Meet Jacob Johnson of Calyan Wax Co. in Mansfield

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jacob Johnson.

Jacob, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
During my college years, I began to take notice of the issue of sex trafficking. It did not take long for me to come to the conclusion that I’ve got to do something about the problem. Lives and souls are being destroyed by grotesque physical abuse. Something must be done about it!

I encountered two main problems when brainstorming ways to combat the issue. First, there is not a lack of anti-trafficking nonprofits, but rather a lack of funding for nonprofits in existence. Government grants, corporate backing, and personal donations only go so far. Second, the everyday person (including myself) does not know what to do or how to solve such a massive and complex issue.

I have always had an entrepreneurial mindset. Starting with selling Starbusts on the school bus in middle school to a t-shirt company, to a chocolate dipping company, I have always been seeking out new business ideas. I decided to use this passion to fuel and literally fund my ultimate passion– eradicating sex trafficking from this world.

Social entrepreneurship has always intrigued me. The idea of using sustainable business to invoke social change is so wonderful. People over profits, always. I decided to use the amazing force of profitable business to help counter the issue of sex trafficking in America. Doing so could generate funds needed to continue and expand nonprofit’s efforts and could give people a very simple way to take part.

I knew I wanted my venture to operate on a give-back model, meaning a portion of each purchase is given to a trusted nonprofit partner in the day-to-day fight. Then the product came. I wanted a product that we could produce ourselves to ensure ethical sourcing and production. In addition, I wanted a product that people can get excited about and actually enjoy. Soy candles fit the bill. I began testing ways to make them about 3 years ago to date. Fast forward until now and we finally have a beautiful product we are proud of. I have learned to love and appreciate the beauty of a crafted soy candle over the years. I love getting to share them with people while we all get to join together to combat a social issue that is in our own communities.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Like any worthy entrepreneurial endeavor, I have encountered almost every problem you can encounter (*knocking on wood). Time and time again, I have to tell myself to get back up and stay at it. From sales efforts to production problems to adequate funding– it has been a bumpy road. My passion to see true tangible social change and to provide a place to work where people can feel alive and cared deeply for keeps me going. Thankfully, I have received support from so many wonderful people, most notably my wife. This keeps my heart cheerful during this crazy adventure!

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Calyan Wax Co. – what should we know?
Calyan Wax Co. is combating the issue of sex trafficking one simple soy candle at a time. Our passion is giving the everyday person a practical way to make a tangible social impact in their community.

Most of us don’t want sex trafficking to exist, but we often feel ill-equipped to do anything about it. By crafting soy candles that give back to our trusted nonprofit, we provide a simple way for people to become social advocates against the issue. Enjoy a candle – Change the world.

We ask people to simply enjoy a wonderfully crafted natural candle and then witness the amazing social change that can happen because of our collective small purchases.

10% of all Calyan revenue is used to fund a 24/7 response team ran by our partners, Traffick911 (based in Addison, TX). Absolutely amazing rescue and restoration work that can happen when people simply choose to enjoy a candle.

Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
First, perseverance. When creating something out of nothing (i.e. a new business), you have to be able to keep getting up when you get knocked down.

For Calyan Wax Co. to succeed, we have to have the following:

1) An impeccable product.
2) A transparent presentation of the exact social impact made from each purchase.
3) A simple and quickly understood mission.

We constantly obsess over getting these three things right. Always pursuing the perfect candle. Always showcasing the specific impact made from your purchase. Always asking people to change the world by enjoying soy candles.

Pricing:

• Glass Tumbler (Dual Cotton Wicks) Soy Candle – $20
• Metal Tin Soy Candle – $14
• Soy Wax Melts – $5.50

Contact Info:

• Website: www.calyanwaxco.com
• Phone: 817-807-8982
• Email: jacob@calyanwaxco.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/calyanwaxco
• Facebook: facebook.com/calyanwaxco
• Twitter: twitter.com/calyanwaxco

Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.