S20 Ep5: Antony and Richard Joseph, co-founders of Joseph Joseph, on cutting it in kitchenware

What’s the secret to designing award-winning and best-selling homeware for 20 years? 

In this episode of Conversations of Inspiration meet Antony and Richard Joseph, twin brothers and co-founders of Joseph Joseph often referred to as the ‘Apple of homeware.’

 You'll hear the captivating story of their entrepreneurial journey, from a childhood surrounded by creativity to the thrill of their first major order. Discover how they conquered the European market with sheer determination and a road trip. They delve into the highs and lows of business, from the slow burn of success to navigating the tumultuous times of the pandemic. Embrace their wisdom on protecting their designs, fostering new talent, and staying passionate about their work. Don't miss the heartfelt advice they'd give to their younger selves, a true testament to their experience and resilience in the world of business.

Win an Independent Ad Break on Conversations of Inspiration: If you’re a founder yourself and would like to be in with a chance to win your own ad break on this podcast, head over to holly.co/dell.  This competition is delivered in partnership with Dell Technologies and their programs Dell for Startups and DWEN (Dell Women’s Entrepreneur Network) — which provide startup expertise from dedicated technology advisors and scalable solutions to ensure your business is always ready to grow.

Time Stamps: 

Childhood and Family Influence (00:03:30) The Joseph brothers discuss their creative upbringing and the influence of their parents and family in their design and entrepreneurial journey.

Transition to Business (00:12:27) Holly and the Joseph brothers discuss their transition from studying design to starting their business, including the pivotal moment of receiving a significant order for their glass cutting boards.

European Expansion (00:18:23) The brothers describe their persistence in seeking more customers, leading to their successful expansion into European markets and the slow but steady growth of their business.

Mission statement and product approach (00:22:39) The company's mission statement and approach to identifying and solving household problems.

Learning from failures (00:27:16) The lessons learned from product failures and the importance of getting started.

Dealing with Copying and Counterfeiting (00:45:27) The challenges of dealing with copying and counterfeiting in the small business community and advice for others facing similar issues.