Today we’d like to introduce you to Blake Anderson.
Hi Blake, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My best friend, Matt Kruger and I started Koselig Candle Co. in 2016. It started as a side-hustle as we both had just graduated we’re looking for something to do with our free time. Matt got a candle kit for Christmas and poured a few candles, from there he was hooked and asked me if I could help design the label. I ended up joining in. Our initial goal was to pour candles for our friends and family but it quickly turned into something more. We each put some money in to start the business, but we really looked at it as a way to hang out with each other. We always said if we sold one candle we’d be happy. We launched a site and we’re fortunate to get into a couple of stores on the wholesale side of things. From there we kind of organically grew the company—we did some markets and fairs around the cities and kept it as a fun part-time thing. Eventually, we decided that I was going to quit my job to do it full-time. That was in November of 2019. Covid then hit shortly after and we had steady online sales but wholesale was non-existent. In October of 2021, we happened upon a space in downtown WBL that we thought could really fit our needs. We both had been pouring candles in our basements for the past few years and were outgrowing our spaces. In addition to the space for production, we noticed a back room with a door that we could turn into a small store. We spent a few months building out the space and opened it on Black Friday. Being in the space for the past 8ish months has been such a blast and our wives are so thankful the candle stuff is out of our basements.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Heck no! First, figuring out where to pour our candles. We started in Matt’s parents’ basement, then went to Matt’s house he rented in Northeast Minneapolis, then an airplane hangar, back to another of Matt’s houses he rented in WBL, then both of the houses, and eventually the current shop. Safe to say it’s been a journey figuring out where to store inventory and how much inventory to order.
When we both had full-time jobs, time was a challenge. Balancing a busy side hustle with a full-time job can be hard. Then figuring out when a good time to take the leap from a safe full-time job to Koselig was also a challenge. Time in general, especially during the busy holiday months.
We’ve been impressed with Koselig Candle Co., but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Koselig means cozy in Norwegian. we describe it as the Norwegian word “koselig” which means cozy—but there’s so much more to it than that. It’s a simple warmth, provided by a person, place or atmosphere. It’s the conversations that lead somewhere, that first sip of coffee, a crackling fire and the laughter of a friend. It’s the small things in life.
I think we’re known for having quality candles with unique, fresh-smelling scents at a fair price point. I think those things along with our aesthetic sets us apart. When you light a Koselig candle you’re creating an atmosphere of warmth where you can consciously enjoy the small things around you.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Have always been a curious person who loves learning new things. Played three sports growing up. Have always had an interest in art + music. Youngest of 4 with 3 older sisters so I was always being dragged to different events. Was a rule follower. Loved the outdoors!
Pricing:
- Black + White Candles – $20
- Ode to MN candle – $24
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.koseligcandleco.com/
- Instagram: instagram.com/koseligcandleco
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KoseligCandleCo
Image Credits:
Blake Anderson
