Sustainability and Social Responsibility in Business with Ariel Kaye

08/14/23 • 34 min

Join host Diana Fryc on the latest episode of Gooder as she interviews Ariel Kaye, the innovative mind behind Parachute, a socially responsible home lifestyle brand based in Los Angeles. Discover Ariel's passion for sustainability and learn how it has been woven into every aspect of Parachute, since it was founded in 2014.
Gain valuable insights into the challenges and rewards of running a direct-to-consumer startup, and explore the keys to building a resilient company culture. Plus, hear about a must-read book that offers practical tips for transforming your living space during COVID. Tune in for an inspiring journey about how Ariel turned her passion for home design into a thriving business with a remarkable social mission.
Today's episode is hosted by Diana Fryc of Retail Voodoo, connect with her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianafryc/
QUOTES:
"Giving back is a commitment for brands in the world of consumerism. -” Ariel Kaye
"Unlock the potential of your living space by repurposing and maximizing its functionality, ensuring every corner serves a purpose."- Ariel Kaye
“A mistake can be an opportunity for growth if you choose to learn from it." - Ariel Kaye
KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Parachute's origins and evolution
Commitment to social responsibility and sustainability
Ariel's passion for home design and starting Parachute
Overcoming challenges in D2C business
Adapting to external factors and remote work
Intentional living and space efficiency tips
Mission to promote safe sleep and reduce carbon emissions
Lessons from marketing and product development
Embracing growth and learning in business

ABOUT THE GUEST:
Ariel Kaye
Founder of Parachute
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arielkaye/
Website: https://www.parachutehome.com/
CHAPTERS:
00:00 | Introduction
03:11 | Parachute: Quality and Comfort for Modern Homes
05:35 | Where Design Passion Meets Advertising Expertise
08:11 | Empowered to Start a Business with the Support of Friends
11:31 | Resilience and Success in Early Entrepreneurship
15:59 | Prioritizing Sustainability: Planet and People in Business
17:22 | Parachute's Mission: Making Sleep Safe and Sustainable
20:04 | Maximizing Space for Intentional Living: Book Recommendations
23:12 | Transforming Spaces: The Power of Small Changes
24:35 | From Mistakes to Success: Lessons Learned
27:17 | Navigating Unexpected Challenges and Proudly Leading the Team
30:39 | Founders as Allies: The Power of Support and Inspiration
33:00 | Conclusion
This episode is brought to you by Retail Voodoo. A brand consultancy focused on building, growing, and revitalizing brands in the food, beverage, health, and wellness industries. If you are ready to find a partner that will help your business create a high-impact strategy that gives your brand an advantage, please visit http://retail-voodoo.com/contact to set up a discovery call today.
Produced by Heartcast Media
http://www.heartcastmedia.com/

Parachute's origins and evolution
Commitment to social responsibility and sustainability
Ariel's passion for home design and starting Parachute
Overcoming challenges in D2C business
Adapting to external factors and remote work
Intentional living and space efficiency tips
Mission to promote safe sleep and reduce carbon emissions
Lessons from marketing and product development
Embracing growth and learning in business

Previous Episode

Revolutionizing Windows: Redefining the Design Landscape with Haley Weidenbaum

In this episode of Gooder, host Diana Fryc is joined by Haley Weidenbaum, CEO and co-founder of Everhem, Haley's passion for interior design started as a childhood hobby, and has since blossomed into a full-fledged mission to create homes that make people happy. With a keen eye for impeccable design, a bootstrapping mentality, and a charming positivity, Haley effortlessly infuses California cool with worldly accents.
She values modern functionality while appreciating the styles of the past. Join us as Haley shares her approach to making clients happy, one exquisite design project at a time. Let's dive in!
Today's episode is hosted by Diana Fryc of Retail Voodoo, connect with her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianafryc/
QUOTES:
"Research and development before launch is crucial. It can make a significant difference in your journey." - Haley Weidenbaum
Our goal is to blend functionality and design, creating window treatments that embody both aspects." - Haley Weidenbaum
"Stay away from trends, especially when making significant investments. Opt for choices that will stand the test of time- Haley Weidenbaum
KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Revolutionizing Window Treatments: Functionality and Design Focus
Adapting and Thriving in Business Despite Adversity.
Seamless Installations and Personalized Design Tips
Everhem's Holistic Design Approach
Work-Life Balance and Celebration
Entrepreneurship Lessons: Trials, Errors, and Positive Feedback
Expanding Reach, Enhancing User Experience
Marketing Goals and Enhancing Customer Engagement.
Timeless Approach to Designing Window Treatments.

ABOUT THE GUEST:
Haley Whedenbaum
CEO & CO Founder of Everhem
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/haley-weidenbaum-85974b12/
Website: https://www.everhem.com/
CHAPTERS:
00:27 | Introduction
03:56 | Revolutionizing Window Treatments: Bridging Design and Tradition
08:22 | Building a Design Business: The Power of Collaboration
10:26 | Passion to Bliss: A Couple's Journey of Discovery
13:02 | Crafting a Vision: From Branding to Building Everhem
14:24 | Navigating with Adaptation and Communication
17:11 | Embracing Parenthood and Entrepreneurship
19:19 | Confidence & Perfection: Elevating Window Treatments Aesthetics
23:02 | Everhem's Hospitality-Inspired Customer Experience
28:35 | Streamlining Fabric Choices for Window Treatments
33:15 | Maximizing Individual Talents in a Partnership
37:28 | From Research to Resilience: Lessons in Entrepreneurship
41:35 | Expanding the Brand: Enhancing Websites and Growing Reach
43:21 | Empowering Women in Design: Elevating Sisters and Industry Peers
46:13 | Outro
This episode is brought to you by Retail Voodoo. A brand consultancy focused on building, growing, and revitalizing brands in the food, beverage, health, and wellness industries. If you are ready to find a partner that will help your business create a high-impact strategy that gives your brand an advantage, please visithttp://retail-voodoo.com/contact to set up a discovery call today.
Produced by Heartcast Media
http://www.heartcastmedia.com/

Next Episode

From Syrup to Success: How Swoon Navigated It All with Jennifer Ross

In this episode of Gooder, host Diana Fryc talks to Jennifer Ross, co-founder and co-CEO of Swoon, a line of zero sugar lemonades and teas. Jennifer shares how their company pivoted during the pandemic to create a new product line and the challenges and successes they faced while expanding distribution. She discusses the importance of providing healthier drink options and the impact it can have on people's health. The episode also delves into their collaboration with the iconic brand Barbie and the lessons they learned. Jennifer offers tactical advice on listening to customers and being open to feedback, which led to the creation of Swoon Syrup, a monk fruit-based simple syrup that is 200 times sweeter than sugar but without any glycemic impact. This conversation explores the complex process of creating a health-focused business and the importance of adapting to different ways of working.
Today's episode is hosted by Diana Fryc of Retail Voodoo, connect with her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianafryc/
QUOTES:
"Our aim was to craft a beverage that wasn't just for diets or diabetics, but rather a delightful, natural, and sugar-free option that everyone could enjoy. -”Jennifer Ross
"Prioritize listening to your customers and fearlessly make adjustments to exceed their expectations-”Jennifer Ross
“We overcame challenges and reaped the rewards. Looking back, those obstacles were the catalyst for our successful product line."- Jennifer Ross
KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Pandemic Pivot: Swoon's Drink Adaptation
Crafting Healthier Beverage Options
Enhancing Lives through Healthier Drinks
Empowering Partnership: Swoon x Barbie Collaboration
Swoon's Customer-Driven Growth
Swoon Syrup and the Power of Monk Fruit
Lessons from Corporate Collaborations
Crafting the Iconic Barbie Brand

ABOUT THE GUEST:
Jennifer Ross
Co-Founder of Swoon
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferfross/
Website: https://www.tasteswoon.com/
CHAPTERS:
00:00 | Introduction
03:39 | A Personal Need Turned Health Revolution
07:14 | Crafting Monk Fruit Syrup from a Mojito Inspiration
09:11 | Home Formulations to Retail Success
10:40 | Swoon's Flavorful Twist on Zero-Sugar Drinks
12:42 | Empowering Women Beyond Appearance
14:27 | Unique Experience Working with Barbie and Mattel
16:10 | Barbie Collaboration: Amplifying Swoon's Impact
18:59 | Customer-Centric Approach: Power of Feedback
23:26 | Pivoting to Refreshing Lemonades and Iced Teas
25:16 | From Pinch Me Moments to Nationwide Recognition
26:59 | Conclusion
This episode is brought to you by Retail Voodoo. A brand consultancy focused on building, growing, and revitalizing brands in the food, beverage, health, and wellness industries. If you are ready to find a partner that will help your business create a high-impact strategy that gives your brand an advantage, please visithttp://retail-voodoo.com/contact to set up a discovery call today.
Produced by Heartcast Media
http://www.heartcastmedia.com/