No, I've been mixing for a while, I just wanted more flavors, more bottles and etc. I already have some flavors but in experimenting so far I've found that I do need some more things to really mix it up a notch. Reluctantly, a sweetener is among those things. LOL.
I haven't had a "failed" flavor yet besides orange creamsicle which I was iffy about buying in the first place. I still have it and I plan to amend it, which is why I started out pretty simply with some single flavor mixes, but have been combining them and getting a feel for flavoring, etc. within my tank. That made sense to me as it's easier to pour out a dreadful tank than larger mixes. I'm kind of developing a feel for flavor profiles that way, and I've been able to start doing combinations and whatnot. I'm actually super pleased with how it's been going so far, but I'm a really good cook and this seemed totally similar-- just with artificial flavorings, but the principles are the same. I started cooking for the family at age 11 when my mom got really ill, I actually enjoy it, so I knew I'd have fun mixing..... I'm kinda sad my kiddo is not around to cook for as much, now he's all a grownup (but, I did teach him to cook, LOL).
So, I wish you continued success, but it's actually going just fine. Haven't bought storebought in like at least over a month.... I got into DIY early due to deeming being around (still) at the time, and stockpiled nic and etc. I started slow on flavors because I'm not about mimicking a flavor or following a recipe, I like to do my own thing. So yeah, this was all planned, though it's gonna be the first time I mix by weight which I'm kinda excited about-- so much less messy, LOL.
Anna