Aron Gelbard’s journey from an ambitious student to one of Europe’s most respected entrepreneurs is a story of innovation, persistence, and compassion. Born and raised with a curiosity for languages and cultures, he studied Modern Languages at Jesus College, Oxford, where he gained a deep appreciation for communication, international collaboration, and human connection. His time abroad in France and Germany during his studies enriched his cultural understanding and later became an asset in building a company with a global reach.
After Oxford, Gelbard chose a professional path that blended strategy and creativity. He entered the world of management consulting at Bain & Company, a place where he developed sharp business acumen and learned to solve complex organisational problems. His work at Bain exposed him to the intricate dynamics of scaling businesses, customer behaviour, and sustainable growth. These early lessons would later prove invaluable when he took the leap into entrepreneurship.
The Spark of an Idea
The idea for Bloom & Wild emerged from a simple yet powerful observation. Sending flowers was meant to be a heartfelt gesture, yet the process often fell short of that intention. Deliveries were unreliable, bouquets arrived damaged, and customers had little control over the presentation or experience. Aron Gelbard saw an opportunity to bring technology, logistics, and emotional intelligence together to reinvent the way people express care through flowers.
In 2013, he co-founded Bloom & Wild with the mission of transforming the flower industry through convenience, design, and personalisation. The company’s signature concept — the “letterbox flowers” — allowed customers to send fresh, beautifully arranged flowers that could fit through standard UK letterboxes. This innovation removed the need for the recipient to be at home and turned a common inconvenience into a delightful surprise.
The Birth of Bloom & Wild
Gelbard’s approach was not only creative but deeply customer-centric. He and his team designed every aspect of the experience around thoughtfulness — from the packaging that kept flowers fresh during transit to the simple online ordering process. The goal was to make sending flowers as easy as sending an email but as meaningful as a handwritten letter.
From the start, Bloom & Wild stood out in the crowded e-commerce space because of its attention to emotional detail. Rather than focusing solely on product or price, Gelbard focused on the experience — how it feels to receive something special. This emotional intelligence became the brand’s competitive edge.
As the business grew, the company invested heavily in technology. Bloom & Wild built data-driven systems to forecast demand, optimise stock levels, and personalise recommendations. Every customer interaction became a chance to learn and improve, and this analytical precision helped the brand achieve industry-leading satisfaction ratings.
Overcoming Early Challenges
Like many startups, Bloom & Wild faced its share of difficulties. Convincing suppliers to adapt to the “letterbox” model was not easy. Logistics networks were not designed for delicate items like flowers to travel through standard postal routes. Aron Gelbard had to negotiate with growers, shippers, and couriers to build a system that could guarantee freshness and reliability.
Funding was another early obstacle. Investors were cautious about backing an idea that seemed niche or seasonal. Yet Gelbard’s unwavering belief in customer-focused innovation helped him secure initial support. Over time, as the business proved its model, it attracted more substantial rounds of investment. By the early 2020s, Bloom & Wild had raised tens of millions of pounds, fuelling expansion across Europe.
Leadership and Vision
Aron Gelbard’s leadership philosophy is rooted in empathy, curiosity, and transparency. He often describes his role not merely as CEO but as “chief listener.” His approach is to understand the needs of his employees and customers deeply, empowering teams to make decisions that align with the company’s purpose.
He believes in building a company culture where feedback is a gift, not a threat. In interviews, Gelbard has emphasised that strong leaders must be open to criticism and learning, especially during times of rapid change. This humility has been central to his success.
As Bloom & Wild expanded beyond the UK into markets like Germany, France, and Ireland, Gelbard’s multilingual background and international exposure became key strengths. His ability to adapt to cultural differences helped shape the brand’s tone and values in diverse markets while maintaining a consistent emotional identity.
The Power of Innovation
What sets Aron Gelbard apart is his ability to balance creativity with operational rigour. The company’s innovation did not stop at the letterbox concept. Bloom & Wild developed technology to predict customer preferences, optimised its supply chain to reduce waste, and even introduced eco-friendly packaging long before sustainability became a mainstream expectation.
Gelbard’s focus on technology also extended to customer interaction. Through machine learning and analytics, Bloom & Wild could anticipate occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays, sending timely reminders and personalised offers. This blend of personal touch and digital intelligence strengthened customer loyalty and kept engagement rates exceptionally high.
Under his leadership, Bloom & Wild also adopted a subscription model, allowing customers to receive seasonal flowers regularly. This approach not only created predictable revenue but also reinforced the brand’s position as a lifestyle choice rather than a one-off purchase.
Navigating Challenges During Growth
Every successful business faces turning points that test its resilience. For Bloom & Wild, one such moment came during the global pandemic. While many industries struggled, online gifting saw a surge in demand as people sought new ways to stay connected from afar. Aron Gelbard’s quick adaptation to this shift allowed Bloom & Wild to scale efficiently while maintaining quality.
However, with growth came new challenges — managing supply chain pressures, maintaining company culture remotely, and ensuring staff wellbeing. Gelbard handled these challenges by communicating openly, making data-driven decisions, and prioritising long-term trust over short-term profit.
He also led the company through significant acquisitions, merging with European competitors to strengthen Bloom & Wild’s position as one of the continent’s leading flower and gifting platforms. Each move was a calculated step towards creating a sustainable, scalable, and emotionally resonant brand.
Commitment to Sustainability and Responsibility
Sustainability has become a defining pillar of Gelbard’s leadership. Recognising that the floral industry has a considerable environmental footprint, Bloom & Wild has taken concrete steps to reduce waste and carbon emissions. The company sources flowers directly from growers, cutting out unnecessary intermediaries and reducing transit times.
Moreover, Gelbard championed Bloom & Wild’s journey towards becoming a certified B Corporation — a recognition for companies that meet high standards of social and environmental performance. The business eliminated certain harmful products, introduced recyclable packaging, and invested in ethical supply chain practices.
Beyond the environment, Gelbard has also addressed sensitive social issues. In one notable example, Bloom & Wild launched the “Thoughtful Marketing Movement,” encouraging brands to allow customers to opt out of emotionally triggering marketing messages around occasions like Mother’s Day. This compassionate initiative resonated widely and earned praise across the marketing world for its empathy-first approach.
Lessons from Aron Gelbard’s Journey
Aron Gelbard’s entrepreneurial story offers several valuable lessons for aspiring founders and business leaders:
- Start with empathy: The best business ideas often come from identifying genuine emotional or practical pain points. Bloom & Wild succeeded because it made the experience of giving and receiving flowers easier and more meaningful.
- Build before you advertise: Gelbard emphasises that no amount of marketing can save a weak product. Focus first on excellence in product design, delivery, and customer satisfaction.
- Listen and adapt: Growth requires flexibility. Whether it’s feedback from customers or challenges within the team, adaptability is key to long-term success.
- Sustainability is not optional: Modern consumers expect brands to act responsibly. Bloom & Wild’s environmental and ethical commitments have become central to its identity.
- Culture drives performance: Empowered teams perform better. Gelbard’s open, collaborative leadership has helped Bloom & Wild maintain morale and creativity even during tough times.
Recognition and Influence
Today, Aron Gelbard is widely regarded as one of the UK’s most influential e-commerce leaders. His work has been featured in leading business publications, and he continues to inspire a new generation of entrepreneurs focused on purpose as much as profit. Under his guidance, Bloom & Wild has become more than a flower company — it is a movement redefining modern gifting and thoughtful connection.
The brand’s valuation and rapid expansion across Europe demonstrate that empathy and technology can coexist to create scalable business success. Investors, analysts, and sustainability advocates often cite Bloom & Wild as a model for the future of consumer-driven commerce.
Personal Philosophy and Outlook
Despite his achievements, Gelbard remains grounded. He often speaks about the importance of balance — both personally and professionally. For him, entrepreneurship is not merely about disruption but about delivering genuine value to people’s lives. He encourages leaders to prioritise their well-being and mental health, reminding them that creativity thrives in supportive, positive environments.
He also champions lifelong learning. Whether reading about behavioural psychology, sustainability, or data science, he maintains a learner’s mindset, which fuels his innovative thinking. His journey shows that curiosity, not just ambition, drives lasting success.
The Future of Bloom & Wild
Under Gelbard’s continued leadership, Bloom & Wild aims to deepen its presence in Europe and beyond. The company’s roadmap includes diversifying into other thoughtful gifting categories — such as candles, plants, and wellness items — while maintaining its high standards of design and sustainability.
With advances in AI and logistics, the brand is positioned to create even more personalised experiences for customers. Aron Gelbard’s strategic foresight suggests that Bloom & Wild will continue to shape the future of emotional commerce — where technology serves humanity, not the other way around.
Conclusion
Aron Gelbard’s story is not just about building a successful business; it’s about reimagining an industry through empathy, technology, and purpose. From an Oxford graduate with a love for languages to the CEO of a multi-million-pound enterprise, his journey embodies the modern spirit of entrepreneurship — thoughtful, innovative, and human.
He has proven that true leadership goes beyond profit margins; it lies in understanding people, creating joy, and building a company that reflects kindness as much as intelligence. Aron Gelbard’s legacy continues to bloom — one letterbox at a time.
