How I Failed at My First Side Hustle (And What I Learned)

Photo by MJH SHIKDER on Unsplash

 

Introduction

We’ve all heard glamorous stories about side hustles turning into six-figure businesses. But what about the ones that crash and burn? My first attempt at a side hustle was a disaster—a handmade candle business that cost me money, sleep, and a little bit of my pride. Yet, it taught me invaluable lessons that eventually led to smarter ventures. If you’ve ever stumbled while chasing a dream, this story is for you. Let’s dive into my messy journey and the takeaways that might save you time, money, and frustration.

 

The Big Idea: "Turning Passion Into Profit"

I’ve always loved candles. The cozy ambiance, the soothing scents—it felt like magic. So, when I decided to start a side hustle, making candles seemed perfect. I pictured cozy craft fairs, glowing reviews, and a steady stream of income. Spoiler: It didn’t go as planned.

Photo by Firmbee.com on Unsplash

Mistake #1: Skipping Market Research

I assumed everyone would love my lavender-vanilla blend as much as I did. But without understanding my audience, I was flying blind. I didn’t ask questions like:

• Who are my competitors?
• What price points do customers expect?
• Are there seasonal trends in candle sales?

Lesson Learned: Passion ≠ Profit. Validate your idea first. If I’d started with a simple survey or checked local demand, I could’ve avoided stocking 200 unsold jars.

 

The Costly Reality: "Underestimating Expenses"

Candle-making looks cheap—until you factor in wax, fragrance oils, jars, wicks, labels, and shipping. My initial budget was laughably optimistic.

Mistake #2: Ignoring Hidden Costs

• Materials: High-quality soy wax cost 3x more than I expected.
• Time: Each candle took 2 hours to make (not counting failed batches).
• Marketing: Stunning product photos require skill I didn’t have.

Lesson Learned: Track every penny. Create a detailed budget before investing. For tips on budgeting for beginners, explore our guide on avoiding financial pitfalls in small businesses.

 

The Time Trap: "Working Hard, Not Smart"

Photo by Jordan Whitfield on Unsplash

Juggling a full-time job and candle-making left me exhausted. I spent weekends pouring wax instead of testing sales strategies.

Mistake #3: No Systems or Automation

• Hand-pouring each candle was inefficient.
• I didn’t use tools for inventory management or sales tracking.
• Social media posts were sporadic and unplanned.

Lesson Learned: Scalability matters. Even small side hustles need workflows. Batch tasks, use templates, and prioritize high-impact activities.

 

The Branding Blunder: "Why Packaging Matters"

Photo by Luma Candles on Unsplash

My candles smelled amazing, but the labels looked like a kindergarten art project. Customers care about aesthetics—a lot.

Mistake #4: Overlooking First Impressions

I used printer paper labels that smudged and peeled. No branding story, no cohesive colors. Why would anyone pay $15 for something that looked DIY (in the wrong way)?

Lesson Learned: Invest in professional branding early. Check out our post on creating a memorable brand identity for actionable tips.

 

The Silent Killer: "Ignoring Feedback"

Friends politely said my candles were “nice,” but strangers weren’t as kind. One review read: “Smells like a cheap air freshener.” Ouch.

Mistake #5: Taking Criticism Personally

I dismissed negative feedback instead of using it to improve. Had I asked for honest opinions earlier, I could’ve tweaked scents or pricing.

Lesson Learned: Feedback is fuel. Build a feedback loop into your process—surveys, reviews, or even a small focus group.

Photo by Brett Jordan on Unsplash

What I’d Do Differently Now

1. Start Small: Test demand with a mini launch (e.g., 20 candles at a local market).
2. Focus on One Channel: Master Instagram or Etsy before spreading thin.
3. Track Metrics: Profit per unit, customer acquisition cost, repeat buyers.
4. Outsource Weaknesses: Hire a designer for labels or use pre-made templates.

For more on launching lean, read our step-by-step guide to validating business ideas.

 

Photo by the blowup on Unsplash

Final Thoughts: Failure Is a Stepping Stone

My candle venture lasted four months and lost $800. But it taught me resilience, humility, and the importance of planning. Today, I apply those lessons to every project—including running this blog.

If you’re struggling with a side hustle, remember: Every “failure” is just data. Adjust, iterate, and keep going. And if you need more inspiration, explore our collection of stories from entrepreneurs who turned setbacks into success.

Now, I’m focusing more on selling my candles on Print-on-Demand platform. Check out one of my scented candles, Lilyn.

 

Ready to Start (or Restart) Your Hustle?
Learn from my mistakes so yours don’t hurt as much. Share your own side hustle stories in the comments—we’d love to hear how you’re pivoting toward success!