Meet Amy Gardikas | Custom Keepsake Blanket Creator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Amy Gardikas and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi AMY, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
It started with a tote in my closet full of important paperwork, saved greeting cards, and other miscellaneous items. I realized that I hardly ever looked at all of these saved cards from loved ones because they were stashed away in this tote and I wanted to capture the feeling I had when I read them, putting that joy at my fingertips. So, I started thinking about everyday use items I could put images of the cards on, and blankets came to mind. The thought of being able to curl up under a warm, soft blanket and read the words of my loved ones any time I wanted sounded so comforting to me. Then, it was just a matter of figuring out how to create the product so I could share it with the world. Obviously, starting your own business is scary and full of uncertainty, but I really believed in my product, so there was no question in my mind that I needed to start my own business and make my idea a reality.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
What sets me apart from others is the personalization I have in the blankets I create. There are some photos on them, but they are by NO means photo blankets. They include images of handwritten letters, greeting cards, and notes as well. These are the things that really ignite that feeling of love and connection when you re-read them. Figuring out the process for how my blankets were going to come to life was difficult and required a lot of trial and error. Each time I tweaked the process, I got a little closer to my ideal finished product. I learned a lot, and made some mistakes along the way for sure, but when it was all said and done I was SO happy with the final product. It was worth it, ten-fold! The thing I want the world to know about my story is that this product was born from a deep desire to reconnect people with the thoughts and words of their loved ones in an easy, accessible way. We all need more joy in our lives, why not have something in our home that puts it within reach at all times instead of shoved in a drawer or put in a box in the closet?

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I would take them to Garden of the Gods, Seven Falls, Manitou Springs, Cave of the Winds, we’d hike in North Cheyenne Canyon, go to the CM Zoo, have dinner at The Viewhouse, and visit the hot springs.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to recognize my husband for all of his support and encouragement. I want to dedicate my shoutout to him. I left a 6-figure job in the corporate world to start my business, and I’m sure a lot of spouses would struggle with the reality of that decision and say, “No, you shouldn’t do that”. He never said that. In fact, all he has ever done through this whole journey is tell me how much he believes in me and my idea. It’s a gift and that’s not lost on me.

Website: https://www.rejoys.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rejoys_dil/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ReJoysbyDrapedinLove/