How KishiCandles got started
Introduce your Etsy shop and tell us your story. How did you begin and decide on what to sell on Etsy, and how do you create your products?
My Etsy shop is Kishi Candles! I make soy wax candles and wax melts based on books, games, movies, and more. Basically, fandom-inspired I started making candles because I wasn’t seeing the scents I wanted in stores. They were too overwhelming, and I wanted things that would enhance my living space, not take it over. I decided to try making my own. I took my first creations into my job and was surprised when my coworkers asked how much they were! For a while, I was only selling to my coworkers and friends, but then I decided to try my luck with an Etsy store. Since I take inspiration from fandom, I usually blend scents based on descriptions from the source or what I think best fits. I also take suggestions and custom orders. I’ve gotten to make a few custom scents for authors who’ve reached out!
Favorite items
What are your favorite items? What makes these so special? Why do you think these items might be selling well?
My favorite scents are Storm’s Greenhouse, Beast’s Library, and Tamaki. I made Beast’s Library as a gift to myself. It’s inspired by Beauty and the Beast. I was honestly surprised that it sells as well as it does! It’s a mix of black currant tea, cedar, old books, and a hint of fireplace smoke. This one is currently sold out but will be back in stock. Tamaki is inspired by my favorite character from My Hero Academia. I made a whole range of those, and a few I’ve even gifted to the English voice actors of the characters. This one also does really well. It’s a mix of Sandalwood, Lavender, yuzu, and Sea Salt. This one is currently sold out but will be back in stock.Storm’s Greenhouse is inspired by Storm of the X-Men. It’s a mix of Ozone, Garden Soil, orchids, and Herbs. I think it smells like a garden after the rain. This one doesn’t sell well, and I think that’s because people read ‘garden soil’ and think it won’t smell good. But whenever anyone gets a sample or smells it in person, they always love it!
Getting sales on Etsy
How long did it take for you to earn your first sale and how do you currently attract customers to your Etsy shop?
I got my first sale about a week after I first opened my Etsy shop. After I came back from an extended hiatus, my first sale happened within a couple days. I post shop updates on Instagram and Twitter. I also have brand reps (bookstagrammers) that post about things they’ve received or purchased. The reps have promo codes that they share with their communities.
Managing KishiCandles
How do you manage your shop? Are you running solo or do you have any team members? What tools or services do you use to run your shop and how do you handle fulfillment?
I manage my shop on my own. I make all the soy-based products and the labels, take the product pictures, and do most of the marketing (except for what the reps do). I also do all the packing and shipping for the soy-based products. For labels, I use Canva. For marketing, I use Instagram (sometimes with the Later app) and Twitter. For product photos, I just use my phone and the basic editor.
The future of KishiCandles
What goals do you have for your shop in the future?
I would like to increase my on-hand inventory and expand to include more fandoms. Right now, though, I’m focused on keeping things running with my current lineup since I just had a baby. I do have a Legend of Zelda scent that will be added within a week or so!
Advice for new sellers
What’s your advice for a new seller starting an Etsy shop?
My advice is to make products that YOU would want to see and buy. Chances are, if you’re looking for it, someone else out there is too! Start small to learn how SEO works and expand when you’re comfortable with the process.
