Light Your Own Way: How Kobi Gregory inspires others—and herself—to embrace self care

Kobi's candle-making hobby was first a means to an end, but she soon realized her passion went beyond physical products.

When she was in elementary school, Kobi Gregory made her first candle by melting some crayons in the microwave, putting them in an old jelly jar, and adding a wick. Colorful, yes. The start of a business that would have followers around the United States? Not necessarily. 

Still, that's exactly what happened—and when Kobi was a student at De La Salle High School, no less. "The overall feeling of accomplishment and loving that I was able to create something beautiful stuck with me," she says.

Now, less than two years after she began her eponymous Kobi Co., her products can be found at the Dayton's Project, all eight Patina stores, record stores like the Electric Fetus, makers mart Minny Row Market, and of course, her own website. Flagship items are her luxury candles such as #BlackLivesMatter (florals and creamy musk) and #Chillaxin (cucumber, champagne, and lavender), but she has also added other apothecary items and started playing around with integrating music into her products. She was even awarded one of the Star Tribune Connect grants, which awarded $330,000 worth of advertising credits and marketing and branding support across six minority-owned businesses..

Kobi Co. was originally created as a way for Kobi to raise money for college, but as her business has grown, her desires and needs have shifted as well. While she was able to attend the Minneapolis Community & Technical College for a semester, her anxiety—partially due to a year of pandemic-caused distance learning—didn't dissipate. This made her make perhaps the toughest decision she had to yet: to pace herself and take a step back.

"Now I'm focusing on growing my business with my mom, and being intentional about doing what feels right for me," Kobi says. "My mom always says—nothing can replace real world experiences."

The world is Kobi's oyster, so whether she continues to grow Kobi Co. or her passions evolve and lead her to new opportunities, we're thankful for the gifts she has given us now. 

So to you, you're not just selling candles—you're selling a means to self care. Why is that?

Candles just seem to help set the mood. Candle light is warm and almost magical. My candles have amazing soothing scents. It's just natural that they accompany anything self-care. Lighting and enjoying a candle are the first steps for setting your intention, slowing down and being able to notice something soft and beautiful.

KOBI’S MOM, TASHA HARRIS

What made you want to continue Kobi Co. after graduation?

Kobi Co. has grown so quickly; we have supporters all over the U.S. I love the energy they give me. They inspire me to continue. Also, my mom has since joined the team and added much needed structure and business knowledge. It's been amazing to see us grow and learn together. 

What is your favorite aspect about your business? 

My favorite part about the business is getting feedback from customers that they love my products and give them as gifts to friends and family. It makes me feel like I'm doing something right.

You recently launched a scholarship. Why did this feel like the right step?

I felt the need to create an opportunity to give back because I was raised that way, and I've also been the benefactor of a school scholarship that really made a difference in my life. My mom always says: “Each one, reach one”, which means always do your part to look back and help someone. A scholarship just made sense for me. 

We're still promoting it and looking for the right candidate. Ideally it would be someone who could also benefit from an internship at Kobi Co.; we want to get creative with how we start growing our team. Unfortunately, because we're so small and are still growing our following, we have to also rely on word of mouth to help spread the word.

What are your dreams for Kobi Co.?

My dream for Kobi Co. is for us to become a nationally known candle and wellness brand, and open a wellness resort in Panama in three to five years (that's my mom's dream, but I think it sounds good to me)!

Find Kobi Co. at (lovekobico.com), Facebook and Instagram.