For our latest Saya Women Series, we sat down with the inspiring Nina, founder of Nurtur Tea, to explore her journey in creating a brand that supports women’s health through the art of tea.
From her personal experiences during pregnancy to her passion for holistic wellness, Nina shares how Nurtur Tea was born, the mindful rituals behind tea drinking, and her mission to empower women with carefully crafted blends designed to nourish and heal.
Please share a bit about your journey in creating Nurtur Tea. What inspired you to start a tea brand focused on women’s health?
My journey in creating Nurtur Tea has been deeply personal and rewarding. It all began during my first pregnancy, a time filled with both joy and challenges. During my pregnancy, I started drinking red raspberry leaf tea and was shocked to discover the toxic ingredients often found in teas. Many contained pesticides, plastics, and artificial additives, which I felt counterintuitive to supporting one of the most important things in life..growing a baby! I wanted to create a red raspberry leaf tea that was truly natural, free from harmful substances, and designed to support women during this precious time.
Giving birth was incredible for me, a truly empowering event. However, it soon followed by one of my biggest struggles, breastfeeding. Despite my best efforts, I found it incredibly difficult to produce enough milk, which left me feeling overwhelmed and really knocked my confidence in being a mum. This experience ignited a passion in me to explore ways to support women through similar challenges and to promote holistic health solutions through herbs.
I wanted to design a tea range that not only tasted good but also provided tangible benefits for women’s hormonal health, lactation support, stress management, and overall well-being. Each blend is crafted with carefully selected, organic ingredients that are known for their healing properties, from calming chamomile flowers to hormonal balancing red clover.
What inspired me most was the idea of creating a ritual of nourishment and mindfulness. Tea has this incredible ability to bring moments of calm and connection, and I wanted Nurtur Tea to embody that. To be a small yet impactful part of someone’s day. I’m proud to see how Nurtur Tea has resonated with so many women, becoming a trusted companion in their journey to feeling balanced, healthy, and empowered.
Tea drinking is often seen as a ritual of mindfulness. How do you view the connection between tea rituals and self-care?
Tea drinking is often seen as a ritual of mindfulness, and I deeply resonate with this connection. For me, tea represents more than just a beverage, it’s an intentional pause, a moment to slow down, breathe, and connect with oneself. The process of brewing and savouring tea invites mindfulness, turning an everyday act into a ritual of presence and care. By creating Nurtur Tea, I wanted to offer women a way to incorporate this mindful practice into their daily lives, making self-care both accessible and nurturing.
What inspired me most was the idea of creating a ritual of nourishment and mindfulness. Tea has this incredible ability to bring moments of calm and connection, and I wanted Nurtur Tea to embody that, to be a small yet impactful part of someone’s day. I’m proud to see how Nurtur Tea has resonated with so many women, becoming a trusted companion in their journey to feeling balanced, healthy, and empowered.
Nurtur places a strong focus on women’s well-being. What specific challenges or needs do you aim to address through your tea blends?
As the founder of Nurtur Tea, my mission has always been to create blends that cater to the unique needs and challenges women face every day. Through our thoughtfully crafted teas, I aim to address a variety of physical, emotional, and lifestyle concerns, helping women feel their best from the inside out.
One of the key areas we focus on is hormonal balance. Women’s hormones fluctuate throughout different stages of life, whether it’s due to the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, or menopause. We use herbs like raspberry leaf and chaste tree berries to help regulate hormones, reduce discomfort, and balance mood swings.
Stress and anxiety are common struggles many of us face. With our busy lives, it’s all too easy to feel overwhelmed. That’s why we include calming ingredients like chamomile, red rose petals, and lemongrass in our blends to promote relaxation and mental clarity, helping to ease the tension of everyday stresses.
Another challenge many women deal with is digestive health. From bloating to indigestion, our digestive systems can sometimes feel like they’re working against us. Our blends with ingredients like ginger, peppermint, and fennel are designed to soothe and support healthy digestion, so you can feel light and comfortable throughout your day.
Energy and vitality are also essential, especially when you’re juggling work, family, and personal life. Our blends, especially our Morning Lift tea provide natural energy boosts, helping to restore stamina without the crash that comes from caffeine.
Of course, we also care about skin health, who doesn’t want glowing, healthy skin! Our blends include antioxidant-rich ingredients like rooibos and hibiscus, which can nourish and rejuvenate the skin, leaving you feeling radiant.
Lastly, we recognise the importance of a strong immune system. As women, we’re often the caretakers in our families, and supporting our immune health is crucial. We incorporate immune-boosting herbs like ginger into our teas to help you stay strong and healthy.
At Nurtur Tea, we believe that wellness is a journey, and we’re here to support women every step of the way. Our blends are carefully curated to nurture both your body and mind, helping you live a balanced, vibrant life.
How do you personally incorporate tea into your daily life? Do you have a favourite blend or a go-to tea ritual?
Tea is an essential part of my daily routine, and I start every morning with a comforting cup of Morning Lift. This blend of rooibos, ginger, and peppermint has become my go-to for promoting digestion and metabolism. I love that it's completely caffeine-free, which means I can enjoy it without worrying about disrupting my energy levels throughout the day. It’s the perfect way to ease into the morning and feel refreshed.
As it's summer here in Australia, I often switch things up in the afternoon with an iced Calm tea or Blue Butterfly. Both are wonderfully soothing and cooling, ideal for the warm weather. They help me stay relaxed, especially in the midst of a busy day.
When it comes to winding down in the evening, I always make sure to have a cup of sleep tea about an hour before bed. I used to really struggle to fall asleep, but by intentionally creating a bedtime ritual with my tea, I've been able to get into a peaceful state of mind, and now I’m out like a light. It’s become an essential part of my routine, ensuring I get the restful sleep I need to start the next day feeling rejuvenated.
The festive season can often feel overwhelming. What self-care advice would you give to women looking to stay grounded during this time?
The festive season can indeed feel overwhelming, with all the hustle and bustle of family gatherings, shopping, and event planning. As a woman juggling various roles, it’s easy to feel drained during this busy time. Here’s my self-care advice for staying grounded:
-
Make Time for Yourself: It’s important to carve out moments in your day that are just for you. Whether it’s enjoying a quiet cup of tea, going for a walk, or reading a book, these small acts of self-care can help centre you amidst the chaos. Even a few minutes of solitude can make a world of difference.
-
Stick to Your Routine: Maintaining some elements of your usual routine, especially if it includes a morning tea ritual or bedtime ritual, can provide stability. For me, starting my day with Morning Lift tea and ending with a calming sleep tea helps create a sense of normalcy, no matter how busy things get.
-
Practice Mindfulness: The festive season can be full of distractions. Take time each day to check in with yourself and be present. Whether it’s during a meal, while decorating, or in a quiet moment with a cup of tea, mindfulness helps reduce stress and brings you back to the moment.
-
Set Boundaries: It’s easy to say yes to every event or obligation during the holidays, but it’s essential to recognise your limits. Don’t be afraid to say no when you need to, so you can preserve your energy for the things that truly matter.
-
Nourish Your Body and Mind: Eating well, staying hydrated, and getting enough sleep are key to staying grounded. A nourishing tea like Calm or Blue Butterfly can help support your mental and physical health. Remember that your wellbeing is just as important as the festivities.
-
Let Go of Perfection: The holidays don’t need to be perfect. Embrace the joy of being together, rather than stressing over every detail. Focus on connection, gratitude, and creating memories that matter, rather than trying to create a picture-perfect celebration.
By prioritising self-care during this time, you can stay grounded, calm, and centred, no matter how busy the season gets. Make your well-being a priority, and everything else will fall into place.
Saya Skincare shares a love for conscious wellness. How do you ensure your teas reflect the purity and benefits of natural ingredients?
At Nurtur Tea, we share a deep commitment to conscious wellness, much like Saya Skincare, and it's at the heart of everything we do. Ensuring our teas reflect the purity and benefits of natural ingredients is something I take great pride in. Here’s how we make that happen:
-
Carefully Sourced Ingredients: We believe that quality starts with the source. We work with trusted suppliers who prioritise sustainable and ethical farming practices. All of our ingredients are carefully selected for their purity and potency, ensuring that each cup of tea provides the full benefits of nature’s offerings.
-
No Artificial Additives: Our teas are free from artificial colours, flavours, and preservatives. We only use natural herbs and spices, so when you sip one of our blends, you're experiencing the true essence of each ingredient. This purity is essential for maintaining the health benefits our teas offer.
-
Plastic-Free Packaging: In line with our commitment to sustainability, all our packaging is plastic-free, including our plant-based teabags. We use eco-friendly materials to ensure that every aspect of our product reflects our love for the planet and conscious wellness.
-
Naturopathic Formulas: We work closely with our in-house Naturopath and Herbalist to design each tea blend. Their expertise ensures that every formulation is rooted in natural healing principles, supporting the body’s needs in a holistic way. This collaborative approach results in blends that not only taste great but are also designed to support overall health and wellness.
-
Small-Batch Blending: To preserve the integrity of the ingredients, we blend our loose leaf teas in small batches. This allows us to ensure that each batch is carefully crafted and the flavours and benefits are perfectly balanced. We take the time to create blends that not only taste amazing but also support specific wellness needs.
-
Nutrient-Rich Formulations: We design our blends with a focus on promoting holistic health. Every ingredient is chosen for its specific health benefits. Whether it’s boosting metabolism, supporting digestion, or promoting restful sleep, our teas are formulated to deliver natural wellness with every sip.
-
Transparency and Integrity: Just as Saya Skincare focuses on the transparency of their products, we are committed to being open about the ingredients we use. Our customers can trust that each tea blend is crafted with care, and we provide clear information on the benefits and origins of the ingredients we use.
By prioritising purity, sustainability, and the natural benefits of each ingredient, we ensure that every cup of Nurtur Tea reflects our shared love for conscious wellness, helping women embrace a healthier and more balanced lifestyle.
What’s been the most rewarding part of your journey with Nurtur? Are there any lessons or advice you’d like to share with other women in business?
The most rewarding part of my journey with Nurtur has been seeing how our teas positively impact the lives of women in so many different ways. When I hear stories from customers who have experienced a positive birth, a smoother breastfeeding journey, or noticed their perimenopause symptoms disappearing, it’s incredibly heartwarming. Even more so, when I hear that our teas have helped women sleep better, feel more balanced, and embrace their wellness journeys, it’s a reminder of why I started this business in the first place. Knowing that I’ve created something that nurtures not only the body but also empowers women to take control of their health and well-being is truly fulfilling. It’s about more than just tea, it’s about making a tangible difference in women’s lives.
As for lessons and advice, here are a few things I’ve learned along the way:
-
Trust Your Vision: There will always be challenges, and sometimes it can feel like the odds are against you. But staying true to your vision and your purpose is key. Trust in the path you’ve chosen, even when it feels uncertain. It’s important to remember that every step, no matter how small, is part of your growth.
-
Embrace the Process: Building a business takes time and patience. I’ve learned not to rush the process. Focus on the small wins, and celebrate every milestone along the way. It’s not just about the end goal, it’s about learning, adapting, and growing as you go.
-
Find Your Support System: Surround yourself with people who believe in your vision and can offer support. Whether it’s mentors, other entrepreneurs, or even friends and family, having a strong support network is invaluable. Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it.
-
Self-Care is Essential: As women, we tend to give so much of ourselves to others, but it’s crucial to remember that you can’t pour from an empty cup. Make sure to prioritise your own well-being, even amidst the chaos of running a business. You’ll be much more effective and grounded when you’re taking care of yourself.
-
Adapt and Be Resilient: The journey is rarely linear, and things won’t always go according to plan. Learn to adapt, stay resilient, and pivot when necessary. Each setback can be a lesson that shapes your future success.
Finally, to any other women in business: Believe in your unique voice and the power you have to make a difference. Don’t be afraid to break the mould and forge your own path. The world needs your ideas, your energy, and your passion. Keep going, even when it feels tough, and know that every effort you put in is helping you build something meaningful.
What’s next for Nurtur Tea? Are there any exciting projects or goals you’re working toward for the new year?
The new year is shaping up to be an exciting one for Nurtur Tea! We’ve recently opened up a warehouse space, which will allow us to scale our operations and better serve our growing community. This space will also be home to some incredible wellness events, including community acupuncture sessions and female empowerment workshops. We’re so excited to create more opportunities for connection and wellbeing within our community.
In addition to these events, we’re also working on a new product line that incorporates more elements of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Japanese culture. This new range will reflect our ongoing commitment to blending ancient wellness traditions with modern approaches, offering even more natural and holistic ways to support women’s health.
On a personal note, I’m thrilled to be diving into my own personal branding. I’ll be launching a podcast, where I’ll discuss wellness, entrepreneurship, and the journeys of women in business. I’m also starting a pilates and yoga Instagram to share my own practices and routines. It’s something I’m really passionate about, and I can’t wait to connect with you all in this new way.
There’s so much to look forward to, and I’m excited for what the future holds for Nurtur Tea and the community we’re building. Stay tuned for all the exciting projects, and thank you for being part of our journey!
