Joe: I’m here with Joyce Lau, founder of luxury bedding brand NakedLab! Thank you for joining us today. NakedLab has become quite a name in the world of bedding, but let's take a step back. Can you tell us how it all began?
Joyce: Absolutely, it's quite a personal story, really. About six years ago, my daughter Pia was diagnosed with Contact Dermatitis. It was a challenging time for us as a family. Pia’s skin would react to even the slightest exposure to certain materials and chemicals. Finding the right products that were gentle on her skin was a struggle. There are lots of organic and friendly clothing options that worked, but a real challenge was bedding. I wanted something that would be soft, safe, and free from harmful chemicals, but still luxurious. That’s when the idea of NakedLab began to take shape.
Joe: It sounds like the motivation behind NakedLab was deeply rooted in personal experience. How did you go from this initial idea to actually creating the brand?
Joyce: Yes, it was very much a labour of love! Initially, it was all about Pia. I wanted her to sleep comfortably and wake up without irritation. I started researching various materials and stumbled upon bamboo as a potential solution. It is naturally hypoallergenic, which seemed perfect for Pia’s sensitive skin. So, I began experimenting, testing out different weaves and finishes until I found something that was not only safe but soft and luxurious too!
Once I saw the positive impact it had on Pia’s sleep, I realised I was onto something. It wasn’t just about creating a product—it was about solving a problem that many people might be facing without even realising it. I decided to share my discovery of bamboo bedding with others. What started as a passion project to help Pia started to turn into something bigger.
Joe: It’s inspiring how your daughter’s needs spurred you into creating a business that now benefits so many others. Can you tell us more about how NakedLab evolved from those early days?
Joyce: Sure! In the beginning, it was just about making sure Pia had the best possible sleep environment. But after we saw how much better both of us slept with the bamboo bedding - because I started using bamboo bedding too - I shared it with friends and family. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive—everyone who tried it couldn’t stop raving about how soft and comfortable it was, and how well they slept!
From there, the brand grew quite organically. Word-of-mouth played a huge role; people who experienced the difference would tell others, and before long, we had a small but loyal customer base. It was then that I realised there was a real demand for high-quality, chemical-free bedding.
We initially focused on children’s bedding, but as the brand gained traction, I started receiving requests for adult bedding too. So, we expanded our range. It wasn’t long before NakedLab became known for offering luxury bamboo bedding for the whole family.
Joe: That’s quite a journey from a passion project to a successful business. What challenges did you face along the way, and how did you overcome them?
Joyce: There were certainly challenges. For one, educating people about the benefits of bamboo bedding was a hurdle. Many were unfamiliar with the material and its advantages, so there was a lot of effort put into spreading awareness. Another challenge was ensuring the quality of our products remained consistent as we scaled up. I was committed to maintaining the luxury feel and the safety standards that NakedLab was built upon, which meant being very selective about our suppliers and manufacturing processes.
The biggest challenge was probably balancing the demands of a growing business with being a mum. It wasn’t easy, but seeing how our products improved people’s lives made it all worthwhile.
Joe: It’s clear that your passion and dedication have played a significant role in NakedLab’s success. Looking ahead, what’s next?
Joyce: I’m always looking for ways to innovate and expand. Right now, we’re exploring new products that align with our philosophy of combining luxury with sustainability and safety. We have recently released our Bamboo towels, to expand our luxury products beyond the bedroom!
There’s also a focus on expanding our reach internationally. But at the heart of everything, our mission remains the same: to provide luxury products, and bring that blissful ‘on holiday feeling’ to everyone, each and every day!
Joe: Thank you for sharing your story. It’s been wonderful learning about the journey of NakedLab. We’re excited to see what the future holds for the brand.
Joyce: Thank you, it’s been a pleasure to share our story. I’m incredibly grateful for the support we’ve received, and I look forward to continuing to grow NakedLab while staying true to our roots.
