Once home-based, Dandelion Naturals opens on Main in Hayfield
Thu, 08/28/2025 - 1:02pm
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By:
KAREN M. J0RGENSEN EDITOR
A business that sells all natural, handmade products may be new to downtown Hayfield but has been around for three years.
Dandelion Naturals first launched in Michelle Hamilton’s kitchen. As the business grew, it moved to her basement. Then, a year ago, Hamilton knew another move was necessary.
“We completely ran out of space,” she said.
Initially, she bought the building at 108 Main St. for production purposes, and “retail space was not on our radar.” But that, too, changed. Last Friday afternoon, a Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting celebrated the new retail space.
Hamilton, formerly a nurse at Mayo, said she started selling bar soap and, over time, has added laundry soap, shampoo and conditioner, lip balms, tallow balms, medicinal salves, lotion bars, dish soap, and dog soap to her offerings. There is a need and want for those products, she added.
All are 100% natural with no artificial ingredients.
Farmers markets and similar events have been her primary sales venues, she said.
“We went to all kinds of markets. We went to 60-plus markets our first full year,” Hamilton said. Dandelion Naturals is also available at stores nationwide that sell natural products, she said, and several co-ops in the Twin Cities. She added that Dandelion Naturals will also be at Marigold Days in Mantorville the weekend after Labor Day.
The downtown Hayfield space is divided into a larger production area at the back of the building and a smaller retail store up front. Hamilton said she has some paid help, and family members, including husband Matt, who is employed at Life Fitness in Owatonna, lend a hand. Daughter Elena, 6, cut the ribbon on Friday.
Friday’s event featured more than the ribbon cutting for Dandelion Naturals. The adjacent empty lot was also filled with vendors the Hamiltons met at other venues. They sold a variety of products, from honey to artwork to locally roasted coffee.
“We own the lot next door and invited friends to come,” Hamilton said.
Dandelion Naturals has developed a loyal following of customers. Eileen Cooper came from Northfield to wish the Hamiltons well.
“I’m so happy for you,” she told Michelle Hamilton.
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