Modern Forestry Soy Candles
Have you ever craved the smell of Autumn in the middle of Spring? Or the smell of fresh lavender in the middle of winter? Well, thanks to Modern Forestry, you can have those fragrances, and MANY more, in the palm of your hand in candle form! You can find them at local markets and fairs, or online where you can shop their entire collection. These small batch, hand poured candles are made in their garage studio, or as they call it, The Forestry Studio.
Modern Forestry started as a personal hobby in 2015 for husband and wife team John and Sarah Collins in an effort to solve the issues of Sarah’s migraines. They soon learned that most candles are made with a petroleum-based candle wax. Turns out, burning those candles in their 300 sq. foot apartment was the problem. After researching, Sarah made the first Modern Forestry candle as a solution to the migraines and it worked! John and Sarah promptly got to work creating Modern Forestry to share what they had learned.
The Foundation
Modern Forestry considers themselves a "faith-based organization." What do they mean by that? Well, for starters, they don't take it for granted that they have been given this blessing of an opportunity to be a successful small business. Every day is an act of faith that sales will keep coming in. During the 2020 year they recognized the potential financial risk as they saw public events getting cancelled, but early on, John declared to the 7 member team: “The inflow of money is God's business, we will not cut hours or have fear, he has provided us with everything we need up to this point and will continue to provide for us.” Along with every bag sold at their events is a prayer that God would provide the sale and that their customers would be blessed. As a result of their faith for future sales, gross revenue was better in 2020 than 2019! The team realizes that faith doesn't guarantee every outcome, but it grounds them in their purpose, whether they have a good week or a difficult one.
Why Greenville?
John grew up here in the Upstate and he and Sarah both love this area as their home. They feel the walkability, community, and safety of the Greenville area makes it a great city to raise a family. Their family enjoys baseball games with The Drive, walks in Falls Park and visits to little known waterfalls throughout the Blue Ridge Mountains. They hike with the kids almost every weekend.
Community
John and Sarah greatly appreciate the support they receive from the large community of makers here in the Upstate and do their best to help support those makers as well. Attending shows and markets regularly has allowed them to develop relationships with the community of makers who have become friends of their company and family. They have great love for Greenville because they have great love for the people of Greenville. Before they had children, they enjoyed hosting workshops with other makers and sharing the joy of being a small business.
Speaking of the local community, John, Sarah and the kids visit the Swamp Rabbit Café and Grocery on a regular basis. They feel they are the friendliest place to shop with the most unique and locally produced foods. And they are located right on the Swamp Rabbit Trail!
“We started out of our love for people. Candles bring people together. Getting the opportunity to meet people in fairs and festivals all over the nation and people coming to Greenville from all over the world has been incredible!” states John. Through this business and their story, they’ve gotten to be a part of other's stories, weddings, first-time home purchases, and family gatherings. John and Sarah shared a story of how they were a part of their own home buying experience! In 2018, when searching for a home to purchase, they walked into what would later become their current home and lo and behold one of their candles was sitting on the kitchen windowsill! What a surreal moment that must have been for the couple.
What does the future hold?
John and Sarah have set a goal to expand their studio by 1000 square feet by the end of the Summer. Within 10 years they hope to have their own farm where they can host events and make all their Modern Forestry Soy Candles!
Are you a business interested in selling Modern Forestry Soy Candles?
Complete the Wholesale application online.
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