🧠 From Idea to Launch: How a MinnyWicks Collection Is Born

Ever wondered how a MinnyWicks candle goes from ✨just an idea✨ to a full-on collection drop? Well~ it’s a little chaotic, very scented, and 100% made with love (and lots of anime/J-Pop playing in the background) 💖

Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at how I bring your fave fandoms to life — one candle at a time!

 

💡 Step 1: The Spark (AKA The Obsession Phase)

Every collection starts with a vibe. Sometimes it’s a seasonal theme (hello, soft boy summer), and other times... it’s a character I’ve totally spiraled into obsession over (looking at you, Bakugou 😳🔥).

I’ll binge the series (again), scroll character profiles, and build a mental imageboard full of vibes and aesthetics. Then the questions start:

• Does this character have a favorite food?
• What would this person smell like?
• What feelings do they give off?
• Would they be a fruity sparkle or a dark and broody base note?

Once the vision clicks, scent-mixing spiral begins 🧪🕯️💫

🧪 Step 2: Scent Testing + Character Matching

This is the most fun and the most chaotic part. Mixing fragrance oils, sniffing way too many blends, and chasing that “YES this smells like Gojo” moment with determination 😤🕯️

I make test candles, scribble scent notes, and sometimes throw the whole thing out if it doesn’t match the vibe. It has to feel emotionally accurate... but like, for your nose 😂

Another huge part of this stage? Color matching! 🎨
I’m obsessed with color theory and love tying each candle to a character’s standout feature (like pink hair, icy blue eyes, or cursed energy glow ✨). If it’s not a specific trait, I’ll match the wax color to their overall vibe—soft, bold, dreamy, dark—you get it 💅💖

📋 Step 3: Building the Collection

Once I’ve locked in a few strong scent + character combos, it’s time to build the full drop! 🛠️✨ A typical collection includes:

• 🕯️ 3–5 new candles (sometimes more if I’m feeling ✨extra✨)
• 💖 Matching wax melts, keychains, or stickers (if timing’s on my side)
• 🎨 A mix of aesthetics — something cozy, something bold, something pink, something ✨unhinged✨

I try to balance fan favorites with underrated cuties to keep everything feeling fresh and fun. Sometimes, I even squeeze in requests from y’all if I can — because this shop is for us. 🫶

📸 Step 4: Production + Photoshoot Mode

🎤 “This is the part where it all breaks down~” 🎶
(literally and emotionally😭)

Here’s where the process gets messy and everything comes together behind the scenes:

• 🕯️ Batch pouring candles in my studio (yes, it smells like heaven)
• 🖨️ Printing and labeling every candle, wax melt, and sample
• ⏳ Letting everything cure for a few days so the scent sets just right
• ✂️ Designing, printing, and cutting stickers with my Cricut until they’re perfect
• 📦 Receiving charms from my manufacturer, checking each one, and packaging with care
• 📸 Styling and shooting photos for the site, Instagram, and newsletter drops!

By this point, I’ve learned to just get cozy and queue up the latest anime or YouTube video while I work. It’s a vibe. A slightly messy vibe… but still a vibe 💖

🛒 Step 5: Listing, Promo, and Launch!

Once everything’s made, labeled, and looking cute, it’s go time! Here’s how launch week usually goes:

• 📝 Writing listings (yes, every candle gets its own personal vibe write-up — I’m OCD like that)
• 📅 Scheduling blog posts + email newsletters
• 📸 Posting teaser pics and sneak peeks on Instagram to build hype
• ⏰ Setting launch time (usually early in the month — so get those carts ready!)

Then it’s time to pack orders, cry a little (in a good way), and start dreaming up the next round 😭💕

💖 Why I Love It (Even When It’s A Lot™️)

Running a tiny shop like this is a wild ride, but it means everything to create something that makes people smile. Knowing my candles help you wind down, decorate your shelf, or feel more connected to a favorite character? That’s why I keep going 🕯️✨

Thanks for being part of the magic 💫

📣 What’s Next?

My next collection is already brewing… want early access?
Sign up for emails, follow @minnywicks, and stay tuned for sneak peeks!