Welcome to a captivating episode of "The Truth in This Art"! Join host Rob Lee as he engages in a meaningful conversation with Kendal Brown, the owner of 228 Grant Street Candle Co., based in Baltimore, MD, who shares his inspiring journey from minister to candle-maker. Founded in 2016, the black-owned brand offers hand-poured, artisanal-scented soy wax candles with deeply aromatic fragrance combinations for every mood and season. The company's name pays tribute to Kendal's late maternal grandparents' home in Danville, VA, where hospitality and the sharing of handmade items were cherished. Kendal's candles are now carried by nearly 60 retailers nationwide, and the brand has gained recognition on major platforms like The Today Show and ABC World News Tonight, as well as in magazines such as The Strategist, Cosmopolitan, Essence, and Esquire. Tune in to learn about the transformational power of these unique candles and how they can elevate any space's ambiance.

Discover the depths of:

• The fascinating story of how Kendal Brown's journey to candle-making began, sparked by a mysterious voice he heard while holding a candle in a store.
• Kendal's passion for candles and how they have always played a crucial role in his creative process. Learn about the powerful impact of scent on emotions and moods in this captivating conversation.
• Tune in to learn how 228 Grant Street Candle Co. thrived during the pandemic, providing people with a comforting ambiance for their homes and becoming a success story during challenging times.
• Explore the enchanting world of Kendal's candles, renowned for their unique fragrances that can transport people to different places and evoke powerful emotions, making them truly one-of-a-kind.
• Get to know Kendal Brown, the entrepreneur behind the candles. Discover his love for putzing, exploring markets, and building connections with customers, as well as his appreciation for the freedom and flexibility of entrepreneurship.

Engage in a riveting episode as Kendal shares his journey from a desk job to becoming a successful candle maker. He talks about how he discovered his passion for candle making and the inspiration behind his business. Kendal also discusses the impact of the pandemic on his business and the opportunities that arose from it. He emphasizes the importance of scent and how candles can create a comforting and grounding atmosphere in a home. Kendal's love for putzing, browsing markets, and connecting with customers is evident in his work and the joy he finds in his business.

🎧🌟 Don't forget to rate and review this episode to support the best in podcasting! 🌟🎧

Host: Rob Lee
Music: Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard and TeTresSeis.
Production:

• Produced by Rob Lee & Daniel Alexis
• Edited by Daniel Alexis
• Show Notes courtesy of Rob Lee and Transistor

Photos:

• Rob Lee photos by Vicente Martin for The Truth In This Art and Contrarian Aquarian Media.
• Guest photos courtesy of the guest, unless otherwise noted.

Support the podcast

• The Truth In This Art Podcast Fractured Atlas (Fundraising): https://www.fracturedatlas.org
• The Truth In This Art Podcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/thetruthinthisart.bsky.social
• The Truth In This Art Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/truthinthisart/?hl=en
• The Truth In This Art Podcast Website: https://www.thetruthinthisart.com/
• The Truth In This Art Podcast Shop: Merch from Redbubble