Our Story
🌈 Meet the Founders of Friend of Dorothy
A Heartfelt Conversation with Oliver & Azamat
At Friend of Dorothy, wellness isn’t just about what you take — it’s about how you live. Our mission is simple: to help you feel confident, vibrant, and completely yourself.
We’re Oliver James and Azamat Valiyev — ex-husbands, co-parents, and co-founders — and we’d like to personally welcome you to our community.
Here’s our story, why we created this brand, and why over 50,000 customers worldwide trust us with their wellness.
👋 So who are the men behind Friend of Dorothy?
Oliver:
I’m originally from Ireland, with over 20 years of experience in sales, marketing, and LGBTQ+-focused creative industries. What matters most to me is you — the customer. I care deeply about how our brand makes you feel, from the moment you land on our site to the day your products arrive at your door.
This isn’t just a business — it’s a love letter to our community. I want every supplement, every email, and every experience with us to bring a bit of joy and confidence into your life.
Azamat:
I’m originally from Kazakhstan and earned my MBA at Duke University before spending 10 years working at McKinsey & Company in London. But I wanted to build something more personal — something that reflected my identity, values, and passion for wellness.
That’s how Friend of Dorothy was born. I’m obsessed with quality, data, and science — so everything we do is rooted in excellence, from the ingredients we source to the way we respond to your feedback.
💡 Why did you start a supplements brand for gay men?
Azamat:
We started Friend of Dorothy because we saw a gap in the wellness industry. There were no high-quality supplements designed specifically for the unique needs of gay men — our sexual health, our social lives, our energy levels, our recovery, our beauty routines.
Oliver:
Our friends were asking the same questions:
– What should I take before bottoming?
– How do I recover faster after partying?
– What helps boost libido or reduce stress?
– Is there anything for skin, sleep, or fitness that actually works?
We knew we could create real answers. So we did — with products that are sexy, functional, and full of integrity.
Today, our line includes:
💤 Sleep & Rest – for deep recovery
🔥 Sexual Wellness – for confidence and performance
🌟 Party Recovery – to bounce back faster
💪 Fitness & Energy – to fuel your active lifestyle
💄 Beauty & Anti-Aging – because feeling good starts with looking good
🧪 Do the supplements actually work?
Oliver:
Yes — and not just because we say so.
We work with Dr. Carlton W. Thomas, a Mayo Clinic–trained and board-certified gastroenterologist based in San Diego, California. He has more than 20 years of experience and completed dual fellowships in Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics while at Mayo.
Dr. Carlton specializes in gastrointestinal health and chronic inflammatory conditions — but he’s also become a powerful voice in LGBTQ+ sexual wellness and education. He’s the host of the acclaimed podcast BUTT HONESTLY, and has been recognized by OUT Magazine’s Out 100 (2022) and Queerty’s Pride 50 (2023). He’s even been to the White House twice for LGBTQ+ Pride receptions.
Azamat:
With Dr. Carlton’s guidance, we create products that are not just trendy, but evidence-based and effective. We care about gut health, libido, stamina, mental clarity, and recovery — and we build our formulas accordingly.
And we’re not afraid to change. When customers told us that 180 tablets were too much for Bottom, we switched to 120. When we heard requests for better taste or stronger effects, we adjusted ingredients. We listen. We learn. We improve.
🌍 How far has Friend of Dorothy reached?
We now serve over 30,000 customers across the UK, US, and beyond — and our community is growing every single month.
Whether it’s a boost in energy, glowing skin, better sex, or a post-party comeback, we love hearing how our supplements are transforming lives.
💖 What’s it like running a company after being married?
Azamat:
It’s not your typical story — but it works. We were once married and now co-parent our beautiful daughter. That bond, that trust, that shared sense of purpose — it’s what makes us such great co-founders.
Oliver:
We understand each other. We balance each other. And we share the same goal: to create a brand that is rooted in love, authenticity, and community. Not just romantic love — queer love. Found family. Real connection.
🎯 What’s Next for Friend of Dorothy?
This year, we’re continuing our global expansion, bringing our products to even more people who need them.
But we’re also expanding in other ways. We’re launching a new social media channel dedicated to the real-life experiences of gay men — covering topics like dating struggles, sex education, mental health, loneliness, and fitness.
We’ll be inviting experts, sharing community voices, and offering honest, helpful advice. It’s our way of supporting you.
And if you’d like to support us, you can:
🌟 Leave a review on our website or Amazon
💌 Email us your ideas or feedback — we read every message and genuinely consider them all
💌 A Final Message from Us
Whether you discovered us through a friend, a cheeky TikTok, or a late-night Google search for “gay multivitamins,” we’re truly happy you’re here.
Friend of Dorothy is a wellness brand built by our community, for our community — rooted in honesty, science, and celebration.
Thank you for being a part of it. We can’t wait to keep growing with you.
With love and gratitude,
Oliver & Azamat
Co-Founders, Friend of Dorothy
