Josh Ruminski (JCU ‘22), Founder of Happy Thoughts Candle Co.
John Carroll University’s Josh Ruminski is more than just a student. He is an entrepreneur, a member of the Fraternity Beta Theta Pi, a lover of history and politics, and a survivor.
Josh openly speaks to others about his battle with depression and multiple suicide attempts. The first time that Josh tried to end his life was when he was only 12 years old.
Bringing himself out of the dark place he was stuck in was not a simple journey for Josh. Fortunately, with the help of his psychologist and an emotional management group, Josh eventually began to see the light in his life again.
In 2016, Josh started Happy Thoughts Candle Co. “to light up the world together one candle at a time.” As a suicide survivor, Josh is dedicated to fighting the stigma of mental issues and donates 20% of Happy Thoughts Candles proceeds to suicide prevention and mental health awareness efforts.
Happy Thoughts Candles are made with essential oils and carefully curated fragrances that when combined, create a calming aroma. Written across the candle’s label is a unique, inspirational message that reminds those in a dark place of the bright side of life. The candle container itself is a recycled tin sauce cans; Josh donates the contents to homeless ministries.
Inspirational messages on the candles include:
“Gratitude turns what we have into enough,”
“Hope. Hold on, pain ends,” and
“You matter.”
Josh’s candle business has revenue of more than $100,000. With a desire to move his business to the next level, he has enrolled in JCU LaunchNET to work with the advisors on business strategies and marketing. Some of his early outcomes have included changes to his website, updating his business model canvas, and discussion of supply chain and business structure.