Allow me to tell you about the most recession proof side hustle! Let’s be honest—times are weird. Grocery prices are sky-rockerying, rent is climbing faster than your blood pressure on tax day, and you're probably wondering if there’s any side hustle left that hasn’t been picked clean by TikTok teens and corporate overlords. But lean in, friend, because I’m about to let you in on a little secret:
Candles are the unshakable survivors of the retail world.
(They thrive in any economy—yes, even this one. Just hear me out.)
They survive every economic storm. They thrive in booms, and they bloom in busts. While everyone else is panic-Googling “how to make money from home without selling a kidney,” candle makers are still out here living their best artistic lives—wax up to their elbows and money in the bank.
So why are candles recession-proof?
Why is this humble hunk of scented wax still one of the best side hustles (and full-time businesses) you can start today?
Light a match. Let’s dive in.
Candles: The Comfort Food of the Consumer World
During uncertain times, people crave comfort. We want our homes to feel safe, soft, and cozy. Enter: candles.
Candles are the emotional support snack of home décor. They’re small, affordable luxuries. You might not splurge on a $300 weighted blanket or a $10 latte every day, but a $20 candle that smells like “Christmas at Grandma’s” or “Tropical Island Oasis”? Yes. Always.
Even in a recession, people buy candles because:
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They help reduce anxiety
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They make homes feel warm and inviting
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They’re an affordable indulgence
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They make great gifts (read: people still want to celebrate things even when budgets are tight)
You don’t need a scented MBA to understand this: emotions sell. And candles? Candles are bottled emotions. Nostalgia, love, luxury, escapism—packaged in a jar and topped with a wooden wick.
Candle Sales: Lighting Up the Charts
Don’t just take my word for it—let’s talk numbers. The global candle market is expected to grow from $12.9 billion in 2022 to over $20 billion by 2028. That’s not just hot air.
Even during economic downturns like the 2008 crash and the COVID-19 pandemic, candles kept selling. In fact, many small makers thrived—why?
Because people spend more time at home. Because self-care becomes essential. Because lighting a candle feels like hope.
And hope sells, baby.
What You Need to Start Selling Candles (Spoiler: Not Much)
Here’s the beautiful part: candle making is ridiculously accessible. You don’t need a storefront, a big team, or a degree in thermodynamics.
What you do need is:
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Some wax (soy, coco apricot, gel, beeswax—you get to choose your waxy weapon)
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Fragrance oils (think of these as your signature vibes)
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Jars, wicks, and labels
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A bit of kitchen space
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A healthy pinch of hustle
That’s it. You can start your candle empire from your kitchen table with a starter kit and a notebook full of wild, wonderful scent ideas.
Social Media: Your Free Billboard
If you're thinking, "But how do I sell them once I make them?"—ah, my sweet entrepreneurial cinnamon roll, let me introduce you to your best friend: social media.
Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest, Facebook—these are not just places to post cat memes (although, please do that too). They’re free platforms where you can build an audience, show off your aesthetic, and get real human beings emotionally invested in your candles.
Here’s what to do:
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Share your candle-making process with behind-the-scenes videos
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Talk about scent stories (What does “Cozy Cabin” smell like? Memories? Desire? Pancakes?)
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Host giveaways
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Go live while pouring candles or packing orders
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Make funny TikToks about being a candle boss (people LOVE to watch other people work)
Authenticity wins on social. Don’t be afraid to show the messy, human parts. Talk about your wins, your fails, and your big dreams. People want to buy candles from you, not some faceless candle conglomerate.
Ask Every Store to Carry Your Candles (Seriously, Ask)
You don’t need to wait for opportunities to find you. Create them.
Here’s your new mantra: “Would you like to carry my candles?”
Say it at the local bookstore. The boutique down the street. The spa. The gym. The coffee shop. The place that sells crystals and aura readings. Anywhere that sells gifts, good vibes, or things that smell nice is a potential partner.
Keep a few sample candles in your car and bring them in with you. Make a line sheet. Offer consignment or wholesale options. Be the candle person they think of when the holiday stock rolls in.
Pro tip: Make your branding strong. People fall in love with the vibe of a candle brand before they ever smell a thing.
Markets Are Your Secret Weapon
Want fast feedback, cash in your hand, and the pure joy of watching someone sniff your candle and say “Oh my God, this smells like my childhood”?
Do at least one market a month.
Markets are goldmines of real-life interaction. You’ll learn:
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What scents people gravitate toward
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How to describe your candles to customers
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What price points work
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Which candles to keep and which ones to ditch
Plus, markets build your local fanbase. Those people will follow you online, tell their friends, and come back for refills.
And let’s be honest: they’re just fun. You'll meet other makers, trade snacks, and leave with pockets full of cash and compliments.
The Truth About Passion and Hustle
Here’s the hopeful truth most business gurus forget to mention:
You don’t need to be perfect.
You don’t need a 5-year plan.
You just need passion and hustle.
If you love scents, design, cozy vibes, and making people happy—you’re already halfway there. The rest is learning as you go, iterating, improving, and putting your candles into the world with bold, slightly terrified joy.
And that joy? That’s what sells.
But Can You Really Make Money Doing This?
YES. But like any business, what you put in is what you get out.
Here’s how candle makers are making bank:
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Direct-to-consumer sales (via your website, Etsy, Shopify, etc.)
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Wholesale to stores and boutiques
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Markets, pop-ups, and craft fairs
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Subscription boxes (hello, passive income!)
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Collaborations with other brands
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Private label services for events, weddings, or corporate gifts
Start small, test your scents, get feedback, and build smart. Candle making is one of the few businesses where you can start with $200 and flip it into thousands over time.
And When You’re Ready to Begin…
You don’t need to hunt all over the internet for supplies. You don’t need to buy mystery wax from a sketchy warehouse. You don’t even need to wait.
Candlehaven.ca is your one-stop-shop for Canadian candle makers (and shipping to the U.S. is available too!). We’ve got:
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Premium waxes (soy, gel, coco apricot, and more)
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Stunning jars and vessels (check out our Grand Vessel—she’s a showstopper)
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Fragrance oils that smell like memories, luxury, and magic
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Sparkle dust, mini crystals, wood wicks, and all the extras
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Candle making kits for beginners and bulk options for seasoned pros
We’ve been around since 2020, helping makers light up the world one jar at a time. You’ll find community, resources, tutorials, and even cheeky blog posts (hi, hello 👋) to guide you every step of the way.
Light Your Fire. Start Today.
You don’t have to quit your job. You don’t have to be an expert.
You just have to take one small step toward the glow.
Because here’s the thing: recessions will come and go. But people will always crave light. They’ll always want warmth, comfort, nostalgia, and ambiance.
They’ll always buy candles.
So why not be the one who makes them?
👉 Ready to begin? Head over to Candlehaven.ca and grab your first batch of waxy wonder. The world needs your light.