Today we’d like to introduce you to Kobi Gregory.
Hi Kobi, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I graduated from DeLasalle High School in May. I started Kobi Co. as a way to fund my college dreams. I wanted to find a way to pay for college tours and support myself through school while promoting the importance of self-care and make it smell good. I quickly realized this was a viable business that I wanted to continue to grow. For me, candles are mood-makers, like music. No matter the day you’re having, a song can be the reset button you need to switch the energy, set the vibe, keep it moving, or take a break. I want my products to do just that—empower you to take care of yourself and share your care for others. So I created a playlist for each of my candles to help you set your vibe.
I strive to use my passion for self-care to uplift myself, my loved ones, my community, and to make dope products. As I
grow this business and continue to support myself, I also plan to use Kobi Co. as a means to uplift other BIPOC women seeking an education. I recently created a small scholarship to help them along the way. My business has grown tremendously since starting in February. So much that I’ve had to enlist the support of my mom, Tasha, who works full time as Chief Mommager and Operations Manager. We’re now in Electric Fetus, all 8 Patina stores and Down in The Valley (record stores). We are also a part of the New Dayton’s Project Marketplace. Grand opening 11.18.21 from 10:30am-1pm.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Some of the struggles along the way have been having to learn the retail business. I am grateful to have my mother by myself who has over 25 year of experience in business. It’s also been a challenge having to balance my capacity. I started my business when I was a full-time high school student, now I am a full-time college student. Another challenge we’ve recently started to experience is shortages in the supply chain. We’ve had to learn how to pivot quickly, changing candle vessels or vendors who provide us with various ingredients.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I recently graduated from Delasalle High School in May of 2021. I am now attending Minneapolis Technical and Community College. I was hesitant to head off to an out of state 4 year college as I had originally planned prior to Covid. So I decided stay home and get some of my generals out of the way and save money. I wanted to wait to see if/how the Covid changed the landscape of college.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
Just do it and don’t be afraid to ask questions and ask for help. Find your community. As a young, black entrepreneur I receive so much support from other women owned small businesses. lastly, always be learning. There is so much to learn from business, to social media management to operations, to marketing. I love the variety but it’s a challenge to learn it all at once. It’s like drinking from a firehose.
Pricing:
- $10 small 3 oz candle
- $25 large 9 oz candle
- $15.00 3 in 1 spray
- $15 bath salt
- $5.00 bath bomb
Contact Info:
- Email: hello@lovekobico.com
- Website: www.lovekobico.com
- Instagram: https://www.Instagram.com/lovekobico
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lovekobico
- Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/lovekobico
