The Story of a Candle Business Owner

Candle-making lights the future of the Ludgarda family from Angono.

Mrs. Rose Lugarda came to Angono (from Darangan, Rizal, Philippines) in 1972 to work for Rosin Candles owned by her soon-to-be husband’s family. Almost three decades of experience enabled her to master not only the candle-making process but the business operations as well.

It was 8 years ago when Rose and her husband decided to build a separate factory and run their own candle-making business. Unfortunately, this decision was the result of problems and misunderstandings with her in-laws. But fate has a funny way of turning bad things into good.

In 2000, upon the advice of her cousin, Aling Rose attended a two-day training on aroma candle-making at the Technological Livelihood and Resource Institute (TLRC).

“It was my cousin who told me about it. She herself wanted to have her own business. She told me about the TLRC training for aroma candle-making. Since I have a lot of clients asking me about aroma candles, I attended the two-day training last year.

“It was also at TLRC where I learned the art of decorating the candles,” Rose said.

Starting the business was not easy. Aside from shunning away from the shadow of the “original” family business, Rose and her husband needed a fairly large capital.

“We invested an initial capital of P120,000. We got the money from selling about 15 pigs that we raised for some time. Our workers are composed of family members. So this is now our own family business.”

On regular days, only three workers are needed to get the work done as large demand for candles is only seasonal. I visited the factory and found the whole family busy molding and packing their products for immediate delivery.

“Actually, bigger profit only comes when there are special occasions. But we continuously make candles all year round because we have dealers all over Rizal—Antipolo, Morong, Binangonan, Cardona—who sell our products. Even some of our clients from the other factory now come to us for their supply.”

Rose Candles has established quite a respectable network of dealers around the province of RIzal. Most of them are found in churches or small stalls and stores. Rose herself is renting a small place just along Kalayaan Road in Angono to sell her candles.

Rose is hoping that she can raise a bigger capital to help her business. Part of her dream is putting up kiosks in malls around Manila. “If we will have money, we would like to increase our production, purchase new and better equipment, and maybe have some stores in Manila.”

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15 comments on “The Story of a Candle Business Owner”

  1. Hi me and my family is looking for business in the philippines thingking of opening like a small counter to sell items . Aroma candles is one of them. Maybe we could discuss this business ty.

  2. hello, i am inspired in your life experience with your business and i plan to have that business also in our town...hope you can share something 'cause i dont know yet where to buy equipement for candle making..this is my number 09289988877, pls txt or call me...thank you very much and more power, blessings in your business.

  3. Dear Sir/Madame :
    Your life story was very inspiring.
    It touches the hearts of many. I am one of those. Hope you could help people not only by giving employment but also sharing your ideas on how to make this business grow.
    First and foremost, I am Ronnell Toring, 30 years old from Cebu City, Phils.
    I've been making candles for four years now. But we are just making candles on special occassions most specially on All saints day only. But we are only focusing on normal candles only.
    I have started to work out the papers for a small store of this candle business. Probably next year, this business will be operating.
    With this, I would like to apply for a dealership of your product. Hope I could deal business with you. Kindly advice me for your requirements and procedures in order to be one of your dealers.
    I am willing to go to your office if the needs arises.
    Kindly give me your location and your contact nos.
    Hoping for your positive response regarding this matter.
    rEGARDS,
    RONNELL TORING

  4. Hi! May i request for your price quote for candle give aways for weddings. Thanks. Pls send them to the email provided above.
    Thanks again 🙂

  5. Hello. I am a student of Adventist university of the Philippines and i'm currently enrolled in Feasibility Study with Business Research. My topic is Establishing Scented Soy Candles in Paseo de Santa Rosa Laguna. Can you help me find supplies and equipment in making scented soy candles?what procedures do i need to undertake in making scented soy candles?
    CAN i ask you to answer the questions below:all answers will only be used for academic purposes only:
    1. What type of business are you in?(Sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation)
    2. When did you start your business?
    3. How many employees do you have?
    4. Are you training your employees?
    5. What time is your operation starting?
    6. How much is the return of capital in your first year?
    7. do you have competitors, If yes, who are they?
    8. Do you experience difficulty in managing your business? If yes, what are those?
    9. What type of candles is the best seling?
    10. Do you sell eco-friendly candles? Like Soy candles?
    thank you for your reply..
    God Bless

  6. Im very thankful w/ your story,im interested, hope you can teach me in the making of candles, pls send me the info's.

  7. I am interested for this business aroma candle. Kindly inform us where we can buy raw materials for making floor wax and candles. Do you have simenar so we can have more ,knowledge how to make quality wise in making candles? Hope you can help us to pursue our dreams to make a business about candles. Thank you. ELY BESA

  8. I'm very much interested n candlemaking i want to learn how to make the basic one like the red canldes being sold in a sari-sari store here in pililla, eventually if all goes well for this business i'll venture into aroma candle making as well. Here's my number hope to get a favorable reply from you 09275303906

  9. hi! mam i am interested with your story and i plan to have a business in our house .I am a plain housewife and i want to be busy and have an income . I would like to ask if you have simenar and products so i can learn and buy products. thank you very much.

  10. Hey Guys!
    We are importers and suppliers of all the materials that you need to start up your own candle making business. From Paraffin wax, wax additives, and other candle raw materials… candle wick, anchor, glass containers, coloring, scents, molds, machines, etc. just give us a call at # 09278792029 / 09193188318. You can also call us at (02)584-4525 / (046) 489-8609. or visit us at 139 Buhay na Tubig, Imus, Cavite. We Are open from Mon – Fri 8am-5pm. Look for Jan or Bernadette.
    Thank you & God bless.