Some of the most compelling brands don’t begin in boardrooms or with venture capital. They start at the kitchen table, solving a problem that hits close to home. That’s where Johnny and Pauline Paterson first began building what would become Dr.PAWPAW, a multi-award-winning beauty brand now stocked in over 45 countries and hundreds of retailers worldwide.

For founders, Dr.PAWPAW’s journey shows what it really takes to grow a product-led brand from the ground up. Johnny and Pauline Paterson have built a business that’s gone from a single balm at their kitchen table to international shelves, all while keeping their values at the centre. At Ideas Fest, they’ll share the decisions and strategies behind that growth, and how other founders can use the same lessons to scale their own businesses.

Founded in 2013, Dr.PAWPAW began when Johnny and Pauline Paterson set out to find a natural way to soothe their young daughter’s eczema. It began with a single balm, but over time the Patersons expanded the range to include tinted balms, hand creams, haircare, and a nine-product skincare line that’s quickly gained traction. Today, Dr.PAWPAW continues to expand globally while staying proudly family-owned and rooted in the UK.

The brand’s rise hasn’t been a story of overnight success or viral luck. The Patersons built every element of the business from the ground up; product development, packaging, and global distribution while navigating the realities of running a company as partners and parents. Their approach has prioritised sustainability at every step, with packaging made from post-consumer recycled plastics, biodegradable masks, and recycled materials across their product range. The brand’s commitment to doing good extends beyond eco-friendly practices, with Dr.PAWPAW investing in charity partnerships and social impact initiatives as it grows.

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