Janji
Janji is a Boston running apparel brand founded in 2012 by Dave Spandorfer and Mike Burnstein. It makes running clothes inspired by countries around the world and supports clean water projects.
| Founded | 2012 |
|---|---|
| Founders | Dave Spandorfer, Mike Burnstein |
| Headquarters | Boston |
| Mission | Clean water projects |
| Website | runjanji.com |
What is Janji?
Janji is an American running brand that pairs performance apparel with a social mission. Its collections draw design inspiration from countries around the world, and part of its proceeds supports organisations working on access to clean water.
History
The company was founded by David Spandorfer and Michael Burnstein while they were students and runners at Washington University in St. Louis. Its first line launched on 3 May 2012 at Big River Running, a specialty running store in St. Louis, with shirts and shorts designed around the flags of Haiti and Kenya. The business is now headquartered in Boston.
Products and positioning
Janji designs running clothing for men and women, positioned for specialty running customers. Its giving model links collections to water projects run by partner organisations:
- water.org in Haiti and Kenya
- Living Water International in Peru and Rwanda
- MSABI in Tanzania
Distribution
The brand sells through its own website and through specialty running retailers, the channel where it first launched.
Why it matters
Janji is an example of a mission-led sportswear brand that uses design storytelling and specialty retail to compete with much larger running labels.
Frequently asked questions
Who founded Janji?
Janji was founded in 2012 by Dave Spandorfer and Mike Burnstein, who were students and runners at Washington University in St. Louis.
What does Janji support?
Janji donates part of its proceeds to partner organisations that work on access to clean water in countries including Haiti, Kenya, Peru, Rwanda and Tanzania.