Two EMBA Alumni Co-Found New Service for Women during the Pandemic
When Nana Obeng (EMBA 2018) and Tori Minevich (EMBA 2018) first met in class, they didn’t know they would go on to establish a company that provides a sustainable, high-end product to women every month while embodying corporate social responsibility.
REDY is a new customized mailing subscription service that provides 100% organic tampons and all-cotton pads delivered right when women require them – and each paid order also provides a free month’s supply to a woman in need in their community, essential during COVID-19.
“Period products are a basic need for all women,” said Nana. “Having to choose between period products and food is no joke, which is why REDY is committed to helping women who have to make this choice every day.”
REDY was inspired by the Dollar Shave Club. Nana and Tori saw a hole in the Canadian market for a subscription service for women, focusing on women’s health and environmental sustainability. By logging on to the REDY website women fill in preferences, ensuring they won’t have to store products they may never use.
As part of the Kellogg-Schulich Executive MBA New Venture Design course, Nana and Tori received encouragement to bring their idea to life when they presented it to a panel of entrepreneurs who liked their contemporary approach and the scalability of their idea. Moving forward, REDY plans to build their “clubhouse” by reaching women across Canada and expand their product mix focusing on bringing women all-natural and sustainable alternatives.
“We envision REDY as a lifestyle brand that enriches women’s lives with its healthy, sustainable products, cheeky personality and easy to use service. It is also important for us to give back to our community,” said Tori.