Exactly 5 years ago, Jana Chladová came up with a new brand of designer eco diapers, Kolorky. At first she devoted herself to it in the evenings, after coming home from work in the financial sector. Two years later, she took a risk and began to devote herself fully to Kolorka. In 2020, she also added fabric children's accessories designed and manufactured completely in the Czech Republic. And that it was a good move is confirmed every day, when her products make babies and parents happy. Which product does she like the most and what surprises does she have in store for the next few years? Not only did she reveal it in the following interview.
Jana, Kolorky have been around for five years. All the best! What was the biggest challenge?
It was and is a beautiful, enlightening and exciting five years. It's all a big challenge for me. Going along that path, making mistakes, learning from them and moving on... It's not just about getting an idea, building a company, but also maintaining it, improving it, perfecting processes, thinking about what's next. I deal with challenges every day, whether with new products, with customers, with current trends on the market, or with regard to the company's internal processes. Every day is a challenge for me, I don't have big or small challenges.
What do you think was most successful? And what about the opposite at all?
I am most proud of the fact that I built the company on solid foundations, that it operates smoothly, that it can respond to current market situations, and that it is still growing and is popular not only here, but also in other European countries. And what went wrong? It's important to make mistakes and learn from them, otherwise I can't move on and do things better. I have a whole collection of fuck ups and they happen all the time, and that's what Kolorky is about. You solve it, pick yourself up and move on. Everything has a solution, even if sometimes I don't like the solution, or I have a different idea, but perfection does not exist.
What is your favorite product?
I've been thinking about it recently.. And even though I'm a minimalist, I stepped out of my comfort zone by bringing the idea of colorful diapers here. But the black and white series will still win for me. But I still love all Kolorkas, they are my first child. And I'm also looking forward to seeing Kolorky on my baby.
How do you plan to celebrate those 5 years?
The original idea was to organize a party for Kolorká, invite a lot of people, meet customers, influencers and others live. But as always, we won a lot of new products that are in preparation and production, so all the funding is going here. That's why we celebrate the whole of June online, where Kolorky have their own world. For customers who have been with us for so long, we have bargains, gifts and the opportunity to compete. And it is a very successful month, so I believe that even without the party we are all satisfied. And we will certainly please those who need our help.
Are you planning any more news?
The news will be and will be, in my opinion, spectacular, surprising, beautiful, and I look forward to reactions and responses. Not only will there be a new design for the existing range (which is my number 1 favorite), but also a completely new range. What kind? For this MOMENT, I'll keep the surprise to myself :-) But there's definitely something to look forward to. And I can't forget Kolorky HOME either, where Sabina and I prepare a lot of interesting things. Didn't I give away too much?
We will look forward to it all the more! Can you tell me where you see Kolorky in the next 5 years? \
I will be happy if, even in 5 years, Kolorky will have a stable position on the market, will continue to improve towards customers, take care of them and bring them quality. Because Kolorky is mainly there for them. Now Kolorky is getting to know customers all over Europe, and here I still see great potential, where you need to put in the work, devote time to it and find ways or partners. I know where we have gaps, shortcomings, and we need to work on that.
Finally, I will ask what you would like to wish the Kolor women for their birthday?
I wish Kolorka and all of us a life in peace and freedom, that is the most important thing today. May we all endure this unpleasant time in good health and, if possible, with perspective... Let's be considerate of each other and respect each other.
