Our founder, Chew Jia Tian, passed away in Oct 2023 at the age of 33. She had been working on Rough Beauty for 9 years. We dedicate this page to her and hope it comes a cherished space where her legacy lives on, inspiring love, kindness and the values she held dear.

Our Tribute

“I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” - Maya Angelou

Everyday, we remember and honour the legacy of our beloved founder, Chew Jia Tian, whose vision and passion for handcrafted soaps brought Rough Beauty to life. Jia Tian was more than a founder; she was the heart and soul of Rough Beauty. Through the brand, she created products and experiences to inspire mindful living. She had a gift for turning everyday moments and routines into experiences, and her products were little pieces of art that made life more beautiful.

How it Started

When she began crafting soaps, she started with the basic melt-and-pour process while she was still studying, and selling them to nursing classmates. Encouraged by their positive response, she journeyed to Malacca to learn from a Taiwanese soap-maker the cold process method of soap-making. Excited by the newfound skill, she continued making soaps in her parents' kitchen, but quickly outgrew it. That's when her business began to flourish.

How she envisaged it

As she oversaw the growth of Rough Beauty, it became clearer to Jia Tian that she wanted to delight her customers and deliver mindful experiences through her products and services. She developed Rough Beauty's mission and values around this vision.

Handcrafted Bath & Body Products in Singapore

In Jia Tian's memory, we are committed to upholding her values and her vision of crafting simple, sustainable, quality and natural products.

What Is It Like To Run A Sustainable Business?

A dedication to sustainability

She prioritised zero waste at Rough Beauty. She used eco-friendly packaging and introduced refills at Rough Beauty, encouraging customers to be part of a greener future.

A love for animals

She was kind to animals, showing empathy for their fragile lives. Her love for cats led her to adopt three street cats, and she named one of Rough Beauty's soap after her third cat, Mari. She was a regular donor to various cat rescuers and organizations.

A devotion for others

Jia Tian cared deeply about others. Seeing her grandmothers age and struggle with dementia inspired her to find ways to make their elderly years better. She also championed the importance of strong community support for caregivers in similar situations.

In remembrance of Jia Tian's compassionate and love for others around her, let's carry forward the torch of kindness she so brightly lit.

From 24 Nov 2023 to 31 Jan 2024, 10% of Rough Beauty's online proceeds will go to support these causes that she cared deeply about.

Cat Welfare Society

This will help provide care, shelter and support for stray and abandoned cats - this was a cause deeply cherished by Jia Tian, who frequently fostered stray cats and supported Cat Welfare Society.

Dementia Singapore

Your contribution will help provide resources, care and assistance to persons experiencing dementia. Jia Tian often sought ways to enhance the quality of her grandmother’s life during her elderly years.

Zero Waste Singapore

This goes to zero-waste education initiatives and waste-reduction programmes. Jia Tian was dedicated to create a sustainable future with Rough Beauty.

Join us in honouring Jia Tian's legacy and making a meaningful difference in the lives of those she cared for.

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