KUCHING: Julie Chia, founder of Deservebarn, has turned a personal struggle with dry, chapped lips into a flourishing local business.
Initially formulating her own lip balm to alleviate her severe lip condition, which sometimes caused bleeding, Julie’s journey began out of necessity.
After finding a formula that worked, she shared her creations with friends and family, who encouraged her to bring her product to the market.
In late 2018, she began selling her lip balms at a small pop-up, receiving a warm response from the local community.
“I was surprised by how well it was received,” she said.
Her products started with non-tinted lip balms but soon expanded to include tinted options after she realised many others like herself needed lip care with a touch of colour, especially since traditional lipsticks were not an option.
Deservebarn lip balms are primarily made with virgin coconut oil, sourced locally from Sarawak, which is known for its moisturising properties and non-comedogenic qualities.
“By purchasing coconut oil in bulk from local communities, we help them generate sustainable income.”
Her lip balm range includes flavours like peppermint, which enhances blood circulation to the lips, giving a plumping effect, and lavender, known for its soothing properties, especially for severely chapped lips.
“The lip balms are priced at RM20 to RM35. Another unique offering is the kaya-scented lip balm, made from the local pandan ingredient, popular as a gift item.”
Beyond lip balms, Deservebarn has expanded its product line to include essential oil-based roll-ons known as JET Essential Set (JET) priced at RM88 for four roll on bottles, for stress relief, sinus relief, and tummy discomfort.
“Recently, the company launched a line of perfumes tailored for those sensitive to synthetic fragrances, available in floral and fresh unisex scents which started from RM128 each.”
According to Julie, her products, priced from RM20 to RM128, are available online through social media platforms and Shopee, as well as in local pharmacies and cultural outlets, including the Borneo Cultural Museum.
For those interested, Deservebarn’s products can be found at Shine Pharmacy in The Spring and Waterfront, Scents of Malaysia at Kuching International Airport, and other local outlets.
Julie’s venture from personal necessity to a thriving business is a testament to the entrepreneurial spirit and the power of local community support.
The public who wish to purchase and experience products from Deservebarn can visit their Facebook and Instagram pages at Deservebarn.
