How I started Don't Buy Her Flowers

How I started Don't Buy Her Flowers

From Start Your Own Business by Start Up Donut

November 25, 2025 · 56 min · Episode 65

About this episode

Steph Douglas shares her journey of starting Don’t Buy Her Flowers and offers insights for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Having worked for more than a decade in communications and marketing, in 2014 Steph Douglas started her business, Don’t Buy Her Flowers. She was inspired by receiving eight beautiful bouquets after having her first baby, which were sent with the best of intentions, but made her realise that flowers were not the best gift to receive when what you actually need is TLC and reassurance. Having grown significantly, Gloucestershire-based Don’t Buy Her Flowers still creates thoughtful gift boxes for any occasion, from “new mums and birthdays to get well and bereavement”. Customers can choose their own bespoke gifts, selecting products they know the recipient will love, which are then gift wrapped and sent with their message handwritten. In this fascinating episode, Steph looks back to the challenges she overcame when launching her business, while providing her top start-up tips who want to follow in her footsteps. Thanks to Sage for sponsoring this episode. Sage is currently offering listeners 90% off Sage Accounting for six months. Visit this link to claim your offer. Show notes for the episode can be found on the Start Your Own Business podcast website . Visit Start Up Donut and sign…

People in this episode

Guest: Steph Douglas

Topics covered

  • entrepreneurship
  • gift business
  • start-up challenges
  • marketing
  • personal experience

Keywords

  • gift boxes
  • start-up tips
  • business challenges
  • TLC gifts
  • marketing

Sponsors

Sage

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Don’t Buy Her Flowers

Places: Gloucestershire

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