Today we’d like to introduce you to Kobi Gregory.
It’s an honor to speak with you today. Why don’t you give us some details about you and your story. How did you get to where you are today?
Hi, I’m Kobi, founder and co-owner of a candle and wellness brand called Kobi Co.
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. I strive to use my passion for self-care to uplift myself, my loved ones, my community, and to make dope products, like my candles that come with their own personalized playlist.
I’m sure your success has not come easily. What challenges have you had to overcome along the way?
One of our biggest challenges has been having to break through the noise of our well established competition and find a way to differentiate ourselves. We do so by ensuring we use only premium ingredients in our small batch, customizable products, but also by priding ourselves in the fact that our candles create an experience. Each candle comes with a curated playlist to help set the vibe while your burning it.
It’s also been a challenge for me to figure out business in general. I am grateful to have my mom and co-founder Tasha to help me learn along the way. She has over 25 years of experience in the financial services and banking industries and her skills have helped grown our brand from a hobby to an actual thriving business.
Let’s talk about the work you do. What do you specialize in and why should someone work with you over the competition?
Everything we do has to incorporate our brand promise of including scent, sound and self-care.
Someone should consider us over the competition because we were founded by a Rising Young Black Female Entrepreneur.
Our products are Environmentally-Friendly and customizable
We are a Mother-Daughter Generational Team
We strongly believe in Uplifting Community
And Every purchase helps fund an education for a young, Black woman. We recently launched our scholarship program where we pay it forward and help to fund the education of a BIPOC woman.
What’s your best piece of advice for readers who desire to find success in their life?
Follow your passion and take a chance.
My mom is the perfect demonstration of doing so and inspiring me along the way. When she decided to leave the corporate world she was patiently waiting for the universe to show her what was next. It responded by allowing me to create Kobi Co. being able work with and learn from my mom has so many rewards. I am grateful she decided to dedicate her time and focus to helping me grow Kobi Co. I couldn’t do it without her.
Speaking of success, what does the word mean to you?
For me, success means striving to achieve your dreams. I emphasize striving because once you reach one goal, you create others and continually build upon them. The fact that you are continually striving means that you are ultimately successful over and over again.
What’s next for you?
I recently started college and am focusing on acclimating to this new level of independence! I’ll definitely continue to be an integral part of my business but will be more so in the background due to my school schedule. I am so grateful to have my mom as a business partner to help keep the wheels on the bus while managing our day-to-day operations. We plan to continue to focus on growing and scaling our business and creating products and programs that empower women to honor themselves and create their own forms of self-care. We also look forward to hiring our first intern and providing hands on experience with social media marketing and operations management (DM @lovekobico for further information).
Finally, how can people connect with you if they want to learn more?
https://www.lovekobico.com
Instagram: @lovekobico
Facebook: @lovekobico.com
