Meet Nicole Tay, founder of Viva Wellness—a brand that blends internal health, external beauty, and mindful living into one powerful ecosystem. From battling corporate instability and personal health struggles to creating a thriving wellness movement, Nicole’s journey is a testament to resilience, reinvention, and purpose-driven entrepreneurship.
At Viva Wellness, Nicole champions a science-backed, holistic approach that empowers women to take charge of their wellbeing. Whether it’s hydrogen water to boost cellular health, Korean gua sha facials for radiant skin, or aromatherapy for emotional balance, Nicole’s vision is clear: to help every woman feel good, look good, and live well—inside and out.
What inspired you to start Viva Wellness, and how did the idea of combining internal health, external beauty, and lifestyle into one brand come about?
Before the age of 33, I went through two terminations and one retrenchment. Quite unfortunate, isn’t it? That experience made me realise that the corporate world wasn’t for me—it’s not stable at all.
During that period, I also suffered from severe eczema. This made me realise that wellness isn’t just about what we apply externally; true wellbeing begins from within and radiates outward.
At Viva Wellness, we take a holistic approach that combines science-backed nutrition, skincare, and lifestyle practices to help individuals achieve optimum health, beauty, and vitality.
Internally, we focus on boosting metabolism, hydrating with hydrogen water, and nourishing the body with supplements like NMN and honey. Externally, we enhance beauty routines with effective skincare, especially trending Korean cooling skincare that truly works.
That’s why I also share K-beauty facial gua sha workshops to promote natural, radiant glow. On the lifestyle front, we encourage winding down with candles and incorporating aromatherapy for pain relief and relaxation.
Beyond products, Viva Wellness is a movement—we’ve built a community and a wellness ecosystem with offerings like red light therapy, hyperbaric chambers, ice baths, and fitness. All are backed by science and designed to help people—especially women—look good, feel good, and be their best. That said, it’s not only for women; men are welcome to reach out too!
Viva Wellness takes a holistic and integrated approach. How do you ensure that all the elements work together cohesively for your clients?
Personally, I believe that everyone is different. While we offer a full range of solutions, we also provide a wellness consultation beforehand to understand what each client is comfortable with.
For example, the ice bath—when I first stepped in, I wanted to get out immediately. It’s really not easy! Similarly, with red light therapy, some people perspire a lot, while others, like me, struggle due to a slow metabolism.
Some clients are data-driven and want to see results in numbers. Others are more focused on external appearance. That’s why, where possible, we recommend starting with a consultation to customise the experience. Of course, we also offer one-off solutions. It really depends on the client’s goals and comfort level.
Hydrogen water bottles are gaining popularity. How do they support metabolic health, and how do you educate your community about their benefits?
Hydrogen water helps reduce oxidative stress and inflammation—both key drivers of ageing and fatigue. It also supports cellular repair and boosts NAD+ levels, which are essential for metabolism, energy, and overall vitality.
We don’t just sell products—we focus on education. Whether it’s through TikTok Live sessions, workshops, or wellness talks, we break down the science in simple terms so people can truly understand how to use these tools effectively.
I believe that an informed user becomes an empowered one.
A good entrepreneur also creates a supportive community and nurtures a positive culture. That’s what allows the business to thrive in the long run.
What role does aromatherapy play in pain management and overall wellbeing?
Aromatherapy is one of the most powerful natural tools for emotional balance and physical relief.
I occasionally run workshops on pain management, where I teach people about the types of essential oils that can ease tension, reduce inflammation, and support stress-related conditions.
These days, many people are emotionally stressed, even if they don’t realise it. Simply inhaling a therapeutic aroma can help reconnect them with themselves and introduce mindfulness into their daily routine.
I also conduct corporate workshops and one-on-one sessions, teaching practical uses like shoulder rubs for tension and frozen shoulder relief. Aromatherapy plays a significant role in both physical and emotional wellbeing.
There are so many essential oils in the market. How can consumers tell the difference between good quality oils and synthetic ones?
That’s a great question. Our noses are actually very sensitive. Sometimes when I walk past certain shops and the scent is overwhelming, I feel I can’t breathe—that’s often synthetic fragrance.
To tell if an essential oil is high quality, always read the label. For instance, if you’re overseas and the bottle has no usage instructions or ingredient details, I’d recommend skipping it. The oils I use have detailed instructions: how to use them, whether they’re safe to apply on skin, or to ingest, etc.
So yes—trust your nose, but also make sure the label gives clear guidance. That’s often the first clue to authenticity.
What do you think makes a good entrepreneur?
A good entrepreneur understands their customers deeply. It’s not just about solving problems; it’s about serving people. Your customers can become your long-term supporters, even your friends.
Entrepreneurship is a long game, so resilience is key. A good entrepreneur also creates a supportive community and nurtures a positive culture. That’s what allows the business to thrive in the long run.
What’s your vision for Singapore in the next five years?
I envision a more wellness-conscious Singapore—where holistic health isn’t a luxury but a lifestyle. I hope to see more women empowered to design careers that align with their purpose, especially mothers who often put themselves last.
I also see Singapore becoming a regional hub for integrative wellness, blending Eastern traditions with modern science. That’s where I see Viva Wellness playing a role in this evolution.
What does women empowerment mean to you?
Empowerment means having the freedom to choose—to design a life aligned with our values, passions, and purpose. It’s also about supporting one another not just in words but in action.
That’s why I’ve volunteered with Women of Courage for nearly five years as a committee leader. To me, empowerment isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress.
It’s about showing up, lifting others, creating opportunities, and embracing our strengths and weaknesses together.
If you could have a superpower for one day, what would it be and why?
If I could have one superpower, I’d want the ability to heal with a single touch. That way, we wouldn’t need to rely on countless solutions to help people cope with physical or emotional pain.
So many people carry hidden pain—things they can’t talk about or even recognise. If I could help lift that burden instantly, it would be incredibly meaningful.
Connect with Nicole: Vivify, Facebook and TikTok.
Nicole is a member of Rainmaker, a revolutionary movement that rallies like-minded people together based on the values of Love, Authenticity, Respect, Kindness and Youthfulness (LARKY).
