In need of $1,200 to buy a new bike. Hart Main decided to start a business in order to come up with these funds. His idea was to create masculine scented candles. His idea came to him when his sister had to sell candles for a school fundraiser. He believed the candles she was selling were too girly and thought there should be some that appealed to men as well. This is where his opportunity was. He originally invested 100 dollars into the company to buy some supplies and set up shop in his kitchen. With the help of his family, Hart would clean soup cans out and begin the process of making candles from his kitchen table. ManCans are now sold in 150 stores across the US as well as online. Some of the scents available for purchase are Fresh Cut Grass, Campfire, and Bacon.
Main also had a few more entrepreneurial ideas because of ManCans. His first was that he decided to release a line of feminine-scented candles in order to appeal to more consumers. This line was called SheCans. He then decided to give back to his community by donating 75 cents from every candle sold to help homeless people in the northeast. He has given 100,000 cans of soup and over $35,000 to 25 soup kitchens in 4 states. Finally, Main, along with his dad, published a book called “One Candle, One Meal,” which talks about what he learned in his time being an entrepreneur. At the age of 17, Main is a huge inspiration in being an entrepreneur as well as giving to others.
I liked this story a lot. I personally would buy a scented candle at the right price if it reminded me of the outdoors or a day at the beach. However, I think that Main is developing his product to quickly. He should wait until his man cans catch fire before he starts a new line of production geared toward women.
Although personally I would not purchase one of these candles, I love the idea. Funny how some of the most successful business around have peculiar backstories to how they were started. What I find remarkable is how they are sold in over 150 stores! Ultimately, what I found the most interesting is the fact that he donated so much back to his community. Entrepreneurship opens so many doors, but also gives us a way to give back to those who have impacted outlives so much.
This summer I had the opportunity to see ManCans in a store in Georgia! I have to say, Hart Main did a great job at making a unique product! They differ from any candle I have ever seen or smelled before. When I asked the clerk about them, he said that they were so popular that the store could not keep them on the shelves.
Wow what an idea. It’s amazing how some businesses are started and how they can become so successful. I’m interested as to how these candles smell. I hope one day to get the opportunity to see them in person!
Was this the guy who was on Shark Tank? I remember seeing a someone with a similar premise on the show, but I do think it is a great idea. Give guys some candles with scents we are more likely to enjoy while not feeling a little silly for having “pumpkin pie almond spice” scented candles.
I love that Main was able to realize a potential area of opportunity yet to be capitalized on and combine it not only with a way to generate revenue for himself but also add a social impact of meals for the homeless. He found something that was manageable and that he had the potential to achieve at. I do find the naming scheme interesting of ManCans-SheCans versus HeCans or WomanCans. It will be interesting to see how his company grows as he ages.
This is a really inspiring story of someone who saw an area where a product was lacking and jumped right into it to fill it. I think the name choice he used for his man scented candles is also very cool. I would be interested in to find out how similar the smells of his candles are to their names.