Today we’d like to introduce you to Corbin Martin.
Corbin, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I’m a college student at Palm Beach Atlantic University. I originally moved to West Palm Beach from Orlando to study music production but after a few business classes, I found a passion for branding and entrepreneurship.
I have always loved making things with my hands. I figured out that as a freshman living in college dorms, there was no escaping the smell of body odor and old protein shakes. After a few months at home in Orlando, I got bored and decided to try to make candles to make my room smell better. Honestly, how hard could it be? I bought a bunch of ingredients, made them, and they smelled horrible. Then I was on a mission to make some kick-ass candles.
The last two years have been extremely important. I have found my place in West Palm Beach. There is a thriving community of creatives and entrepreneurs. I have been supported by incredible mentors and friends who have all encouraged me to pursue my calling. I love seeing large companies who are so much more than their product. I have grown to love when a name can stand for a feeling or an experience. That’s what I want my business to be.
I started Wyldtimes Co. in November of 2019. Its name simply comes from where my life was when I started it. Old things were falling apart and new things were beginning. It was wild. My company has been so much more than a way to sell wax and t-shirts. It’s a creative outlet for my passions. It’s an extension of who I am. The fact that people will buy into my heart, mind, and soul is the greatest blessing.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
The hardest part of starting this business has been developing a surf wax formula that I was proud of. There aren’t any local surf wax brands anywhere because few people know how to make it, let alone market it. Many of the popular brands use petroleum and other ingredients which hurt the ocean. I set out on a mission to make a natural wax which could compete with the major brands. I spent the last five months trying to make a surf wax that could compete with the industry standard. Because they aren’t food products, the major surf wax brands don’t have to share their secret ingredients. I spent many days just pouring wax that ended up being useless.
As a college student, money is scarce and it felt like I was pouring it down the drain. After about 50 different ingredients, about 100 different bars, and so much discouragement, I finally had a huge breakthrough. I started waxing up my board for what felt like the thousandth time and all of a sudden, it started making those bumps that every surfer looks for. I’m proud to say that the wax is made with natural ingredients, its sustainable, and works super well.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Wyldtimes story. Tell us more about the business.
Wyldtimes Co. specializes in hand-poured candles, super soft shirts, and (in the next couple months) natural surf wax. We want to give people the tools to do their thing. Whether that’s a candle to cover the smell of old protein shakes or the softest shirt out there, we want to supply them with quality products that won’t break the bank. I’m most proud of the products that my company produces. Everything is hand made. It’s made by people who care. We pay extremely close attention to detail and use everything we sell.
Our name is important. We love businesses that are more than their product. We love when a name can stand for a feeling or an experience. That’s what we’ve done. Our stuff is for the free and the creative. The restless and the domestic. It’s for people who jump off of high stuff.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
The most luck that I’ve experienced has been through the people that I have been surrounded with. My father owns a small landscaping business which collapsed with the market in 2008. After we lost everything, I watched him work harder than anyone I’ve ever met, and he rebuilds the business with his brother. My mother has always been supportive of my many different interests. The two of them have been incredible role models as to what success really means – “Seeing all that you have and giving all that you have.” – Rob Koz
In terms of my business, I have been surrounded with some of the most supportive and creative people that I could have asked for. The community in 1909 in West Palm Beach has supported me through my business and encouraged me in so many ways. I could not have made it to this point without their support.
Pricing:
- Candles are 15 dollars
- T-shirts start at 20 dollars
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.wyldtimes.co/
- Email: corbin@wyldtimes.co
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wyldtimesco/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WYLDTIMESCO/
Image Credit:
Mason Hoza
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