It is impossible to ignore Willabelle Ong. As Penny Chang, wife of politician Tan Koon Swan, she gave Black Thursday, a docudrama about the three-day shutdown of the Singapore Exchange in 1985, several must-watch moments.
She uplifted a tale of insider trading, forward contracts, and financial collapse with her quiet strength and elegance, whether wearing a polka-dotted frock in a coffee shop, telling a friend that her husband is “just a businessman”, or a batik-print piece at home, advising him to “worry about it tomorrow”.
With more screen appearances in the pipeline, Ong has kept up admirably as our favourite multi-hyphenate. Ome Living, a lifestyle product brand she launched before her acting career, is making its presence known as well.
“This has been a deeply personal journey. Ome is more than a product line; it is also a reflection of my journey as a mother. There’s nothing like a newborn to make you truly appreciate the comfort of your own four walls!” says the mother of two-year-old Ava.
Ome is spelled without the ‘H’ in ‘home’, as Ong explains. “Home is more than a place. It is the very essence of who we are and our experiences defined by the objects and rituals that fill it.”
Ome Living Hand Wash, Dish Wash, Surface Cleaner, and Hand Mist. Why did you choose these products?
Since the birth of my daughter Ava, I have been spending more time at home. As a result, I developed a deep appreciation for everyday essentials and how they enhance my family’s daily lives. Like many parents, our most-used essentials include the ones mentioned here.
Which was the most challenging to develop?
Hand Wash, which is typically the first introduction to our brand. It is such a personal and integral part of daily life. Creating a formula that was both safe and effective for skin—no sulfates and parabens—while providing a unique texture and feel was my challenge. We went through more than 20 iterations before finding the perfect honey-like consistency.
Why is the sensory experience important for you?
Immersed in the luxury space, I appreciate how much great sensory experiences can enhance daily life, from high-end skincare to sophisticated fragrances. The feeling of indulgence inspired me to create Ome with an approachability that mirrors that feeling.
Hand Wash, Dish Wash, and Surface Cleaner contain a combination of three or more essential oils carefully chosen to complement rather than contrast one another. The key essential oil in Hand Mist, meanwhile, is French lavender.
Wth all this, the scent had to be carefully balanced. In Ome’s formulation, the fragrance softly unfolds as you rub your hands together, leaving a gentle, lingering impression. I’m thankful for the support of our partner laboratory in Japan, whose 75 years of expertise were crucial to every aspect of the development process.
How would you describe a favourite day at home?
In my opinion, the perfect day is one when my work and personal commitments are in perfect harmony. I am grateful to be doing what I love in my career, and I typically work from home most of the time.
At the same time, I cherish and embrace every moment I get to spend with Ava. Whether it is reading her favourite book, watching her smile after enjoying her favourite snack, or simply sharing laughs on the sofa, these moments ground me and remind me of what is most important.
Household chores: What’s the best tip?
Rather than treating cleaning as a separate task, I have found that incorporating it into my daily routine makes a huge difference. For instance, I keep Surface Cleaner in high-traffic areas like the kitchen and bathroom.
Immediately after using a surface or space, I spray and wipe it down. Keeping the home clean using this small, consistent habit eliminates the need for long cleaning sessions.
Would you like to add anything to the collection?
A hand lotion would be fantastic. It would enhance our daily experience, complementing our hand wash, hand mist, and other essentials perfectly. Hand lotion is frequently requested by customers, reflecting their desire for a complete hand care routine.
Grab yours here.
