The Origin of Climbing Buddy
Climbing Buddy was born during a special time for its founder, Ami, who, while expecting her first child, sought a creative outlet. Inspired by the vibrant worlds of Disney and Marvel superheroes, Ami started crocheting unique chalk bags for her rock climbing friends. This hobby not only kept her connected to her friends’ adventures but also infused their climbing gear with joy and personality. Her creations became so cherished that when she began selling them on Etsy, she quickly amassed over 30 orders. However, the intricate labor of love involved in crafting each bag—taking over 12 hours—made this approach unsustainable on a larger scale.
At this crossroads, Ami reconnected with Thomas, an avid outdoor enthusiast with a background in finance and operations. His corporate experience proved invaluable as they contemplated how to scale the business. Thomas, who had been gifted one of Ami’s earliest handmade bags, still uses it when he rock climbs to this day, showcasing the enduring quality and appeal of her designs. Recognizing the need for a more scalable approach, Thomas proposed shifting from crocheting to using plushies, which would not only maintain the uniqueness of the bags but also allow for greater production capacity.
They joined forces to channel their shared passions into ClimbingBuddy 2.0, a venture aimed at blending their love for climbing with their affection for pets and boba. Ami’s fervent love for boba, known among her friends through her frequent explorations of new boba shops across Orange County and Los Angeles, significantly shaped the evolution of Climbing Buddy. She ingeniously incorporated this passion into the design of the chalk bags, reimagining them as versatile accessories that cater not only to climbers but also to boba enthusiasts, creating a bag perfect for both gym climbs and leisurely outings to boba cafés.
The new line was initiated with Ami’s corgi-inspired design, a nod to her playful spirit, and Thomas’s cat design, reflecting his aspiration to be as nimble as a cat on the climbing walls. Today, Climbing Buddy transcends its origins as a brand to become a celebration of personal expression and the simple joys of climbing and lifestyle integration. As we focus on launching these initial designs, Ami and Thomas are eager to hear from the community. Feel free to share your ideas for what you’d like to see next—your suggestions could inspire future creations! Together, let’s design multifunctional bags that bring both joy and style to climbers, boba lovers, and beyond.