When all other attempts at simplifying one's life and reducing stress fail, light a candle, Eileen Hull, product manufacturer and owner of Hullmark Candles recommends. Better, yet, make it the first thing you do.

"The moods and energies that candles can create are endless," Hull explains from her little shop at 593 Hwy. 70 East in Ruidoso Downs. "Candles supply warm light for a romantic setting, a soothing glow with which to wind down a hectic day, and/or a dancing flame perfect for celebrating a festive occasion. They enhance every setting."

"We've operated a sandwich shop, a car wash, and a Native American Southwest ceramics store over the years but this is the first time we've run a candle and soap shop," Hull said. "I had been making these products and selling to family and friends here and there when finally it became too much for me to live with. I knew it was time for me to restore my house into a home and thus Hullmark Candles was born."

In addition to selling out of her own store, Hull produces soaps and candles for businesses in Lincoln County. Among her popular items is a quarter horse designer gift soap that she sells through The Finish Line, a specialties gift shop located at the Ruidoso Downs Racetrack and Casino. Hurricane candles encased in images of the Inn of the Mountain Gods, too, are proving to be popular, as found in the resort hotel's gift store just off U.S. 70 West at Mescalero Lake. For the Lavender Spring Ranch gift shop in Arabela, Hull produces a soap made of essential lavender oil and embossed in a special mold exclusive to the ranch. Meanwhile, bath oils and salts, body lotions, lip balms, shower gels, and potpourri are available at Hullmark Candles in the Downs individually or carefully packaged in gift sets.

Hullmark Candles abstains from using chemicals and additives in the manufacturing of its personal care products, preferring all natural ingredients like shea butter from Tago West Africa, Jojoba oil from the deserts of the Southwest, pure olive oil, camellia wax, unrefined honey, and spring water. Soap formulas are available in forms as simple or ornate as a consumer may want: plain or castile, glycerin or aloe vera. She also makes a soap speciall for gardeners and mechanics and utilizing ground pumice, including lava.

"Hand made soap is good for your body and mind," Hull said. "The skin is the largest organ and it is the body's first line of defense against dehydration, temperature, infection and harmful substances.

"Unfortunately, many of the soaps available in stores is really detergent, or, petroleum-based products. Another common ingredient in commercial soap is sodium tallowate, a product made from beef fat. My soaps are a 'green alternative'."

Eileen Hull are so confident that patrons will love her Hullmark products that she offers a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee on all lines, when returned in their original condition, box or wrapping.

Merchants looking for new product lines to sell in their shops as well as nonprofit organizations in need of a great fundraising opportunity, are invited to contact Hull. Custom fundraising packages are available.

"We also can create a personal signature fragrance for an individual, an organization, or a business customized by scent, design, size and quanity," Hull said.

For more information about Hullmark Candles call 378-5286 or stop by 593 Hwy. 70. Hullmark is located just off the highway southeast of the Apple Tree RV Park.