entrepreneurs 27


Pictures by Angus Thomas


You each sold your houses to fund the R&D, did you have any doubts you would succeed?


It was a daring, perhaps reckless thing to do, but without external funding, financing the R&D phase ourselves ensured our freedom and autonomy. Despite some serious challenges and blows en route, I don‘t think we ever had any regrets. We were investing in the strength of our original vision, and that commitment kept us on track.


Can you tell us what some of those challenges were?


A formulation chemist we had briefly consulted about natural preservative systems, applied to patent Yes water-based in his own name. That was one of several betrayals of trust we encountered, which mostly served to strengthen the commitment Sarah and I had made to each other.


We‘ve also had to deal with a number of copycat products coming on to the market, several of which are actually infringing our patent, but we proudly assert our status as pioneers in the field of certified organic intimacy products, and choose to capitalise on that further by extending our range.


Where did the name come from?


From my reading of Ulysses I remembered how the long book culminates on the last page with the celebrated soliloquy by Molly Bloom, as she remembers how she first succumbed to the sexual overtures of our hero, in her final utterance of acquiescence – ”and yes I said yes I will Yes.” This was the inspiration for the name of our brand, our business and our website (www. yesyesyes.org)


What has been your greatest moment?


I feel spoilt for choice. Achieving Soil Association organic status was an early landmark for us, and two years ago, receiving NHS approval was the cause of great celebration. It was the first time a certified organic personal care product had been listed in the drug tariff, enabling Yes water-based to be prescribed by GPs and healthcare practitioners. We are very proud of this recognition.


We have so many wonderful testimonials from women and men who describe how Yes has helped them turn the clock back, healed their relationships and resolved intimate discomfort. When they tell us the effect Yes has had on their marriages and their intimate health, we feel very moved and gratified.


One of our products, Yes Baby, is for couples who are trying to conceive, and the first time a customer announced ”I‘m pregnant” after using our sperm-friendly lubricant, was a major thrill. Since then, we‘ve had reports of many Yes babies and each time it‘s a source of joy.


What‘s your day-to-day role? I‘m in the office every day, and closely involved in


THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE – SOLENT & SOUTH CENTRAL – JUNE 2015


all operational issues as well as developments relating to new products and new markets. I attend and exhibit Yes at medical conferences, and international trade shows, and I use every platform possible to raise awareness of the importance of side-effect-free natural intimacy products.


Between 50-80% of menopausal women experience vaginal dryness caused by declining oestrogen levels. This can cause pain during intercourse, and frequently a condition called atrophic vaginitis where even sitting down can hurt. Chemically induced menopause, as with breast cancer treatment or having a hysterectomy, creates the same effect, as can pregnancy, breast-feeding, taking anti- depressants, the pill or antihistamines or suffering from stress. This means that most women have a need for vaginal moisturisers at some stage in their lives.


Where do you take you inspiration from?


I have a galaxy of influencers: mystics, poets and pioneers. Anita Roddick is one. She changed the environmental and ethical landscape with her campaigning and natural products. Essentially I take inspiration from those working in the field of personal and social transformation, such as the Dalai Lama, Deepak Chopra, mythologist Joseph Campbell and life coach Tony Robbins.


How do you give back to the community?


We contribute to a range of charities including the Woodland Trust, Marie Curie, and the Yes to Life campaign. We also practise random acts of kindness towards good causes and our customers.


How would you describe yours and Sarah‘s relationship?


We‘re the ying and yang of the business. You‘re 70 now, do you have plans to retire? No – life is too exciting right now.


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