Our Story
“Family-owned in Breaux Bridge, Louisiana,
Hugs from Heaven shares soft reminders of God’s comfort, presence, and love.”
Hugs from Heaven are soft, huggable reminders of faith, made in the likeness of Jesus, Mother Mary, and beloved saints. For children and adults alike, they offer a comforting sign of God's presence and love in moments of joy, prayer, and life's challenges.
Our Story Begins with a Prayer
Hugs from Heaven began with a prayer.
A Catholic wife and mother of four from Kaplan, Louisiana, Julie Marceaux Romero, founded Hugs from Heaven. While her brother Chad underwent life-threatening transplant surgeries in New Orleans, Julie prayed alone in the hospital chapel, longing to hold Jesus close and feel His comfort. In that prayer, she received the inspiration to create a soft prayer pillow in His likeness, a "hug from heaven" for others who needed comfort, too.
Our Owner
In 2017, Julie entrusted and sold Hugs from Heaven, LLC to fellow South Louisiana native Jennifer Picard Angelle, who had already been buying Hugs by the bundles. Jennifer and her family have cared for the company ever since. For the Angelles, sharing Hugs is one way to answer Saint John Paul II's call to the New Evangelization: to carry the faith into everyday life and offer it to others.
Based in the historic town of Breaux Bridge, Louisiana, Hugs from Heaven now reaches 25 states, with Hugs finding their way around the world. The company remains family-owned, with family members lending a hand and Catholic faith at the heart of all they do.
A Symbol of Love
An embroidered red heart is sewn onto the chest of each Jesus, Mother Mary, and Saint. This is the most important reminder of our core mission to spread God's comfort, presence, and mercy and an invitation to share His love in return.
Hugging Back
With every sale, the family sets aside a portion of its income to support people in spiritual, emotional, and physical need.
Causes they have supported include:
- the Sisters of Life in New York City, NY
- Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù in Rome, Italy
- Don Bosco Center for Youth in St. Martinville, LA
- After the shooting at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis, the family and their local community sent 400 Hugs to the students—gentle reminders that they were loved and held in prayer.
- Many others
Expanding Hugs
In 2024, the Angelles designed, produced, and welcomed Saint Joseph, Saint John Paul II, Saint Francis of Assisi, and Our Lady of Kibeho to the Hugs family. Anna (now Sister Magdalene of the Body and Blood of Jesus Crucified) assisted in drafting the designs, while Jennifer visited the factories where she oversees the hand-sewing and making of each new Hug. Watching the details that make it comforting and beautiful.
Occasions
Every Hug is designed to be held in prayer—soft enough for a child, sturdy enough for years of use, and marked with a heart as a reminder of God’s comfort, presence, and mercy.
Some Hugs mark a milestone. Others say "I'm here" when words are hard to find. Hugs from Heaven make a thoughtful gift for:
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Baptism, a new baby, or adoption
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First Reconciliation, First Holy Communion, or Confirmation
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Birthdays, weddings, and anniversaries
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The first day of school, graduation, college, or camp
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A new home
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A hospital stay, surgery, or recovery
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Grief or a death in the family
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Someone serving in the military
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A pilgrimage, retreat, mission trip, or prayer group
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A loved one in a nursing home
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A priest, deacon, religious sister, godparent, or grandparent
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Christmas, Easter, or a feast day
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Just because someone could use a Hug!
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I buy a Hug?
Shop online or find a retail partner near you.
Can I send one as a gift?
Yes. We can include a personalized note from you.
What are HUGS made of?
Polyester fabric and filling—and a whole lot of love.
Are they safe for children?
Our HUGS are made without detachable buttons or beads. Please follow the age and care information on each product label. For babies, keep prayer pillows out of the sleep space.
