Summer Candle Scents That Actually Sell (And Why)

There’s no denying that scent is one of our most incredible senses. Certain smells can evoke powerful emotions, remind you of long-forgotten memories, and even improve your mood! At Wick & Pour, we offer immersive New York City candle-making classes ideal for beginners who want to learn more about scent blending and how to make their own candles. We offer a wide selection of premium fragrances for our guests to blend into their own custom scent. That means when you take a candle-making class at one of our NYC studios, you can tailor your candle to fit the season, your style, and your unique preferences. Come in for a summer candle-making workshop in Manhattan and create your signature scent! Keep reading to learn more about our favorite summer candle scents and what makes them so popular.

The Power of Scent: Benefits of Candles

Did you know that your olfactory system, or sense of smell, is directly linked to the limbic system? This is the area of your brain that is responsible for both emotions and memory. That’s why certain smells like fresh-cut grass and old books can instantly transport you back to a cherished childhood memory. That means that when you create your own candle, you aren’t just making a decoration, you’re making a tool that can set the mood of any space. During the summer, many people look for scents that feel airy, energizing, and clean, especially in a city like New York, which can get quite hot and humid. A refreshing candle can really turn any space, even a tiny apartment, into a sanctuary. Understanding the emotional connection between scent and mood is the secret to making candles that people will keep coming back to, time and time again.

How to Create the Perfect Summer Candle in an NYC Candle-Making Workshop

If you’re interested in making and selling your own candles, our workshops are the perfect way to hone your skills. We walk you through how to make your own candle in a hands-on and memorable way, giving you the skills you’ll need to keep creating at home. During your candle making class, you’ll:

• Select Your Wax: Choose from a selection of high-quality candle wax that holds fragrance beautifully in a variety of colors!
• Create Your Personalized Fragrance: This is the fun part! You’ll experiment with top, middle, and base notes to create a balanced summer scent that’s uniquely yours.
• Choose Your Vessel: From chic tinted glass to colorful ceramic, your candle vessel can reflect your exact style and preference. Plus, we have some great decorations for you to add!
• Melt, Blend & Pour: We’ll show you how to heat your wax to the optimal temperature, safely add in your fragrance, and pour your own candle into your selected vessel.
• Allow Your Candle to Set: At the end of the NYC candle-making experience, your candle will need about 15–20 minutes to set. During this time, feel free to step out to grab a coffee or a quick lunch at one of the many delicious cafes nearby.

Most Popular Candles for Summer

The key to creating the best summer candle scent is balance. You’ll want to strive for something light but memorable that can complement any space without being overpowering. Here are the top-selling summer profiles we see in our NYC studios:

• Refreshing Citrus: Think Blood Orange, Pomelo, and Bergamot. Citrus is a bestseller because it feels both clean and invigorating.
• Vacation Vibes: What about a candle that feels like a tropical escape in a jar? Think coconut, fresh pineapple, and a hint of driftwood.
• Sea Salt Breeze: By blending sea salt with sage, you can create a spa-like scent that appeals to everyone.
• Soft Jasmine & White Tea: Floral but not heavy. Jasmine provides a romantic, late-summer-night feel that is incredibly popular.
• Lemongrass & Eucalyptus: Energizing and refreshing, this scent is popular for its natural ability to keep away mosquitoes and wake up any space.

For makers, these scents are a great starting point because they evoke that classic summer vibe: the beach, long sunny days, and outdoor fun.

Tips for Making and Selling Your Own Candles

Taking up a new creative practice is not only a ton of fun, but can also be a great way to generate some extra income. Here are some more tips for when you’re ready to start selling:

• Master the Basics: If you’re interested in learning how to make DIY candles in New York City, a candle-making workshop is a wonderful place to start. We’ll provide you with all the materials you need, plus expert guidance that’s truly invaluable to mastering your craft.
• Start Creating at Home: When making candles to sell, you’ll want to make sure you’re sourcing high-quality materials and testing your candles out to ensure they burn safely and effectively. 
• Decide Where to Sell: When you’re just getting started, listing your products on a marketplace like Etsy is a great idea. Share with your friends and ask for feedback! For in-person operations, connect with your local farmers’ markets and craft fairs.
• Keep Improving: Like any new venture, making your own candles and selling them takes a lot of practice. Take careful inventory of your product and see what’s working and what needs improvement! 

Start Your Candle Making Journey Today with Wick & Pour

Whether you want to start selling your own candles or you just want to spend a creative afternoon in the West Village or Nolita, Wick & Pour is your destination for the best candle making classes in NYC! We guide you through the entire process, ensuring you leave with a candle you love. Book a candle-making class today!