makerssystem

A collection of 50 posts

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How Pietra Transformed My Candle Business - The Complete Platform Guide

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When Success Isn't Enough: What Small Businesses Can Learn from the Uncle Nearest Receivership

The business world was shocked when Uncle Nearest, the celebrated Black-owned whiskey brand that had become a poster child for entrepreneurial success, was placed under court-ordered receivership in 2024. Founded by Fawn Weaver and named after Nathan "Nearest" Green, the enslaved man who taught Jack Daniel how to

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Festival & Fair Profit Optimization Guide for Product Businesses

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From Buy-Backs to Breakdowns: Business Lessons from Slutty Vegan & Uncle Nearest

In the unforgiving arena of American business, two brands have captured attention not just for their products, but for the remarkable journeys of their founders. Slutty Vegan and Uncle Nearest represent two very different paths in entrepreneurship, one marked by spectacular growth followed by near-collapse and recovery, the other by

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The Complete Permits & Compliance Guide for Your Candle Business

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The Complete Guide to Marketing Your Candle Business: From Scent to Sale

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Small Business Resources

What Is a NAICS Code, And Why Your Business Needs One

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How to Create a Custom Blend: Let Your Creativity Lead the Way

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How to Wick Your Candle Jars: A Step-by-Step Guide for Clean, Even Burns

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Small Business Resources

What is an Operating Agreement, What Should Be Included, and Why You Need One (With Downloadable Template)

Small Business Resources

Building Business Credit Checklist

Business Credit Building Checklist Step 1 – Make Your Business Legit * Form a legal business entity (LLC, Corporation). * Get an EIN from the IRS. * Open a business checking account. * Get a dedicated business phone number (Google Voice, Grasshopper, etc.). * Set up a professional website & business email (no Gmail/Yahoo). Step

Small Business Resources

The Best Advice I Got from a 7-Figure Founder

And How It Changed the Way I Run My Business There’s a lot of advice out there. Some of it is good, some of it is forgettable, and some of it shakes you to your core. For me, it was a single sentence from a seven-figure founder that completely

Small Business Resources

Self-Care and Personal Development for Entrepreneurs

Running a business isn’t just about strategy, systems, and sales, it’s also about the person behind it all: you. As entrepreneurs, we often pour everything into our businesses, leaving little time or energy for ourselves. But the truth is, you are your most important asset. In this video,

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Check Raw Material pricing on all products

As a product-based business owner, your pricing strategy isn't something you can “set and forget.” One of the most overlooked threats to your profit margins is the rising cost of raw materials. Whether you manufacture candles, skincare products, apparel, or any other goods, the cost of your inputs,

Small Business Resources

How to Start an LLC: Step-by-Step for New Entrepreneurs

Starting an LLC is one of the first steps to legitimize your business. In this video, I break down the exact steps, from choosing your business name to filing with your state, getting your EIN, and what to do after your LLC is approved. Whether you're just getting

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U.S. Tariff Changes Coming This August: Who, What & Why

As of early August 2025, the U.S. is enacting major new tariffs across dozens of countries and commodity sectors. These changes stem from a broad shift toward "reciprocal" tariffs under the Trump administration and Section 232 national security actions. Key Tariffs Taking Effect August 1–7, 2025

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What to Post on Instagram When You Have No Idea What to Say

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Understanding Fragrance Notes — And Why You Should Break the Rules

A Maker's Guide to Creative Blending (With a Little Science, Too) One of the most common questions I get from new candle makers is: "How do I know which scents go together?" The truth is: there are no hard and fast rules. Fragrance blending is just

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Why You Need a Candle Fire Safety Insert in Every Order

Small Business Resources

Why Boundaries Are a Business Strategy, Not Just a Buzzword

We hear it all the time: Set boundaries. Protect your peace. Say no more often. It’s popular advice, but when you’re running a business, especially as a solopreneur or founder, the idea of setting boundaries can feel like a luxury you can’t afford. But here’s the

Small Business Resources

Emergency Planning for Small Businesses: Are You Really Prepared?

If a flood hit your city tomorrow, a fire swept through your building, or your inventory was stolen overnight, how would your business respond? Most small business owners are laser-focused on day-to-day operations: fulfilling orders, managing staff, hitting revenue goals. But one thing too many overlook? Emergency preparedness. And in

Small Business Resources

Protecting Your Business: Why Commercial and Flood Insurance Are No Longer Optional

Recent natural disasters like the devastating floods in Central Texas serve as a wake-up call to business owners everywhere: if you’re running a business without the proper insurance, you’re gambling with your livelihood. Commercial Insurance: Your First Line of Defense Whether you’re operating out of a storefront,

Small Business Resources Featured

Introducing Our New Loan Partnership: Couvent Collective x Lendflow/Lightbox

Fueling Growth for Underserved Entrepreneurs We’re excited to announce a new partnership that will make accessing capital even easier for the communities we serve! The Couvent Collective has officially partnered with Lendflow and Lightbox to provide fast, flexible loan solutions designed specifically for women, reentry citizens, minority-owned businesses, and

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Small Business Resources

Planning Ahead: What Product-Based Business Owners Need to Know About Tariffs and Rising Costs

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Small Business Resources

The Importance of Filing a Provisional Patent