Our Story
🌈 A Personal Message From Our Founders
At Friend of Dorothy, wellness isn’t just about supplements—it’s about creating a life that feels vibrant, fulfilling, and true to who you are. Today, we’d like to share a little about ourselves and the story behind the brand you’ve joined.
Meet Oliver James & Azamat Valiyev ✨
Our journey to founding Friend of Dorothy is rooted in our shared experiences and a deep passion for our community.
🌍 Oliver, originally from Ireland, brings over 20 years of experience in sales and marketing, including work in LGBTQ-friendly industries like photography. His creativity and people-first approach have been key to building a brand that truly resonates with our community.
🎓 Azamat, originally from Kazakhstan, earned his MBA at Duke University and spent 10 years at McKinsey & Company, where he worked on high-level strategy projects with global brands. After years of corporate life, he chose to focus on something closer to his heart: creating a brand that serves and celebrates the LGBTQ+ community.
💖 A Shared Journey: We’re more than co-founders—we were married and now co-parent a wonderful child. This unique bond inspires everything we do, shaping our vision for a brand that champions individuality, connection, and authenticity.
Why We Created Friend of Dorothy 🌟
Friend of Dorothy was born out of our own personal experiences—and the stories of our friends. We saw how hard it could be to find wellness products that truly catered to the unique needs and lifestyles of gay men.
Our goal is to create a comprehensive range of supplements designed to support all aspects of your life as a gay man. Whether it’s:
💤 Sleep and Rest – to recharge after long days
🌟 Recovery – for post-party rejuvenation
💪 Fitness and Energy – to fuel your active lifestyle
💄 Beauty and Anti-Aging – because looking good is feeling good
🔥 Sexual Wellness – for confidence and performance
We’re here to support every facet of your wellness journey, helping you live your healthiest, happiest, and most fabulous life.
Building a Brand That Speaks to Our Community 🚀
Every product we create is rooted in our lifestyle, our values, and our goal of living a life that’s healthy, fulfilling, and unapologetically bright. This isn’t just a business—it’s a labor of love, created for a community we know and cherish.
Thank You for Being Part of Our Journey
We couldn’t do this without your trust and support. Together, we’re not just building a brand—we’re creating a movement that celebrates diversity, individuality, and wellness.If you ever have questions, ideas, or just want to share your experience, we’d love to hear from you.
With love and gratitude,
Oliver James & Azamat Valiyev
Co-Founders, Friend of Dorothy