When we started making candles back in 2006 we thought this can't be that complicated. I mean it's wax plus fire right. It just has to burn. Well let's just say that the intricacies of the chemistry are astounding.
All the elements have to work together. Wax, scent, color, wick, and container. Not to mention temperature and humidity in the air. Once you come to the secret magic formula that achieves your desired result it's a piece of cake. However, one false move and cruddy candle. What happens if you add a few more drops of color, or change the wick, or jar size, or scent. The candle most likely will fall flat. It is a very delicate balance between all of these ingredients. Just like cooking, put too much salt in your stew and yuck!
Also, 110 degree temps in June with extreme humidity require vigorous A/C usage. Candles don't harden when it's crazy hot. They also end up with what we call in the biz "craters" if they cool to fast. The interior wax is still too warm while the exterior wax has hardened. As the wax in the center starts cooling in shrinks and creates a hole aka "crater". Easily fixed, but kinda a pain in the tush.
So I guess the lessen we learned early on is not to try too many variations in container etc. Each change requires endless hours and attempts of testing which can be exhausting. Perfect one thing first. Then branch out. Probably a good lessen to apply to the rest of my life too. :))
Peace
