Meet Hart Main, inventor of the ManCan Candles, not to be confused with the Man Can Candles Co. At the early age of 13, Hart was looking to buy a $1,200 bicycle after doing a triathlon on an old bike. After that, he wanted to get a real Trek bike, but his parents told him he had to buy it himself. In response to needing the money, Hart had teased his sister about the girly scents of candles she had been selling for a school fundraiser when he came upon the idea of making masculine candles for men. His mom encouraged him to make scents that would be more alluring to guys. At first, Main didn’t think much of the idea. He made scents he thought would appeal to men, like Campfire, Bacon, Sawdust, Grandpa’s Pipe, New Mitt, and Fresh Cut Grass to name a few. What makes his candles even more unique is that he makes them in soup cans, which speaks for in his name, ManCan Candles. He started in his kitchen, and soon after, found himself making candles at Beaver Creek Candle Co., and selling his candles across nearly 15o stores in the United Sates. He was making 20,000 in no time and has built the number to hundreds of thousands.
While his business is still running 10+ years later, Hart also wrote a small book with his father, encouraging other young entrepreneurs to try new things. Hart showed the power of a young mind by building such a business with little resources. His hard works shows in his ambitions of doing a triathlon at the age of 13, and then creating an entire business of candles. It goes without saying, anyone can be an entrepreneur if they apply themself to their ambitions.
What a inspirational story. Hart Main story is really cool to see how he saw an opportunity in an already large market and made a product to fill the gap. I also find it really cool how after running his business he decided to spread his knowledge to other aspiring young entrepreneurs. Helping them understand what type of mindset it takes to try new things and find a niche that can be the next big thing.