Positive Impact Philanthropy Podcast · Lori Kranczer

An Interview with Host Lori Kranczer, Founder of Raising Junior

·29 min·2 clips

Lori Kranczer created Raising Junior after her son broke out in head-to-toe hives from a 'natural' kids shampoo.

Host Lori Kranczer, an attorney and philanthropic advisor, is interviewed by her friend and advisory committee member Mara Pagano about her new social venture. This episode focuses on the launch of Raising Junior, a personal care product line for children with sensitivities. Kranczer created the business after struggling to find suitable products for her son, who has sensory processing issues and allergies. Raising Junior is a shampoo and body wash designed for kids with special needs, allergies, or neurodiversity. The product originated when Kranczer's son had a severe allergic reaction to a "natural" kids' shampoo, breaking out in head-to-toe hives. She hired a cosmetic chemist to develop a stripped-down, clean formula without common irritants like essential oils. The product was tested for years to ensure it was sensory-neutral, considering factors like scent, texture, and lather. Kranczer explains that sensory processing disorder often co-occurs with conditions like ADHD or autism, manifesting in sensitivities to noise, smell, or texture. The line aims for accessibility, with all net profits pledged to nonprofit organizations. An interesting insight is that the product is multi-purpose, also functioning as a liquid hand soap, facial soap, and even a bubble bath. Mara Pagano shares her personal experience using the soap to successfully alleviate eczema flare-ups from hot yoga. The formula is designed to glide over skin and hair to use less product, potentially saving money, and it leaves skin feeling silky. Future product expansions include a conditioner, detangler, and a moisturizer based on customer requests. The business is women-owned and led, with plans to partner with both local and national nonprofits. The episode reveals that bath time was often a painful, stressful experience for Kranczer's family due to sensory challenges. The product design intentionally creates less foam because her daughter disliked not being able to see through the bathwater. Raising Junior is dermatologist and pediatrician approved, emphasizing safety and gentleness. Kranczer finds it impactful that her daughter sees her as a business owner and philanthropist, modeling those values. The venture also incorporates a sustainability effort as part of its brand ethos. The tone is conversational, enthusiastic, and deeply personal, framed as a friend interviewing a friend about a passion project. The style is educational, blending a founder's origin story with product details and philanthropic mission. Listeners interested in social entrepreneurship, clean beauty, or parenting children with special needs would appreciate this episode. Those seeking hard business metrics or a critical analysis of the market might find it less applicable.

As heard by us

A clear look at a newly launched women-owned venture built around giving all net profits to nonprofits.

Lori Kranzer is the focus of this episode, talking through Raising Junior, a recently launched product-based social venture with Mara Pagano asking the questions.

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A calm founder interview about a newly launched product-based business that sends all net profits to nonprofits.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

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