There’s nothing quite like being in the zone—scents are blending perfectly, your workspace smells amazing, you’ve got wax melting just right or that soap pour is going silky smooth—and bam! Your equipment decides today is the day it gives up.

If you’ve ever screamed internally (or externally) because your heat gun sputtered its last breath mid-candle pour or your trusty mixer just stopped spinning while you’re knee-deep in sugar scrub batches… yeah, we see you. We are you.

Why does it always happen mid-project?

We’re convinced it’s a law of crafting physics: the more important or time-sensitive the batch, the more likely something will go sideways. Maybe it’s the universe testing our patience or reminding us we’re not totally in control (rude).

When DIY becomes “deal with it yourself”

As small business owners, there’s no IT department to call. No on-site maintenance guy with a toolbox and a solution. It’s just us—mid-mess, probably wearing gloves, and definitely muttering unprintable things under our breath.

And if you’re like us, you’ve already Googled how to fix it, took it apart with the one screwdriver you could find, and made things arguably worse. Good times.

So what do we do?

• Cry (optional, but valid).
• Pivot. That batch might have to wait.
• Vent on socials (we do this a lot).
• Order a backup. Because lesson learned, right?

The truth is…

This kind of chaos is just part of the handmade hustle. It’s messy. It’s unpredictable. But it’s also what makes it real. When you buy from a small business like Wicked Redhead, you’re not just getting a candle or a scrub—you’re getting something made with perseverance, late nights, and maybe a little swearing.

So here’s to all the makers who’ve been there. To the mixers that keep mixing, the heat guns that keep heating, and to backup plans that save the day.

You’re not alone in the madness—and if your equipment dies today, we’ll light a candle in its memory. A hand-pouredone, obviously.