Serious about starting your own candle making business? Get confidently equipped on this course with Paula Mateo, award winning founder of Old Bexley Soap & Candle Co.

Starting your candle making business is an exciting journey but sometimes there is too much information online and it’s very time consuming to reach a sufficient and water-tight understanding. Paula will walk you through all the UK legal and compliance requirements, helping you to thoroughly understand what you need to do to be able to sell candles and home fragrance products in the UK. You’ll get the right information, step by step, in a way that it is easy to assimilate and put into action.

We’ll cover everything from marketing, to labelling,  trademarks, accounts so you feel confident and ready to go. You’ll save time, money and gain incredible value, learning from an experienced business woman who’s proof lies in the outstanding success of her own brand as well, as the candle businesses who have launched under her expert guidance.

**This course is for you if: **
- You already make candle or home fragrances and you would like to start a business or 
- You’ve come to the beginner’s course and want to start a candle making business
- You are unsure whether you are fully compliant and would like to go  through the whole process to make sure you’re doing it right.
- You want to start a candle and home fragrance business and want to fully understand what it involves.

**COURSE  CONTENT**

**Introduction** 

Module 1: **REGULATORY COMPLIANCE** 
- Current legislation
- Technical File: Safety testing plan and record keeping
- Traceability
- Labelling requirements: Safety data sheet, CLP and warning labels
- Selling in EU and UK, effects of Brexit
- The food Imitations (safety) regulations
- Fire risk assessment

Module 2: MARKETING 
- The 4 P´s in business: product, price, place, and promotion
- Marketing strategies
- How to write a business plan
- Determine startup costs
- Creating your brand
- Find your niche
- Define your market

Module 3:** OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT** 
- Your product line
- Good manufacturing processes
- Logistics, posting items & stock management
- Suppliers, packaging, labels, website and logo design
- Insurance

Module 4: **FINANCE**  
- Intellectual property, copyrights and trademarking
- Legal status, registering your business
- VAT
- Accounting systems, record keeping
- HMRC

How to start a profitable candle business

Deena Patel

Paula has invaluable experience and knowledge of running a successful business and her courses are a must for anyone who's serious about starting their own candle business journey. The training was at a good pace and in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere which is particularly helpful when running through the technical compliance areas of the course.  Thank you Paula for a great start to my start-up journey!

Jo Chandler

I recently attended the course 'How to start a profitable candle business' and would highly recommend it; it gave me a whole range of very useful information to go away with, many things I would never have thought about on my own.  Thank you Paula!

Serious about starting your own candle making business? Get confidently equipped on this course with Paula Mateo, award winning founder of Old Bexley Soap & ...

Paula, the award-winning founder of Old Bexley Soap & Candle Co., a master Chandler with years of experience is your host and teacher.

You’ll be in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere and leave with two beautiful handmade soy wax candles 

YOU WILL LEARN:

- About the different type of waxes and their differences in candle making.

- About wick types and how to wick your candle correctly.

- About different types of containers
- How to burn a candle correctly.

- How to make your own soy wax container candles

- How to scent your candles from a selection of the highest quality fragrances in the UK.

- The variety of ingredients needed to make a natural candle, how to select and where to source them.

- The equipment required to make your own candles and where to purchase it.

- How to conduct burn tests to produce safe and fragrant candles you can give as presents or sell.

- An introduction about compliance and regulations pertaining to the sale of candles.

- About the best suppliers for your ingredients.



Beginners Candle Making Course with Afternoon Tea

Emily

A fantastic course with Paula. I learned so much in a day I feel confident now to make more candles at home. Thank you!

Beginners Candle Making Course with Afternoon Tea in Bexley (Kent) - Easy access from London

Magdalene LEWIS

I attended the beginners Candle Making  course. It was a well run course, Paula gave lots of information & Happy to answer any questions. I  would highly recommend Old Bexley Soap Co 

Kristina Shepherd

Excellent course! i have learnt so much it was excellent. very knowledgeable teacher. 

Kelly Gill

The class was so informative and Paula is a fabulous teacher and really knows her stuff after 20 years in the business. She also provided a lot of information on moving firearms to start a small business and offers a 1 to 1 more in-depth personal business course.  We came away with 2 hand made candles. Refreshments were available  through the day and a beautiful afternoon tea was also provided. Can’t recommend this course enough. 

Angela Griggs

Brilliant course! I also did the soap making course in November last year and loved that too. Highly recommend Paula, she is a brilliant and enthusiastic teacher and so knowledgeable! Can't rate her highly enough. 

Jasprit anand

I was interested in doing this course for a while, and I am glad I took this course. Paula explained the whole thing with a lot of interest and information. She was extremely happy to answer any questions we had.
Thank you greatly and appreciate all the others attending who were so friendly and helpful.

Elisaveta Kaneva 

It was such a magical experience to create my very first candles! Everyone in the class was so excited and buzzing, and that created even a better atmosphere! The course was very informative and the material well-prepared for all requirements. 
Paula and her lovely lady-helper were so friendly and well-organised. The catering was organised to suit all food requirements with a great sandwich selection and drinks, to home-made scones! Truly scrumptious! 
I had really wonderful experience! Thanks ladies! 

Tifanny  Bernard-Wilson

I had the most amazing time learning how to make candles! Paula was lovely and very thorough in her teaching. It was informative and fun! Met a lot of lovely people too and enjoyed a great afternoon tea. Would recommend for anyone who wants to start a candle making business, or just want to have some fun! 

Sandra Goode

There were nine in the group a nice number. whilst the atmosphere was relaxed there was a vast amount of advice given.  Paula stressed how important it was to do tests for the safety of burning the candle.  Am looking forward to doing the soap making course later on

Christine De Ionno

This was the first of Paula’s excellent workshops that I have attended.  There was much to learn as making perfect candles is not easy.  Paula guided us through the process from start to finish and we all went home with 2 beautifully-fragranced soy candles.  The learning environment was relaxed and fun and it was a special day for me and my colleague – both of us were taking time out of our very busy work schedules.  I would recommend the workshop to anyone who wants to de-stress from work or other difficult events or just for fun.

Elisabetta Cirulli

This is my second course with Paula of Old Bexley Soap & Candle Co. and it was another great one! Paula is thorough, passionate, patient and makes sure you don't just walk away with top-line information, but she provides all the tools and knowledge you need to make a start in earnest, be it as a business or hobbyist candle maker. I'll be back for the reed course for sure and then probably an even more in depth one-to one. Highly recommended!

Ayfer Guncu

It was a very friendly atmosphere and learned very useful techniques to make candles . Also very important how to use of health and safety procedures and well advice given when you want to sell  candles. 

Tracy Coates

The course was very informative and I felt that it has given me the knowledge needed to make my own candles at home. Paula was a great tutor and the day was very enjoyable. The afternoon tea was lovely and going home with 2 candles at the end of tea day makes it a perfect experience. I would definitely recommend and will hopefully be doing the soap making course in the future.

Susan Smith

Very indepth course fun and showing you anything is possible 

Rachel  Gregory

I was very excited about doing this workshop and it didn’t disappoint, Paula is a wonderful host and guided us through a most enjoyable day. It has truly inspired me to explore candle making. I would highly recommend this workshop and the lunch was amazing especially the homemade scones. Thank you again. 💕

Linda Francois

Fantastic course. Paula shared her  passion and expertise whether attendees were there for business or just pleasure. You’ll learn so much more than those ‘experience’ days. Highly recommend this course. 

Vanessa Janes

Really lovely day. Very informative re making candles. Made 2 super candles. Gluten free food was excellent. Thoroughly enjoyable day.

Karen  Wheeler

What a fantastic day.  I thoroughly enjoyed the whole event.  It was a lovely blend of being taught and social.  The teacher is so knowledgeable and her presentation is outstanding as she focuses on you the person and the best way for you to get as much as you can from the event and what you are learning.

Ayshe Osman

I attended Paula’s beginners candle making course and it was such a lovely experience. I knew Paula would be very knowledgeable and I learnt so much from her and felt so comfortable asking her all of the questions  that I had. It was a lovely space where everyone felt relaxed and had lots of fun. I would love to try more of Paula’s courses!

Michael Thomas

I loved this workshop. I have to say that Paula is incredibly generous with her knowledge of the creative, science, and business of fragrance products. She is also very personable and kind and took the time to make sure that we all understood candles, but also had a lovely afternoon. Delicious afternoon tea served by her lovely husband - and aided by Rosa! It was such a nice way to spend a few hours (which flew by) and come away with such a lot of knowledge. I cannot recommend this workshop enough!

Deana

I wasn't sure what to expect, but it turned out to be a really interesting and a fun day. And you had two scented candles that smell amazing to take home.
Paula really knows her subject (I was surprised how much I learnt) and she made it feel so relaxed.
Whether you are thinking of starting your own business or just as a hobby, I would highly recommend this course.
A big thank you to Paula and Rosa for a memorable day and hope to see you again on one of your many other courses.


Kate King

A delightful day, informative, creative & enjoyable. I would like a programme of other courses for the new year.

Alla Weiss

Candle and soap making classes exceeded my expectations.Paula is an extraordinary teacher that pass on here vast knowledge both in practical and theoretical forms.With her guidance we got a taste of a new world of smells , colors, truly a fantasy given life. Thank you Paula for letting us be a part of this magic!

Coleman Onwuzurike

Tara Marie Grant

This was what I was looking for. Brilliant direction from Paula and wonderfully assisted by Rosa. Thank you for an amazing day.

Sally  Prall

Very informative course and Paula was extremely friendly and considerate to all our needs. Fab food as well as fab tutoring.

Joyce Reynolds

I had a lovely time learning and meeting new people. I’m 86 years old and Paula was very attentive and considerate of my abilities but not to the detriment of others. Food was lovely too.

Maria Gillivan

Really enjoyable day. Paula is a great teacher and I would feel comfortable now to have a go at candle making on my own. 

Sol Gonzalez 

Amazing! She knows everything and was very clear when she was explaining.
Much recommended. 

Jonathan Gay

The candle making course exceeded my expectations, it was fascinating, enjoyable, informative, and left my mind buzzing with ideas! Paola is an outstanding teacher; there were handouts, explanations, demonstrations, science, art and beautiful products to take home at the end. Included were beverages, delicious sandwiches, relaxing music, and cream teas. The facilities and venue were really nice too. I cannot wait to attend the next course!

Nicky Salama

Great candle making course from Paula.  Informative, interesting and fun.  
Will definitely do another class with you Paula. 

Sejal Patel

Really insightful and interesting! Loved Paula’s way of teaching and explaining the facts of candle making. Had a lovely time! 

Michelle  Risley

I thoroughly enjoyed this course. Paula was so friendly and knowledgeable and the whole day was well organised. I was slightly nervous attending on my own but the majority of attendees were also on their own and we soon settled in. Hot drinks and biscuits were available throughout the day and the afternoon tea was excellent. Bringing home 2 lovely candles was a bonus. I would highly recommend this course. 

Marion Slaughter

I am inspired!  Such a great course, loved every minute.  Paula was a fantastic teacher, and I am so grateful for the knowledge she shared to help me to kick start my candle making and I can't wait to introduce candles to my business.  I will definitely be back for more!

Hayley Raynsford

Informative, fun, practical and enjoyable. Highly recommend 

Kim Burroughs 

I thoroughly enjoyed my candle making and reed diffuser course. Paula made the course fun but also explained the process really well. I would definitely recommend getting yourself on one of Paula’s courses, I can’t wait to get myself booked in on another one. Oh and the afternoon tea was lovely, especially Paula’s home made scones 😋 


JILLIAN  TRAVERS

My second superb visit  to make candles this time, last time was soap making.  Both days have been fantastic, truly welcoming and a wonderful knowledgeable tutor.  Will be looking to book my third visit asap.

Ligia Carrillo

Paula is a lovely, welcoming and knowledgeable person.
In regards to the  course, it does need some improvements in the structure. It would be easier to understand and learn if there was a presentation in a slide show following some order in candle making rather than what felt like just a chat about the topic. We were given a print out A4 about the information but this was just a guideline not everything discussed.





Mary Embleton

Very enjoyable pleasant atmosphere and informative .
I came via a charity auction and some other participants were looking to develop a business and all seemed satisfied. 
Enjoyed the scones!

Brenda Tigue

Thank you for a wonderful new experience.
 Paula delivered a relaxed and comfortable course which was also packed full of technical and practical information. Looking forward to starting a great new hobby !


Mandy Taak

Kerry Ari

Lovely class. Paula is great. Very clear teaching. Paula is very generous with the level of information and teaching she provides. Also to a high standard.
Highly recommend. Also a lovely day out.
I will be signing up to another one of Paula's courses soon.

Mehernaz  Kaleem 

Wonderfully step by step instructions 
explained while you’re making the candles
Enjoyed it thoroughly. 

Shirley  Hale

I really enjoyed the candle making course. It was a fun and friendly environment and I learnt a lot about the process and the safety aspects of candle making and came away with 2 amazing smelling candles.  And a great afternoon tea too! 
 I would definitely recommend the course.  Thank you Paula

Jeanine Harmitt

The course was amazing and I learnt so much. The trainer and the class size was perfect and I loved the end product. I’m definitely thinking about doing additional courses. 

Caitlin Hess

Lovely full day course run by Paula from start to finish! It was structured well & tailored nicely to what people were most interested in throughout the day. Highly recommend :)

Tanya  Fihosy

What an incredible course! I was looking for a candle making course where I could gain both the skills and confidence to start my own candle business - and this was it. Don’t search any further. The information provided is so detailed and it was a lot of fun too. I’ll be back for the Diffuser one next!

Marjorie Griffith

Hi Paula, not sure if i have already written a review so here goes my thoughts again.  Very good course, it was informative,  detailed and to the point. You have provide me with the skills and confidence to start  making  my own candles for the moment for myself. 
I really enjoyed the day.  Please could send me a certificate to remember that i took the course 

Kathryn Prosser

Had a great time at the beginners candle making course. Paula has a great passion and knowledge for candles.
Who knew there was a right and wrong way to burn candles?
Would highly recommend.

Bharti Nehra

Another excellent session with Paula who made candle making look simple , easy and fun.  A very enjoyable and relaxing few hours, well spent in the company of like minded people keen to learn this new skill of candle making. And of course always look forward to the delicious homemade scones and sandwiches. 

Neshe Swan

Absolutely loved the class, going to book the Pillar candle course. Paula a great teacher & was happy to tell us her mistakes so that we didn’t make them. Lovely lunch & lovely people also in the course

Beverly Flood

Absolutely loved the candle making course. 
Paula who took the course was very helpful  and welcoming and  very informative. 
The whole day was really lovely and interesting. 
I Love my candles

Brent Payne

Had a very enjoyable day and feel very confident about making and testing candles over the coming weeks. 
Teaching, materials, equipment and refreshments were excellent. 

Donna Henry

Absolutely brilliant day. Very comprehensive and informative. Felt completely confident going away and  applying  the knowledge I learned into practice. Paula is a great teacher and always willing to answer any queations.  Lunch was a bonus too which I never knew was included. 

Jill Rutter

Fantastic course which gave me both the skills and the knowledge to strike out on my own and make candles. Excellent handouts too.

Abhi Gupta

Really thorough, informative, and enjoyable day. There was a lot of information to take in but it was well-structured and everything was easy to understand and I am looking forward to practising more at home too.

Melissa Spring

I went along as a complete novice & came away inspired & confident enough to create my own candles at home.  A fabulous & educational day with the extra bonus of an afternoon tea.  Looking forward to booking another course in the future. 

Dawn Weintraub 

Paula’s class was so much fun. It went by so fast with lots of information I needed to learn on the different waxes & wicks.  Looking forward to taking another class in the near future. Thank you for such a wonderful class. 

Christophe Cohen

Absolutely beautiful session and wonderful host. A dream team Paola manage with Rosa to make us a memorable time.  A real giver of insightful informations! I truly become, and with no hesitation 

Inga Regenass

I had the pleasure of attending this excellent Soap making course hosted by Paula, it provided a comprehensive introduction to soap making, she was throrough, organised and approachable, a wonderfu day spent with very friendly people and a delicious lunch was provided.

Carlie Wakeman

Had the best time learnt so much and couldn’t wait to get making after all the knowledge and advice, 

Suzanne Forshaw

Thank-you Paula!
Great day learning about candles, and room sprays, I can’t wait to have a go at home!

Maria Cottam

Loved the course! Paula is so knowledgable and with her great personality the course is really interesting and fun. I learnt loads and is definitely my new hobby. Thank you

Vicky Stroud

Great workshop! Paula was very thorough and informative when teaching and the atmosphere was fun and friendly.  Looking forward to using the techniques I’ve learned into making candles for my family and friends :) 

Victoria Cole

Informative course, Lovely host . Very happy with the ‘all in’ option . 
Would recommend 

Iwona  Wisniewska 

Emma Jenkins

This course was gifted to me as a surprise from my lovely partner and it was utterly glorious from start to finish. I arrived at the venue completely confused as to what was going on but was warmly welcomed by Paula, Rosa and the other participants of the course. I only knew what was about to happen when I sat down and was thrilled! What followed was marvellous. Paula was so knowledgeable, personable and a wonderful teacher. The time flew by and there was a collective sense of satisfaction at the end! After 5 hours, we had made two beautiful candles but some participants had paid extra to make reed diffusers and room spray so I asked if I could pay extra so I had the full set. Paula then talked us through how to make the items. The equipment, instruction, refreshments and overall experience were all incredibly high quality. All in all, I couldn’t recommend this day more highly and I would be keen to participate in further courses run by Paula*. My partner could not have found a more perfect gift and I can’t wait to start on my Burn Test homework.

* I would pay this time though!

Hallam Bather

Really enjoyed the course. Was fun and educational. thank you Paula. x

DEBRA COLLINS

Had a great day. Everyone so friendly and welcoming. Learnt so much. Thank you Paula. 

Lorraine Hendricks

This was an amazing experience.  Quality ingredients were provided to make two lovely candles and I also made a defuser and a  room spray which are sublime! The session was relaxed but very informative and we were also provided with a handout that detailed all we learnt on the course and more. I highly recommend this to everyone who is thinking about it.

Rachel  McGivern

Great course, very detailled and I learnt lots. I had a great day and the group were really friendly.

jane  lockhart

The course was excellent. Paula's passion for the subject really shone through and I particularly appreciated her talking about the business side of things. She also spent time talking about the safety aspects and that was so insightful. I would definitely recommend this course. I have done a workshop before with another company and it in no way measured up to Paula's course which was exceptional. Thank you Paula for your passion and dedication to such an interesting and lovely topic. I came away with 2 beautiful scented candles which I have gifted to family and they loved them.

Tina Welch

A fantastic candle making day with the incredible Paula! Informative, fun and very interesting. Paula's knowledge is second to none as well as being a very nice lady. Thank you.

Sitti Abdou

I wanted to learn to make that beautiful Candle (that we see in magazines). So, I read a lot and a lot of reviews, sent a lot of emails, and messages, and checked different courses for months before deciding to go with Paula whose first impression was a nice person and quick responsiveness to email. I can happily also say that Paula is extremely good, she exceeded my expectations providing the excellent course “Beginner’s Candle making”. The course was complete (the part I loved the most was choosing the fragrance), and she answered all the questions. I am so happy! I left the course with 2 Amazing candles! Of course, I will not hesitate to recommend Paula, Old Bexley Soap & Candle Co. to other colleagues because I know she is simply the best. 

Dhwani Shah

It was an amazing course. Paula and her team was friendly, welcoming and helping.  

Katie Vincent

Fantastic day ! Loved every minute. The beginnings  class was a birthday gift. I have now booked to attend more group classes as I loved learning in a fun and knowledgeable atmosphere. Highly recommended. 

Tessa Wilson

Absolutely fantastic course, I learned so much, it was fun, interactive, Paula was so lovely, welcoming and knowledgeable and her home made scones are the best! I can't wait to start making my own candles. Thanks Paula! 

Swati Pathare

Loved the beginner’s Candle Making workshop by Paula. She is an absolute delight and very warm person . It was a fun workshop with lots of insights on the not just on candle making but also on the business front .  I found out how little I knew about candles and candle making during the workshop.  The homemade scones at lunch by her were also very yum !! Walked out with lots of knowledge and 2 gorgeous candles .. 
Thanks Paula !!

Sarah Thompson

Really great informative friendly class. 
Has really motivated me to continue my own business thanks Paula I will be back for more!! 

Alison  Taylor

This was a great day and really informative.
its inspired me to have a go and make some candles for family and friends . My candles smell beautiful and so does my house, thank you Paula for sharing your knowledge and passion .

Kenneth Amos

Attended the course as a couple. Had a great time, and highly recommend for anyone looking either to start candle making for fun or business. Paula was very knowledgeable, making the day both educational and great fun. Many thanks Paula. X

Beginners Candle Making Course

Khadijah  Chaoui

The candle-making course was fantastic! Paula's extensive knowledge and passion for her craft truly shone through, making the experience both enjoyable and informative. I'm excited to apply what I've learned and can't wait to begin my own candle-making journey! Highly recommend this course to anyone interested in learning the art of candle making.

Anne-Marie McAllen

Fantastic course! Paula is so knowledgeable. Recommend highly. 

Claire Pettman

Had a wonderful experience making candles and diffusers. I learnt so much information about the process around candle making, presented in an engaging and interesting way. Really enjoyed making the candles, choosing the scents in a relaxing atmosphere. Thank you  . 

Anitha Samuel

Paula’s candle making class was excellent and very useful for me a beginner to candle making. All the information to start making candles were clearly explained. I also liked that she provided the information to test and find your own best performing candle. Thank you very much Paula. I can’t wait to do the tests and make some candles. We made 2 candles at the course which looks and smells incredibly good! 

Debbie Kirby

Really good course, as usual.  Would highly recommend

Chinenyenwa Ogbogu

This course is a must for any one that truly want to get into candle making I bet you this is the best decision I have made and you will make as well 

Carlotta Moore

A lovely day! Very informative and fun.  Great lunch. So looking forward to the skincare course.
Thank you!

Emma Hughes

My friend and I had a great time at the Beginners Candle Making Course. Paula was absolutely lovely and very knowledgeable. We both learned a lot and came away with what we felt was insider information! Thank you so much for a fun day of learning!

Zoe Shires

I thoroughly enjoyed the candle making, (one day) course in Bexley.  Paula gave us enough information and reassurance to make it all seem possible, whilst managing our expectations about trial and error and candle testing.  I really enjoyed the process of making the candles and I am over the moon with our take home candles.  I can’t wait to try experimenting for myself and have already ordered my wax!!!  Really tempted to book the soap making course now based on Paula’s teaching skills.  😃😃😃

Claire Crowley

A thoroughly enjoyable, therapeutic and well structured course ! Paula has a tremendous amount of knowledge and advice and I definitely feel that I have developed more of an understanding of candle making. I am now planning to put what I have learnt into practice and hope to go onto the business training course to further enhance this. Thank you for a wonderful day, really happy with my candles and can’t wait to fill my home with the beautiful aromas !!

Learn to create top quality, fragrant, natural candles you can feel proud to burn in your home or gain enough skills to start a business. 

Paula, the award-winning founder of Old Bexley Soap Company, is a member of the UK Guild of Craft Soap and Toiletry Makers, has years of experience making the finest of soaps, and you will be in expert hands. She will take you through the traditional cold process soap, step by step, and you’ll leave with 8 luxury palm-oil free soaps you have made from scratch.

You’ll be in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere. 

Beginners Soap Making Workshop with Afternoon Tea in Bexley (Kent) - Easy access from London

Yan Alade

It was so fun and relaxing to learn how to make soaps from scratch. Paula is a excellent teacher. The hardest part of the course is to now wait 6 weeks so I can use my handmade soaps. Thank you Paula

Fabiola  Fernandez

Amazing experience, very good curse to learn how to make soaps or to get expand your knowledge.Paula is very passionate about soaps making and she really have a lot to share and explain, I really recommend this curse 

Eva Rose

I absolutely loved the course Paula taught. she is very knowledgeable, and friendly. I came to the course not knowing anything about soap making, and left with lots of ideas and full of inspiration.! Iwould 100% recommend this course to anyone who wants to venture down the path of soap making.. thank you again for a great day!!

Lilly  Mandarano

Had a great day soap making. Paula is very professional, warm and knowledgeable. The handout and information is really thorough and we feel very ready to try it on our own.  She's and her assistant were really approachable and accommodating. Everyone got plenty of support and attention. There were loads of ingredient choices to make our soaps and we are so excited to try our soap once it's cured. The afternoon tea was a really nice tough and gave us a chance to ask questions in a relaxed environment. Top notch course.

Learn all the essentials of how to make luxurious, fragrant soaps, for home, gifts to wow your friends and family, or as an aspiring entrepreneur. 

Soap & Candle-Making Workshops