We recently connected with Carl Manners and have shared our conversation below.

Carl, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. How did you come up with the idea for your business?

When I first started creating candles, it was for my family—specifically, my brother. I wanted to make something that could serve as a ritual, a tool to help people accept their emotions. My brother and I both share a deep love of music, so I paired each candle with a carefully curated playlist, blending the power of scent and sound to evoke emotion and provide a sensory experience.

Through a little research on how different scents influence feelings, I realized that I had something special: mbodi was born. This wasn’t just a product; it was personal. Creating candles felt a lot like how a musician crafts music or an artist paints a canvas. It was a reflection of who I am. Of course, I was nervous to let others in and judge something so close to my heart, but as time passed, I quickly realized how connected we all are.

There are people out there who, like me, struggle with handling emotions—times when they feel too overwhelming to navigate. And I knew my candles could help. I didn’t just want to create a product for relaxation; I wanted to provide something for when you’re feeling angry, sad, or needing a little extra support. I set out to create what I like to call a ‘candle buddy’—something you could light to acknowledge your feelings, then blow out to move on.

What excites me the most is when my candles touch people in a real way. When a collection sparks a conversation, when emotions can flow freely over something as simple as a candle—well, that’s where the magic happens.

Carl, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

At Mbodi, I create candles designed for emotional acceptance, each paired with a playlist to help you set the perfect vibe. These candles aren’t just products—they’re born from my own experiences and emotions, making each collection deeply personal. The goal is to keep everything meaningful, ensuring that every candle I create speaks to something real.

While I sometimes design collections based on customer requests, I always stay true to the essence of creating something I would personally want. In turn, I believe that authenticity resonates with my customers, and that’s what sets Mbodi apart.

For me, the biggest focus is connection. My candles are an extension of who I am, and the collections I create are most appreciated when they come from a deeply personal place. There’s something truly special about discussing music and the emotions it evokes while exploring my candles—it’s where the true essence of my work lies.

Over the past few years, I’ve met so many incredible people, each with their own unique story but all connected by similar emotions. My goal is to remind my customers that they are never alone. Opening up and giving your emotions the attention they deserve can be as simple as lighting a candle, setting the vibe, and allowing yourself the space to feel.

Can you talk to us about how you funded your business?

Whatever you decide to do, make sure you commit fully. Don’t go halfway—dive in with both feet. One of the toughest parts of starting a business is understanding its costs, and sometimes, the path involves working a less-than-ideal job for a while. It may not sound glamorous at first, but depending on how much you want it, it can all be worth it.

For me, that meant working at the mall during the holidays. Yes, it wasn’t exactly the career I envisioned after earning my degree, but I knew I had to start somewhere. No matter where you start or how low you feel, trust me—you’ll be grateful for the effort down the line.

It only took me about five months of perseverance, spending time in a job I had no intention of staying in, to realize that success comes with effort and sacrifice. If you want to build something fresh and unique, it takes time—and it takes resources. Make sure you’re financially prepared, because starting a business often means having a little more than you think you’ll need to ensure you don’t take any steps backward.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

When starting out, focus on creating media that you genuinely enjoy and that you would want to watch. Inspiration is everywhere, and it’s easy to get ideas from other pages, but don’t fall into the trap of comparison. You are a unique individual with something special to offer, and your audience needs to see that. Stay true to your vision, even when the going gets tough.

For many, social media might feel like the least important thing on their to-do list, but building a solid presence over time can help you earn the trust of others. Whether you want to keep your brand professional or make it fun and casual, it’s essential to maintain a consistent layout. This will quickly become the backbone of your brand, giving it structure and identity.

Think of social media as your digital resume—it’s there for anyone who wants to see what’s going on behind the scenes. While my social media might not boast a huge following, I find that consistent engagement with my followers through comments and activity helps build meaningful connections.

Social media can easily become a full-time job, but the key is to create content that’s simple enough to manage week by week. This consistency ensures that your posts remain at the top of people’s feeds. If you approach it with a creative mindset, social media can be a fun, exciting space to share your brand’s story. Personally, I find that one of the quickest ways to stay active is by checking my DMs for markets and events happening downtown, which helps me plan ahead for the month.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://mbodicandles.com
• Instagram: @mbodicandles
• Facebook: @mbodicandles
• Other: TikTok: @mbodicandles

Image Credits

Dakota – my wonderful helping fiancée