Hart Main is a 14 year old kid who has made a profit off selling “manly scented” candles. As humorous as this may sound, Hart has capitalized on an unforeseen market. It all started when Main, a triathlon enthusiast told his parents that he wanted a new racing bike for his triathlon. His parents told him he would have to raise the money on his own. With the sudden need for money, Hart noticed his sister selling scented candles for a school fundraiser. The only problem with this is that all of the scents were too “girly”. Therefore, he decided to create candles with “manly” scents instead. With an initial investment of $100 from his own pocket followed by an investment of $200 from his parents his company ManCan was born. Main boasts scents such as Fresh Cut Grass, Campfire, Bacon, Root Beer, New Mitt, Dirt and Memphis Style BBQ. ManCan candles are sold in empty soup cans to give it that extra “manly” look. ManCan candles are now sold in more than 150 stores, and 75 cents of each candle sale goes to soup kitchens and to help feed the hungry. Hart is an example of how a simple need for an item can drive an entrepreneur to come up with an idea of a lifetime. What he thought initially as a simple way to get cash for his bike has now turned into a profitable, revenue generating company. This shows that when you acknowledge your needs and do not let your circumstances define you, anything is possible.
Sounds like an interesting idea. I’ve seen “manly” scented candles before, they really do not smell very good … like bacon. Plus, why burn a candle when you can just cook it? Although I do get having more manly scented candles, its a good idea but the scents right now are really not that great.
This sounds like a fantastic idea. Not only does it help poor people by donating some of the proceeds, it captures a lost market in the candle business. Most people consider candles feminine and even if men want candles, some refrain because they think it will be an embarrassment. But this reaches all candle markets and it for a great cause. I also love how the candles are packed in soup cans.