Dalya Harel: Founder of Lice Busters NYC
From a mother's necessity to a nationwide movement in safe, effective lice treatment.
"I started Lice Busters out of necessity, to provide for my family and help others dealing with lice. That purpose still drives everything we do."
40+
Years Serving Families
A Story Born from Necessity
Every great business starts with a problem that needs solving. For Dalya Harel, it was deeply personal.
In 1985, Dalya Harel found herself thrust into the role of sole provider for her family of nine children. She needed to find a way to support them, but the path forward wasn't clear. Then, when her children got head lice, she discovered that many of the available treatments either contained harmful chemicals or simply weren't effective.
Frustrated by the lack of safe, reliable solutions, Dalya came up with her own method. She launched Lice Busters out of her Brooklyn kitchen nearly 40 years ago, creating a chemical-free treatment that actually worked. What started as a solution for her own family became a lifeline for thousands of others.
Over the years, the New York City-based entrepreneur has grown her business from that humble kitchen operation to multiple locations across the five boroughs of the city, and now nationwide. Today, families can find the same safe, effective, and stress-free lice removal services that Dalya pioneered decades ago.
"Losing one of my children to cancer reshaped my perspective on life and business. It brought a profound sense of urgency and purpose to my work. I realized how precious time is, and how important it is to make a positive impact on others."
— Dalya Harel
This heartbreaking experience reinforced Dalya's commitment to helping families through difficult times, making her more empathetic and dedicated to treating every family with the care and compassion they deserve.
The Journey from Kitchen to Nationwide
A Mother's Innovation
Dalya started Lice Busters from her Brooklyn kitchen, developing a chemical-free solution while raising nine children as a sole provider.
First Clinic Opens
After years of success helping families, Dalya opened her first clinic in Midwood, Brooklyn, bringing professional lice removal to the community.
Nationwide Legacy
Now with 20+ locations across the country, the business is operated by Daniel Harel and Dalya's children, continuing her mission.
Professional Experience
40+ Years in Industry
Pioneering chemical-free lice removal since 1985
Thousands Served
Successfully treated families across New York City and beyond
Built & Scaled Business
Grew from kitchen operation to 20+ locations nationwide
Lived Experience That Matters
Dalya's personal journey as a mother of nine children gives her unique insight into the challenges families face. As a sole provider who experienced the stress of finding safe, effective lice treatment for her own children, she understands both the financial pressures and emotional toll on parents.
Her Brooklyn community roots and experience growing up with immigrant parents who were both orphans taught her invaluable lessons about resilience and resourcefulness. Her mother, despite having limited resources and many challenges, always found ways to provide for the family with grace and determination.
These experiences, including the personal loss of a child to cancer, shaped Dalya's approach to business: treating every family with empathy, understanding that they're going through a difficult time, and providing not just treatment but genuine support.
Core Values
What Sets Us Apart
Dalya's approach combines professional expertise with genuine compassion, creating a service that families can trust.
All-Natural Methods
Developed safe, non-toxic treatments that prioritize the health of children and adults.
Personalized Care
Every family receives compassionate support, because we understand how stressful lice can be.
Education First
Empowering parents with knowledge and prevention strategies to protect their families.
Proven Excellence
Over 40 years of experience with thousands of families successfully treated.
"I understand how stressful dealing with lice can be for families. We use all-natural, non-toxic methods and offer a personalized approach, full of support and compassion."
— Dalya Harel, Founder
Media & Community Recognition
Dalya's entrepreneurial journey has been recognized for breaking barriers and destigmatizing head lice treatment.
Featured in The Story Exchange
Dalya was featured in The Story Exchange's 1,000+ Stories Project, highlighting her journey from sole provider to successful entrepreneur who has built a business helping thousands of families across New York City.
"Dalya Harel started her business out of necessity. In 1985, she found herself thrust into the role of sole provider for her family of nine children. Over the years, she has grown her business to multiple locations across the five boroughs where families can find safe, effective and stress-free lice removal services."
— The Story Exchange
Overcoming stigma and misconceptions about head lice
Breaking down shame and embarrassment barriers
Empowering parents with education and support
A Family Legacy Continues
Dalya's vision lives on through the next generation, ensuring every family receives the same compassionate care.
Daniel Harel
Current Operator
Today, Lice Busters NYC is operated by Daniel Harel and Dalya's children, who continue the family mission of providing safe, effective, and compassionate lice removal services.
With 20+ locations nationwide, the business maintains the same values Dalya established nearly 40 years ago: prioritizing family health, using chemical-free methods, and treating every client with empathy and respect.
What Drives Her Forward
Finding Inspiration
On difficult days, Dalya reflects on her journey and remembers why she started Lice Busters — to provide for her family and help others. This purpose reignites her passion and drive.
Her children and loved ones are a constant source of strength, reminding her that she's not alone and that her work has real impact on families' lives.
Most Important Role Model
Dalya's mother is her greatest inspiration. Despite facing incredible hardships as an orphan with limited resources, she always provided for the family with grace and determination.
She instilled in Dalya the values of hard work, perseverance, and compassion that define Lice Busters today.
Advice for Entrepreneurs
Stay Persistent
There will be obstacles and setbacks, but persistence is key
Seek Support
Surround yourself with people who believe in your vision
Focus on Customers
Excellent service and trust will set you apart
Embrace Learning
Stay informed to stay ahead in a changing world
Maintain Balance
Taking care of yourself helps you stay energized and motivated for the long journey
Our Promise to Your Family
Dalya's personal journey as a mother informs every aspect of our service. We treat your family with the same care, compassion, and dedication that Dalya showed to her own children nearly 40 years ago.
From our chemical-free treatments to our empathetic approach, everything we do reflects the values Dalya established: safety, effectiveness, and genuine support during a stressful time.
40+
Years of Experience
20+
Locations Nationwide
1000s
Families Helped