Handmade Poufs That Support Mental Health Recovery By Mindful Works

Crowd favorite Mindful Works is returning to the Firefly Handmade Market this fall on September 10-12. By providing job-driven training to people in recovery from mental illness, Mindful Works aims to erase the stigma and empower individuals. Shop their beautiful handmade poufs & more while supporting an incredible cause.

Tell us about your mission. How does your work support the community?
Our mission is to help people with mental health challenges learn job skills. We provide an environment where people feel like they can belong, ultimately leading to reentry into the traditional job market or education. Our apprentices are paid Boulder minimum wage as they learn skills such as sewing, serging, customer service, sales, and marketing. Our motto is “Employment, Confidence, Community” and we work to promote those ideas.

What do you like about the handmade process?
We like the creativity involved, as well as the satisfaction from making something with your own two hands.

What led you to start making poufs and ottomans?
We started out making meditation cushions such as zafus and zabutons. That led us to look to expand our product line into other types of home decor such as our ottomans/poufs and throw pillows.

What inspires your designs?
We are inspired by what’s current. For example, we honored Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg by featuring her on our Facemasks. Some of our designs are driven by customer input. Often our apprentices come to us with new ideas. Sometimes we just make something because it’s fun!

How has your product line developed over time?
From our beginnings in home décor, we have expanded to include eye masks, neck wraps, yoga bolsters, festival flags, napkins, and more! If we can sew it, we will make it!

What excites you for the future?
We are excited to make products that are sustainable and good for the environment. We recently began making amazing tote bags out of repurposed vinyl billboards, keeping them out of the landfill. 

Any advice for those looking to get into mission-based work?
Be flexible, and be able to listen to the needs of the people you are helping and grow from that need.

Is there anything we haven’t asked that you would like us to know?
We have a good time working together and are truly a community. When an apprentice graduates we throw a party and are happy to see them move on. We really are a family.

What do you like about being a Firefly Handmade Artisan?
Firefly is a well-known and well-organized locally produced market. Being a Firefly Handmade Artisan really makes us want to do and offer our best. Plus, we like being among other vendors who offer quality handmade goods. We have been a part of the Firefly community since 2016 and plan to keep participating for as long as we can.

​​Visit and shop with Mindful Works at both Firefly Handmade Summer Market, August 28 & 29, on Historic South Gaylord Street, Washington Park, Denver & Firefly Handmade Fall Market, September 10, 11, & 12, on the Pearl Street Mall, Boulder.