Glenwood Springs Jam Maker Mo Jam Finds Success

As I stood at the Market on 7th in Glenwood Springs, the sweet aroma of freshly made jam wafted through the air, enticing me to stop by Maureen "Mo" Hanson's table. Her business, Mo Jam, has become a staple in the community, with locals and visitors alike flocking to taste her creative flavors. But what's behind the success of this homemade jam maker? For Mo, it's a story of perseverance, family, and a passion for healthy living.

Born in Wisconsin, Mo's life was marked by constant moves as a military child, until she finally settled on the Western Slope. It was during her time at Colorado Mountain College, while working at Valley View Hospital in Glenwood Springs, that she found encouragement from Dr. Christiaan Maurer, who helped her pursue her degree as a Registered Medical Assistant. But it was her experience as a single mom, raising three daughters, that led her to explore alternative ways to provide for her family. With a tight budget, Mo had to get creative, and that's when she started making her own jam.

"I started making my own jam because my daughters were eating peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, and I wanted something better for them," Mo explained. Her friends and family took notice of her delicious creations, and soon, she was encouraged to turn her hobby into a business. And so, Mo Jam was born. Debuting at the Market on 7th about six years ago, Mo's products have gained a loyal following, with her unique flavors like Rosemary Pear, Apricot Bourbon, and Blackberry Lime (which was actually a mistake, but turned out to be a best seller) flying off the shelves. As I watched Mo expertly canning vegetables and making pickles, I was struck by her commitment to using only the freshest ingredients, often grown in her own garden. "If I can grow the fruit or vegetables I use in my products, I will," she said, her eyes sparkling with pride.

Her youngest daughter, Faith, is her official taste tester, and it's clear that family plays a significant role in Mo's business. In fact, Mo also sells eggs from her own chickens, which are laid fresh and available at her market stalls. What sets Mo Jam apart is not only the quality of the products but also the story behind them. Mo's journey is one of resilience and determination, and her success is a direct result of the community's support for her products.

As I left the market, I couldn't help but wonder what the future holds for Mo Jam. With her products gaining popularity, will she be able to maintain the personal touch that has made her business so successful? For now, Mo is content with the pace of her business, focusing on spending time with her family and creating products that bring joy to her customers. "If you make money and you're not spending time with your family, what's the point?" she asked, her words lingering in the air like the sweet scent of her jam.

The sun was beginning to set over the Western Slope, casting a warm glow over the market stalls. As I walked away, I caught a glimpse of Mo's table, still bustling with activity, the sound of laughter and conversation mingling with the aroma of fresh jam. It's a scene that I'll carry with me, a reminder of the power of community and the beauty of homemade, small-batch products that are worth the drive to find.