We were lucky to catch up with Jordan Reese recently and have shared our conversation below.
Jordan, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.
Climbing has always been more than just a sport to me. It is where I found challenge, flow, and even love. I met my now husband at the crag in Denver, and in 2020, during our annual 4th of July climbing adventure, he proposed at the top of a 400-foot route. That moment sealed climbing into the story of our lives.
When it came time for our wedding, we knew we had to honor that shared passion. We quite literally tied the knot during our ceremony with a double fisherman’s, and I crafted cozies from retired climbing rope as favors for our guests. The reaction was overwhelming, and our friends and family loved the idea of rope with a story finding new purpose.
That spark became the origin of Climber Crafts in 2021. Every piece I make carries the history of adventures lived on Colorado rock. These ropes may no longer be trusted with your life on the wall, but they are more than qualified to keep your beverage safe and snug.
Jordan, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
As a scientist by training, I needed an outlet that let me step out of my head and into my body, and climbing became exactly that. It’s my moving meditation, challenging and grounding, and the closest thing to zen I’ve found.
All of my work begins with retired climbing rope, some from my own adventures, and the rest generously donated by climbers all across Colorado’s Front Range. One of my favorite parts of the process is giving these ropes a full transformation. They come to me dirty, core shot, and sun-faded but after a good wash, the colors brighten and patterns reappear. Even the ropes that don’t clean up perfectly have a beauty and uniqueness to them that I love.
I initially started by making cozies for standard size cans, inspired by a DIY idea I’d seen online, though I wanted something with a cleaner design and my own creative touch. After lots of tinkering, experimenting, and feedback from friends (including a pint-glass cozy request from my mother-in-law), I found my style and technique. From there, the collection grew organically: bowls, dog toys, coasters, trivets, wreaths, Christmas trees (yes, with lights!), and even the occasional rug.
Everything I make is practical, durable, and infused with adventure. My pieces aren’t just products, they’re a way for climbers and outdoor lovers to keep a bit of the crag with them in everyday life. They also reflect something I care deeply about: reducing waste. I’m incredibly proud that this year alone, I’ve diverted more than 10,000 feet of rope—roughly 52 retired 60-meter climbing ropes—from ending up in the landfill.
What sets Climber Crafts apart is the story in every piece. These ropes have seen climbers send their projects, caught exciting whips (falls), have gone on adventures, been dragged through dirt, pine trees, and over sharp rocks. And now they get to live a second life bringing color, texture, and meaning into someone’s home. My goal is to honor those stories while creating something people can use, enjoy, and feel connected to.
If there’s one thing I hope new customers, followers, and fans take away, it’s that this brand is built on passion: for climbing, for creativity, and for sustainability. Each year I learn more, improve my products more, and grow this small business a little further. I’m beyond grateful for the climbers and supporters who make it all possible.
Do you sell on your site, or do you use a platform like Amazon, Etsy, Cratejoy, etc?
If I’m not manning a booth somewhere in the Denver metro area, you can find me on Etsy. I chose Etsy because of its name recognition and the trust it already has with customers. As a small business trying to grow, it gave me instant visibility and access to shoppers who already appreciate handmade and unique goods.
Etsy also keeps a lot of the logistics in one place, which I value. I get discounted shipping rates, the platform calculates shipping for customers so pricing is transparent, and I don’t have to navigate the complexity of remitting sales tax to every city and state. Anyone who lives in Colorado knows how complicated home rule sales tax can be, so having Etsy handle that piece is a huge advantage.
There are trade-offs, of course. The seller interface can be a little clunky, and you don’t have complete control over every aspect of your storefront. But overall, Etsy meets my needs and allows me to focus more on creating and less on backend admin work.
Can you share one of your favorite marketing or sales stories?
One of my favorite sales memories comes from my very first craft fair in the fall of 2023. I went into it with absolutely no idea what to expect. My products were so different from the typical craft fair lineup—candles, soaps, ceramics, laser-cut signs—that I honestly wasn’t sure if anyone would even stop at my booth, let alone buy something made from old climbing rope.
I packed absolutely everything I had because I didn’t know what would resonate. My booth setup was… let’s just say “a work in progress.” I fumbled the credit card reader more than once and felt completely out of my depth. But by the end of the weekend, I was stunned by how well it went. People were curious, they were supportive, and they actually bought things. I left feeling proud, relieved, and a little shocked. It was enough to make me sign up again for the following year.
When the next fair rolled around, I felt a different kind of nerves. I knew my products were good, but what if people remembered me and didn’t feel the same way? What if I got negative feedback? What if last year’s success was a fluke? I made upgrades to my booth, narrowed down my inventory to my best sellers, and tried to calm myself down.
And then the customers started coming.
People recognized me. They told me they were glad I was back. They talked about the gifts they bought last year and how much their friends or family loved them. One person said, “I bought a Christmas tree from you last year and should’ve gotten one for myself—I’m so glad you’re here so I can fix my mistake.” Comment after comment reassured me that what I was making mattered to people.
That second show taught me something important: sometimes taking a risk means showing up before you feel ready. And sometimes the reward is learning that your audience is rooting for you far more than you ever realized.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://climbercrafts.etsy.com
- Instagram: @Climber_Crafts
Image Credits
Brian Sundermann’s image of Maggie Moose Crine.