People Profile: Joan Tay

Eczema can be a debilitating condition for many people. This is a truth that JOAN TAY, founder of SoapCeuticals, knows only too well. Her daughter has suffered from the condition for many years – it’s why Joan left a lucrative career to focus on improving the lives of those with dry and sensitive skin. She tells us about her journey to creating her brand of all-natural bar soaps

- GEORGINA HOCKLEY

Tell us a bit about yourself and your family. 

I’m Singaporean and proud to say I’ve lived my entire life in this cosmopolitan city. In my youth I graduated with a business degree at a local university. My career was mostly in the pharmaceuticals industry (in sales and marketing), handling a diverse portfolio, ranging from women’s health to cardiovascular health. My husband and I have been lucky to have two beautiful children, Denise (12) and Denzel (9). They are my life’s inspiration and motivation.

How did you end up becoming an entrepreneur?

After close to 20 years working for multinational companies, I knew I needed a change. I wanted to see and experience life in a different way, and to do something meaningful for my children. So I took a leap of faith and ditched my regular job for an irregular one.  

Tell us about your business and how it began.

Denise, my firstborn, was the centre of my grand plan. From the tender age of three she’s suffered terribly from eczema. Over the years, we’ve tried countless products in the market, but unfortunately nothing gave her reprieve. It was heart-breaking to see how eczema robbed her of the simple joys in life. Bathing was also a dreary affair – as most bath washes and liquid detergents for eczema-prone skin don’t have any lather, foam or fragrance. No fun at all!

Having worked in the pharmaceuticals industry for almost two decades, I saw first-hand how treatments can make a real difference to people’s lives. This naturally led me to want to develop something for Denise. At the same time, I wanted to make a positive impact on the sustainability of the planet, which my children will inherit one day.