Ras Deol, Co-Founder and Managing Director at Barney, is no stranger to transformation and growth. Her journey from founding Build My Gift to rebranding and expanding into Barney is a testament to her adaptability, creativity, and entrepreneurial vision. Over the years, Ras Deol has navigated various challenges and opportunities, constantly evolving her company while maintaining the core values that have made it successful.
The decision to transition from Build My Gift to Barney wasn’t just a superficial rebranding; it was a complete reimagination of what the company could be. Ras Deol reflects on the roots of Build My Gift, which started as a direct-to-consumer (DTC) brand with a simple but powerful vision—strengthening relationships through personalized care packages. What began as a heartfelt project soon grew into something much bigger. As Ras Deol expanded her offering to the B2B sector, her company caught the attention of big names like Chelsea Football Club and beauty giant Charlotte Tilbury. Each project brought new challenges and pushed the team to innovate.
Ras Deol didn’t just ride the wave of success during the COVID-19 pandemic, which saw an unprecedented surge in gifting. Instead, she took a step back and considered the future. That period of reflection led to crucial discussions about the company’s direction, spurring the need for an even bolder, more scalable approach. Ras Deol recognized that it was time for her company to think bigger, to innovate, and to be fearless in their next steps.
More than a year ago, Ras Deol and her team of four sat around a table, brainstorming with coffee in hand. They weren’t just thinking about changing the company’s name; they were rethinking their entire approach to the B2B gifting market. That’s when Barney was born—a name chosen not only for its personal connection to Ras Deol’s daughter but also for its playful, approachable nature. For Ras Deol, Barney signifies curiosity and warmth, much like iconic brands such as Apple and Amazon, whose names don’t directly reflect their products but are memorable and compelling in their own right.
Ras Deol’s approach to building Barney is infused with both personal meaning and strategic thinking. The new brand not only reflects her desire for a fresh start but also her commitment to maintaining the strong relationships and innovation that defined Build My Gift. Barney represents a new chapter—one that’s driven by ambition, creativity, and the desire to provide more than just gifts but experiences that leave a lasting impact.
The transformation from Build My Gift to Barney wasn’t a decision made lightly. As Ras Deol packed up the company’s old headquarters, dismantling shelves and sorting through samples from previous projects, she reflected on the journey that had led to this point. From humble beginnings to working with industry giants, every step of the way has been a learning experience. Build My Gift laid the foundation, and now, with Barney, Ras Deol is ready to take her company to even greater heights.
As Barney prepares to open the doors to its new headquarters, Ras Deol is filled with excitement and optimism. The new space represents more than just a physical move; it symbolizes growth, possibility, and the future of the company. For Ras Deol, Barney is not just a rebrand; it’s a launchpad for the next phase of her entrepreneurial journey. With the same dedication that built Build My Gift, she is now ready to make Barney a force to be reckoned with in the B2B gifting world.
Ras Deol’s story is one of resilience, adaptability, and vision. Through her leadership, Barney will continue to create meaningful, personalized experiences for clients and partners. She knows that the most powerful transformations often come not from changing what you do, but from reimagining how you do it. By building Barney in public, Ras Deol invites others to follow along on her journey as she continues to innovate and grow, proving that success is not just about the past but about continuously pushing forward into the future.
For those curious about startup life and eager to learn from an entrepreneur who isn’t afraid to take risks and reimagine possibilities, following Ras Deol’s journey as she builds Barney is sure to be an inspiring and insightful experience. Her approach to business—grounded in both strategy and personal connection—makes Ras Deol a standout figure in the startup ecosystem, and her journey with Barney is just beginning.
