Struggling to find a hand sanitiser that was safe and gentle enough for her daughter’s delicate hands, Kristen Want set out to create one herself – guided by her own intuition, research and sheer determination. Happy Bear is a gentle, alcohol-free foaming hand sanitiser made by a mum on a mission. It is designed specifically for little hands, tough on germs and wrapped in fun, family-friendly packaging. Born from a simple but powerful idea – that we deserve better options for our families – Happy Bear is helping redefine what everyday care can look and feel like. Cute, kind and tough on germs, it’s spreading happiness, not just hygiene. Here, Kristyn talks to The Natural Parent Magazine about the passion behind her business, the challenges she has overcome, and her hopes and dreams for the future.
The passion: What inspired you to set up your business?
Happy Bear was born out of a real-life parenting problem. I was on maternity leave with my second baby, juggling a newborn and a busy toddler, when I realised I couldn’t find a hand sanitiser that felt truly safe and gentle enough for my daughter’s little hands. Everything I picked up was packed with alcohol, heavily fragranced, or left her skin dry and irritated. I remember thinking – surely there has to be a better option. When I couldn’t find one, I decided to create it myself. I wanted something I’d feel confident using on my own children – and that’s how Happy Bear began.
The launch: How did you start out in the beginning?
It started small – just me, a notebook full of ideas, and a whole lot of late nights. I had a clear vision of what I wanted: a foaming hand sanitiser that was alcohol-free, fragrance-free, rinse-free, and safe for kids. But turning that idea into a real product was a huge learning curve. I researched ingredients, spoke to chemists, tested formulas, and designed the packaging myself. My background in UX and art direction helped, but there were so many moments where I had to just figure things out as I went. It’s been a mix of intuition, research, and sheer determination – and it’s still very much a one-woman show!
The innovation: What was the biggest breakthrough for you with your business?
The biggest breakthrough was realising that hand sanitiser didn’t have to feel clinical or harsh – it could actually be enjoyable to use. Once I found a formula that was alcohol-free, fragrance-free, and gentle on skin, the next step was designing packaging that felt fun, friendly, and family-focused. That’s when everything started to click. Happy Bear wasn’t just another sanitiser – it became something parents were proud to carry and kids were happy to use. Creating a product that changed the way families experienced hygiene was a real turning point for me. The brands tagline is ‘Spread Happiness, not Germs.’
Yin and Yang: How do you balance work and family?
Some days feel beautifully balanced… and some days are complete chaos! I’m a mum first, and building Happy Bear has had to fit around nap times, school runs, and the general juggle of parenting. I often work late at night once the kids are asleep – it’s not always glamorous, but it’s real. What helps is reminding myself that this season is temporary, and I’m building something meaningful not just for other families, but for my own. I’ve learned to let go of perfection and focus on progress. The mess, the magic – it’s all part of the journey.
