#33: Motherhood, relationships and bootstrapping with Steph Douglas (Founder of Don't Buy Her Flowers)

START UP. START NOW.

Founded in 2014, Steph left her brand marketing role, to pursue an idea she had following the birth of her children. After receiving eight bunches of flowers when she had her first baby, Steph realised the well-meaning bouquet soon lost its shine when you were the one filling vases, all while juggling a new-born and feeling overwhelmed.

Steph started sending packages to her friends who were managing the early days of motherhood, and she saw the real joy a thoughtful, tailored package, that was all about encouraging them to take a bit of time for themselves, could bring. With a background in brand marketing, Steph knew she could “sell” a product but the journey to building a retail business was new and unnerving; despite admitting she’s never worked harder in her life, it felt exactly like the right path.

Originally launching for new mums, the company now offers packages for all occasions, including gifts for him, workplaces, couples and more.

Steph now has three children and lives in London with her husband, while running the business between London and her hometown in Stroud, Gloucestershire, where the brand warehouse is located. She leads the team across all functions and her team includes her brother as Head of Operations and some childhood friends who have roles in the Stroud site too. Steph is passionate about building a business and culture that supports and prioritises the way people live today, so her team can thrive both in work and out.

Listen in to find out more about working with the right people, her "Great Britain: Number One - Parenting" podcast show and great causes DBHF supports.

Find out more about Steph Douglas: Instagram, LinkedIn and podcast.

Find out more about Don’t Buy Her Flowers via: website, Instagram and LinkedIn.

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