As the year comes to a close, we’re taking a moment to reflect on what has been an extraordinary year for Klaris. 2024 has been our biggest year of growth yet—a milestone that fills us with immense pride. For any small business, growth brings its own unique set of challenges, and this year was no exception.
We’ve navigated uncharted waters, made big decisions, learned countless lessons along the way, forged meaningful connections, and brought even more clarity (literally and figuratively) to the world of craft cocktails. But through it all, the support from our incredible community has been the anchor that keeps us steady. Your encouragement, feedback, and belief in what we do have fueled our journey and continue to inspire us to reach new heights.
As our founder, Chase, says every single day, “We can only just keep chipping away” (full ice pun intended!).
Let's take a look back at the past 12 months.
Making a Splash: Whisky Fest
Klaris made its way to Whisky Fest, and it was an unforgettable experience. We had the chance to meet some truly amazing people, learn more about the industry, and make meaningful connections. From chatting with passionate whiskey enthusiasts to collaborating with innovative brands, the event was a celebration of community and craftsmanship. We left feeling inspired and can’t wait to see what next year brings!
A Chicago Collaboration: Aged & Infused Pop-Up
This year, we teamed up with Aged & Infused for a cocktail pop-up event in Chicago. The event featured a lively happy hour where attendees sipped on crafty cocktails infused with unique ingredients; all served over Klaris clear ice. It was an evening filled with collaboration and creativity. Working with Aged & Infused allowed us to connect with their fantastic community and share Klaris' story in a hands-on, engaging way. Beyond the pop-up, this partnership has opened doors to future collaborations, including featuring our ice machines in their store. From brainstorming sessions to the final cheers of the night, thanks to Jess and John, this event reminded us of the power of working together to create memorable experiences.
Celebrating: Clear Ice Week
We took the opportunity to spotlight some of our incredible Klaris Crafters, including Andrew, Chase, Ryan, and many others, whose passion for craft ice and cocktails inspires us every day during Clear Ice Week 2024 last January. Throughout the week, we shared their unique stories, techniques, and creativity, highlighting how clear ice elevates the art of home mixology. It was also a time to connect with our community, share tips and tricks for crafting the perfect cube, and reflect on the artistry behind clear ice. With plenty of laughter, learning, and cocktails, Clear Ice Week truly celebrated the people and ideas that make Klaris unique. We can't wait for Clear Ice Week 2025!
Product Launch: New Storage Solutions
In May, we achieved a significant milestone with the launch of our improved 2” Cube Storage Containers and the brand-new Collins Cube Storage. These launches weren’t just updates; they were a direct response to the feedback from our incredible community. We heard your requests for sturdier containers, easier cube removal, and better stackability, and we delivered!
The new storage containers are four times thicker than their predecessors, making them incredibly durable for everyday use. We also redesigned the lids for a snugger fit, ensuring better sealing and easier stacking in your freezer. And for those who love crafting Collins Cubes, our new storage solution offers the same robust design tailored just for them. This milestone reflects our commitment to listening, learning, and continually innovating to meet your needs. Thank you for being part of this journey with us.
Growth Multiplied: Amazon Launch and Extra Space
This year was monumental for Klaris as we continued to expand and reach new heights. Moving into a new, ground-level storage space allowed us to innovate and operate more efficiently, laying the foundation for even greater ambitions. On top of that, Klaris debuted on Amazon, making it easier than ever for cocktail enthusiasts to experience the magic of clear ice. These milestones reflect our growth as a company and our commitment to bringing the Klaris experience to homes and gatherings everywhere.
Crafting Community: Home Bar Contest
We launched our Home Bar Contest this year, which was a true testament to the creativity and passion of the Klaris community! We asked our community to send in their home bars, and to say it lightly; we had home bar envy. The entries reflected their creators' unique personalities and artistic vision, each different. It was a fun way to celebrate how Klaris products help our community craft meaningful experiences at home. We were inspired by the stories behind each setup and the dedication to creating spaces that unite people. Thank you to all the participants for showing us what it truly means to craft an experience.
A Journey: Chase’s Year of Connection (and firsts!)
This year, our founder Chase went on a monumental trip to China, meeting our manufacturing partners in person for the very first time. This journey was more than just about business; it was about building relationships, and gaining valuable insights that will guide Klaris into the future. Chase returned with a renewed vision and deep gratitude for the incredible hands and minds that help bring our ideas to life. On a personal note, 2024 also marked Chase’s first Father’s Day. This milestone was one of joy and togetherness that resonated deeply within the Klaris team. Moments like these remind us of the importance of family and the connections that drive us forward, both at home and in our work.
Team Lunch: Our First In-Person Meet-Up
In a year filled with firsts, one of our favorites was our first in-person team lunch. After a rigorous year of planning around different schedules and everyone being in the city at the same time, we sat down together over lunch and lively conversation, we celebrated our successes, shared ideas for the future, and strengthened the bond that makes Klaris more than just a brand but a family.
Happy 2025 - let's raise a glass! Cheers to our community, collaborators, and everyone who has been part of this journey. Your support fuels our drive to create experiences that bring people together. Here’s to another year of continuing to craft clarity and community. Stay tuned for more exciting developments in 2025.
