Candles are a popular way to create a warm ambiance in the room and give off a cheerful scent. While Grove City college dormitories prohibit the use of these, it’s generally accepted that candles have more feminine scents that women put in their homes for pleasure. While men will generally tolerate these, there has never been a market for masculine candles…until now. Hart Main, a 13 year old was fed up with the feminine scented candles his sister sold for a school fundraiser. With the help of his parents for startup funds, Hart began making candles that would please the senses of men, all because he wanted to save for a $1,500 bike. Hart’s desire for a bike led him to use his entrepreneurial mind to create a product that could be marketable for an unconventional demographic, called MansCans. Scents titled “campfire, bacon, sawdust, grandpa’s pipe, and fresh cut grass” sound like things a husband, dad, or grandparent would like, and joins brands like Dr. Squatch (Manufacturing masculine soap, deodorant, and shampoo) in marketing traditionally feminine products for men. Hart’s candles are now manufactured by the Beaver Creek Candle Company of Lisbon, Ohio by a disabled workforce. A portion of the proceeds, which exceed 6 figures annually are also donated to charities in the area. With humble beginnings, Hart Main took a unconventional approach to secure a bike, while unknowingly launching a successful company that now gives back to the community in many ways. Perhaps Hart has only tapped into the beginnings of a new market of products aimed at men, in an industry dominated by female buyers.
Hart Main, ManCans: 13-Year-Old Entrepreneur Invents Candles For Men | HuffPost Small Business
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I think honestly this was a bright idea by him. And I think this could be useful for men to have to keep their room smelling good. I also love how he donates funds to impactful charity and its something he doesn’t have to do.
I think this is such a great idea! I also love that he went “against the grain”. Candles are typically targeted towards women, so it’s neat that he chose to target an audience that is so often forgotten. For such a young guy, that’s really impressive!
I agree that men may want candles with a more manly appeal. The idea seems sloid though the product is a sort of novelty. He is still meeting a need in the market
I love how he created unique candles and represented a demographic that people don’t try to reach with candles. His small, almost joke, idea has grown into such a successful business, it’s truly inspirational.
I personally am a big supporter of this. Not only would does it keep men’s rooms smelling nice but he also donates proceeds to charity which truly speaks to Hart’s character.
For being 13 years old, he not only has a very developed sense of smell, but a very intelligent way to market to a small group of people. Selling candles to men is not an easy task but it goes to show how successful you can be if you apply yourself and find a niche that you can deliver value too!