Holly Singer
Founder & CEO, Milk Jar Candle Co.
Since launching nearly a decade ago, Milk Jar has grown into a multi-million dollar, internationally recognized brand—now carried in over 600 retail locations worldwide. Yet for Founder & CEO Holly Singer, success has always meant more than just growth.
Holly built Milk Jar on the belief that businesses can (and should) create meaningful impact in the communities they’re part of. Her team of 19 includes people with and without disabilities, with a strong focus on creating meaningful employment opportunities for individuals who may not have otherwise been given a chance.
In addition, for every product sold, $1 supports organizations creating more inclusive communities, contributing to over $450,000 raised across Canada, the U.S., and the U.K.
Holly is a strong advocate for inclusive hiring and helps other businesses rethink who they hire and how they build their teams—demonstrating that inclusive workplaces are not only possible, but powerful.
Most recently, Holly completed a four-month trial of a 36-hour work week with her management team, with plans to move to a 32–35 hour work week for all full-time staff—without reducing pay. The results speak for themselves: profit is up, efficiency has improved, and her team is more energized than ever.
Her work continues to challenge what’s possible in business, showing that when people are given the opportunity to thrive, both the business and the community are stronger for it.
