My family, friends and community call me Nik and the world knows me as “Skinnymixer”. I am a Mum, entrepreneur, author, publisher, cook, mentor and manager. My company is a multi million dollar company which has produced 14 best selling recipe books, delivered both as print media and digitally. My journey began at the kitchen table writing recipes, packing cook books with family and friends and regular trips to the post office, through to a major distribution business with a 3PL supply chain in place. We are a community driven business that has grown from a small online group, to a significant amount of passionate supporters across the globe.
When did you start your business?
Skinnymixers the Facebook Community started in 2013, Skinnymixers the business started with the publication of my first cookbook in early 2015.
What was the inspiration behind starting this business?
This whole enterprise was born as a result of my own personal issues with food. Like much of my community, I struggled with my body and after giving birth to my children, Leilani (11) and Patrick (10), I was inspired to take control of my health and well-being and that simple decision was the catalyst for the success I have seen to date.
What are you most excited about in your business?
One of my idols has always been Anthony Bourdain. I dreamed of travelling & eating my way around the world to inspire my new recipes – unfortunately the pandemic put a stop to my global travel for the last few years! I still love to travel and adore new food experiences, however I’m very much excited to see where Skinnymixers the business can expand to. I’d love to see some Skinnymixers food products on the shelves of major supermarkets in the next couple of years.
What has been the most challenging thing about starting your business?
One of the biggest challenges was taking the initial leap from a hobby that was consuming all of my time, and turning it into a business. It reached a point where I had to make the decision to drop out of my final year of University, and dedicate all of my energy to turning Skinnymixers into a business. A decision I don’t regret for a moment!
What advice would you give to other women thinking about starting a business?
Really listen to your own intuition and go with your gut. If you see an opportunity and have the ability to go for it – go for it !
It is extremely important to find your audience and really work on being authentic, connected and engaged with them. I always listen to what my community is asking for and try to support them on a daily basis. Lastly, this is your own journey and it is unfair to compare it to other businesses. I don’t follow other bloggers or read cookbooks as I like to work towards what I want to cook/achieve without bias or external influence. Authenticity is the key, just be yourself and find your own people.
Why did you enter the AusMumpreneur Awards?
My success at the 2022 AusMumpreneur awards came about after years of challenges and overcoming personal adversity – I now feel confident to put myself out there for recognition of my successes and monumental achievements. After winning the People’s Choice Influencers Award in 2015, I really felt like it was time to put myself out there again.
What did you enjoy the most about being part of the awards?
Mentally I feel it had a huge impact on me, just forcing myself to sit down and actually personally recognise everything I’ve achieved. I don’t think we do that enough!
What surprised you most about the awards?
That we won Gold for the four categories we were nominated for & Bronze in Ausmumpreneur of the Year! It’s still a pinch me moment!
How did the awards help you in your business?
The awards have definitely helped take us out of the day-to-day grind of running the business to reflect on our success and take some time for gratitude. We’ve also had a steady stream of people joining the Skinnymixers Facebook Group since.
What advice would you give to other mums thinking about entering the awards?
Just do it! You deserve to enter and deserve to celebrate your success.
What has been the best thing about starting your own business?
The flexibility that comes with being your own boss has helped me as a single mum. I love that I can be there for my kids more and I think it’s important that they see how hard I work for them and myself.
What’s happening next in your business?
We are currently getting ready to launch our 15th cookbook, SkinnyEntertaining, in late October 2022. Book promotions and distribution will take up most of our time until Christmas when I plan to enjoy a holiday with my kids.
What are your big plans for the future?
Our new cookbook SkinnyEntertaining has Thermomix and conventional cooking methods, this is new for us and I’m excited to see how it is received. I’d also love to see the development of some Skinnymixers food products and translation of our books in to different languages.
What is your website and/or social media links (eg. Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram)
Website: www.skinnymixers.com.au
FB Page: https://www.facebook.com/SkinnymixersPage
FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Skinnymixers
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skinnymixer/
