I was introduced to Human Nature products early this year by MummyMoo. As a Mom and wife, I am conscious that consumer decisions I make for my family has a lasting impact on their well being (especially Dana’s). I’ve always been tempted to buy organic body products but am inhibited by the high price tags. When I had a chance to try Human Nature’s products, I fell instantly in love with it and became a convert.
Today, I would like to introduce you to Ms Christine Buyco–Sy, the heart and brain behind this leading social enterprise which brings us affordable organic body care products that are not only safe for our bodies, sustainable for the environment, but also aids the poor, underprivileged communities in the Philippines.
1. Tell us a little about yourself and your family.
I used to work as an Architect and Urban Designer at one of the largest architectural firms in Asia. After I gave birth to my first daughter, I worked part-time to help take care of her. This was the same time I started my own blog www.a-natural-mom.com which advocates natural birth (without epidural) and breastfeeding after my own wonderful experiences. I went on to give drug-free natural birth to my second daughter and I am still breastfeeding her till now at 16 months.
When baby number 2 came, I decided to become a SAHM and eventually a WAHM after I stumbled upon Human Nature – a very affordable genuine natural skincare from the Philippines.
2. Tell us more about Human Nature. What ignited the spark in you to start this new business venture? Why did you pick Human Nature?
Human Nature is the FIRST and ONLY affordable range of genuine NATURAL personal care in Singapore. It is 100% no harmful chemicals – no parabens, phthalates, SLS/SLES, mineral oils, propylene glycol, PEGs, synthetic colors and other toxic ingredients.
I was already using all natural and organic products (and food) for my two daughters albeit doubling our household grocery bill. So to chance upon a very affordable natural skincare, which is missing in Singapore, was an opportunity too good to pass. What sealed the deal was knowing the passionate advocacy behind the brand. Above all, it is a social enterprise that focuses on helping poor farmers and communities in the Philippines. It could not get better than that!
3. How essential it is to live on an organic diet and use organic products for the family?
The more you know about harmful chemicals, the more you feel overly concerned on what you feed and give to your family. Ignorance is truly bliss. It’s difficult to ignore toxic ingredients on the labels when you know how studies have linked its’ long-term effects to cancer and other health disorders – especially on growing children who are more susceptible.
I am also aware that it can be very expensive. It is a struggle. You want to give the best but at the same time it weighs down the household budget. To minimize exposure, I always start with commodity – stuff that we eat every day and that means organic milk, eggs, rice, fruits. It’s great that NTUC has a wider range of affordable organic vegetables now. Sometimes, it could also be a matter of priority. Maybe they don’t need so many nice clothes and toys. I’d rather spend the money on organic food and be creative elsewhere.
4. How did the idea for this online business come about?
As a start-up business, the overhead costs have to be really low since you are not earning any profits yet. Online shop vs. brick and mortar offers more advantages. Aside from zero rental fees (except of course website set-up fees, domain, etc. but are still relatively minimal), your shop is open 24/7 and you can run it at home – which is the most important. I could work at home and work time is flexible. I could arrange meetings that would fit the girls’ schedules.
5. How do you build a successful customer base for Human Nature?
By making sure we offer quality genuine natural products at the most affordable price. Quality is never compromised that is why we offer 100% refund policy. Also, I remember a conversation with one of Human Nature’s founders Dylan Wilk. He said that there is a reason why a heart is placed in the middle of the logo – it is a business with a heart. That is a constant reminder. Here in Singapore, we would like to be very accessible to our customers, to listen and care what they have to say and to personalize everything that we do. Hopefully that spells a huge difference.
6. What has been your most satisfying moment in managing the Human Nature Franchise?
When my husband and I decided to donate a month’s profit and more to the victims of Typhoon Bopha. That was very satisfying and we have plans of doing more of that. To run a business that the advocacy is equally, if not more important than profit, gives meaning and purpose – and it makes all the hard work and sacrifices worthwhile.
7. What sacrifices have you had to make to be a successful WAHM?
Less or almost non-existent “me” time and even lesser sleep! I always joke to my husband that my luxuries have become the simplest of things – like having an uninterrupted sit down meal and a long shower! There are just so many things to do and so little time! I barely go out, do shopping or meet friends. I am very lucky if I could get a massage or a manicure On hindsight, they are not really sacrifices per se because I have never felt more alive in my life. I have met great people and made friends – both online and through business workshops. I am starting to see the fruits of my labor and business is really starting to pick up. I especially love the freedom of being able to run my own business.
8. To what or whom do you most attribute your success?
My husband. I say behind every successful WAHM is a very supportive spouse. He is my listening ear, my rah-rah guy, my baby-sitter, my financial analyst, my last minute IT guy, my driver, my mentor, and basically my number one fan. The most fascinating part? He works full time and does it all with a smile on his face! Indeed, I would have not done this without him.
9. What three pieces of advice would you give to Mommies who desire to transit from either a FTWM or SAHM to a WAHM?
You know, I have had several attempts of trying to cross-over from being an employee to employer even before I had my baby. Simply because working in a cubicle of a large company was sort of restrictive for a creative person like me. So, I started bringing in cultural products from Philippines and selling them at The Arts House, then I sold children designer clothes on eBay and at an online shop. Those businesses could have worked but what was probably lacking was the PERSEVERANCE to see it through – especially when the going gets tough.
It will be very hard in the beginning. Any start-up business is already a mean feat by itself. Add kids in the equation, it bounds to be one crazy uphill ride. 1) Don’t throw in the towel too quickly, hold on and the dark sky hovering above will eventually clear up.
Having said that, I personally learned the hard way that 2) no matter how much passion you put into what you do – you have to get the business essentials right first to make it work – knowing your competition – what is out there, your target market, financing, etc. This is where a WELL RESEARCHED BUSINESS PLAN converts a normal hobby or interest into a bonafide business that actually sells.
Lastly, 3) the family still has to come first. The whole intention of being a WAHM (at least for me) is to have more time with them. This is when the SUPPORT OF THE SPOUSE is very important. It can make or break the business, or worse the family. In my case, I am personally feeding the girls, changing nappies, giving baths, breastfeeding round the clock and basically doing the job of a full-time nanny everyday (with one great helper at home – thank God!) while running the business! I would have probably gone insane if it were not for my husband who takes over when I just had it. He is the unsung hero of it all.
10. Where you see yourself and your business in 10 years? 20 years?
10 years? Wow! Let me see, my daughters will be 13 and 11 by then – teenagers and probably pleading to go out with friends on their own. I would have more time on my hands. I hope to get back on the saddle and continue playing the piano and violin as I used to do. More traveling with the family, now that they can appreciate new places and culture more.
Hopefully, Human Nature has become a household name – synonym with affordable genuine natural products. I dream of also setting up my own social enterprise, with my own brand and reaching out to help less privileged more… What product? Watch out for it in 10 years! =)
Hopefully, Human Nature has become a household name – synonym with affordable genuine natural products. I dream of also setting up my own social enterprise, with my own brand and reaching out to help less privileged more… What product? Watch out for it in 10 years! =)
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| 100% Natural Products from Human Nature! |
Do drop by Human Nature’s website to read more on its advocacy and browse its extensive product range (from Baby Care, Kids Care, Hand & Body Care, Facial & Lip Care, Hair Care, Make Up, Men’s Care and Home Care!). You’ll be surprised by the affordability of these products, despite the organic label. Human Nature Singapore is also on Facebook. Like them here!
In conjunction with my Mother’s Day Linky, Christine has very generously sponsored 3 gift sets for a Mother’s Day Giveaway (which will be launched with my review very soon) so do keep a lookout!
We’re still using the products – have become Human Nature supporters because they really work very well for BabyMoo!
What a great read!
Thanks for doing the interview – it’s been lovely communicating with Christine over email, and wonderful to see she’s got a gorgeous family to boot!
Am a firm supporter of Human Nature!
Tks for sharing. I popped over to the website & saw the products. Keen to start shopping soon! Loved the natural ingredients used.. So good for our little ones at home. Looks affordable too! 🙂