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.
Oliver: "For me, it’s all about you—the customer. My focus lies in understanding your needs and enhancing your experience with Friend of Dorothy. I constantly explore how we can bring more value to your life, introducing innovative products and solutions that make your journey with us fulfilling and happier. Your satisfaction and well-being are at the heart of everything I do, and I’m excited about the possibilities we can create together."
🎓 Azamat, originally from Kazakhstan, earned his MBA at Duke University and spent 10 years at McKinsey & Company London office, 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.
Azamat: "At Friend of Dorothy, I strive for perfection in everything we create. This core value drives us to deliver the best to our customers, from sourcing the highest quality ingredients for our products to constantly upgrading them based on the latest research. Sustainability is another cornerstone of my approach, and I am proud of our great, eco-friendly packaging, which will continue to evolve in the upcoming months. My commitment ensures that every product you receive represents our relentless pursuit of excellence."
💖 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