We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kevin Goudzwaard a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Kevin thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to go back in time and hear the story of how you came up with the name of your brand?

Our intention was to craft a straightforward name that directly reflects the raw materials we use in both our daily operations at Milwaukee Candle Co. and our candle bar. Our assortment of glassware, ranging from candle jars and oil jugs to glass beakers and stirring rods, plays a vital role. The fragrance notes waft through the air as we pour candle batches behind the scenes. After careful consideration, we settled on Glassnote—a name that embodies simplicity and authenticity, derived from our everyday practices and lifestyle.

To create a welcoming atmosphere, we’ve incorporated a 16-foot zinc bar top, oriental rugs, cream city brick, Spanish tile, and original maple flooring with a rich history. These elements combine to evoke comfort, creativity, and liveliness within the space. Our objective is to foster a sense of community, encouraging people to come together, enjoy one another’s company, and have a delightful experience crafting a scent unique to them. Furthermore, they can pour an all-natural soy wax candle infused with their chosen fragrance to take home and savor or gift to a loved one.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Inspired by the desire to create a nostalgic connection to memorable moments in various Milwaukee neighborhoods and events, Kevin Goudzwaard has brought his vision to life through Milwaukee Candle Company and Glassnote Candle Bar. This unique establishment offers a hands-on experience where individuals can delve into the artistry of fragrance and candle making. Glassnote Candle Bar is an extension of Milwaukee Candle Company, providing a cozy and welcoming space for the community to learn the art of crafting their own personalized fragrances and candles. Guests can enjoy the delightful combination of creative expression, craft cocktails, mocktails, and engaging conversations. The venue aims to bring people together and it’s a wonderful opportunity to immerse oneself in the vibrant atmosphere of Walkers Point and create lasting memories.

At the heart of our mission lies creativity and connection. We strongly believe in nurturing the creative potential of our staff members and encouraging them to explore their passions beyond guest interactions. We have witnessed the power of this approach through various initiatives.

One of our employees expressed a deep interest in environmental sustainability, particularly in finding ways to help the environment. We wholeheartedly supported their endeavor to establish a composting system and develop a rooftop garden. This initiative not only aligned with their personal interests but also contributed to our shared commitment to a greener future.

In a similar vein, another staff member demonstrated a keen interest in apparel design and recognized the pressing waste crisis within the fashion industry. Encouraging their passion, we collaborated to create Greennote—a brand that focuses on repurposing thrifted apparel. Through this initiative, we aim to combat the wasteful practices of the fashion industry while promoting sustainable fashion choices.

By empowering our employees to pursue their passions and supporting their innovative ideas, we not only foster a culture of creativity but also actively contribute to positive environmental and social impact. These endeavors demonstrate our commitment to embracing and promoting sustainability within our organization and beyond.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

I’ve been lucky to have a lot of influences in my management and entrepreneurial journey. I’ve found inspiration from authors, my travels, my close friends, and even my family. Right now, I’m diving into this awesome book called “The Creative Act: A Way of Being” by Rick Rubin. It’s really shaping my perspective.

If you’re looking for some resources to help you with your business or if you’re thinking about starting one, I’ve got three recommendations for you. First off, you should definitely check out “The E-Myth” and “The Art of the Start” books. They offer valuable insights and practical advice.

But that’s not all! I’ve also got a fantastic podcast for you to tune into. It’s called “How I Built This” and it’s packed with inspiring stories of successful entrepreneurs and how they built their businesses from scratch. It’s a great way to learn from their experiences and get motivated.

So, there you have it – a book and a podcast to get you started, plus some great reads for further exploration.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

I actually worked at Harley-Davidson full-time for about three years while simultaneously building Milwaukee Candle Co. It got pretty overwhelming, and I eventually reached a point where I realized I needed to take a leap of faith. So, I made the bold decision to quit my full-time job and go all-in on my little candle business.

At that time, I hadn’t even thought of Glassnote Candle Bar, but having more free time on my hands allowed me to really focus on and grow these businesses. And you know what? It turned out to be the best decision I could’ve made. Things started falling into place, and I’ve never looked back since.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.glassnotecandlebar.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/glassnotecandlebar/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/glassnotecandlebar

Image Credits
Bennet Young