In today’s hyper-competitive business landscape, creating something both innovative and enduring is no small feat. That’s what makes the story of Ooni one of resilience, authenticity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. From its humble beginnings to becoming a household name, the two founders’ journey encapsulates the essence of dreaming big, staying grounded, and embracing every challenge along the way. In a sit-down conversation with Gent’s Post, Ooni Co-Founders / Co-CEOs Kristian Tapaninaho and Darina Garland shared their inspiring journey and how they balance the demands of life.
See also: From engineer to MasterChef champion: How Eric Chong became one of Canada’s culinary stars
Slow but steady: Building a legacy
Looking back on the past 12 years, the founders reflect on how far they’ve come. Growth, they emphasize, isn’t instantaneous. “It’s a slow burn,” Kristian shares. “Unlike ovens that burn quick, it takes time to grow an organization at the rate we’re growing it.” This analogy perfectly illustrates the philosophy underpinning their success: patience, perseverance, and a deep understanding that meaningful progress takes time.
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From a small Kickstarter campaign that aimed to raise £7,500 (about $10,000) but ended up doubling that, to press coverage that propelled them into the limelight, their trajectory wasn’t without its moments of validation. “We had no external funding—ever,” Darina recounts proudly. The Kickstarter not only proved the concept but ignited a momentum that continues to this day.
The heart of the brand
When asked about the pivotal moments that defined their journey, it wasn’t the financial milestones that stood out, but the human connections and the moments of joy their products brought to others. Whether it was a journalist writing about their disruptive design, or customers marveling at the quality of the pizza made in their ovens, the impact they’ve made on people’s lives has been their true reward.
“Our customers are fire starters,” Darina notes. “They’re people who love to host, who see food as a way to connect and create memories.” This insight has guided their brand DNA, shaping not just the products they create but the ethos they embody.
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The balancing act: Personal and professional
Running a business as a married couple brings its own set of challenges, but they’ve found a way to navigate it. Early on, things felt more straightforward, but as the business grew, they had to establish boundaries to maintain balance.
“Dinner time is sacred—no phones on the table,” Darina says, a testament to their commitment to separating work from personal life. Weekends are off-limits for work discussions, and they’ve learned the importance of prioritizing their relationship as both business partners and a couple. “Relationships need to work, and you have to actively put in the time,” adds Kristian.
Leadership with authenticity
When it comes to leadership, authenticity is their cornerstone. “As leaders, people are watching how you show up,” they explain. “Our job is to set the vision, motivate the team, and communicate clearly, but above all, be authentic.”
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This wasn’t always an easy lesson. Early approaches to leadership didn’t resonate. Instead, they leaned into their natural empathy and consultative style—a decision that has helped them build trust within their team. They’ve also embraced the idea of empowering others. “Leadership is about pointing the direction and then enabling your team to deliver that vision.” This trust has allowed the company to scale while maintaining its scrappy, accessible roots.
Joy as a core emotion
If there’s one feeling the founders want their products to evoke, it’s joy. “It’s the joy of cooking with your family, the delight of pulling out a restaurant-quality pizza at home, and the connection that happens around the table,” Kristian says. Joy isn’t just an emotion—it’s the essence of their brand and the experience they aim to deliver.
Advice to their younger selves
Reflecting on their journey, the advice they’d give to their younger selves is simple but powerful: trust your gut. “There’s been so much well-meaning advice along the way, but not all of it fits your vision,” Darina admits. “Trust your instincts, seek advice, but filter it through the lens of your purpose.”
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This mindset has served them well, allowing them to navigate challenges with clarity and confidence. Their vision—of creating trailblazing cooking products that bring people together—is as vibrant today as it was in the beginning.
Looking ahead
As they move into the future, the founders’ ambitions are clear: to continue innovating and expanding into new categories while staying true to their purpose. “Cooking is becoming about the experience,” Kristian explains. “We want to enable people to connect, to have fun, and to create memories.” Their ultimate goal is to be recognized as the cornerstone brand for bringing people together around food. It’s not just about the products but the emotions and experiences they inspire.
A legacy built on connection
The journey of this trailblazing brand is far from over. But as the team at Ooni looks back on the past 12 years, one thing is clear: their success isn’t just measured in sales or accolades but in the joy and connection they’ve brought to people around the world. In the words of both founders, the best is yet to come. With their vision, passion, and commitment, it’s easy to believe it.
