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. His journey has been filled with excitement, challenges, and the joy of seeing the impact of every gift shared.

Aayush, what inspired you to co-found Social Stories Club?

When I first learned about social enterprises, I was blown away by their potential to change the world in a sustainable way. It felt like I had found the answer to a question I didn't even know I was asking. Social enterprises are businesses that solve social and environmental problems while staying financially sustainable. I thought, "Why aren’t more people talking about this?" It made me want to shout about it from the rooftops! I wanted everyone to know that businesses can be a force for good, and that’s what led me to co-found Social Stories Club. By creating gift hampers filled with products from social enterprises, we can share these stories with more people in a meaningful way.

What is your favourite part of your role at Social Stories Club?

For me, the best part is creating the perfect gift for our customers and seeing how happy it makes them. There’s something incredibly fulfilling about curating a gift that not only delights the recipient but also makes a real difference. When people book a call with us, I can already sense their excitement. I love sharing the stories behind each product, like chocolates made by women rebuilding their lives or teas that fund education for girls in remote communities. Knowing that they’ll feel inspired when they receive their gifts and read about the impact is what keeps me motivated every day. It gives me a sense of purpose that is hard to describe.

You’ve recently launched a new alcohol collection. Why is this such a significant milestone for you?

This new alcohol collection is something I’ve been eagerly anticipating for years. We’ve been working towards getting an alcohol licence for the past three years, and now that we have it, I’m thrilled to introduce our customers to some incredible social enterprise alcohol brands. There are so many brilliant distilleries and breweries out there that are making a difference, from reducing waste in their production processes to supporting local communities. I believe that these products can add something truly special to our gift hampers, and I’m excited to share their stories with our customers. It’s a great way to bring more diversity into our offerings while staying true to our mission of supporting social enterprises. I have very much enjoyed putting together a collection of wine gifts and with corporate orders we are also able to offer beers and more!

How do you stay motivated in your work?

The stories of the social enterprises we work with are what keep me going every day. There’s nothing more inspiring than knowing that every product in our hampers is creating positive change somewhere in the world. It could be providing employment to people facing barriers, supporting educational projects, or contributing to environmental sustainability. Being able to share these stories with others, to show them that their purchase is more than just a gift—it’s a way to make a difference—gives me a deep sense of purpose. It’s not just about running a business; it’s about being part of something bigger.

What does a day in the life of a social entrepreneur look like for you?

My days are definitely packed, but I wouldn't have it any other way! I start my mornings early with a trip to the gym—it helps me kickstart the day with some energy and focus. After that, I get to work and dive straight into emails, making sure I’m on top of any pressing messages before the day fully gets going. I then catch up with our warehouse manager to ensure that today’s orders are ready to be packed and shipped out smoothly.

A big part of my day involves chatting with customers, especially those who are excited to arrange their gift orders. It’s always great to hear their enthusiasm about our hampers and the stories behind them. I spend time working with them to create the perfect gifts, especially for our corporate clients who are looking for something special with a real impact. I work very closely with Karis who is always coming up with new creative ideas and working her marketing magic behind the scenes. 

In the evenings, I like to stay active, so I’ve recently taken up Jiu-Jitsu. It’s a great way to keep busy and unwind after a long day. Plus, it’s a fun challenge that keeps me learning, just like running a social enterprise does!

What do you like to do in your spare time when you’re not running a sustainable gift hamper company?

When I’m not working on Social Stories Club, I love getting up in the air—I’m actually a licensed pilot! Flying around Scotland is one of my favourite ways to unwind. There’s nothing quite like the feeling of soaring over the Highlands or following the coastline from above. It’s a great way to clear my head and enjoy the incredible scenery. Plus, it gives me a whole new perspective, both on life and on the work I do, reminding me why it's so important to protect these beautiful landscapes.

Has being a pilot influenced your work with Social Stories Club in any way?

Absolutely, in more ways than you might expect! Flying has taught me to be calm under pressure, make quick decisions, and always be prepared for the unexpected — skills that are incredibly valuable in the world of entrepreneurship. It’s also given me a deep appreciation for Scotland’s natural beauty, which aligns closely with our commitment to sustainability at Social Stories Club. When you see the landscape from above, it really reinforces the importance of protecting the environment. This perspective drives me to ensure that our hampers are as eco-friendly as possible, from the products we select to the packaging we use.

What do you want to do more of in the future?

I’d love to do more travelling. I’m actually in the process of working towards my British citizenship, which is really exciting. Once that’s sorted, I’d love to explore more of the world and discover new places. There’s so much out there to see, and I think travelling is a great way to gain fresh perspectives and new ideas. Plus, it would be amazing to see how other countries are embracing social enterprise and sustainability. It’s always inspiring to learn from different cultures and bring that inspiration back to what we do at Social Stories Club.

What are your hopes for the future of Social Stories Club?

I see a future where social enterprise becomes the norm, where people expect their purchases to have a positive impact. I want Social Stories Club to be a catalyst for that change. We’re working hard to expand our reach, to introduce more people to the world of social enterprise through our hampers. We’re also looking to grow our offerings, like the new alcohol collection, to include even more products that customers will love. Ultimately, I want to see a world where every business has a social mission at its core, and where customers know that their choices can make a real difference. It’s an ambitious vision, but I believe that by sharing these stories, we can help make it a reality.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to support social enterprises?

Start small and start with curiosity. If you’re new to the world of social enterprises, take the time to learn about the stories behind the products you buy. Look for businesses that align with causes you care about, whether that’s supporting the environment, helping marginalised communities, or promoting ethical production practices. Even small changes in your purchasing habits can add up over time. And if you want to spread the word, share what you’ve learned with others! The more people know about the positive impact their purchases can make, the more we can shift the market towards a better way of doing business. We also have a blog where we interviewed the other co-founder of Social Stories Club: Karis Gill. 

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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