From Zoning Permits to Purpose: How Working Moms Can Build a Handmade Business from the Ground Up

Starting a handmade business as a working mom is more than just a side hustle—it’s a bold declaration that your dreams matter, too. In my latest YouTube video, I walk through one of the most overlooked (yet crucial) steps of starting a candle business: navigating zoning permits and business organization. But let me be clear—this isn’t just about paperwork. It’s about laying the foundation for a dream that’s uniquely yours.

🔥 The Business Side of a Creative Dream

When I first began Express Yourself Candle Co., I was just like many of you—juggling work, family, and that persistent nudge in my spirit to create something of my own. I knew I had a unique idea: audible candles that combine scent with sound—each one telling a story, poem, or melody to help people unwind and reconnect.

But before I could pour my first candle, I had to face the nitty-gritty of entrepreneurship: zoning laws, permits, LLC formation, and town hall hearings.

My video breaks down:

• Why you need to check your local zoning regulations before launching your business at home

• How to prepare for a public hearing with your town’s zoning board

• The importance of choosing the right business structure (LLC, sole proprietorship, etc.)

• And how to keep your motivation strong through the red tape

✨ A Message to Working Moms

If you’re a mom like me, you already have superpowers. You're balancing meals, meetings, and maybe even midnight creative sessions while the kids are asleep. But here's something I wish someone had told me earlier:

You don’t need to wait for the “perfect time” to start. The time is now, and your story deserves to be built into your business.

Starting a handmade business isn’t just about selling a product—it’s about creating something that reflects you, your culture, your values, and your vision for your family’s future.

Yes, the legal stuff can feel overwhelming. But don’t let the technical side of business dim your light. Every form you fill out, every permit you get approved, every call to Town Hall—it’s all a stepping stone toward the freedom and creativity you crave.

💡 Tips for Moms Starting a Handmade Business

• Start small, but think long-term. A hobby today can become a storefront tomorrow. (Trust me—I’m planning one!)

• Give yourself grace. Some days you’ll feel like a CEO. Other days you’ll feel like a tired mom in sweatpants. Both are valid.

• Document your journey. Whether it’s through YouTube, a journal, or voice notes—your growth is powerful and worth capturing.

🔗 Resources to Get You Started

Need help getting your business legit? Watch my video:
🎥 Starting a Candle Business: Zoning Permits and Business Organization

Looking for candles that tell a story—literally?
🕯️ Shop Audible Candles from Express Yourself Candle Co.

Interested in the sensory journey of scent, sound, and story?
🎧 Learn more about how my audible candles work

Mama, you were born to create. Whether you're pouring wax at midnight, typing business plans during nap time, or filling out zoning paperwork on your lunch break—you are building a legacy.

Let this be your sign: it’s possible.

And I’m right here cheering you on.