Mindful Works Empowers Those Struggling with Mental Health Challenges, One Stitch at a Time

Mindful Works is a mission-driven social enterprise that hires and provides support to individuals striving to overcome employment barriers due to mental health challenges. Their beautiful handmade poufs, personal accessories, and home goods will be available at our Holiday Market on November 20-21 on Old South Gaylord Street, Wash Park, Denver.

How does your work support the community?
Our motto is “Employment, Confidence, Community;” and we work to promote those ideas. 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. 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.

How has your product line developed over time?
We look locally and globally for inspiration.  We started out making meditation cushions such as zafus and zabutons, and that led us to expand our product line into other types of home decor and personal items. Our line has grown to include eye masks, neck wraps, yoga bolsters, festival flags, totes, napkins and more. If we can sew it, we will make it! 

What is your favorite project right now? Why?
We are inspired by what’s current and very excited that faux fur season is back! We just designed fingerless faux fur gloves with convertible flaps to cover your fingers when you’re cold. Plus, we will be receiving a donation of recycled billboards from Vail to use for our Recycled Billboard Tote Bags. We love trying new projects and changing things up. 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!

What is your favorite thing about your workspace? 
We are blessed to have space inside the First Congregational Church of Boulder.  With their support, we are able to do what we do.

Is there anything new you’re working on that you’ll have at our Holiday Market?
We have been making lots of festive Holiday Flags. 

What excites you for the future?
We are always excited about new apprentices joining our team and getting the opportunity to learn new skills and gain confidence in themselves. 

How do you hope the community will interact with your creations?
We hope that the community will be inspired to add new life to their wardrobe or decor after feeling and seeing all the beautiful fabrics and designs featured on our goods.

What advice do you have for fellow entrepreneurs and makers?
Make your own opportunities. It’s never too late to learn new skills.

What do you like about being a Firefly Handmade artisan?
Firefly is a well-known and well-organized locally produced market with vendors who offer quality handmade goods. Being a Firefly Handmade Artisan really makes us want to do and offer our best.

Connect with Mindful Works at Firefly Handmade Holiday Market, November 20 & 21, on Old South Gaylord Street, Washington Park, Denver.