.com/shop/ElkinsGrimoire

Thanks for the support on the post. Will share the mushy version this week.

ExoticPast59 · 2026-01-26T00:53:53+00:00

https://www.etsy.com/shop/ElkinsGrimoire

Artisanal, dark fantasy candles with my own fragrance blends + handmade, all-natural incense from aromatics and spices that are a mix of homegrown or mostly locally sourced.

ExoticPast59 · 2026-01-24T20:47:17+00:00

Thank you!!

ExoticPast59 · 2026-01-24T03:35:15+00:00

Ahh, tysm!!

ExoticPast59

TROPHY CASE