The Ethical Growth Story Behind Lush with Rowena Bird

Can you scale a global business and still stay true to your values?

In this episode of Screw It Just DO It, I sit down with Rowena Bird, co-founder of Lush, to uncover how she built one of the most recognisable ethical beauty brands in the world without giving in to corporate pressure.

From selling stock at car boot sales in Poole to running over 900 stores worldwide, Rowena shares what it takes to grow step by step, protect your ethics, and keep your business grounded in purpose. She explains why Lush walked away from social media, how they’ve donated over £100 million to grassroots charities, and what it means to prioritise people, the planet, and principles over short-term profit.

We also talk about how innovation keeps Lush ahead — from hair labs and safe hair dyes to sustainability-led retail experiences that engage customers in a meaningful way.
If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s possible to grow a business that makes money and makes a difference, this conversation will show you that it can be done.

Key Takeaways
Scale slowly. Grow with control so you never lose touch with what matters.
Stick to your values. Ethics aren’t a strategy; they’re the foundation of longevity.
Lead through innovation. Keep evolving while staying true to your purpose.
Choose people over profit. Partnerships and relationships define culture and resilience.
Be bold in decisions. Lush’s choice to leave social media reinforced its credibility, not weakened it.

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