Chantal. Founded in October 1971, Chantal Corporation is proud to be approaching 50 years of strength, determination and success. CEO and founder, German-born Heida Thurlow, relocated to the United States in 1970 and soon began her entrepreneurial journey. Trained as an engineer, Ms. Thurlow has the distinction of being the first woman in the U.S. to launch and run a cookware company. She has received over 50 design and utility patents for teakettle and cookware design and innovation. Chantal was the first to bring dramatic color, tempered glass lids and stay-cool handles to the kitchenware marketplace and continues to dedicate itself to the creation of innovative products that bring elegance to the home.