We are Randy & Shannon Gabbard, owners of Coal Country Candles located in the small town of Hazard, in southeastern Kentucky, the heart of coal country.

Coal was the primary industry in our region for many years. Shannon's grandfather lost his life in a mining accident before she was born, leaving her grandmother with 13 of their 16 children still at home to support. Shannon's father was a retired coal miner. When we started our business, we wanted to pay tribute to her family's background and the historic importance of coal to our region. 

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With the decline of the coal industry, downtown revitalization and support for small businesses has been vital to our economic development. We are grateful for the multiple organizations, including Invest 606, SOAR, The Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky, and The Mountain Association who provide support & services to help entrepreneurs like us succeed. It is exciting to be one of many new businesses who have opened in Hazard, KY over the last few years.