Hart Main/ ManCans

Hart Main is a 17-year-old entrepreneur that started his own business at the age of 13 in 2010. His business is called ManCans, a candle company that sells mostly masculine scents. The candles are in soup cans instead of your normal glass wear.

Main’s idea of masculine scented candles was thought after his sister, Camryn, was selling candles for a fundraiser for school. He thought the scents were “too girly” or feminine, so he wanted to make something that would appeal to men.

His goal was to earn enough money to buy a $1,200 bike so he could compete in triathlons. The making of his candles started in his family kitchen and sold to friends and family. Which then extended to being made at Beaver Creek Candle Co. also sold in almost 150 stores across the United States. His business became a sensation for many soup kitchens, donating thousands of dollars. Main has given $35,000 and 100,000 cans of soup to 25 different soup kitchens in four states.

Main never expected his business to blow up like it did. At 17 years old, he looks back and states “My goal was to buy a bike, then be done with it.” He Graduated from New Philadelphia High School and has written a book. He co-authored along his father a 90-page book that reflects on starting his own business and gives insight to young boys and girls who want to complete a goal like his.

Mains’ idea inspires me because his story shows that just a simple idea like his could lead to something huge and community giving. He shows innovation because not many people would have thought to sell candles in soup cans. Some might even think that is weird or gross, but he became passionate about is idea and made light of it.