How Lisa Carter Scaled from Side Hustle to Full-Time Business

From Passion to Profit: How Lisa Carter Built a Thriving Candle Business

Lisa Carter always had a passion for creating beautifully scented candles. What started as a relaxing hobby quickly turned into a side hustle when friends and family couldn’t get enough of her handmade creations. But like many aspiring entrepreneurs, she faced a big challenge—how to turn her passion into a full-time, sustainable business.

The Beginning: A Hobby with Potential

Lisa began crafting candles in her small home studio, using natural ingredients and unique fragrances inspired by her childhood memories. Initially, she only made candles for personal use, but after gifting them to friends, she started receiving requests for more.

Realizing there was demand, she decided to test the waters by selling at local craft fairs and online marketplaces. Orders started flowing in, but she knew that if she wanted to grow, she had to step up her marketing game and create a real brand.

The Turning Point: Taking the Business Online

Lisa joined The Village Expo, where she learned how to position her products effectively and connect with other entrepreneurs. Through live workshops and networking, she discovered the power of branding and online marketing.

Using the Marketplace feature on The Village Expo, she:

• Launched an official online store with detailed product listings
• Used high-quality images to showcase her candles
• Implemented a pre-order system to manage inventory efficiently
• Started offering limited-edition seasonal scents to create urgency

Scaling Up: The Power of Community & Social Media

Lisa also leveraged social media to build her brand. By posting behind-the-scenes videos of her candle-making process, sharing customer testimonials, and running special promotions, she increased engagement and attracted a loyal customer base.

Additionally, she collaborated with influencers and local boutiques to expand her reach. Within six months, she saw a 300% increase in sales, allowing her to quit her day job and run her business full-time.

Lessons from Lisa’s Success Story

1️⃣ Start Small, Test Demand – Begin with limited inventory and see what works before scaling.
2️⃣ Build an Online Presence – A strong brand and e-commerce platform help expand your reach.
3️⃣ Engage with Your Community – Connecting with other entrepreneurs and customers leads to valuable insights and support.
4️⃣ Use Social Media Strategically – Showcasing your process and engaging with your audience creates trust and loyalty.
5️⃣ Leverage Seasonal Trends – Offering limited-edition products keeps customers excited and engaged.

Where is Lisa Now?

Lisa’s brand, Carter’s Custom Candles, is now a recognizable name in the handcrafted home décor space. She has expanded her business to include candle-making kits and online courses, helping others turn their passion into profit.

Are You Ready to Turn Your Side Hustle Into a Full-Time Business?

Lisa’s story is proof that with the right strategy and community support, you can transform a simple idea into a successful business. If you’re an entrepreneur looking to grow, join The Village Expo today and start your journey!

Share Your Thoughts! Have you started a side hustle? What challenges are you facing? Let us know in the comments!