Our Story

Jared Smith’s journey has been one of strength, perseverance, and unshakable resilience. Diagnosed with Crohn's Disease at just 10 years old, Jared has faced more medical battles in his lifetime than many will ever know. From enduring hundreds of nights in the hospital to navigating thousands of doctor appointments, his path has been anything but easy.

Over the years, Jared's health challenges have only intensified. He was later diagnosed with both Histoplasmosis and Blastomyces—serious fungal infections that led to further complications. The impact of these conditions required a major bowel reduction surgery, resulting in the need for an ileostomy bag. Jared has a long list of medical complications either directly linked to Crohn's disease or has been caused because of his low immune system due to the Crohn's disease.

Behind every diagnosis is a person—and Jared is more than his conditions. He is a loving husband to his wife, Mikayla, and a devoted father to their three beautiful children: Colt, Raelynn, and Luca. The toll of these health challenges has been deeply felt not just by Jared, but by his entire family. Together, they have faced every setback with courage and faith, clinging to each other through moments of uncertainty and hope.

Through all the trials and tribulations the Smith Family has encountered Jared found a passion for making candles. It started as a way for their family to cut a cost from their monthly spending and at the same time a new thing for Jared to do with his kids. Over time more people began asking for candles and as Jared began selling them he created the business known as Crohnie Candles