Have you ever thought of candles smelling too girly? Do you think the candle market would explode (fragrantly) if men had a candle that made them feel even more masculine? Well, young Hart Main thought the same thing. Hart Main is the founder of ManCans. One day his twelve-year-old sister was selling candles for a school fundraiser. At the age of thirteen, Hart stated that the candles his sister were selling were too girly. He teased his sister about it. Unlike a normal sibling tease that fades away after a couple hours, this tease stuck with Hart. That was not the last time he thought about candles. After the initial tease, Hart realized that he had addressed a real issue. There are no manly candles! He started to think about it more and more and eventually conducted some research on the candle market. There was no one who had thought or created this idea before. He had a spot in the market! In 2011, Hart set out to create ManCans, the manly scented candle. With the help of his supporting parents, and money he had saved up, they created candles. They manufacture scents like bacon, dirt, campfire, sawdust, and fresh cut grass. These candles are not decorated the normal way. Instead of being properly placed inside a refined glass container, Hart placed his candles in old, recycled soup cans. Which gives them a rustic and homemade look. Hart donates part of his proceeds to soup kitchens in nearby states. Hart had massive success with his candles. He now sells his manly candles internationally. Who knew that a simple tease between siblings could turn into a revolutionary idea that is sold around the world.
Check out Hart Main’s website here!
There are so many candle companies around, but this is definitely a unique niche and one that I hadn’t thought of before! It all started with him teasing his sister – a hunch – which has grown into a really successful business! I love his social aspect to this by donating to support soup kitchens. The recycled soup cans not only give them a unique, rustic look but also remind customers that the proceeds are supporting soup kitchens!