13-year-old entrepreneur breaking disability stigmas with candle company

"The reason why I started this company is to bring kindness, love and disability awareness to the world," said Shane Popiny.
Wednesday, August 24, 2022
LANSDALE, Pennsylvania (WPVI) -- A 13-year-old entrepreneur from Lansdale, Montgomery County is breaking the stigma for children with special needs.

Shane Popiny survived a pediatric stroke and is now living with cerebral palsy.
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His service dog is named Pepper.

Together they run a charitable candle company called, Shane & Pepper.

Shane Popiny



"At the age of 13, I'm lucky to have my company. We want to spread that love all across the world," Shane says.



"Shane needs a service dog for mobility," says the boy's mother, Marie. "We had to raise $17,000 to get Pepper for Shane, and that's where Shane had the idea to make and sell candles."

The teen was also diagnosed with autism at the age of 3.
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He partners with five different nonprofits, like the Eagles Autism Foundation, to create custom candles.

"When that candle sells, a portion of the proceeds go back to them," Shane explains. "The reason why I started this company is to bring kindness, love and disability awareness to the world.

The candles are soy based and non-toxic.

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