What is your occupation?
Candle Maker at Rewined Candles. I started the company in 2009 with an idea and an empty wine bottle.
What is unique about your occupation?
Every day is different, and I smell great when I get home.
How did you get into your line of work?
Desperation. I needed to pay rent. Candle making is an industry with a low cost of entry. I could get started with next to nothing and quickly make some cash at local markets.
Tell us about your company, Rewined Candles:
We turn discarded items into beautifully designed and functional products. Every step of the candle making process is by hand, using repurposed wine bottles. The bottom half of the bottle serves to hold the all-natural soy wax candle and the top is recycled, leaving zero waste. Products used for packing are also made of recycled materials.
As an entrepreneur, what did it take to get to where you are now?
It takes hustle and opportunism.
How many retailers carry Rewined Candles?
Our candles can be found in over 2,500 retailers worldwide.
What advice do you have for other entrepreneurs?
Open your eyes to the opportunities that are right in front of you. Don't make excuses, go after them.
What motivates you?
The ability to create. I love to be able to turn my dreams into reality.
What challenges you in your life?
I am constantly tempted to do too many things at once. It's challenging for me to stop and enjoy the things I have at the moment.
What are your proudest accomplishments?
Every time I see one of our team members grow.
Tell us about the Rewined crew:
We have a candle crew of over 90 who help create over 1,400 candles a day. The SC Vocational Rehabilitation Department has helped us find amazing employees to add to our team. They prepare and assists eligible South Carolinians with disabilities to achieve and maintain competitive employment. During periods of growth, we need reliable people. Good people. It's always been my goal to make employees feel like family- and be up for the occassional impromptu dance party.
Family stats:
Wife, twin girls, two Chihuahuas.
Where do you currently reside?
Charleston, SC (James Island).
How long have you been in the Carolinas?
Eight years. I am originally from Hammond, IN.
What do you love about the Carolinas?
I love that I can do so many different types of things in just a short drive: cool cities, mountains, beach- it's all here.
Favorite spot in the Carolinas to visit?
Downtown Charleston!
Favorite TV series?
I like shows that take me to another world: Walking Dead or Game of Thrones.
What is something people would be surprised to learn about you?
I've never been a big candle guy. I am surrounded by fragrance every day. I like to smell fresh air at home.
If money wasn't an issue, what would you do with your time each day?
The same thing I do now. Just more of it.
