Still Defying Darkness

Pandemic sparks rapid growth for Glen Cove candlemakers

This time last year, we spoke with Ian and Adam Siegel, owners of Trubee Hill, a lifestyles brand, about the launch of their luxury candle line.

“We have really grown our selection this year,” Adam said. “And we have branched out into other wares.”

We knew from the beginning that this duo had big aspirations. In just one year, what started as a pandemic hobby has exploded from four candle scents, including their first scent Blue Hydrangea, for their well-known hydrangeas in their own front yard, to 36 scents, all in two sizes (7 oz. and 8.5 oz.), hot sauce, dressing, spice blends, jams, olive oils and maple syrup.

“This was our COVID hobby that turned into a real thing,” Ian said. “It was a bright spot in a dark year.”

Adam has since left his full time career to devote all of his attention to Trubee Hill.

“It was scary at first but it has paid off tremendously,” Adam said. “I make, on average, 1,800 candles each month. Just like fashion, everything is done six months ahead, so I was making holiday candles back in July to meet the demand.”

The couple is known for their love of home and entertaining.

“If you recall last year our limited edition ‘Cancelled Holiday Plans’ candle was our bestseller, but we made it for a different type of holiday season,” Ian said. “With confidence and optimism back then we said we would never make it again with that name. Therefore, this year with gratefulness, cautiousness and continued optimism it is back as we look forward to a hopefully more ‘normal’ holiday season. This year it is called ‘Finally! Holiday Plans’.”

Glass and wax prices have gone up significantly in just one year since they started.

“This year, the one challenge that we have had is that we are definitely not immune to the supply chain issues and increasing costs,” Ian said. “It’s definitely real and we are managing through it.”

The Siegels are a regular vendor at the Deep Roots Farmers Market in Glen Cove, run by Amy Peters.

“We’ve been a staple there for a year; being able to interact with customers and build a following for the people who attend the market,” Ian said. “We’ve learned a lot about what people like and what they don’t like and we listen to the feedback; it’s been a tremendous and positive experience.”

Ian said they have been using social media to drive their business forward at great speed.

“We’ve also built relationships locally with a lot of other small business, online and brick and mortar,” Ian said. “There are a lot of really wonderful, talented people on Long Island that have small businesses. Everyone has been helping each other out; we would all really like to see each other succeed.”

Trubee Hill is evolving and expanding rapidly, nearly by the minute.

“We’re in talks with a landlord in Glen Cove, with hopes of opening our own brick and mortar store downtown Glen Cove,” Ian said.

New candle scents will be available in January.

“If you really want to find out how wonderful of a community you live in and how wonderful your friends and family are, start a small business because the support from just Glen Cove and people around Long Island, it’s been tremendous,” Ian said. “It’s an island of wonderful people and we are experiencing that first-hand.”

Deep Roots Farmers Market is located at 100 Village Square in Glen Cove on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Trubee Hill candles are also available at: