Take 5 with… Rachel MacKay of Tily Blooms

What inspired you to enter the field of women’s health and fertility?

It started with my own fertility journey. I was trying to conceive as a solo mum and thought I was fairly resilient, but honestly—it broke me. The process felt isolating, clinical and overwhelming, especially during home insemination. I had a kitchen table covered in supplies I’d cobbled together online, a vague printed guide, and no real emotional support. That moment planted the seed within me for Tily Blooms. I knew it didn’t have to be that way. I knew I could create something better. I wanted to create something that felt calm, clear and supportive—something I wish I’d had at the start.

What can you tell us about your role with Tily Blooms?

I’m the founder of Tily Blooms, so I pretty much do everything. From product development and design to customer support, content, education and day-to-day operations, I’m involved in every part of the business. It’s incredibly hands-on, but because Tily Blooms was born from my own fertility journey, it’s also deeply personal. I genuinely care about creating something that helps people feel less alone, less overwhelmed and more supported during their next step.

What makes Tily Blooms stand out in the home insemination sector?

Tily Blooms stands out because it’s the first and only UK-manufactured, regulated home insemination kit available in the UK — and it’s been designed properly from the ground up.

These are medical devices, and we’ve worked with medical professionals to ensure every detail has a purpose. From a 9cm syringe designed to better align with the female anatomy, to collection cups shaped to reduce waste, every element is intentional rather than improvised.

Just as importantly, Tily Blooms brings a more human approach to fertility — calm, clear and supportive, without the cold, clinical feel and most importantly, it’s making a real difference: Tily Blooms has now helped create over 100 babies, which is something I’m incredibly proud of.

Although regulated medical devices are expensive to develop and produce, I’ve always been passionate about keeping Tily Blooms as accessible as possible — because fertility support shouldn’t feel financially out of reach for people trying at home.

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Is there anything special you’re working on at the moment that you’d like to share?

There is something exciting in the works, but I can’t share too much on that just yet but it’s another fertility medical device. What I can say is that we’re starting a much bigger push around education, helping people understand that home insemination isn’t a last resort, but a legitimate and empowering option. It’s time to move past the outdated “turkey baster” stigma and give this method the recognition it deserves.

We’ve also recently brought the manufacturing of our collection cups and syringes home to Scotland, which has been a huge milestone for us. Alongside that, we’ve launched our newly designed rounded-bottom collection cup, created to work seamlessly with our syringes and improve the overall experience.

Looking ahead, we’re currently in the process of gaining regulatory approval to launch into the EU, which is incredibly exciting. We’re regularly approached by customers across Europe, so being able to support them properly is a really important next step for us.

What advice would you give to a woman struggling with female health or fertility issues who is unsure where to start?

Start by taking a breath. I know firsthand how overwhelming and emotional it can feel, especially when you don’t know what your options are. Don’t be afraid to look beyond the traditional paths—there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to fertility. Talk to people you trust, do your research, and listen to your own instincts. And most importantly, don’t do it alone. Whether it’s community, a friend, or just knowing there’s someone who gets it—you deserve support.

How can our readers contact you and find out more?

You can visit tilyblooms.com to get your kit and to learn more about our products, resources, and story. We’re also on Instagram @tilyblooms and TikTok @tilyblooms_ where we share real-life insights, education, and support around fertility and home insemination.

*This content is sponsored by Tily Blooms.