Creating cookware that won't poison you with Jordan Nathan

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Creating cookware that won't poison you with Jordan Nathan

Caraway Cookware

  • Jordan Nathan, founder of Caraway, shares his experience with Teflon poisoning after overheating a Teflon pan.
  • Caraway uses ceramic as a safer alternative to Teflon, which is free from harmful chemicals and more durable.
  • The company spent 18 months developing its own ceramic coating to ensure safety, longevity, and non-stick properties.
  • Caraway's success is attributed to its focus on non-toxic materials, beautiful designs, easy storage solutions, and a holistic approach to kitchenware.

Launching Caraway Home

  • Caraway Home was launched after the initial wave of DTC brands, targeting millennial and post-millennial consumers with higher-quality, design-focused cookware sets.
  • Despite challenges as a single founder with no product design, Jordan's experience in the kitchenware industry and understanding of margins, financial discipline, and omnichannel strategy helped secure investment.
  • Caraway took a "sets-first" approach, emphasizing curated sets at a higher price point, which differentiated them from competitors focused on single cookware pieces.
  • The brand aimed to be omnichannel from the start and secured partnerships with major retailers like Target and Bed Bath and Beyond before launch.
  • Caraway Home expanded into different product categories to increase customer retention and offer a comprehensive kitchen and home experience.

Growth Strategies

  • Influencer marketing has been a crucial growth strategy for Caraway Home, with partnerships with thousands of influencers across various industries.
  • Different influencers perform better for different product categories, and the brand uses data analysis to optimize influencer partnerships.

Challenges Faced

  • Caraway Home faced challenges during its early days, including defective packaging and product damage, which required creative solutions to fulfill orders.
  • The company initially launched with four hires, including individuals leading operations, customer service, brand, and growth.
  • Caraway does not have in-house scientists or material experts but partners with external experts and manufacturers for research and development.

Future Plans

  • Caraway plans to focus on expanding product launches, distribution channels, and improving customer experience in the coming years.

Podcast Production Team

  • "Found" is hosted by Becca Farsace and Dominic-Madori Davis, produced by Maggie Stamitz, edited by Kell, and features illustrations by Bryce Durban.
  • The podcast's audience development and social media management are handled by Morgan Little, Alysa Stringer, and Natalie Chman, while Henry Pikovit manages TechCrunch's audio products.

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