2008 July | Soy Candles Galore

Tracy E asked:


I got an email from this company about their network marketing plan for selling soy candles. I have had some success in the network marketing field in the past and know that with effort, it CAN be a profitable business but I am not familiar with this particular company and would like more info from anyone in the know about them.

sacred source asked:


I recently purchased a soy store and in the literature it suggest that soy burns cooler and therefore longer. The benefits of soy candles seem to grow as I do more research, but I want to know from soy candle users.

Genevieve T asked:


I sell soy candles and other related products, and am planning on purchasing a domain name for my business. What would be a good domain/site name?

Ideas:
- www.soybella.com (The problem is, a www.soyAbella.com already exists, and that might be a tad confusing.)
- www.candlebright.com

I know, I’m just terrible with names! Any better ideas?

Sunshine asked:


I am trying to find new people to get involved in the Mia Bella business and people to sell the products to. Any ideas?

Ibrahim Machiwala asked:


Candles were used by people from a very long time but there is no historical record of the first candles used by man. In those days & today candles were commonly used for lighting, heating, decoration, and celebration. The early Chinese and Japanese candles were made with wax originally from insects and seeds molded in paper tubes. Wax skimmed from boiling cinnamon was the basis of tapers for temple use in India. The Native Americans burned oily fish (candlefish) stuck into a forked stick.

Soy wax is produced form soybean oil but may contain other non-soy ingredients. Soybean oil is separated from the solid components by solvent extraction or by mechanical pressing. This raw oil is then further refined and bleached. Around 60 kg of soybeans are required to produce 10 kg of soybean oil. The soy solids, which remain after oil extraction, can be used as cattle feed.

The main step in making soy wax is hydrogenation. Hydrogenation is the process whereby the poly- and monounsaturated oils are solidified in order to increase the viscosity. This is done by reaction of hydrogen with the oil at elevated temperature (140-225°C) in the presence of a nickel catalyst. It is important to stir the mixture to help dissolve the hydrogen and to achieve a uniform distribution of the catalyst with the oil. The hydrogenation process will create saturated fats (the double bonds are converted into single bonds) which are not very healthy for human consumption because it contains trans-fats.

Hydrogenation of soybean oil alone will produce a wax with low melting point and not so solid texture. Fragrance oils and dyes often added to soy candles. Scented soy wax, which is very popular, can contain up to 10% fragrance oil, which are readily miscible with wax.

Soy candles are best to use because they come from a vegetable, it is non-toxic, and are 100% biodegradable. Soy candles burn 40-50% longer, and burn at a lower temperature than paraffin, making them a much safer. Soy candles are also easy to care for and clean up. Even more these candles do not increase the carbon dioxide level of the atmosphere, making them more attractive to environmentally conscious people. Compared to paraffin candles, their non-toxic nature causes fewer allergies.

Elizabeth Grimes asked:


The soy candle making equipment needed to make soy candles is very basic and you won’t have to spend a fortune on supplies. You probably have most of what you need in your kitchen already.

First, you need something to melt the soy wax in. A double boiler is the safest and most effective method for melting wax. Since it uses indirect heat, you won’t have to worry about burning the wax. Double boilers are easy to find, and are relatively inexpensive. If you already have one, you can use it to melt your soy wax. You may, however, want to purchase an extra one just for your soy candle making.

The second piece of soy candle making equipment you need is a thermometer. A candy thermometer works best. Since the soy wax melts quickly, you will need to monitor the temperature of the melting soy wax to ensure it doesn’t get too hot. Fragrance can be lost to evaporation if it takes a long time for the soy candle to cool. Candy thermometers can usually be purchased at any store that sells kitchen equipment.

Third, you need a vessel to pour the melted wax into the molds. If you are going to be making small soy candles, such as votives, it will be easier to pour using a Pyrex measuring cup rather than the pot the soy wax was melted in. Any heat safe pourable cup will work for this.

The fourth and final soy candle making equipment necessary to make soy candles is a scale to measure the wax. Depending on the size of the soy candles you are making, you will need to know how much soy wax to use. A digital scale works best for this because it gives very accurate measurements.

As you can see, you don’t need to spend a fortune on special equipment to make soy candles. Most of them may already be in your kitchen, and the rest are common supplies that can be purchased inexpensively.

For more information on soy candle making and where to buy supplies, visit How To Make Soy Candles.

tina_riley70 asked:


I use a soy based, ultra fragrance, and add 1 ounce of fragrance to 2 pounds of melted wax. Do I measure the fragrance by weight? Do I measure the wax when melted or still flakes? I am just starting, so I dont know.

Funmi Ogboye asked:


The seven wonders of soy candles

How a simple little luxury can enhance your life

Scented candles are an essential for your home.  The softness of candlelight aids relaxation and romance and a delicate fragrance completes the recipe for sensual pleasure.  But did you know what swapping your usual candles for soy wax candles could bring added benefits?  Here are seven ways that soy wax candles can bring you joy:

A relaxing soak

Immerse yourself in a deep bath drizzled with your favourite bubble bath or bath oil.  Surround the bath with aromatherapy soy candles and enjoy an indulgent 45-minute soak.  Soy candles are clean burning so they won’t leave stains on bathroom walls.  And the slow release fragrance means you’ll enjoy your fragrance for longer.

Time to chill

After a long, hard day, put on your favourite tunes, switch off harsh lights, lie back on the couch and surround your living room with your favourite scented soy candles.  Keep distractions such as TV and phones turned off and lose yourself in music and fragrance for one perfect hour.  Soy candles last 50% longer than paraffin candles so you can rest assured they’ll keep on burning.

Bedroom bliss

If you’re enjoying an early night, or a little romance, candlelight is the best way to create a sensual atmosphere in your bedroom.  Light a few soy candles with your favourite scent and enjoy.  You don’t have to worry about your partner getting a headache, soy wax do not produce chemicals that cause many users of paraffin wax to complain about headaches.

Dinner party ambience

If you’re having a dinner party, light gourmet soy candles one hour before guests arrive to fill your home with a warm, welcoming scent.  In the dining room, opt for a subtle fragrance that complements the food you are serving.  An exotic dish may call for a fruity-floral, while a Chinese dish may suit a musky scents.  Remember to blow out scented candles before serving food. 

A calm, creative working environment

Inject an inspiring atmosphere into your workspace by using citrus scented soy candles, which enhance alertness.  Far better for you than gallons of coffee and more conducive to creative thinking.  And you don’t need to be distracted by your green conscience – soy candles are made from hydrogenated soybean oil, which is natural, renewable and biodegradable. 

A tool for house sales

When it comes to selling your  house, you need all the help you can come up with.  So de-clutter, put on some fresh coffee, fill the house with fresh flowers and light a few scented soy candles.  Your home will be a cacophony of colour and fragrance – working its seductive spell on potential buyers, with soy candles you are sure your potential buyers do not smell a “burnt petrol” smell.

Romance and drama at a wedding reception

A candle lit reception is the ultimate romantic touch for a wedding.  Scented soy candles in elegant glass jars dotted around the venue will add sparkle to the occasion. Once the tables have been decorated, light the candles for at least an hour before the guests arrive to fill the room with a romantic scent.

Not just a candle – a soy candle

To enjoy the atmospheric and sensual benefits of candles without negative effects, use candles made from soy. 

There are many benefits of soy candles:  They are clean burning, so they don’t produce soot; they have a pure fragrance, which is slowly released without losing intensity; they are made from a natural, renewable source – soybean oil; and they don’t produce toxins or carcinogens, so you can breathe the air safely.

moe520_71104 asked:


If so, how is the scent strength(throw) when burning? Also were the scents you tried true to their names?

My World asked:


Hi, where can I find scented soy candles? I am Looking the best scented soy candles, also which scent would you recommend? To those who tried scented soy candles, please help me. Thank you very much.