I decided to take a field trip this month for my product review. I have been scouting local children’s stores to get ideas for Colorado-based companies, and my recent trip to The Nest on 6th Ave had a plethora of very cool local products. It was hard to pick just one, but I gathered my list and hit the Internet when I got home. It was a no-brainer who I picked first, Ambajam. When I found out the studio was right here in Denver, it seemed to mesh well with the field trip theme this month.
Hank the Tank and I headed to the Taxi Development where Ambajam’s studios are located. It was simply precious from the moment we walked in—from the cutest wall decals to adorable children stopping by, owner and founder Alessandra Mayer has got something very special going on! Her products are truly unique, made from the heart and original.
Ambajam was created the way many companies are created, to put a product out there that people simply weren’t able to buy. As a child, Alessandra received a handmade quilt from her Godmother that she always treasured and wanted to do the same as a Godmother herself. Four years later, Alessandra has over a dozen products. She stocks modern-day versions of the cherished child’s quilt from yesteryear (made by her Godmother and mother), accessory pouches for moms on the go, t-shirts and onesies, hooded towels with adorable embroidered images, belts and more.
Hank is still in his blanket phase. We obviously choose the tiny lovies. Product approved, he slept through the night and I see the orange blanket with the turtle outline in the video monitor under his little nose. However, I had to call my shop-expert gal pal to see if she had any other experience with the product. Good news, she informed me she has the larger version blanket and it washes and dries easily and it doesn’t pile like fleece! She also mentioned she like the animals embroidered on the corners, especially since it’s hard to find simple blankets with not too much going on to keep her baby busy at night.
I think I was also drawn to the blankets, not only because they come in such fun colors, but also because I have seen a new trend. My friends who have teenage daughters are now buying these type blankets again. That’s right, it’s “cool” to have a cute child’s blanket at the end of your bed in high school and even college?? This certainly was not the case in my day, but so be it. Tweens like to exchange the blankets as good luck gifts for sports teams and squads—the small, lovie-size blankets are carried around in gym bags as special keepsakes. Seriously, who knew? Nonetheless, I love that you can repurpose the Ambajam products for different demographics and Alessandra also has a breast cancer blanket made just as she does the children’s blankets, very cool. 
The best part, not only is it a Colorado-based company, many of the products are put together here locally in Denver and Commerce City. Yes, there is just something about purchasing a good that is made in-state and helps support our local economy that makes you feel a little bit better about retail therapy. While many of Ambajam’s products are located in boutiques throughout the country and online, we get a special treat locally. Alessandra’s studio is open to the public and you can stop in anytime to check out the products, or, the best part, get in on the deals. In the back of the studio Alessandra has second run items, discontinued colors and other products anywhere from 50 to 75 percent off, it’s worth the trip! Remember to call ahead to make sure Alessandra and her team are there before heading down. (303.691.2236)
Please visit www.ambajam.com for more information on their products, studio and personal story. Btw . . . Ambajam also launched their Cuddle-up Campaign. They donate blankets to kids in need. Visit www.cuddleupcampaign.com for more information.
Author: Julie B
