FV 072 : Hannahpad – a product for women but an episode for everyone to enjoy!

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In the last 2 episodes of French Voices, guest Jean-Benoît talked about his experience as an airline pilot. When we recorded the interview, he was working with his wife Julie to set up a very special business, Hannahpad. Now, Hannahpad products are exclusively used by women but this is not a female only episode! Proof is, Jean-Benoît is a man and the brand Hannahpad itself was originally created by a man too. So, stay tuned! Hannahpad sells washable sanitary pads made from organic cotton. Why would anyone go through the trouble of washing their pads when the supermarket ones make our lives so convenient? By the way, is this that much of a trouble to wash? How did the idea originate? Find out more in this episode!

Episode Timeline

Part 1  

An inspirational message about passion

99% thinking, 1% doing

How the opportunity came

Part 2   

Hannahpad’s sell points

Who is interested in Hannahpad products

Awareness and change of lifestyle

Part 3   

How Hannahpad was born

A family business!

A successful start

Part 4  

An inconclusive initial market study

Challenges when building the business

Where to find Hannahpad products

Vocab List

biologique = organic

bohème = bohemian lifestyle

chronophage = time-consuming

comptabilité (nf) = accountancy

congé sans solde (nm) = unpaid leave

coût en amont (nm) = upfront cost

déchet (nm) = waste

douleur (nf) = pain

échantillon (nm) = sample

être à son compte = to be self-employed

être en congé = to be on leave

faire/passer une commande = to place an order

frais de port (nm) = shipping fee

lavable = washable

prendre sa retraite = to retire

protège-slip (nm) = (panty) liner

sain,e = healthy

savon (nm) = soap

serviette hygiénique (nf) = sanitary pad

VRP = sales representative

Questions:

(Part 2) What are the 3 main selling points for Hannahpad products?

(Part 3) Who created Hannahpad and why?

(Part 3) What happened on March 30th? (2 answers)

Answers:

They are good for your health (no chemicals).

They are ecological (zero waste)

They are economical (but with upfront cost)

Mr Jang, a Korean man, to help relieve his wife from menstrual pain.

Hannahpad France received its business number certificate. It was the birthday of our guest’s wife (who is the head of Hannahpad France)

Links & Resources

Hannapad (France) : http://www.hannahpad.fr

YouTube : Tampon, notre ennemi intime: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Odx7YJsen44

Episode 67 : “Mademoiselle Organic: DIY your own skin care and beauty products”: frenchvoicespodcast.com/episode67

Episode 70: “Life of an airline pilot (Part 1): frenchvoicespodcast.com/episode70

Episode 71: “Life of an airline pilot (Part 2): www.frenchvoicespodcast.com/episode71

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