This Calgary company started in a kitchen and is now sold globally
What began as a small project in a Calgary home has grown into a global brand, and now, Milk Jar Candle Co. is closing in on a major milestone.
Founder Holley Singer says the business started with a simple goal in 2016, but quickly blew up.
“I was hoping the first year to raise $500, we ended up raising $2,000,” she said when speaking with Daily Hive. “We donated it to CADS Calgary, the Canadian Association for Disabled Skiing.”
In its early days, the company operated out of Singer’s kitchen, basement and garage. By year three, the company officially had its own dedicated space. Since then, the company has expanded into selling diffusers, shower steamers, perfumes, and more.
@milkjarcandleco/instagram
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Now, nearly a decade in, Milk Jar produces around 70,000 candles a year and has expanded far beyond Calgary, with products stocked across Canada, the U.S., Europe, and even Australia.
But Singer says growth isn’t just about sales.
“It’s a privilege to be able to have a successful business in Canada,” she said. “I really do think it’s a human duty of business leaders when you have something that can generate a lot of financial abundance to use it for good, not just profit.”
Each Milk Jar product sold donates $1 to a handful of programs and non-profits. The company is set to surpass its $500,000 donation goal within the next few months, and Singer says she’s motivated to hit $1 million.
“I hope we just keep growing and building more impact.”