In 2013, I launched The Rustic House with a vision rooted in sustainability and community connection. The idea was simple yet innovative: create high-quality candles using recycled containers that were cleaned, reused, and given new life. What began as a small venture at The Chattanooga Market in Chattanooga, Tennessee, has grown into a beloved local business that still thrives on its original principles.
In the Beginning.. At The Chattanooga Market
Our journey started at a humble booth at The Chattanooga Market, a vibrant hub for local artisans and makers that brings 10,000+ attendees every Sunday. With a passion for eco-conscious practices, I sourced used glass containers, cleaned them out, and transformed them into our beloved, hand-poured soy candles. Each candle was crafted with care, infused with unique scents that told a story of their own.
To make our model truly circular, we introduced a customer incentive that became the heart of our business: bring back your empty container, and get $2 off your next candle purchase. This wasn’t just about encouraging reuse—it was a way to connect with our customers. As they returned their containers, they shared their thoughts on the scents, the burn, and the experience of our candles. Their feedback was invaluable, shaping our products and fueling our growth. Those early conversations at the market helped us refine our craft and build a loyal community.
A Sustainable Mission
From day one, sustainability was our cornerstone. By reusing containers, we reduced waste and gave new purpose to items that might have ended up in landfills. Our customers embraced this mission, not just for the discount but for the chance to be part of something meaningful. The returned containers became a symbol of trust and collaboration, each one carrying a story of its own.
How It Works
It’s simple. Every time you return one of our used containers, you save money and help us stay green:
- $2 off for every 8oz TRH glass container you bring back
- $1 off for every used TRH travel tin
We then take the glass containers to Overlook Materials, who turn them into sand and gravel products available to neighbors and businesses, furthering our commitment to a circular economy.
When & Where
You can bring your clean, empty containers to us at The Chattanooga Market on Sundays, where we love catching up with our community. Can’t make it in person? Take advantage of our after-hours drop-off at our warehouse space, Onion Bottom, located at 812 E 12th St., Chattanooga, TN 37403.
We’ve set up a safe, designated bin on the front patio—just look for the black box with a TRH logo that resembles a big square mailbox. No awkward scheduling necessary.
If you use our 24/7 dropbox, please email us at info@shoprustichouse.com with your name, a photo of your drop-off, and the quantity of containers. This allows us to cross-reference the amount and provide you with a unique discount code for your next online order.
A Small Action, A Big Impact
This program may be simple, but it makes a huge difference. By returning your containers, you’re helping us cut down on single-use packaging, conserve materials, and support a more sustainable production cycle. Every container you bring back is a step toward a greener future.
So go ahead—burn that last bit of wax, enjoy every ounce of scent, and then… bring it back. We’ll take care of the rest.
Growing While Staying True
Over the years, our company has evolved, but our commitment to our roots remains unchanged. We’ve expanded beyond The Chattanooga Market, moving into our Onion Bottom warehouse, a hub for creativity and connection. We still honor our original container return program, and we’ve made it even easier for customers to participate.
Thank you for being part of our story. Drop by The Chattanooga Market or our Onion Bottom dropbox, and let’s keep the cycle going—together.
See you at The Sunday Market!
-Emily + The (best) TRH Team!