How Dandelion Naturals Grows Wellness from the Ground Up
Michelle Hamilton is the founder of Dandelion Naturals, a small-batch body care brand inspired by her lifelong love of nature and wellness.
After more than two decades as a nurse, a visit to a holistic chiropractor in 2011 sparked her interest in natural living and set her on a new path. When career changes opened the door to something different, she turned her passion into purpose — creating safe, effective products made with simple, natural ingredients.
The name Dandelion Naturals reflects Michelle’s connection to her southeast Minnesota homestead, where dandelions blanket the land each spring. To her, they’re more than a symbol of resilience and renewal — they’re part of the process. Each season, she gathers and infuses the dandelions herself, blending meaning and intention into every product she makes.
In our conversation with Michelle, she explains how her business has flourished — all the while remaining grounded in its commitment to producing cleaner, more sustainable wellness products.
Neighborly: Tell us a bit about yourself. What led you to start Dandelion Naturals?
Michelle: Dandelion Naturals began as a personal search for simple, safe, and effective products I could feel good about using with my family. What started as small-batch soapmaking in my kitchen quickly grew into a passion for crafting sustainable, high-quality alternatives to everyday items. I’ve always been drawn to intentional living, and creating Dandelion Naturals allowed me to blend creativity with purpose — helping others simplify and reconnect with what’s natural.
Neighborly: How has your background in healthcare influenced the types of products you offer?
Michelle: My background in healthcare shaped the way I look at wellness — as something that extends beyond what we eat or how we move, to include what we put on our skin. I understand how ingredients interact with the body, and that knowledge guides every formulation we create. Our products are designed to support the body’s natural balance, using ingredients that nourish rather than disrupt.
Neighborly: Why should the consumer care whether they are using products with all-natural ingredients?
Michelle: Our skin is our largest organ, and what we use on it matters. Natural ingredients not only minimize exposure to unnecessary chemicals but also provide real benefits — moisture, protection, and gentle care that synthetic additives can’t match. Choosing all-natural products is an investment in your health and in a cleaner, more sustainable world.
Neighborly: You also live in rural Minnesota. What role does that play in how you approach your business?
Michelle: Living in rural Minnesota keeps me grounded and connected to the pace and beauty of simple living. It’s where I draw inspiration for the brand — from the seasons, the community, and the values of hard work and authenticity. Our small-town roots remind me that every product we make should feel genuine, useful, and thoughtfully crafted.
Neighborly: It can be a crowded space to stand out. What distinguishes Dandelion Naturals in the self-care category?
Michelle: At Dandelion Naturals, we focus on quality over quantity — small-batch production, intentional ingredient sourcing, and transparency in everything we do. Our products are made with integrity and care, without shortcuts or trends. We aim to create everyday essentials that feel special, rooted in simplicity and sustainability rather than excess.
Neighborly: What has surprised you most about becoming a small business owner?
Michelle: I’ve been most surprised by how personal the journey is — every success and challenge feels deeply connected to you. The level of community support has also amazed me; people truly want to rally behind small businesses that care about what they create. It’s incredibly humbling and motivating at the same time.
Neighborly: Do you have any advice for aspiring entrepreneurs?
Michelle: Start small, stay authentic, and keep learning. Building a business takes patience, flexibility, and a willingness to evolve, but staying true to your “why” will guide every decision. Surround yourself with a supportive network and don’t be afraid to ask for help — growth happens when you combine passion with persistence.
