How to Start a Candles and Air Fresheners Business in Kenya
Introduction
The candles and air fresheners business in Kenya is a creative, low-capital hustle with high profit potential. Candles are used not only for lighting during power cuts but also for decoration, religious ceremonies, and special events like weddings and birthdays. On the other hand, air fresheners are popular in homes, cars, offices, and salons, making them a fast-moving product. With simple equipment, basic training, and affordable raw materials, you can start small and grow into a well-branded business.
Startup Costs 💰
The capital needed depends on whether you make both candles and air fresheners or start with one.
- Capital Needed: KES 5,000 – 15,000
- Key Expenses:
- Wax and molds (for candles) — KES 2,000 – 5,000
- Wicks, dyes, and fragrances — KES 1,000 – 2,000
- Essential oils and chemicals for air fresheners — KES 1,000 – 3,000
- Containers and packaging — KES 1,000 – 3,000
- Buckets, stirrers, and safety gloves — KES 500 – 1,000
- Branding and labels — KES 500 – 1,000
💡 Tip: Start with basic plain candles and simple liquid air fresheners, then expand into decorative candles and unique scents.
Why This Business Works ✅
- Everyday Demand: Candles and fresheners are used daily in homes and offices.
- Low Startup Capital: You can start with less than KES 10,000.
- High Margins: Raw materials are cheap, but final products sell at good prices.
- Creative Flexibility: You can make scented, colored, or decorative candles.
- Scalable: Start small, grow into supplying supermarkets and events.
Step-by-Step Setup 🛠️
1. Learn the Process
- For candles: Melt wax, add dye and fragrance, pour into molds with wicks.
- For air fresheners: Mix essential oils, solvents, and water in correct ratios.
2. Buy Materials and Tools
Get wax, molds, wicks, fragrances, and packaging from chemical or craft shops.
3. Start Small Production
Produce a few dozen candles or bottles of air freshener for testing.
4. Package Neatly
Use attractive containers and labels with your brand name and scent type.
5. Sell to the Market
- Households in estates.
- Small shops, kiosks, and salons.
- Events (candles for weddings, air fresheners for décor).
- Online via Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp.
Profit Breakdown 📊
Example:
- Cost of producing 50 candles = ~KES 1,000.
- Selling price per candle = KES 50.
- Revenue = KES 2,500.
- Profit = KES 1,500 per batch.
Air Fresheners:
- Cost of producing 20 bottles (250ml each) = ~KES 800.
- Selling price per bottle = KES 150.
- Revenue = KES 3,000.
- Profit = KES 2,200 per batch.
👉 With consistent sales, monthly profit can reach KES 30,000 – 60,000.
Challenges & How to Overcome Them ⚠️
- Market Competition: Many shops sell candles and sprays.
- Solution: Differentiate with unique scents, packaging, and branding.
- Fragile Products: Candles can melt, and bottles can leak.
- Solution: Use quality packaging and store in cool, dry places.
- Chemical Safety: Handling solvents and wax needs care.
- Solution: Always wear gloves and work in a ventilated space.
- Irregular Demand: Candles sell more during power cuts and events.
- Solution: Combine with air fresheners for steady sales.
Tips to Grow 🚀
- Make scented candles for weddings, hotels, and gifts.
- Produce car air fresheners (popular with taxi and matatu drivers).
- Sell in bulk to supermarkets and events planners.
- Introduce subscription models (monthly supply of fresheners).
- Brand your business with a catchy name like “Glow & Fresh Kenya.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) ❓
Q: How much capital do I need to start making candles and air fresheners?
A: With KES 5,000 – 15,000, you can buy materials and start small-scale production.
Q: How profitable is this business?
A: Profits can reach KES 1,500 – 2,200 per batch, with monthly earnings of KES 30,000 – 60,000.
Q: Do I need special training?
A: Not much — you can learn the basics in short workshops or from online tutorials.
Q: Where can I sell my products?
A: Households, salons, kiosks, supermarkets, events, and online platforms.
Conclusion
The candles and air fresheners business in Kenya is a creative, low-capital hustle with daily demand and strong profits. With KES 5,000 – 15,000, you can make and package candles and fresheners at home, sell to households and shops, and scale into bulk supply for events and supermarkets. By focusing on quality, unique scents, and neat branding, this hustle can grow into a recognized brand.
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