Hi everyone,

I have a candle business. I make luxury candles, so they’re on the expensive side, $44 for a 10 oz.

I understand that the average person doesn’t want to spend $44 on a candle. I make products for people who want premium, high end candles.

That being said, I feel really awkward when friends and family say they want to buy from me, not knowing the price (my website hasn’t launched yet). I feel like they expect to pay what you’d pay for a Walmart candle. I have been giving them free candles as gifts while in the stage of building my business.

Today I had a friend reach out to me wanting a candle. I didn’t have what she was looking for in my candle line, but I offered to make one custom for her because I do have the stuff to make it. I told her I would just charge her $10 to cover the cost of goods.

My husband is guilting me to death about it. He is supposed to give her the candle when he sees her at church and he is saying he will refuse to take the money because she’s a friend.

Any advice on how to handle these kinds of situations? I know my candles are worth the price I charge, but I feel guilty when family/friends ask to buy from me.