@greatjones

I'm the co-founder and CEO of Great Jones, a modern kitchenware company!

Why did you start your business??

An investor once told me, somewhat snidely, that women start companies to solve their own problems. I don’t see anything wrong with that — we’re in touch with our own needs. After working as a food editor at New York Magazine for five years, running around nightly to every new restaurant, I wanted to spend more time at home, in my pajamas, cooking and taking better care of myself. I needed to upgrade my kitchenware (no more Teflon!), and I had trouble figuring out what I actually needed and why. I wanted guidance. I wanted pieces that would last. I wanted them to be beautiful. I wanted to be able to reasonably purchase them for myself, instead of waiting to receive them as a registry present.

What has been the best part of your entrepreneurial journey? 

The product-design process is extremely exciting to me — but what's even better is seeing our designs in the homes of customers, and getting to see what they cook. It's a really a window into their lives, and I find it inspiring!

How has working from home impacted the way you work and live? What does balance mean to you in this new normal?

Running a business is always a 24-7 job, but I do find that it's much harder to establish barriers now. To be honest, I've lost any sense of "balance," and I'm really not one to give advice here. Right now, I see work through the framing that it's a privilege to be so busy and operate a company that's able to exist (and even thrive) in these hard times.

How do you stay motivated and overcome challenges?

I try to surround myself with smart, kind, and supportive people — that includes coworkers, board members, and other entrepreneurial friends. This work can be very demanding, and it helps to not feel so alone in the (many) challenging moments.

What are some rituals you’ve adopted to practice self-care around the home?

I cuddle my dog and make popcorn in The Dutchess!

Who is a female founder you admire and why?

Sana Javeri Kadri, who runs Diaspora Co. She has completely bootstrapped her business and truly leads a values-first company. And her product is by far the best on the market.

What’s one thing in your home you can’t live without during quarantine?

My hot cups of tea! I order tea from Kettl and Té Company.

What advice do you have for female entrepreneurs or working women during this time?

I think it's a great time to experiment and make the most of the fact that there is no "normal." Be weird and take chances!

What advice do you have for female entrepreneurs or working women during this time?

I think it's a great time to experiment and make the most of the fact that there is no "normal." Be weird and take chances!