The Nut Mill... Our Story
Building the dream
After 5 years of living in Melbourne, we arrived back to our farm in Hilton, in the beautiful Kwa-Zulu Natal Midlands, to start the dream of living a more rural life running our small herd of Nguni cattle. The build-up to our return home was consumed by a dedicated approach to healthy living and in particular a clean-eating vegan diet to help with my late husband’s fight against pancreatic cancer.
Fresh nut butter became a part of our daily diet used mostly in our morning smoothies or as a treat on freshly baked sourdough. My eyes were opened to this superfood and how versatile it was to pack plant-based protein and other nutrients into our day. We would mill it in-store, the freshest way you could buy nut butter… and this sparked an idea.
When life throws you nuts
After we arrived back in South Africa, and straight into COVID, my idea of making nut butters to be a value-add to the Macadamia farmers around us grew, and with the support of my hubby, I ordered a nut butter mill from Australia. But as life would have it, shortly after my mill arrived, Matt passed away. I was left to run the farm and to make this dream happen alone. This was the toughest part of my journey; being a single parent and having to make all our important life decisions on my own.
I needed to dig deep and back my dream. In October 2020, from the kitchen of my farm cottage and with the help of a few key people in my life as well as a big dose of courage, the Nut Mill journey began.
It takes a village
The need for happiness in my life drew me towards colour, and with the help of Leezl from Graphic Girls we set out to create a brand that would do just that. My brand has grown organically over the past 5 years. I have added new flavours, introduced my snacking macs and experimented with deliciously creative gluten-free recipes. This has been intertwined with the understanding of what it takes to run a herd of Nguni and a strong desire to be an actively involved mother for my 2 growing teens. There has been much room for growth along the way, and I have learned that as a small business owner you have to wear all the hats, which is often very overwhelming. I have learned to ask, to be brave and have the courage to try new ideas. I have learned the power of being part of a small community.
In 2022 I converted my barn into a beautiful space to work and create in. I have envisioned some wonderful, wild ideas for the Nut Mill and these will all be realised with time and patience. Currently I sell from a few local stores, a couple of noteworthy festivals, direct to customers and now I am excited to launch my new online store. My dream for South Africans to have the mill-in-store experience is under way as I now import the Nut Butter Mill directly from Australia, keeping ties to a happy chapter in my life.
This natural shift in my business has led me to engage with Mandy and redesign my labels to give my brand a cleaner and more contemporary feel, whilst keeping the splash of colour.
I now work alongside a wonderful lady, Londy, who has perfected the art of roasting and milling, all with confidence and a big smile.
I have met so many interesting people on this journey who have been instrumental in getting me to this point and I have tapped into their wisdom to keep my business growing. When asked why I am happy to share my recipes with my customers, the answer is really simple! The more people recognize the importance of clean eating and good nutrition, the happier I am.
Whether you choose to enjoy The Nut Mill nut butters or other brands, that’s ok… because ultimately you have made the right choice for your body, lowering the risk of lifestyle illnesses. In that, I have achieved my goal.
Looking Ahead
I am happy with what I have achieved so far, in fulfilling my dream from Melbourne. I have an even bigger vision for The Nut Mill going forward which includes new products and new partnerships. I am a firm believer in growing things slowly, organically and with self-enjoyment, just like the trees planted on my farm with patience, love, time and colour.
I could not have got this far on my journey without the constant love and encouragement from my family and friends, and my partner Eben. My kids have been amazing in their unwavering support of me and for understanding the true meaning behind resilience, which in itself has made this chapter of my life amazing.
Be brave…have courage…and think abundance!
With love, creativity and health
Pauline and the Nut Mill team