Premium Kitchenware Retail Veteran | Paid 45-min Expert Interview

PROJECT OVERVIEW: We´re working with a new premium kitchenware brand launching in Mexico later this year, leading with a hero line of kitchen knives. Before we finalize our positioning and go-to-market plan, we want to learn from people who have actually operated inside premium housewares retail e.g, Williams-Sonoma, Sur La Table, Crate & Barrel, or a comparable European brand. We're looking for a 45-minute video conversation about what really matters in this category: what works at launch, what gets under-invested, and what you'd tell a founder building a premium kitchenware brand from scratch. No prep work, no deliverables, just your honest perspective. WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR: - 7+ years working at or consulting for a premium housewares / kitchenware brand with physical retail (Williams-Sonoma, Sur La Table, Crate & Barrel, Le Creuset, John Lewis, Selfridges Home, or equivalent) - Senior role (management) e.g, retail ops director, merchandising lead, brand manager, or consultant who has owned a category P&L - Direct experience with product launches, vendor relationships, or store/category strategy - Comfortable speaking on the record (under NDA) about general industry dynamics and we won't ask you to share confidential details about former employers. - Please share your LinkedIn profile or CV showing relevant brand experience WHAT THE ENGAGEMENT INVOLVES: - 45-minute video interview on Zoom or Google Meet, scheduled at your convenience within the next 2–3 weeks - No prep required. We'll share 4–5 themes 24 hours before the call so you can think on them - Conversation will be recorded for our internal notes only, not shared externally. - Payment on completion of the call — no written deliverable BUDGET: $75 USD fixed price for the 45-minute session. SCREENING QUESTIONS: - Q1: Which premium housewares or kitchenware brand(s) have you worked at or consulted for, in what role, and for how long? Please name the brand(s) specifically. - Q2: What was your involvement in product launches, category strategy, or buying decisions during that time? A short paragraph is fine. - Q3: Are you available for a 45-minute video call within the next 2–3 weeks, and is the $75 fixed rate acceptable to you?