As part of the Morning Lazziness series highlighting empowering women who are making a remarkable impact with their ideas, I had the pleasure of interviewing Kristyn Want.
Happy Bear is an Australian-born wellness brand on a mission to make everyday care a little kinder, safer, and happier for families everywhere. Founded in Sydney by Kristyn Want, Happy Bear began in 2023 when Kristyn, a mum of two, struggled to find a gentle, non-toxic hand sanitiser that worked for her toddler and growing family.
Determined to create a solution, Kristyn developed a foaming sanitiser that combines 99.999% germ-killing power with a formula that’s safe, soft, and joyful to use — free from harsh alcohol and designed for everyone, from toddlers to grandparents.
What started as one mum’s search for better family hygiene has grown into a movement for everyday wellness. Today, Happy Bear is more than a sanitiser: it’s peace of mind in a bottle, a simple ritual that keeps families protected, and a daily reminder that small moments of care can spark big happiness.
In this interview, she reflects on the pivotal moments, hard-earned lessons, and defining wins from her journey in building thriving online ventures.
What’s the origin story behind your business, and how does it reflect who you are beyond the entrepreneur title?
Happy Bear was born while I was on maternity leave with my second child. I couldn’t find a gentle hand sanitiser safe enough for my toddler — everything stung, smelled harsh, or dried out her little hands. So, I created my own. As a mum first and entrepreneur second, I wanted something that gave families peace of mind without compromise. Happy Bear reflects that part of me — the mum who always looks for safer, happier solutions for her kids.
Your work blends purpose with business — what’s the “why” that still gets you out of bed on tough days?
My ‘why’ is simple — kids deserve safe, gentle products that parents can actually trust. Knowing Happy Bear is making life easier (and healthier) for families keeps me going, even on the tough days. Every message from a mum saying ‘finally, something my kids will use without fuss’ reminds me exactly why I started.
Many brands offer similar services, but few capture hearts — what’s your secret to building deep emotional resonance with your audience?
We connect with families by making sanitising feel less like a chore and more like a moment of care. Happy Bear isn’t just about killing germs — it’s about giving parents peace of mind and kids a product that feels fun, safe, and made just for them. That emotional layer — safety, trust, and a little joy — is what turns customers into a community.
What’s been your most effective marketing strategy, and can you walk us through the creative thinking or risk-taking behind it?
One of our most effective strategies was a playful campaign where we secretly swapped the alcohol-based sanitisers at indoor play centres and cafés for Happy Bear. Parents quickly noticed — no sting, no sticky residue, and kids who actually wanted to sanitise. It was a bold move, but it showed in real time how much better Happy Bear feels, and once families tried it, they didn’t want to go back.
How do you listen to your community — not just in surveys or analytics — but in ways that help you anticipate their unspoken needs?
I listen in the same spaces parents live their daily lives — school gates, daycare pick-ups, mum groups, even casual chats at the park. That’s where the unspoken truths come out: the sting that kids won’t tell you about, the mum who’s tired of sticky hands, or the parent who just wants one less battle in the morning rush. By being part of that community myself, I get to hear and anticipate needs long before they show up in a survey.
Which campaign, collaboration, or strategic shift felt like a true turning point in your brand’s public image?
A real turning point was when I started sharing the behind-the-scenes of building Happy Bear while raising two little ones. People saw the late nights, the kitchen-table planning, the juggle of nappies and new business. It resonated because it was real — and our community felt part of the journey, not just spectators. That honesty built trust and made the brand feel more human than just another product on the shelf.
In your own words, how do you measure success beyond profit, in terms of legacy, influence, or cultural impact?
For me, success isn’t just sales — it’s the messages and photos from parents showing their kids happily using Happy Bear. Knowing we’ve turned something families used to dislike into a product they trust and enjoy feels like the real win. That kind of impact — making everyday moments safer and happier — is the legacy I want to build.
Can you recall a moment when a failure became a story worth telling in your press or brand narrative?
One of my biggest early ‘failures’ was barcodes — they simply wouldn’t scan! What I thought would be a tiny detail turned into months of back-and-forth, new samples, endless testing, and a lot of unexpected costs. At the time it felt like such a setback, but it’s now one of those stories that perfectly captures the reality of starting a business — nothing is too small to trip you up. It taught me resilience, patience, and that even the tiniest details matter when you’re building something from scratch.
What’s a daily or weekly ritual that keeps you grounded and in touch with your brand’s mission, even when business gets chaotic?
Going for a walk outside and spending time with my family is my reset button. It pulls me out of the chaos of business and back into the simple moments that inspired Happy Bear in the first place — protecting and caring for my kids. Those walks remind me that the brand is about more than just a product; it’s about creating safer, happier everyday moments for families.
How do you approach innovation in a way that makes your brand both trend-aware and timeless?
I focus on solving real problems for families rather than chasing fads. Parents will always want products that are safe, gentle, and easy to use — that’s timeless. Where innovation comes in is how we deliver that in a way that feels fresh and relevant: fun packaging kids actually like, social campaigns that spark conversation, and listening closely to what modern families need. That balance keeps Happy Bear both trend-aware and enduring.
If you could pass down only one piece of wisdom to the next generation of entrepreneurs, what would it be and why?
Just give it a go. Start despite the limitations, even if it feels messy or imperfect. You’re capable of more than you realise, and every big achievement starts with tiny baby steps. Progress, not perfection, is what builds something lasting.
Winning recognition in your industry is no small feat — what behind-the-scenes decision or move do you believe made that possible?
I believe recognition came from daring to create a product that truly stands apart. Instead of another ‘boring’ sanitiser, Happy Bear is alcohol-free, gentle, and designed with kids and parents in mind. That decision to back something unique — even when it meant going against the norm — is what helped us stand out and gain traction in the industry.
How have public recognition, awards, or media features shifted opportunities for your brand in unexpected ways?
Public recognition and media features have opened doors we never expected — from being approached by potential stockists to larger brands reaching out for collaborations. It’s created opportunities that would have taken years to build on our own, and it’s shown us just how powerful visibility can be in fast-tracking growth.
If someone hears your name or sees your work just once, what’s the one message or feeling you hope they leave with?
If someone hears my name just once, I hope they see a mum who turned a real-life struggle into a solution for families everywhere. I want them to feel inspired that with courage and persistence, you can create something meaningful — even from the kitchen table with kids running around.
Where’s the best place for our audience to follow your journey and explore your work?
You can follow along on Instagram, where I share the journey behind the brand, family life, and lots of Happy Bear moments. You can also explore and shop the range at Happy Bear Skincare.
