‘We hope to be role models’: Calgary candle company hiring inclusively, donating to help others do so
Posted Apr 28, 2022 7:31 pm.
A local company is paving the way for more inclusive workplaces, hiring people with all abilities. Milk Jar Candle Co. in Calgary is walking the walk and donating to help others as well.
“It’s really important to create [a] very inviting and inclusive workplace it completely changes your business and for the better,” said Holly Singer, owner of the Milk Jar Candle Company.
Milk Jar is a locally run business doing more than just pouring candles but creating opportunities for people with disabilities and inspiring other companies to do the same.
Milk Jar is an inclusive employer here in Calgary founded and run by Holly Singer.
“Milk Jar is a candle company I started in my kitchen 5 years ago, it has humble beginnings. I just was creating candles to create something a lot cleaner,” said Singer.
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Now, it’s a 19-person company working out of two industrial bays with a strong mission to make sure everyone, despite ability, is given the opportunity to work.
“If one person can do the research and put the time in and put the work in for their company to make it a better place for everyone, I think that’s huge for employees especially now with all the staff shortages,” said Sarah Harrower, Social Media Assistant for the Milk Jar Candle Company.
Harrower says accommodations have allowed her to do her best work.
“I couldn’t start first thing in the morning cause I had to worry about booking access so the fact that I can start a little bit later and take my time getting to work, that’s a big thing and then I also work from home one day a week.
That’s definitely something employers can learn from is having those important discussions about accommodations and what people need to be successful in the workplace,” said Harrower.
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A dollar from the sale of every product is paving the way so far, Milk Jar has donated over $157,000 to help other companies become inclusive.
“Purchasing technology equipment, with booking an ASL interpreter for an interview, for a workshop, maybe getting some training in to make an employee more successful we really want to remove those barriers,” said Singer.
Singer’s career revolved around working with people with disabilities before Milk Jar, and she hopes her company can shine a light on how inclusive employment can brighten every workplace.
“There’s a whole talent pool of people who bring in so many skills that we’re not tapping into, its made us more of an inviting space, our culture [is] just so much fun and it really has improved our company for the better,” said Singer.
