Part 1: How I Ended Up in the Den

Hello there, If you’re reading this, you’ve probably just seen us on Dragons’ Den and fancied a little nosy around the Graceful Graves website. If that’s the case, thank you so much for searching for us. I hope you’ll continue supporting our mission to make grief more graceful.

Getting on the show

When I first got a DM from someone on the casting team asking if I’d ever considered applying for the next series of Dragons’ Den, my first instinct was to run a mile and respectfully decline. And I did. I was still secretly pleased that Graceful Graves had caught their eye, though.

I’d obviously heard of the show, but it wasn’t one that I watched regularly. I’d mainly seen viral clips of funny moments or businesses that didn’t get investment but went on to blow up on TikTok. Never in a million years did I picture myself actually standing in the Den.

That might sound funny coming from a presenter who talks for a living, but it’s different when it comes to Graceful Graves. This business came from the hardest moment of my life. It’s personal, it’s emotional, and it’s sacred.

At first, I told them, “I’d love to go on, but my business isn’t making enough consistent profit to risk being laughed at.” The thought of being grilled on national TV was terrifying. I’m also neurodivergent and open about my dyslexia and dyscalculia, so I needed to know I’d be supported — not misunderstood — and that the Dragons would see past the numbers to the story behind them.

Writing and refining my business plan when the letters and numbers sometimes danced on the page wasn’t exactly thrilling. But when I sat at my dad’s grave one afternoon to think it over, a little fox walked by. It felt like a sign. I knew my dad would’ve said, “Just do it.” I had nothing to lose and everything to share.

The process

A few weeks later, I’d had multiple calls with the casting team and producers, recorded a test pitch, and basically rebuilt my business plan from top to bottom. Their due diligence pushed me to sharpen Graceful Graves’ long-term goals and vision; it was intense but worth every second.

I also had a few calls with mental health specialists, did a lot of journaling, and prayed hard. When the call finally came through offering me a date in the Den, I was in shock.

Finding other founders

From the moment that first DM landed, I went into research mode. I wanted to speak to anyone even remotely connected to the show. I’m a firstborn daughter, I need a plan for the plan.

I reached out to other founders and was blown away by how many made time for me. Mae, Ugo, Femi, Tacita, Heidi, Gem, Natalie, Alison, Ross and Jodie. I owe you all so much. You gave me the real insight, the warnings, the encouragement, and the faith that I could do this.

After chatting with them, I realised Dragons’ Den wasn’t just about investment. It could be the perfect platform to amplify what we do. I binge-watched over 50 episodes and way too many TikToks, so I knew exactly what I was walking into.

Getting the date

When the official filming date landed in my inbox, I nearly screamed. There’s no guarantee you’ll make it to filming or even get broadcast, so this was huge.

The production team were incredible from start to finish, warm, supportive, and genuinely interested in my business. Everyone, from the casting team to the editors, treated Graceful Graves with so much care and respect.

Next time, I’ll share what it was really like walking into the Den, from the drive to Manchester to standing face-to-face with the Dragons themselves.

With love,
Jay - Founder of Graceful Graves🤍