No business plan, just a mother with an autistic son: The story behind Naturals Beauty company
She started making the products in 2008.
Tanya du Bois faced a daunting challenge when her autistic son required a change in his skincare routine. After consulting a doctor, she decided to take control of the products their family used, inspired by the need to avoid harmful chemicals. In 2008, she began making homemade skincare products in her kitchen, driven by curiosity and determination.
With no business plan or background in cosmetic science, Tanya relied on her grandmother's 1960s natural home-remedies book for guidance. As word spread among local autism support groups, she received requests for her homemade skincare formulations, turning her personal solution into a small side hustle.
However, as demand grew, Tanya realized she needed professional help to develop more sophisticated products. She eventually found a cosmetic chemist who understood her vision and values. This partnership was a crucial turning point for Naturals Beauty, transforming it from a homemade solution to a fully-fledged business. The company expanded its range to include baby, teenage, and serum products, adapting to the changing needs of Tanya's family.
Today, Naturals Beauty is a significant South African business with a diverse product line, and Tanya has even started a bespoke product-development arm to assist other businesses in creating their own custom skincare solutions.
Written by urgent.news from The Citizen's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
