ANCHOR AND FLANK CANDLES
From our origins to our name, learn all about us here!
OUR STORY
Our journey began in late 2021, after our founder spent two seasons working as a wildland fire dispatcher and one season working as a wildland firefighter. Having forged connections within the tight-knit wildland fire community, and witnessing various trials running rampant in the wildland fire community - including lack of financial support during times of medical emergencies - our founder felt a profound calling to contribute in a unique way. In early 2022, Anchor and Flank Candles was officially established and the journey began to assisting the wildland fire community.
OUR MISSION
Since its inception, Anchor and Flank Candles has been driven by a multi-faceted mission that goes beyond crafting candles. Our purpose is threefold: first, to build a quality business from the ground-up, fostering personal and professional growth; second, to provide our valued customers with not only high-quality products but also positive interactions that leave a lasting impression; and third, to create a network that supports and gives back to the courageous wildland fire community.
At Anchor and Flank Candles, our mission extends beyond the glow of a candle flame. We are committed to spreading light in an often-dark world through the art of small-batch, hand-poured, and meticulously crafted candles . Each candle not only illuminates your space but also contributes to a larger cause. We proudly give back by donating 5% of every sale to support injured wildland firefighters and their families, as well as the families of those who've made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. Join us in our mission to bring warmth and light while making a meaningful impact in the lives of those who risk everything to protect our wildlands.
HIGH QUALITY
HAND CRAFTED
OUR NAME
What does "Anchor and Flank" mean? In wildland fire, an "anchor" or "anchor point" refers to a secure starting point from which firefighters branch out and build a fireline - essentially a control line that prevents the fire from spreading. Meanwhile, "flank" refers to the sides of a fire. When firefighters "flank a fire," they expand outward from the anchor point, strategically securing the fire's perimeter and impeding its spread. Anchors are crucial in everyday life as well, serving as foundations - be it our families, friends, faith, hobbies, or our own self-worth - from which we can explore and venture into the world. Once our anchor point is established, we can boldly pursue or "flank" our goals, just as in wildland firefighting.
OUR LOGO
At Anchor and Flank Candles, the significance goes beyond the name. Reflecting on the founder's personal anchor point - home and family roots in small-town Alaska - the logo portrays Mount Redoubt: An active stratovolcano in the Aleutian Chain. This mountain, translating to "a fortified place" in Russian, symbolizes safety, home, and the founder's personal anchor point. The hope is to inspire you to identify and strengthen your own anchor point, your secure foundation, and confront life's challenges with resilience. Life may throw us into wildfires, but with a steadfast foundation, we're better equipped to flank the fire and conquer the chaos. What's your anchor point? Are you ready to flank that fire?
OUR PROCESS
At Anchor and Flank Candles, we believe that purpose is an essential element of our business.
“From a fellow firefighter... love the candle and the charity! Thank you so much!!.”– Andrew W.
"Love this smell. All products made by Wildland FF for the world to enjoy while helping the Wildland FF community. BravoZulu.– E. B.
"Love the smell! Wasn’t overpowering but really filled the room with a wonderful scent!"– M. J.
"Love love love this shirt! So comfortable. So soft. Definitely one I will be wearing often!"– Teresa
"Juniper is one of our favorite scents...Often, scented candles are overpowering, not in this case, it's perfect. Also, the sound of the softly whipping flame adds to the sensory experience."– Michael M.
Original Glass Jars
The original Anchor and Flank Candles were crafted with glass jars. They were almost released with cotton wicks as well, but wooden wicks were chosen instead, for their beautiful aesthetic and calming, crackling sound.
LOGO JOURNEY
The Anchor and Flank Candles logo went through several renditions by the owner and her husband before it was hired out by a graphic design specialist.
OH, SHOOT! Photography!
Building a business from the ground-up provided ample learning curves, and photography was no exception. Our founder captured the first product photography using a cell phone and whatever items happened to be lying around at the time.
Pack it on up
The very first Anchor and Flank Candles orders were shipped out in generic postal service boxes. Over time, we've upgraded our packaging a little at a time, to provide you with a better unboxing experience.
FROM THE STUDIO:
