From Good Fortune Soap to Dandle Spa: A Year in Our New Skin

It’s almost July 1st, which means we’re just days away from celebrating our one-year anniversary as Dandle Spa & Skincare.

This time last year, we were still Good Fortune Soap & Spa, anxiously anticipating what Chattanooga would think of Dandle. We wanted to build something excellent—something we were proud to put our name on.

As I write this, I’m waiting on an HVAC company to deliver a quote for a brand-new system, and I’m reminded that building something worthwhile is rarely easy. But before I tell you about the journey, let me tell you...

The Why Behind Dandle 

Chris and I bought Good Fortune in February of 2023 after spending a year researching businesses for sale across Tennessee. With my background in healthcare and our commitment to living a low-tox lifestyle, a spa and organic skincare line felt like the perfect fit. We were advised not to make any major changes during the first year. Instead, we were told to observe, learn, and understand the business before trying to reshape it.

What we discovered was a deep connection to the things we were passionate about—and a not-so-deep connection to the things that didn't fit into that box. As I dreamed about where I hope the spa industry is headed, I realized the path we were on as Good Fortune wasn't taking us there.

Then I got a phone call from a friend.

"I've been praying," she said, "and I feel like I'm supposed to ask if you've considered changing the name of your business."

Of course we had. We'd dreamed about it even.

"But it's expensive," I told her.

Over the next couple of months, we talked often about what a name change would mean—not just as a business strategy, but as a spiritual one. Little by little, I realized that if I truly wanted to see a shift in the beauty industry, it was going to require a step of faith.

That same week, I was reading Isaiah 66 when these verses stopped me in my tracks:

"I will extend peace to her like a river... you will nurse and be carried on her arm and dandled on her knees. As a mother comforts her child, so I will comfort you."

We had already decided on a dandelion as our logo, but the word dandled jumped off the page. I looked it up.

To dandle means to pamper, spoil, or lovingly bounce a child on your knee. To nurture. To comfort.

Suddenly, everything clicked

You see, I believe we're already beautiful.

In a world that tells women we should never age, that gray hair should be covered, smile lines erased, our faces frozen in time, and that it didn't happen if it's not on Instagram, I want us to believe the opposite.

That life is a gift! Aging is a gift. That our bodies are temples worth caring for, and what we put in them and on them matters. That you and I are worth the same kind of care we willingly give to others. And that honoring ourselves looks like offering moments of peace and pausing to catch our breath instead of comparing ourselves to others. 

That's what Dandle represents

A place to be spoiled and cared for by genuine people who already see your beauty. Where you can come in with a messy bun and unshaved legs and spend a silent hour getting your hair washed or feet rubbed, while letting your body process all the "ish" you're walking through.  

Dandle represents products that nurture your body and are safe for your family. Not just putting "organic skincare" or "all-natural candles" on a label because it's trendy—but actually doing the work to make products that live up to those words.

It's integrity. It's protection. It's never harm. 

Once I saw the vision, there was no going back.

But let me tell you...

We hit every speed bump imaginable.

• Our website was flagged as a phishing site the day it launched.
• Our newsletters landed in spam.
• The online traction we'd built around natural products and spa services disappeared overnight, and we had to rebuild it from scratch.
• I'm still not sure what Apple Maps had against us.

From website issues to spa music to HVAC systems, it has honestly felt like everything that could go wrong has tried to.

And yet...

We're still here.

For that alone, we celebrate.

One year later, Dandle is still here, striving to give you the best spa experience in Chattanooga. And we have the most incredible team. We're not perfect, but I can promise you this: every single day we show up for you. That intention is something you can feel the moment you walk through our doors.

We're also still making products we truly believe in.

You won't find fragrance oils on our shelves, which means our candles and room sprays won't leave you with a headache. Our body lotion and body oil are some of the most hydrating products I've ever used. Our skincare line is designed to nourish your skin and deliver real results without ingredients I wouldn't feel good about using myself. Not to mention they are literally packaged and labeled by hand! 

I use these products every single day. That was always the dream—to create a place where I could walk in, talk to a real human being, and feel completely confident using every product on the shelves.

I hope you can see the vision behind Dandle

To celebrate our first birthday, we're offering 30% off all retail products plus FREE SHIPPING for the next 48 hours.

If you've ever thought about trying our products, now is the perfect time. If you need a refill, now's the time! Does someone you know have a birthday coming up? You can't go wrong with a candle from Dandle.

I hope you'll continue showing up for us the way we try to show up for you.

Small businesses are what make communities unique, and they're sustained by people like you. We truly can't do this without your support. And honestly? If everyone who receives this newsletter bought just one $20 product, it would pay for our new HVAC system. That's the power of shopping small. We aren't over here trying to be billionaires, we're just trying to keep honest and stay cool- in the temperature way and the adjective way.

Thank you for believing in Dandle. We love our clients so much, we talk about you all the time! We love celebrating your wins and bringing a moment of peace into the storms of life! We hope you can feel it! Here's to year two, Dandlelions.