Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in candle-making but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Kobi Gregory, Founder of Kobi Co., located in Minneapolis, MN, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Our business: We are a candle and wellness brand crafted by and for people who love self-care. Each of our candles comes with a curated playlist to help set your vibe.
OUR STORY:
The cleanest waxes, wicks, and oils. Fragrance combinations that are a whole vibe. And curated playlists that combine scent with sound to create an immersive sensory experience.
Kobi Co. was founded in 2020 by 17-year-old Kobi Gregory (Me) as a self-care ritual to help me cope with the stress of distance learning during the pandemic. (2020 was a lot.) When my candles started selling, we decided to use a portion of the profits to start a college fund—which has since expanded into an annual scholarship we offer to young BIPOC women. A few months into the pandemic / my hobby turned into a full-on business; it was time for my Momma to step in and regulate. 😎
Tasha Harris had recently quit her career in corporate finance after nearly two decades, feeling burned out and ready for a reset. She poured herself (get it?) into Kobi Co., helping secure partnerships and retail spots throughout Minneapolis, and growing the company into what it is today.
Throughout every step of our growth, we’ve stayed slow and intentional.
We support independent, Black-owned businesses. We give back. We believe self-care is non-negotiable in these crazy and upsetting times, and we want our candles & music to foster a calming, restorative vibe. We want you to be your best self, do your best work, and be the best friend, steward, and ancestor you can be. We are Minneapolis born and raised, and you can feel that love in all of our candles, our partnerships, and our awesome taste in music. We are the vibe-makers. And now, you can be one too.
Tell us about yourself
What motivates us is that we are creating a legacy for our family and a vehicle for change - helping to spotlight the importance of wellness and mental health for black women.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Having our products sold in the iconic Electric Fetus Record store (Prince shopped and even performed here)!
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Learning how to run the business - operationalizing the back office. Creating processes and systems for managing how the business is run.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Take a business management class.
- Expand your network.
- Never be afraid to ask for help.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.lovekobico.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LoveKobico/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lovekobico/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/lovekobico
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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