The 5280 Mermaid: A Business Built by a Colorado Community in the Wake of One Family's Crisis

Business

The 5280 Mermaid: A Business Built by a Colorado Community in the Wake of One Family’s Crisis

July 17, 2024
6:19 pm

By: Nic Abelian

The 5280 Mermaid, LLC presents a distinctive collection of artisanal goods crafted to elevate everyday moments with humor and taste. This Colorado-based small family business, specializes in all-natural beverage infusion kits, intentionally inappropriate travel candles, no-MSG soup kits, Colorado-themed gift boxes, and seasonings for every season dip mixes. Founded by Sarah Kleinhans and her children, Madelene and Addison, the company is committed to giving back to the cancer community while spreading laughter and creating memorable experiences for its customers.

The journey of The 5280 Mermaid began with Sarah’s personal experience as a caregiver to her son Addison, who was diagnosed with leukemia at age five. Inspired by the support they received from their community, Sarah and her family started Kleinhans Kicking Cancer, which eventually evolved into The 5280 Mermaid. The company now pays it forward by giving back to families going through cancer treatment, picking up groceries for local families affected by cancer, and offering free gifts at their numerous in-person shows. The company is driven by the desire to provide support and encouragement to those facing similar battles.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Sarah developed their signature beverage infusion kits. With the help of 65 local tasters found through a Facebook ad, they perfected the recipes over six months. Initially launched as alcoholic beverage infusions, the kits were rebranded in 2021 to accommodate the growing trend of sobriety, allowing them to be used for both cocktails and mocktails. The 5280 Mermaid’s infusion kits are distinctively packaged in cloth bags, making them more affordable and environmentally friendly compared to competitors’ jarred versions. This innovative packaging also reduces food waste by utilizing blemished but perfectly good misfit fruit that would otherwise go to waste.

The 5280 Mermaid A Business Built by a Colorado Community in the Wake of One Family's Crisis_4 — Photo Courtesy: Sarah Clarke Kleinhans / The 5280 Mermaid

The 5280 Mermaid has rapidly grown, participating in over 170 shows annually and expanding into 14 retail locations. All products are meticulously handcrafted in a commissary kitchen, ensuring high quality and sustainability. The beverage infusion kits are designed for convenience, requiring only a jar from home for infusion and no straining, making it easy to create refreshing, all-natural beverages. This attention to detail and commitment to quality has earned The 5280 Mermaid a loyal customer base who appreciate the effort and care put into each product.

The 5280 Mermaid A Business Built by a Colorado Community in the Wake of One Family's Crisis_3 — Photo Courtesy: Sarah Clarke Kleinhans / The 5280 Mermaid

The company’s commitment to community and sustainability extends beyond its products. Sarah’s children, both college students, are active co-owners who help create products and manage shows. Volunteers also play a crucial role in supporting the business, both at shows and behind the scenes. The 5280 Mermaid’s mission is not only to infuse lives with joy and flavor but also to remind other cancer families that they are not alone. The support from the community has been integral to the company’s success, and they strive to give back in meaningful ways.

The 5280 Mermaid A Business Built by a Colorado Community in the Wake of One Family's Crisis_2 — Photo Courtesy: Sarah Clarke Kleinhans / The 5280 Mermaid

Sarah’s entrepreneurial journey is deeply personal and driven by a desire to help others. After her son’s cancer diagnosis, she transitioned from a career as a TV commercial actor and professional print model to building a business that could support her family and give back to the community. Trading homemade jam and spaghetti sauce with friends during her son’s treatment sparked the idea for the business. Her son’s steroid-induced hunger led to the creation of dip mixes, which he launched at age 10 and now sells in retail locations while studying business intelligence in college. Her daughter manages deliveries and runs shows at big festivals on weekends between college classes. The family’s dedication and hard work have been instrumental in the growth and success of The 5280 Mermaid.

The 5280 Mermaid’s story is one of resilience, community, and the power of giving back. The company’s booth at shows often becomes a space for hugs, tears, and shared stories, reinforcing the message that no cancer family should feel alone. The business has grown from a challenging situation into a source of joy and support for others, combining innovative products with a heartfelt mission to ease the burdens of those affected by cancer. The company’s efforts have made a significant impact, providing not just products, but also hope and encouragement to those in need.

For more information, visit The 5280 Mermaid’s website and follow them on Facebook at The 5280 Mermaid and Instagram at #The5280Mermaid.