We recently connected with Keane Veran and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Keane thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

At OURA, giving back is intertwined with our brand. It’s deeply personal and rooted in my own battle with childhood cancer at the age of 10. That journey was forever impacted by Make-A-Wish.

Having my wish granted gave me the hope and courage to fight cancer, as it does for thousands of children facing life-threatening illnesses. This profound experience shapes every aspect of our mission, inspiring us to create products that offer more than just utility.

Each item we design, from the innovative self-cleaning hats for cancer patients to bralettes that improve your skin, is crafted with dual intent. Not only do they aim to enhance the well-being of our customers, but each purchase directly contributes to fulfilling a life-changing wish for a child battling cancer. Every order becomes a vessel of hope, part of a larger story where each person helps these young fighters in their journey toward a healthier tomorrow.

Our commitment to these causes is embedded in our DNA. Even our logo, an origami crane, is inspired by the Japanese legend of folding origami cranes to receive a wish. It’s a reminder of where we started and the battles we continue to fight, not just as a company, but as a community united by a common cause.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

OURA started from humble beginnings over 6 years ago. Starting in college, my brother and I transformed our garage into a makeshift lab, warehouse, and customer support center. With his expertise in microbiology and product design and my background in economics, we embarked on a journey to create something unique and meaningful. We didn’t know much about business, but we were driven by passion and sheer determination.

We dove headfirst into research, exploring countless factories and testing prototypes. Our pursuit led us to develop fabrics infused with germ-killing copper, silver, and titanium, aimed at helping people lead healthier lives through everyday use. Inspired by my battle with cancer, our journey has led us to create award-winning products that have garnered attention in major publications and even appeared on shows like ‘Law & Order’.

Everything that we make is designed to help our customers live healthier lives by re-imagining the items that they use every day and infusing them with the best technologies. We’ve continually explored innovative product ideas, like a bath towel that never gets musty, face towels that help to prevent acne, and pillowcases designed to reduce wrinkles over time. Our newest release, a women’s apparel line crafted to enhance skin health and boost collagen, is the latest in a line of innovations that integrate advanced technology into everyday life. These achievements aren’t just milestones; they’re a testament to our mission of improving lives through science-backed products and our ongoing commitment to give back to those in need.

What sets us apart is our commitment to science. We don’t just create; we rigorously test and validate. Our infusion technology stands out for its effectiveness, durability, and environmental friendliness – a testament to our dedication to quality.

I’m most proud of how our products push the boundaries of science and technical fabrics. They are not just commodities; they represent our journey, our commitment to excellence, and our unwavering desire to give back. We hope that our story and our cause inspire others to contribute to their communities in their unique ways.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

We have had to be incredibly adaptable in our business journey. Initially starting as a hat company, we found ourselves continually expanding and exploring new territories. The pivot came as we delved deeper into our existing technologies and realized the untapped potential they held.

The catalyst for our major pivot was the use of skin-improving copper. It was already a cornerstone in creams and topicals but we found that simply wearing copper would confer those same benefits. This inspired us to rethink our approach and explore how to incorporate this into a broader range of products. We started by infusing copper into our bath towels, but the real breakthrough came with the development of our women’s apparel line. This move wasn’t just a step into a new product category; it was a leap into the realm of wearable skincare, a concept that was revolutionary for us.

This pivot from hats to wearable skincare marked a significant transformation for OURA. It has opened up new avenues and possibilities we hadn’t envisioned when we began over six years ago. This journey has taught us the importance of staying fluid, embracing new ideas, and not being afraid to redefine the business. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the most profound changes come from building on what you already have and seeing it in a new light.

Okay – so how did you figure out the manufacturing part? Did you have prior experience?

At OURA, we make all our products. Our goal was to manufacture locally as much as we could, prioritizing quality control and supporting our community. With no existing connections or vendors, we embarked on a ground-up search. We explored numerous factories across Southern California, combining online research with direct outreach, from phone calls to factory visits. This hands-on approach was essential to find a partner who could work with our unique technical fabric and align with our vision.

Our use of technical fabric presented its own set of challenges: it demanded a manufacturer capable of handling its complexities. We had to test multiple factories to ensure they could meet our stringent standards. Additionally, navigating the world of minimum order quantities was a learning curve. With so many factories catering to mass-market brands, it was challenging to find a factory willing to work with startups and run smaller batches.

This journey taught us the importance of prototypes and hands-on collaboration with our manufacturing partners. It’s not just about production; it’s about building professional relationships that understand and respect our commitment to quality and innovation. Every step in this learning process has been instrumental in shaping the products we proudly offer today.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://ouragami.org/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ouragami/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ouragami/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keaneveran/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/ouragami_

Image Credits
https://ouragami.org/