Kingston teens turn summer job into lavender company

KINGSTON — Two Kingston teenagers have launched a line of lavender home and beauty products.

The Kingston Lavender Company make candles, soap and other products from locally-grown lavender.

Co-founded by high school seniors Danny Horwitz and Brennan Jacobson, the duo was inspired by hot summer afternoons harvesting lavender at Kingston House.

“Learning how to distill the lavender oil was the tricky part,” said Horwitz, who built a miniature still with his father.

Months later, he and Jacobson mastered the process of producing lavender essential oil and spend most Friday nights cooking up batches of soap and candles in Horwitz’s garage.

“There’s nothing like managing a lavender start-up to keep you out of trouble,” Jacobson quipped.

Since launching their company on May 1, the entrepreneurial team has juggled farmers markets, a speaking engagement and their first wholesale client — all while keeping up with their homework.

Despite the challenges, their start-up adventure has been rewarding.

“While there were definitely some sleepless nights, it’s a great feeling to see a table full of packaged products and know that a couple of months ago it was just dried lavender bundles,” Horwitz said.

The Kingston Lavender Company secured its first retail location in Kingston’s Thistle Floral and Home, who have pre-ordered four dozen candles, bars of goat’s milk soap, floral sprays and lavender plants.

Owner Shannon Castillo said the products are fantastic and selling well, too.

“Of course, it’s also fun to be able to support our community’s young entrepreneurs,” she added.

In addition to Thistle Floral and Home, Kingston Lavender Company’s products can be purchased every Saturday at the Kingston Farmers Market from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

For more information, go to www.kingston lavender.com.

From left, Kingston High School seniors, Brennan Jacobson and Danny Horwitz are the co-founders of the Kingston Lavender Company. (Kingston Lavender Company / Contributed)

From left, Kingston High School seniors, Brennan Jacobson and Danny Horwitz are the co-founders of the Kingston Lavender Company. (Kingston Lavender Company / Contributed)