Hart Main is a great example of how inspiration for a product idea can come from a variety of sources – sometimes even jesting. Hart’s sister was selling what he called “girly” scented candles for a school fundraiser, and he gleefully took advantage of the opportunity, teasing her. However, when 13-year-old Hart’s heart got set on a $1,500 bicycle, he decided to turn this jest into a business opportunity.
ManCan Candles was born. The idea was candles that carry fragrances like “Grandpa’s Pipe” and “Sawdust.” With a little bit of investment from his parents, Hart was off and running. He decided to use soup cans for a holder and began working with his parents to develop scents for his candles. They are now available in every state.
This idea goes to show that inspiration for a business can be found almost anywhere – including in a joke. In fact, I’d wager that a lot of jesting about products like this could become viable businesses. After all, why did Hart make fun of his sister? Because all of the candles she was selling were “girly” scented. Hart unknowingly identified a problem with what was available candle-wise. Thankfully he didn’t just write it down as a bad joke but followed through with a solution to the issue that he identified – and he was successful with it: ManCan Candles makes over six-figures annually!
I like the idea of appealing to guys with more manly scents. I know that my guy cousins always make fun of me for have a bunch of “girly” scented candles. I think that they would actually like these. Also, I know that I myself can find some comfort in more manly scents because they remind me of my dad.