Two childhood friends are putting KwaZulu-Natal’s liquid gold at the heart of a proudly local skincare brand.
For lifelong friends Ashley Bennett and Kate Jarvie, founders of Nathi Skin, the seeds of their business were planted long before either imagined becoming entrepreneurs. Growing up on farms, they saw each other just once a year during family camping trips to Cape Vidal. Despite the time between visits, they always picked up exactly where they had left off.
That enduring friendship, combined with a shared love of nature, creativity and wellness, would eventually become the foundation of a skincare brand that’s all about simplicity, sustainability and local pride.
A natural partnership
With their fathers both working in the macadamia industry, farming has always been part of their lives. While Kate spent time working in the family business, Ash returned home after completing her yoga teacher training. Together, they began exploring the skincare benefits of macadamia oil and imagining a brand built around this remarkable local ingredient.
“As two young South African women, we wanted to build something that gives back,” they say. “We wanted a brand that reflected our values while celebrating an industry that has shaped our families and communities.”
Skincare, simplified
Nathi Skin champions a simple approach to skincare, with naturally derived formulations centred around locally grown macadamia oil sourced from farms the founders know and trust. Proudly placing the ingredient at the heart of every product, the brand celebrates both its nourishing properties and the people behind its production.
Their bestselling Ylang Ylang & Citrus Macadamia Body Oil has quickly earned a loyal following. Rich in antioxidants, essential fatty acids and naturally occurring omega-7, customers love its lightweight finish, uplifting floral-citrus fragrance and the way it transforms a daily routine into a moment of self-care.
Built on friendship
One of the most rewarding moments came after months of refining formulas, textures and scents.
“When we finally held the finished product in our hands and shared it with family and friends, we realised we’d created something genuinely different,” they say.
Kate’s background in graphic design and Ash’s background in illustration also allowed them to build every element of the brand together, from the formulations to the visual identity.
Inspired by the North Coast
Now based in Salt Rock, the pair remain closely connected to their family farms in Zululand, where the macadamias that inspire their products are grown. Many of their best ideas begin with an early morning walk along Tiffany’s Beach, with a coffee from Bench in hand.
They’ve also found unwavering support from the local business community. “People have been incredibly generous with their advice and encouragement. That support has meant so much to us.”
Looking ahead
Nathi Skin is already expanding its range, with facial cleansers, serums, nourishing shower oils and sun protection currently in development. The founders are also growing their retail footprint across KwaZulu-Natal and beyond.
Their vision remains beautifully simple: to create skincare that helps people slow down, reconnect with themselves and feel good in their own skin.
GET TO KNOW THE FOUNDERS:
One skincare product you can’t live without?
Apart from our Nathi body oil? A good lip balm.
Favourite North Coast spot?
Mellow Nello in Salt Rock. We both love yoga
(Ash also teaches at Kaya Shala), so it’s our favourite place to grab a coffee before or
after class.
Three words that describe Nathi Skin:
Grounded. Intentional. Nurturing.
Details: www.nathiskin.co.za
