Our Story

How Double HH Candles began

I have always loved candles but hated to purchase candles that either did not burn all the way down or had no smell. The more expensive brands I just could not afford, so I decided to study and learn the art of making candles. I started this as a hobby to pass the time while my husband was deployed to keep from going insane.

After sending my husband the samples in his care packages, the men in his unit began to request them for their rooms as well.  It began there in Ramadi, Iraq and word spread out through the camp that my husband had these candles.

There were a couple of men who were not receiving mail or packages, so my son and I decided to adopt them as well, making sure the unit had a supply of candles to help with the smell. Before long, wives and family members of soldiers were emailing wanting to know how they could get a hold of these candles. The men who were not getting mail passed them on as well and then more people began to ask how they could get my candles.

Between the soldiers talking and the families back home, the word kept on spreading and before we knew it, the candles were a hit. We used and still use to this day, the “pass on the love” method for many different units at various camps from Iraq to Afghanistan, and all points in between. As always, anyone who receives a box has extras included that they can pass on to someone who needs a pick me up. We were shocked to hear some of our candles made it into areas of Iraq that we had not sent to yet. Through several chaplains, the candles were passed out among soldiers they visited. We began to sell the candles to the public to help raise the money to keep supplying the candles overseas, and with the help of the Army Wife Chat board and Married to the Army, we now have a customer baseline of more than 3,000 people and have sold worldwide. 

To date, we have sent thousands of candles to OIF and OEF soldiers deployed overseas, not including the donations we give here in the United States. We try to keep our eyes and ears open for a family member left behind who needs a smile or two by sending them a box of goodies. We also began to offer sponsorships for families and soldiers to the general public, as well as helping other organizations with their care packages. We try to help out various military functions, or FRG groups in need of items for giveaways as well as donate to our local military affiliated organizations here in Tennessee. We help with other “adopt a soldier” programs who might fall short on volunteers for their boxes at Christmas or other holidays. All my business comes from word of mouth from people who have either bought or received my products.

The business is operated by myself, my husband and two of my three children who like to help me make, label or ship. Each one does a special job. My husband also helps make the soaps. We also have volunteers from time to time who help us get what we need completed, and out the door. We would like to say a special thank you to all of you.

This will be our third year of candle making and we have sent to almost every military post and state out there by word of mouth and through the help of Army Wife Chat board and Married to the Army. We can’t tell you enough how much your love, support, and compliments mean to my family and I. We try very hard to make sure the quality of the candle and my other items are of high standards.

Thank you again to all of you who have made this a worldwide effort and success!

OUR SPONSOR

Please check out Married to the Army, a website that provides a wealth of information on the Army life. It also contains a link to a wonderful message board; where military spouses and family members provide friendship, help, and advice. This website has been a valuable source of support for my family as well as my business.

Stacey Abler, the owner and operator of Married to the Army, has donated her time and money to construct and launch the Double HH Candle site. My family cannot express enough our appreciation for the opportunity she has so graciously given us. Please take a moment to look at her awesome line of military apparel (she does custom orders too!) through her Cafepress stores and her Military Name Bracelets.

It doesn't cost members anything to utilize Married to the Army, but I do encourage donations. Stacey pays for the web services out of pocket; so any amount of money you can contribute will help keep this fantastic source of information running for years to come.

Thank you Stacey from the bottom of my heart. Your friendship has been a blessing in helping me achieve my candle filled dreams!

In addition, I would like to extend my appreciation to Hannah Grape, who is also an Army wife. I just recently found out that she has been assisting Stacey in funding the expenses of the website. Her help is greatly appreciated! I am so blessed to have such great friends.

Family of a Vet

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