Local Business Shoutout: Dandelia Naturals

I LOVE the deodorant from Dandelia Naturals. The scent is mild and even in Singapore's humid and hot weather, the deodorant lasts the whole day. Dandelia Naturals also sell many other products made of natural ingredients. I can't recommend their products enough!

That's why I decided to interview Julie, the beauty and brains behind this brand. Let's read more about her and Dandelia Naturals in this month's local business shout out!

Julie, owner of Dandelia Naturals

Photo Credit: Julie

Salam Julie! Share a little about yourself and Dandelia Naturals with us.

I’m a mom, a dreamer, and a self-taught maker who believes that gentleness heals more than we realise. My journey started from a place of burnout and wanting to live more naturally. To slow down, to care for myself, and to share that with others. I find peace in creating with my hands, turning nature’s ingredients into small forms of comfort and care.

Dandelia Naturals began at my kitchen counter, blending simple, gentle formulas for my family. But the real start was when my body began to react and my skin grew sensitive to almost everything. It was as if my body was saying “enough.”

Those flare-ups taught me to pay attention and to truly care for what I put on and into my body. The healing journey turned into Dandelia Naturals a small wellness brand that now offers handcrafted natural deodorants, hydrating lip glows, and therapeutic solid perfumes.

I also occasionally explore collaborations that align with mindful living like participating in pop-up booth to bring natural care into everyday life.

Photo Credit: Dandelia Naturals

Can you describe the moment you decided to become a business owner?

I remember sitting at my work desk as my daughter calls me from school everyday. Thinking about how fast my two children were growing. Long hours in an office day job allowed me to see them briefly at night. I felt like time was slipping away too quickly.

I wanted to be more present. To truly see them, not just greet them in passing. Around that same period, I found peace in creating small things by hand. Blending oils, melting wax, testing natural ingredients. It became my form of therapy after long days.

That was the quiet beginning of Dandelia Naturals. A choice to live more intentionally. To create something that not only supports my body gently but also share it with others. At the same time, also gives me the freedom to be present with my family.

What do you tell yourself to stay motivated in what you do?

I remind myself why I started. Not only for profit, but for a purpose. I wanted to create something gentle in a world that often forgets gentleness. And to build it in a way that doesn’t take me away from my family, but keeps me closer to them.

When things get challenging, I tell myself: “You’re doing this so you can live with more meaning, not just more rush.” That’s what keeps me going.

What is the routine you set for yourself everyday?

I begin my mornings quietly. A cup of coffee, a few minutes of gratitude. Do my stretching to start the body engine.

Then comes a mix of production, packaging, replying to customers and planning. Some days flow smoothly, some don’t. But I end each day reminding myself that even small progress counts.

What are some of the obstacles you faced while building your business?

There were many. From failed batches and printing mishaps to self-doubt and balancing family life and my own health. I had to learn many things from scratch or keep improving to keep getting better. Formulas, design, pricing, photography. But each obstacle became a teacher. The hardest part wasn’t only the technical side; it was learning to trust that my small beginnings were still valid.

Photo Credit: Dandelia Naturals

What are the most rewarding aspects of doing what you do?

The best moments are never about sales for a small business. Its the messages that say, “Your balm really helped me,” or “I’ve never felt this fresh using something natural.”

Those words make all the late nights worth it. Knowing that something made with my hands could bring comfort to someone else is a feeling I can’t describe.

Who are your role models?

My biggest role model is my mother. Her patience, strength and quiet resilience shaped how I see life. I’m also inspired by fellow small business owners, especially women who lift each other up instead of competing. There’s something powerful about seeing others grow and knowing we’re all walking this path together.

What tools, systems, books or resources would you recommend to all business owners?

Keep things simple. Canva for creativity. Google Sheets for tracking. A notebook for ideas that come at 2 a.m. But most importantly... reflect often. Take breaks. Reconnect with your “why.” No system works if your heart isn’t aligned.

Photo Credit: Dandelia Naturals

How do you find inspiration and creativity?

Inspiration finds me in the simplest things. The scent of rain, a chat with my family of what is lacking in our body, a story of someone healing. I build my products around feelings, not just formulas. If it brings gentle healing, clarity, or comfort... that’s my direction.

What advice will you give to business owners/freelancers?

Start small, but start. Don’t wait for perfect packaging or a big launch. Let your first few tries be messy and real. What matters is your intention and consistency. Be kind to yourself. Your energy flows into your work more than you think.

What is the future going to be like for you?

The future of Dandelia feels like gentle expansion. I would like to reach out more online, occasional pop up booths, vending-machine placements and hopefully one day, a calm little corner filled with scent and light. I also dream of coordinating events where people can slow down, learn, and reconnect with themselves again. For now, my goal is simple: to keep creating with heart, growing slowly and reminding others that healing begins with gentleness.

Photo Credit: Dandelia Naturals

We wish you all the best for your expansion and look forward to seeing you again soon! To follow Dandelia Naturals, click here.