Kobi Gregory sells good-smelling candles for a good cause
In addition to candles, Kobi Gregory, founder of Kobi Co., sells home goods products like bath bombs, salts, and room sprays out of her storefront in downtown Minneapolis. Photo by Chariah Peterson
By Aiyana Kirk and Chariah Peterson, North High School
When you walk into Kobi Gregory’s storefront in downtown Minneapolis, Bergamot, Jasmine, Lavender, and Amber envelop the senses.
Warm lighting makes you feel at home, and the owner behind the register brings joy to all patrons. It’s Gregory’s labor of love reminiscent of grandma's house, an environment that makes you feel safe and calm as you shop.
Her business wasn’t always fully stocked and on display. She started selling candles from a fold-up table at markets. Before that, it began as a way to cope with the stress of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Gregory founded Kobi Co. Candles in 2020 amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. At just 17, she was inspired by the unnerving summer of 2020’s civil unrest over George Floyd's murder. Walking around Gregory’s shop, you will notice that social justice is also a main theme in her products. There are ‘Black Lives Matter’ candles, posters, shirts, Croc charms, and even body mists.
“We created it right after what happened with George Floyd,” she said. “At the time, the protests were going on. My mom and I were really scared. And I wanted to find a different way (to) make a difference and bring awareness to the community,” she said.
Gregory felt personally connected to the trauma and PTSD caused by police brutality and wanted people to support the Black Lives Matter movement in a calm and safe way. A self-made business was not easy to start during a time when it was difficult to venture outside. Gregory relied on herself and her mother to make the dream happen. She said it took a lot of perseverance and was driven by her goal to help people practice self-care.
“I saw the passion starting to grow early on and believed she would create something amazing, which she has,” said her mother, Tasha Harris. “It’s been a dream for me to support her dreams. By doing so, I’ve been able to create and live a dream of my own, to work alongside my daughter, and to build a legacy that makes a positive impact on our community.”
A special feature of Kobi’s candles is that each one includes a curated playlist. Her Prince collection includes all the classics from the beloved Minneapolis artist. Photo by Chariah Peterson
Gregory’s care for the community is integrated into the very foundations of her business plan. A portion of her sales from her Black Lives Matter candle are donated to families affected by gun violence.
“Unfortunately, I have to continue these types of donations, but just being able to serve the community in that way has been awesome,” she said.
She celebrated one year in her storefront in downtown Minneapolis last spring.
“Kobi Co. is just the beginning,” she said. “I want to expand so it becomes more than just a candle business I want it to become a place where you can go to work on your mental health, get a good sense of mind, and feel at peace.”
Kobi Co. candles is on 48 S 9th St, Minneapolis, MN 55401 in downtown Minneapolis. The storefront is open Wednesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.