At Mellow Monkey, we’re always looking for products that are a little different — things with a story, a purpose, and real people behind them.
That’s why we’re especially proud to feature SenseAble Creations, a local organization creating handmade sensory and mindfulness products designed to inspire calm, joy, discovery and inclusivity.
And there’s another reason we’re excited to introduce them to you:
100% of the proceeds from every SenseAble Creations product purchased at Mellow Monkey will go directly back to SenseAble Creations and the work they’re doing.
It Started With Ryan
SenseAble Creations grew from the experience of Amy and her son, Ryan.
Ryan has Level 3 Autism and was later diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes — a diagnosis that introduced an entirely new routine of insulin injections, continuous glucose monitor site changes, and the stress and anxiety that can accompany them.
Then a friend gave the family a simple heated corn bag.
They began warming Ryan’s hands with it before injections and site changes, but discovered something else along the way: the tactile experience itself helped him remain calm.
That simple gift sparked an idea.
From an Idea Came the Mantra Beads Calm Bag
Amy and Ryan created their own version, eventually developing what they call the Mantra Beads Calm Bag.
The name “Mantra” has special meaning. It refers to Ryan’s scripting and echolalia associated with his autism — taking something uniquely his and making it part of the product’s identity.
Each Calm Bag combines textured beads with natural fillers such as lentils, barley or flax seed, creating a tactile sensory experience designed to support self-regulation and calm.
But what makes these products particularly special is who makes them.
Ryan is directly involved in creating each one, from selecting the beads and filling the products to packaging and shipping them. Amy handles the sewing and steps in whenever a little extra help is needed.
This isn’t simply a product inspired by Ryan.
It’s a product made by Ryan.
Creating Products — and Creating Opportunity
SenseAble Creations has a larger vision: to create handmade sensory products that are accessible, enriching and empowering for people of all abilities while fostering learning, self-regulation and emotional well-being.
Just as importantly, the organization is working to create opportunities for individuals with disabilities to participate in meaningful employment.
That mission resonates deeply with us.
Independent retail gives us the opportunity to decide not only what we put on our shelves, but whose stories and work we choose to put behind them.
Sometimes a purchase can accomplish considerably more than simply bringing home something you like.
Your Purchase Goes Right Back to SenseAble Creations
That’s why Mellow Monkey is doing something special with this collection.
We are donating 100% of the proceeds from the sale of SenseAble Creations products directly to the organization.
When you purchase a Mantra Beads Calm Bag or another SenseAble Creations item from us, you’re not simply purchasing a handmade sensory product. You’re helping support a local organization built around inclusion, empowerment and meaningful opportunity.
You’re supporting Amy.
You’re supporting Ryan.
And you’re helping support a vision in which individuals of all abilities have opportunities to create, contribute and be valued for what they can do.
We’re incredibly proud to give SenseAble Creations some space on our shelves — and, more importantly, to help introduce their story to the Mellow Monkey community.
Come discover SenseAble Creations at Mellow Monkey, find your own little bit of calm, and help us support a local maker creating something with a whole lot of purpose behind it.