Fitness is a growing trend today. With the rising number of gyms, yoga centres, boot camps and health and wellness clinics, it’s still not very rare to hear people say “I don’t have time to work out.” Today, we meet Natalie Dau, co-founder of Urban Remedy who has made it her goal to transform people’s lives by encouraging them to introduce fitness and wellness in their daily routines.
Vanilla Luxury: Can you ell us more about yourself, your family, your background and what you do?
Natalie Dau: I have been in Singapore for 13 years (originally from Australia), and moved here to work in consulting, but have now been lucky enough to find my passion which has led me to co-founding Urban Remedy. I have a 6 year old daughter, a husband and a dog!
Vanilla Luxury: What were you like growing up? Can you tell us more about your family?
Natalie Dau: I grew up playing sports, so I had a very active childhood. My parents would spend their weekends driving us to games and supporting myself and my brother. I have lived in three states in Australia so am lucky enough to have friends scattered everywhere.
Vanilla Luxury: How did co-founding Urban Remedy come about?
Natalie Dau: It started as a closed group to help support a few people in their wellness journey, and give each other encouragement. Before we knew it 3,000 people had found us and joined our secret group, so we knew there was a need for something bigger. We decided to take it off Facebook and on to a dedicated web platform where we could scale and help so many more people, and offer so much more.
Vanilla Luxury: How do you balance work, family and keeping fit at the same time?
Natalie Dau: I am a planner and am extremely organised so that helps – I have lists for everything! Usually my husband and I exercise together early in the morning as soon as our daughter goes off to school. This works well as we get the time together and we are ready to start the work day. I am always about quality not quantity with anything I do which means I am always present and dedicated to what I am doing at the moment.
Vanilla Luxury: Was there any point in your life when you didn’t feel confident about yourself?
Natalie Dau: I think everyone goes through days when they don't feel confident about themselves. I didn’t feel great at all when I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis and then Deep Vein Thrombosis and was forced to give up training for quite a while. Mentally it was a challenge to not be able to do the things I loved anymore. But like all challenges, it tests you and you come out stronger, thankful and more focused.
Vanilla Luxury: What is your go-to guide in overcoming challenges?
Natalie Dau: I am a big believer in visualisation. If you can’t see it happening, then it won’t. I also try and listen to meditation and practive positive thinking every night before I go to bed.
Vanilla Luxury: You have a body that is to-die-for! Spill your secrets.
Natalie Dau: I do work hard! I train around 8- 9 sessions a week. And I watch what I eat, trying to keep my food choices as clean as possible. BUT I do indulge on the weekend or else life isn’t worth living.
Vanilla Luxury: Do you have any role models that your particularly look up to?
Natalie Dau: My mum. She is the person you want in your corner if anything bad happens in life as she selflessly helps so many people when they need it the most.
Vanilla Luxury: Any tips for other women who wish to pursue their passions?
Natalie Dau: I say go for it. There are so many ways to work a passion into your daily life – it should never be forced. And don’t beat yourself up if it isn’t a business that generates enough for you retire on. Your passion may be something you dedicate your weekends to doing.
Vanilla Luxury: What is the one thing you can’t live without on a daily basis?
Natalie Dau: Coffee from Kith Cafe!
Vanilla Luxury: What is your daily mantra?
Natalie Dau: Do today what others won’t, so you can do tomorrow what others can’t.
Natalie Dau is the co-founder of Urban Remedy. Like their Facebook page and be part of the discussion on how you can begin you wellness journey.
Home
About Us