An Interview with Karis Gill, Co-Founder of Social Stories Club: From Market Stall to Making a Difference

Meet Karis, a social entrepreneur with a passion for chocolate-dipped strawberries, storytelling, and making a difference. As the co-founder of Social Stories Club, Karis has been at the forefront of using business as a force for good. Her journey, from starting on a market stall in Glasgow to growing a thriving gift hamper business in Edinburgh, is filled with challenges, learning, and ultimately, impactful success.

Karis, tell us about the beginning of Social Stories Club. What inspired you to start this journey?

I co-founded Social Stories Club to showcase the incredible work of social enterprises across the UK. We wanted to create a way to share the stories of those doing amazing things while addressing social issues, and we thought—what better way than through gifts? Each of our hampers is filled with products from social enterprises, like soaps designed by individuals with disabilities, chocolates made by formerly incarcerated women, and teas that support girls’ education in tea-growing regions. Our story booklet inside each gift helps to shine a light on these stories. It’s been an exhausting but incredibly rewarding journey, starting on a market stall in Glasgow and now operating out of a warehouse!

What makes storytelling such a powerful tool in your work with Social Stories Club?

Stories have a unique way of connecting people. When we tell a story, we aren’t just sharing facts—we’re sharing values, emotions, and vision. At Social Stories Club, storytelling allows us to engage people deeply with the causes behind our products. It’s one thing to say, “this chocolate supports women who were previously incarcerated,” but it’s another to share their journey, challenges, and triumphs. These stories not only attract customers but help them feel part of something bigger. Storytelling is also a powerful way to shift belief systems, which is why I’ve focused on learning the art of storytelling and sharing it through coaching and workshops.

You’ve mentioned that you see stories as a way to change belief systems. Can you tell us more about that?

Absolutely. The stories we tell in business can unite people with shared values and create a community of supporters. But the stories we tell ourselves are just as powerful—they shape our beliefs.

What has been your proudest achievement so far with Social Stories Club?

It’s hard to pick just one! But a few moments stand out—like when we realised we’d introduced over a million people to social enterprises through our gift hampers. Or when we won the Scottish Edge Award in 2021, which gave us a £65,000 boost. And knowing we’ve provided nearly 6,000 hours of work for people with barriers to employment, all paid at the Living Wage, makes everything worthwhile. Seeing the tangible impact we’re making drives me every day.

Social Stories Club has gained recognition and won numerous awards. How have these accomplishments shaped your journey?

Being nominated for and winning awards like The Great British Entrepreneur Awards Diversity and Inclusion Champion and being a finalist in The Business Woman of the Year 2024 has definitely helped put Social Stories Club on the map. It’s not just about the recognition—it’s about the opportunities that come with it. Being featured in national publications like The Times, Cosmopolitan, and The Stylist has helped spread the word about our mission. These platforms have allowed us to reach more people, including our corporate clients internationally, and to invest over £450,000 into the social enterprise economy.

What has been the most challenging part of your journey as a social entrepreneur?

The challenges have been many — learning how to pitch, mastering marketing, and figuring out logistics, to name a few. But perhaps the biggest challenge is maintaining energy and passion through the ups and downs. Being a dyslexic woman in business has also brought its own unique challenges, but it’s shaped my approach to problem-solving and creativity. I always remind myself that the struggle is part of the journey, and every challenge is an opportunity for growth. That’s a mindset I try to pass on in my workshops too.

Looking ahead, what’s next for you and Social Stories Club?

Our aim is to continue expanding the impact of our gift hampers, reaching more people and creating even greater positive change. I envision a future where more businesses are driven by a social mission. I’m particularly excited about extending our reach across the UK and beyond, helping other entrepreneurs unlock the power of storytelling. Behind the scenes, I’m working on many new initiatives. I also deliver workshops for entrepreneurs, focusing on storytelling, pitching, marketing, and sales, offering dynamic and interactive sessions across the UK. These workshops allow me to share everything I’ve learned, helping businesses grow and scale.

I have been very lucky over the past 5 years, I've had the opportunity to lead the University of Edinburgh Startup Summer Accelerator, speak to live audiences of up to 400 people, and share my experiences of overcoming challenges as a dyslexic woman in business. Through coaching, guest speaking, and workshops, I continue to advocate for the transformative power of storytelling in business.

How do your sustainable gift hampers make a difference?

Our goal has always been to create the most exciting and sustainable gift hampers possible. Each item in our hampers tells an inspiring story about how it contributes to positive change. Through our gifts, we’ve been able to introduce over one million people to social enterprises. Each order helps us create and sustain jobs for those facing employment barriers, and we’re proud to be a living-wage employer. We also focus on sustainability in our operations by using eco-friendly packaging, utilising renewable energy to heat our warehouse, and minimising the carbon footprint of our deliveries. Giving one of our hampers isn’t just about sharing a gift—it’s about sharing a story of change.

Why should people consider buying social enterprise gifts this Christmas?

Social enterprises rely on the sales of their products to keep their impact alive. They are making a real difference in communities and have sparked a movement where impact comes before profit. The idea that every purchase you make can change the world is a powerful one. Social enterprises make that idea a reality, allowing customers to support meaningful causes through their everyday purchases.

What does the act of gifting mean to you?

For us, gifting is a way to show what we truly care about. It’s a chance to align our values with the presents we give. We’re proud to put our name on our hampers because they represent our commitment to social impact. Our hampers aren’t just filled with treats—they’re filled with stories that challenge conventional thinking and inspire a more sustainable way of living. Each story booklet that accompanies our hampers offers recipients a chance to learn about the impact their gift is making, from hot chocolate that supports refugees to candles that fund community projects. We believe that the future is social enterprise, and we hope our hampers help people to experience this in a tangible way.

Why have your sustainable hampers been so well received by corporate clients?

According to the latest Buy Social report, 95% of businesses find that social enterprises offer products and services that match or exceed the quality of non-social enterprises. Companies purchase our hampers to reflect their values and show that they care about sustainability. Research shows that 88% of employees prefer to work for companies that are committed to sustainability, making it a key part of their HR strategy. This means that many would rather receive gifts from a sustainable supplier than from one without a social mission. We also pride ourselves on providing excellent customer service. While we can deliver at scale like larger companies, we also offer a level of flexibility that sets us apart, such as last-minute delivery for thousands of gifts. We’ve collaborated with corporate clients to create customised solutions, and this has helped us earn hundreds of five-star reviews. As David Adair, Head of Community Engagement at PwC, described us, we’re "the perfect way to purchase gifts with a social impact."

What message would you like to share today?

If you’re looking for gift hampers this Christmas that make a positive impact, Social Stories Club has you covered. We’ve served over 100 corporate clients who have chosen our ethical hampers for their teams. As a social enterprise, we have created unique gift hampers that showcase the inspiring stories behind social enterprises. Each product inside our hampers comes with a story about the positive change it supports—whether its chocolate melts helping refugees, socks providing support for people experiencing homelessness, or chocolates funding reforestation projects. We believe that gifting should reflect what’s important to you. If you’re interested in social enterprise Christmas hampers, visit our sustainable gift collection page. And for businesses seeking sustainable corporate gifting options, head over to our dedicated page. Whatever the occasion, let’s celebrate it in a way that makes a difference. We’d love to hear from you and hope you enjoy our thoughtful and sustainable gifts.

Finally, what advice would you give to someone starting their own social enterprise?

Don’t be afraid to start small—every big journey starts with a single step. Focus on your ‘why’ and remember that storytelling is one of the most powerful tools you have. It’s what turns customers into supporters and challenges into opportunities. And never underestimate the value of a good workshop or mentor. The right guidance can save you months of figuring things out on your own. Believe in your vision, and don’t forget to enjoy the ride!

Read More From Our Blogs

An Interview with Aayush Goyal, Co-Founder of Social Stories Club: Spreading the Impact of Social Enterprise One Gift at a Time

Meet Aayush Goyal, a passionate social entrepreneur from India with a deep commitment to spreading the word about the power of social enterprises. Aayush co-founded Social Stories Club to help create a world where businesses drive positive change, and customers can feel good about their purchases.

The Power of Storytelling in Social Enterprises: How Social Stories Club Makes a Difference

In today’s business world, storytelling has become more than just a buzzword. For social enterprises like Social Stories Club, it’s the heart of everything we do. We believe in the power of stories to connect people, foster understanding, and create a lasting impact.

An Interview with Karis Gill, Co-Founder of Social Stories Club: From Market Stall to Making a Difference

Meet Karis, a social entrepreneur with a passion for chocolate-dipped strawberries, storytelling, and making a difference. As the co-founder of Social Stories Club, Karis has been at the forefront of using business as a force for good. Her journey starts at a market stall in Glasgow.

Which Country is the Best Place to Start a Social Enterprise?

Social enterprises are increasingly being recognised as powerful vehicles for addressing social and environmental challenges while operating as businesses. These innovative ventures merge commercial goals with a strong mission to create a lasting, positive impact on society.

Social Stories Club Corporate Gifting

If you are looking to show your team how much they are appreciated, attract and retain clients, or you have a corporate event and you want to create an impression, then our sustainable corporate hampers are just what you need. We have created the most exciting gift to give and receive which are packaged beautifully using sustainable materials, filled with delicious products made by social enterprises, and also include a storybook starting conversations about sustainability.

"Social Stories Club is a fantastic initiative that enables social enterprises to collaborate in such a creative way. The perfect way to buy gifts with a social impact" - David Adair, Head of Community Engagement, PwC