We are the Bullards, a Texas-born, faith-driven family answering God’s call to Dumbarton, Scotland. For the next two years, we will be serving the local church and surrounding community, walking alongside others with the love of Christ through discipleship, outreach, and hospitality.

This mission is fueled by prayer, sustained by generosity, and anchored in purpose-driven work.

That is why we have established two branches under Thistles & Thorns.

Thistles & Thorns Holdings LLC

Thistles & Thorns Holdings LLC is a veteran-owned small business creating faith-inspired apparel and goods designed to spark conversation, encourage hearts, and point people to Jesus. One hundred percent of apparel proceeds go directly toward mission work.

Beyond apparel, Thistles & Thorns Holdings LLC also serves as the operating company for leadership development instruction and executive coaching services. Drawing on decades of military leadership, executive management, and organizational development experience, we equip individuals, teams, and organizations to lead with integrity, clarity, and purpose.

Whether through what you wear or how you lead, our work is grounded in the belief that leadership is behavior, growth requires reflection, and faith should be lived out with courage and conviction in every arena of life.

Thistles & Thorns Foundation

Thistles & Thorns Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to funding missions, retreats, and ministry initiatives with full transparency and accountability. The Foundation is fully recognized by the IRS as tax-exempt and exists solely to steward resources for Kingdom impact.

Together, the business and the Foundation allow us to do the right thing and do things right. The business fuels creativity, outreach, and sustainability, while the Foundation ensures that every donation is directed exclusively toward mission-driven work.

We are Calen and Candice, proud parents of two incredible children, and this is truly a family mission. We have traded comfort zones for Kingdom purpose, trusting God to do meaningful work through us in Scotland.

Whether mentoring youth, supporting local ministry, hosting retreats, or simply being faithful neighbors, we are here to love consistently and live generously.

This site serves as a hub for both our shop and our story. Here you will find mission updates, photos, prayer requests, and moments from the field, alongside a collection of apparel and goods created with intention and purpose.

When you shop or give, you are not just supporting our family. You are joining a Kingdom story. Every purchase, every prayer, and every gift helps carry this mission forward.

Thank you for being here. Thank you for believing in the power of ordinary families doing extraordinary things through faith.

With gratitude and grace,
The Bullards