In 2010, at the age of 13, Hart Main created ManCan Candles, a company that sells candles in “Manly Scents”. The candles are packaged in soup cans initially in the Main’s kitchen, but now by the local Beaver Creek Candle Co. This entrepreneurial endeavor is more than just a commercial enterprise, it is also a social enterprise, they donate to soup kitchens in the form of 100,000 cans of doup so far, and $35,000.
His business was started when he found his sister selling normal candles for a fundraiser, he noted that the candles were too “girly.” A month later when he found himself wanting to buy a $1500 bike, he revisited the idea that candles were too “girly” and decided that he could make good money by selling candles.
Hart has since coauthored a book with his father about the experience and seeks to help local soup kitchens as well as other people striving to be young entrepreneurs.
I really found it interesting how they not only worried about their own business but gave back to the community. The initiative to reach a wider market than originally expected and getting consumers to look on your brand favorably is something really important. Overall, a great read and really opens your eyes to just how easily an idea can blow up and also help others.
Great story! I love how this company does not only keep all the money for themselves but they give it back to their community, they help the people in need. Also taking something as easy as candles and finding a way to make it different for people to buy them. The only thing I would say is I would like to hear more details about what is going into this company and how they are doing. Great job overall!